Returning to the streets of Minneapolis by popular demand is the “Minneapolis Moves: The Big Honking Truck Parade” this Thursday. The convoy of municipal, public safety, construction and big-wheel trucks is a fun way to fill downtown Minneapolis with families of all ages and bring vibrancy to the city.
"The Big Honkin' Truck Parade is one of those uniquely Minneapolis events that brings families together while showcasing the people and equipment that serve our city every day," said Mayor Frey. "It's fun, it's educational, and it's a great reminder of all the work happening behind the scenes to keep Minneapolis running. A special thanks to Lisa Goodman and all the organizers for all their work on this event."
The parade features City of Minneapolis cars, police and fire trucks, plus construction vehicles, semi-trailers and more from local businesses and operators. The fun starts at 5 p.m. on Nicollet Mall with a local, handcrafted vendor market, and the parade starts at 5:30 p.m.
Parade route
- Begins at East Grant Street
- Travels down Nicollet Mall
- Ends at Sixth Street South
All vehicles will then stage on the Mall until 8 p.m. for a touch-a-truck experience.
Grand marshals drive the fun
To celebrate the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in town June 20-26, two Minnesota Special Olympics athletes will serve as grand marshals. Dequan Williams of Minneapolis and Niko Lichtscheidl of St. Francis will kick off the parade.
"I'm very excited to be chosen as a grand marshal for the Big Honking Truck Parade," said Dequan Williams. "This is a great time to celebrate Minnesota with this parade and the Special Olympics USA Games being held here."
“I'm excited and honored to be a grand marshal of the Big Honking Truck Parade on June 18,” Lichtscheidl said. “I'm happy to be raising awareness for Special Olympics, especially with the USA Games coming to Minnesota.”
While the parade is the highlight of the night, the other “driving” force on the Mall is Mich’s Makers’ Market that will host more than 30 local businesses for an evening market experience. Visitors can shop for local, homemade wares and grab food from the various Twin Cities-based booths.
Check out the highlights from the first Big Honking Truck Parade last year.