4th of July Fireworks and Festivals
Fireworks shows are finally back! From the lakefront to neighborhood parks, we know the best places to oh and aah in Milwaukee for the Fourth of July. With Independence Day falling on a Tuesday this year, celebrations begin as early as Friday, June 30. Use this page to find where events and fireworks are happening all weekend long.
Lakefront Fireworks
Start your Fourth of July celebration off with a bang on July 3 with the long-awaited return of fireworks along Milwaukee’s lakefront! Though the show doesn’t start until around 9:30 p.m., you’ll want to head down early for a good seat. The park will be packed! Before the show, enjoy the view of giant kites soaring in the wind and take advantage of free kite-flying lessons at the Fireworks Kite Festival in Veterans Park. Then, settle in for the fireworks.
Milwaukee County Parks
Parks all over the city will be buzzing with parades, games, picnics and more on July 4. Fireworks will start around 9:15 at the following parks: Alcott Park, Gordon Park, Humboldt Park, Jackson Park, Lake Park, Lincoln Park, Mitchell Park, Noyes Park, Washington Park, and Wilson Park.
Take a short trip outside city limits for fun celebrations in the Greater Milwaukee area. Some highlights include:
Brown Deer
About 15 miles north of Milwaukee, Brown Deer will celebrate Independence Day at Village Park, 4920 W. Green Brook Drive. Come for the food trucks, beer tent, live music and games beginning at noon and stay for the fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Cudahy
In the opposite direction, Cudahy is less than 10 miles from Milwaukee and has an all-day celebration planned for the Fourth, including a bike parade, free ice cream and Cracker Jacks, live music and, of course, a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m.
Franklin
The City of Franklin hosts their 3-day long, annual Independence Celebration, right next to the Franklin Public Library. From live music, games, rides, contests, and a parade, there is something for everyone here. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 2.
Glendale
Head to Kletzsch Park in Glendale for North Shore’s biggest, free, Independence Day celebration. Enjoy the parade, a food truck festival, birthday cake giveaway, live music, and fireworks at dusk.
Greendale
Located in Greendale’s historic downtown, this festival runs for 4 days, concluding with fireworks display on July 4th at dusk. The Lions Club Family 4th Fest will offer amusement rides, carnival games, festival food, a craft beer and wine test, and more!
Greenfield
Make your way to Konkel Park on Layton Avenue in Greenfield to celebrate the 4th of July. The Partners of Greenfield Parks and Rec put on an annual festival showcasing a beauty pageant, bike decorating content, free ice cream giveaway, and live music! Fireworks will start at approximately 9:45 p.m.
Hales Corners
Hales Corners’ will ring in America’s birthday in a big way. Activities include the Firecracker Four Run/Walk, an antique and classic car show, a children's parade with ice cream and games to follow, a patriotic pet costume contest, a performance by the UW Marching Band, fireworks and so much more.
Oak Creek
Oak Creek will celebrate their Citywide 4th of July Celebrating on Tuesday, July 4th, in Vista Park. The night will end with fireworks at dusk.
Shorewood
The Shorewood Foundation and Eastmore Real Estate invites you to come out and celebrate the Fourth of July at Atwater Park! Live music, food, drinks, and more will proceed the fireworks, starting at 9:00 p.m.
Wauwatosa
Festivities in Tosa begin at 9:00 a.m. on July 4 with a parade, followed by Family Fun Fest, live music and food all leading up to the fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
West Allis
The celebrations in West Allis will culminate on two separate days. Saturday, July 1 at 10:00 a.m. you can find the West Allis Independence Day Parade traveling east down Greenfield Avenue and south on Orchard Avenue. Find your way to State Fair Park on Tuesday, July 4th for the City of West Allis’s July Grandstand and Fireworks show, with fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m.
Whitefish Bay
The festival in Whitefish Bay begins at 11:30 a.m. on July 4 with a parade on Silver Spring Drive. Find your way to Klode Park for festivities including carnival games, fair food, rides, and to top it off, a fireworks finale at 9:30 p.m.