Skip to Content
Opinion

Hope You’ve Got a Long Weekend. If Not, You’ve Still Got This Friday Open Thread.

What on your minds this Friday, Racket pals?

Wouldn’t you rather be watching a laser show?

|Jingda Chen

Well, there's sure plenty to talk about this long 4th of July weekend.

As we celebrate (or don't) an always fraught holiday, the city of Minneapolis is making some *extremely Minnesotan voice* interesting choices. Taste of Minnesota returns this weekend, which means "downtown Minneapolis is back" again, etc. But the Stone Arch Bridge will be closed before sundown (a decision made without community input, and apparently not made by the MPRB), signaling that not everyone is welcome to our "revitalized" urban space. And though I've personally never been a big fireworks guy, it's hard to get excited about a big civic laser show on Boom Island.

In short, Independence Day is dumb, the rulers of downtown Minneapolis don't care what you think, and, uh, laser show. On the plus side, a long weekend (if you're fortunate enough to have one) gives you plenty of time to catch up on any Racket stories you missed.

As always, talk about whatever you want in the comments. We'll be back on Wednesday, which seems like ages from now.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Racket

Prince Week and a Lot More in Your Complete Concert Calendar: June 2-8

Pretty much all the music you can catch in the Twin Cities this week.

June 2, 2026

5 Things to Know About Baba Saj, Blaine’s 24-Hour Shawarma Shop

Baba Saj feels like the best kind of party: one that's centered around bread.

June 2, 2026

MN GOP Holds Moment of Silence for Convicted Murderer Derek Chauvin, Who’s Very Much Alive

Plus Uptown's health analyzed yet again, a Northeast celeb sighting, and a critter update in today's Flyover news roundup.

Now Open: Vietnamese Sweet Treats on Eat Street, 2 More Tonos, and Pizza + Momos on West Seventh

Plus saying goodbye to Beast, Bauhaus, Borough, and more in the May Racket Restaurant Roundup.

Epic Art in Boom Island Park, Prince Parties, Queer Beer Release: This Week’s Best Events

Plus Open Streets returns, a bridal dive bar crawl, and the Asian Street Food Night Market heads to Maplewood.

Report: 74% of Working-Age Minnesotans Don’t Mess Around With AI

Plus Klobes picks a running mate, both parties throw parties, and buy our damn T-shirt in today's Flyover news roundup.

See all posts