Run, Smelt, Run! Parade and Party 2026

Magic Smelt Puppet Troupe presents its 13th annual community costume-and-puppet parade, assembling on the lawn behind the Paulucci Building in Canal Park. Festivities begin at 3:30 p.m. with the presentation of the Smelt Queen.

The spectacle features masks, large puppets and a Twin Cities brass band, the Brass Messengers. Also participating in the parade is a stilt-walking Royal Guard, an energetic school of silver smelt puppet and mask dancers, and a musical procession featuring the giant Smelt Queen.

The non-motorized parade follows the Lakewalk to a smelt fry and dance party at the Zeitgeist Arts Cafe at 5 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in silver on black or blue.