4th of July Fireworks and Festivals
Fireworks shows are finally back! From neighborhood parks to the outlying suburbs, we know the best places to oh and aah in Milwaukee for the Fourth of July. With Independence Day falling on a Thursday this year, celebrations begin as early as Monday, July 1. Use this page to find where events and fireworks happen all weekend.
Lakefront Fireworks
Unfortunately, due to a lack of sponsorship funding this year, the Milwaukee County Parks Department has announced that the 4th of July Lakefront Fireworks will not return in 2024. You can read more about the cancelations here.
Milwaukee County Parks
Parks all over the city will be buzzing with parades, games, picnics and more on July 4th. 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 of the 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 on July 4th at Village Park, 4920 W. Green Brook Drive. Come for the food trucks, beer tents, 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 5-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 Thursday, July 4, and a bonus drone light show will begin at 9:30 p.m. the following day, Friday, July 5.
Glendale
Head to Kletzsch Park in Glendale for North Shore’s biggest, free, Independence Day celebration. Enjoy the parade, a food truck festival, a birthday cake giveaway, live music and fireworks beginning at 9:00 p.m.
Greendale
Located in Greendale’s historic downtown, this festival runs for 4 days, from Wednesday, July 3 to Saturday, July 6. The Lions Club Family 4th Fest will offer amusement rides, carnival games, festival food, a craft beer and wine test and more. The fireworks display starts at dusk on July 4.
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. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 4.
Oak Creek
Oak Creek will celebrate their Citywide 4th of July Celebrating on Thursday, July 4th, in Vista Park. The night will end with fireworks at dusk.
Shorewood
The Shorewood Foundation and Eastmore Real Estate invite you to come out and celebrate the Fourth of July at Atwater Park! Live music, food, drinks and more will proceed with 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. The location of the Wauwatosa celebration has changed this year, from Hart Park to City Hall, due to construction at Hart Park. Additionally, the annual fireworks will be moved to August 7th to align with Tosa Night Out (only for 2024).
West Allis
The celebrations in West Allis will culminate on two separate days. Tuesday, July 2 at 7:00 p.m. you can find the West Allis Independence Day Parade traveling east down Greenfield Avenue and south on Orchard Avenue. Find your way to the West Allis Athletic Complex at Nathan Hale High School on Thursday, July 4 for the City of West Allis Concert and Fireworks show, with a concert at 7:30 p.m. and 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 a fireworks finale at 9:30 p.m.