Fourth of July Fireworks and Festivals
Fireworks shows are finally back! From neighborhood parks to the outlying suburbs, we know the best places to ooh and aah in Milwaukee for the Fourth of July. With Independence Day falling on a Saturday this year, celebrations begin as early as Wednesday, July 1. Use this page to find where events and fireworks happen all weekend.
Lakefront Drone Show
Milwaukee County is lighting up the sky on July 3 with a drone show over the lakefront with a 45-minute performance. Public viewing areas will be available at McKinley Beach and McKinley Park, although the show will be generally visible along the lakefront. Find out more about the event.
Summerfest’s Official Celebration of America’s 250th Presented by Harley‑Davidson
In celebration of America's 250th, Summerfest is hosting a big Fourth of July bash with a gate giveaway, the Freedom on the Fourth Food Drive admission promotion and a 20-minute firework finale to cap it all off at 9:30 p.m. Get your tickets.
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, Enderis Playfield, Gordon Park, Humboldt Park, Jackson Park, Lake Park, Lincoln Park, Lyons Park, Dr. Martin Luther King Center, Mitchell 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 9:15 p.m.
Cudahy
In the opposite direction, Cudahy is less than 5 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 four-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.
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 around 9 p.m.
Greendale
Located in Greendale’s historic downtown, this festival runs for four days, from Wednesday, July 1 to Sunday, July 5. The Lions Club Family 4th Fest will offer amusement rides, carnival games, festival food, a craft beer and wine tasting 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, a bike-decorating contest, a 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.
Oak Creek
Oak Creek will celebrate their Citywide 4th of July celebration in Vista Park. The night will end with fireworks at dusk on July 3rd and 4th.
Shorewood
The Shorewood Foundation invites you to come out and celebrate the Fourth of July at Atwater Park! Live music, food, drinks and more will start at 3:00 p.m, with the fireworks, starting at dusk.
Wauwatosa
Wauwatosa’s Independence Day kicks off July 4 at 9 a.m. with a parade starting at Hoyt Pool and ending near Swan Boulevard and 80th Street. A family-friendly event with entertainment and a bike decoration contest follows from 1-3 p.m. at Hart Park's Muellner Building. New for 2026, Wauwatosa is bringing fireworks to Wisconsin Lutheran College's Krauss-Miller-Lutz Outdoor Athletic Complex, kicking things off with a bang at around 9:15 p.m.
West Allis
West Allis celebrates the Fourth of July with live music and fireworks at the West Allis Athletic Complex at Nathan Hale High School. Enjoy food trucks starting at 6:30 p.m., a 7:30 p.m. concert by Failure to Launch, and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. The parade will take place earlier, on Thursday, July 2, at 7 p.m., traveling east on Greenfield Avenue and south on Orchard Avenue.
Whitefish Bay
The festival in Whitefish Bay begins at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, 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.