Start digging through your closet for all your red, white and blue, because the Greater Milwaukee area has got a lot of exciting plans for you.
Downtown Fireworks & Fireworks Kite Festival
Why limit the celebration to just one day? Gift of Wings hosts a free Firework Kite Festival in Veterans Park on July 3rd that lasts all day long. Everyone is welcome to bring their own kites, or just come and enjoy as the sky is filled with beautiful colors. When the sun and kites both go down, it’s time for Milwaukee’s downtown fireworks show! Grab a seat with your friends and family to gaze in wonder as the sky is illuminated with colors to honor our nation’s independence.
Celebrate the Fourth of July at Summerfest
Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival, is a great go-to for those looking to cut loose during the Fourth of July weekend. Enjoy live bands, local delicacies and shopping at the Henry Maier Festival Park along the lakefront (plus a great view of the fireworks on July 3).
4th of July Parade and Hometown Celebrations at Cedarburg
The morning of the fourth, make sure to head to Cedarburg to celebrate Independence Day with music, food and games. The award winning Carolina Crown, a drum and bugle corps, will be kicking off the celebration by leading the parade down Washington Avenue. As the parade winds down, the excitement remains! Live music will be performed all day, along with entertainment for people of all ages. After a long day of food, music, and fun don’t miss the patriotic concert by the Cedarburg Civic Band at 8 p.m. followed by a firework show.
Independence Day Celebration at Old World Wisconsin
For a unique and educational Fourth of July, Old World Wisconsin is hosting a 19th century celebration for the whole family. You can appreciate the holiday through history presentations and hands-on activities like ice cream making and the greased-pole contest. There will also be an old-fashioned parade marching throughout the village you can’t miss!
New Berlin’s 4th of July Festival
New Berlin brings the party to Independence Day with a fully fledged festival experience, including a pie bake-off, carnival games, a parade (and mini parade for the kiddos), and live music and entertainment. Be sure to check out newberlin.org for all of the details.
Wauwatosa Independence Day Celebration
Grab your friends and family and head on over to Hart Park in Tosa on the 4th for an exciting day of games, inflatables, live music and more. Kids will love playing on the playground along with a splash pad to beat the summer heat. Hart Park also has tennis courts, volleyball courts, baseball and football fields, along with a track, so there will be plenty for you to do here on the 4th. When the sun goes down, make sure to stick around to enjoy a firework show light up the sky.
City of Milwaukee Celebrations
For free, family fun check out all the patriotic festivities happening at parks throughout the city. This year’s theme is “Joining Hands for Peace.” There will be games and entertainment for all children and adults alike, including parades, picnics, talent contests, music and more. And, of course, fabulous fireworks to wrap up an amazing Independence Day!
Looking for more to do in town?
In addition to local parades and festivals, many area attractions are open on July 4, including the Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee Art Museum, Summerfest, Old World Wisconsin, the Mitchell Park Domes, the Harley-Davidson Museum and Charles Allis and Villa Terrace Art Museums. Or, take tour with Milwaukee Food & City Tours, or get out on the river with a kayak rental from Milwaukee Kayak Company.