CELEBRATING THE 4TH OF JULY IN MILWAUKEE

The 4th of July in our vibrant city promises to be a day filled with excitement, community, food, fireworks, and fun! Whether you're a local or just visiting, there's something for everyone to enjoy. From neighborhood parks to the outlying suburbs, we know the best places in and around Milwaukee for the Fourth of July. With Independence Day falling on a Thursday this year, celebrations begin as early as Monday. Use this page to find where events and fireworks happen all weekend:

Fireworks Extravaganza

While the Lakefront fireworks are canceled this year, there are still plenty of other celebrations and places to watch fireworks in Milwaukee and the surrounding communities like: Brown Deer, Cudahy, Franklin, Glendale, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Oak Creek, Shorewood, Wauwatosa, and Whitefish Bay. 

Independence Day activities are slated at various parks throughout Milwaukee, including parades, picnics, games, talent contests and fireworks.

Celebrations will be held July 4 at Alcott Park, Enderis Playfield (no fireworks), Gordon Park, Humboldt Park, Jackson Park (fireworks only), Martin Luther King Center (no fireworks), Lake Park, Lincoln Park (fireworks only), Mitchell Park, Noyes Park (fireworks only), Washington Park (fireworks only) and Wilson Park.

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Parades and Festivities

Parks all over the city will be buzzing with parades, games, music, food trucks, 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.

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4th of July events in Milwaukee's Surrounding areas

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 4^th 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 4^th 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 4^th of July Celebrating on Thursday, July 4^th, 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.

Tips for a Great Experience

• Arrive Early: To secure a good spot for the fireworks, get there early in the evening. Add additional time for parking.

• Stay Hydrated: It’s going to be a warm day, so keep yourself hydrated.

• Use Public Transport: Parking can be a challenge on such a busy day. Opt for public transport to make your commute easier.

Mark your calendars and gather your friends and family for a memorable 4th of July in Milwaukee. Celebrate our nation’s independence with joy, pride, and a whole lot of fun!

Happy 4th of July!