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

Popping Bubbly or Bubble Popping? NA Bottle Shop Movement Falters.

Plus mega late-fees for Mpls Public Schools, bad City Council opinions abound, and Rep. Omar on 'The Adam Friedland Show' in today's Flyover news roundup.

April 17, 2026

For This Week’s Open Thread, Tell Us the First Album You Bought With Your Own Damn Money?

As we do every Friday, we're turning Racket over to you, the readers.

Freeloader Friday: 117 Free Things To Do This Weekend

Record Store Day, pop-up markets, beer parties, movie nights, Earth Day happenings, and more!

On the Big Screen This Week: MSPIFF Ends, Soderbergh’s Back, Hitchcock Keeps on Hitchin’

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

April 16, 2026

After QR Code Fiasco, Walker Cuts Ties With Daniel del Prado’s Cardamom

Plus Boundary Waters mining ban overturned, Georgia Fort speaks out after arrest, and national accolades for Le Burger in today's Flyover news roundup.

April 16, 2026
See all posts