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Looking for fireworks, parades, and family fun this Fourth of July? We’ve rounded up the best Independence Day celebrations in Milwaukee and surrounding suburbs. From bike parades to drone shows and fireworks galore, here’s where to celebrate near you!
Standout & Unique Fourth of July Events
Independence Day Weekend at Old World Wisconsin
July 4–5, 2025 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Celebrate America’s birthday with two full days of old-fashioned fun at Old World Wisconsin! Enjoy historic base ball, a children’s parade, pie-eating contests, spelling bees, hands-on games, music, and more. Don your red, white, and blue and experience Independence Day the way it used to be — complete with butter churning and picnic bites at Caldwell Hall. Get tickets here
Milwaukee’s Drone Show (McKinley Beach – July 3)
🕘 Starts around 9:15 PM
📍 Best viewing spots: McKinley Beach & McKinley Park
Milwaukee is skipping traditional fireworks at McKinley Beach and debuting a 45-minute drone show synced to music. Expect visuals of local landmarks, patriotic symbols, and more. A first-of-its-kind celebration for the city!
Zoo $4 on the 4th
July 4, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Blue Mound Road
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a wild twist -admission to the Zoo is just $4 for everyone! (Parking and attraction fees still apply.) Visit the red pandas, black and white colobus monkeys, and the Grand Cayman blue iguana for a festive red, white, and blue animal-themed day.
Plan your trip to the Zoo
Cudahy’s Lambeau Leap Wall + LeRoy Butler Appearance
Kids can do their own Lambeau Leap thanks to a wall built by local students. Plus, meet Hall of Famer LeRoy Butler in person and score an autographed football.
More info
Franklin’s 4-Day Festival + Pickleball Tournaments
Franklin is stretching out the fun with four full days of rides, music, and food, plus something new this year: pickleball tournaments and clinics at their brand-new courts.
More info
Wauwatosa’s Patriotic Pup Parade + Drone Show (July 2)
Dress up your dog and join the Patriotic Pup Parade at Hart Park on July 4. And don’t miss the city’s own drone show the night before.
More info
Port Washington’s Pet Costume Contest & Parade
From cats in carriers to dogs in red-white-and-blue gear, Port Washington’s patriotic pet parade is a must-see (and yes, there’s a costume contest!).
More info
South Milwaukee’s Kiddie Parade & Classic Games
Start the day with a call to colors and a kiddie parade, followed by classic kids’ races, bounce houses, face painting, and free ice cream at noon in Grant Park.
More info
Big Bend’s Truck & Tractor Pull + Fireworks (July 11–12)
A late celebration with a twist — giant truck and tractor pulls by night, with fireworks, music, and food trucks to round out the experience.
More info
New Berlin’s Double Finale: Fireworks + Drone Show
New Berlin will host fireworks on July 4 and follow it up with a drone show on July 5 — one of the only places offering both!
More info
Elm Grove’s All-Day Chill: Fun Run, Open Swim, & DJ!
Start your day with a community fun run, enjoy open swim at the village pool, then end with a DJ and fireworks in the park. It’s one of the most well-rounded, low-key holiday celebrations.
More info
Pewaukee’s Water Ski Show
After a lakeside parade, grab a spot on the beach for a full ski show on Pewaukee Lake at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks. A great option for families who want something visual and active.
More info
Oconomowoc’s Lakeside Fireworks
Most cities start parades in the morning, but Oconomowoc’s is at 5 p.m., making it an easy pick for families who want to sleep in, then head out for evening fun and fireworks over Fowler Lake.
More info
Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s Drone Show (McKinley Beach – July 3)
🕘 Starts around 9:15 PM
📍 Best viewing spots: McKinley Beach & McKinley Park
Milwaukee is skipping traditional fireworks at McKinley Beach and debuting a 45-minute drone show synced to music. Expect visuals of local landmarks, patriotic symbols, and more. A first-of-its-kind celebration for the city!
Plus, here’s a complete list of parks in Milwaukee County hosting July 4th celebrations in 2025. We’ve noted which parks will have fireworks and which are focused on daytime fun only.
Parks with Fireworks
Alcott Park
3751 S. 97th St.
Includes a parade, daytime festivities, and fireworks at night.
Gordon Park
2828 N. Humboldt Blvd.
Daytime activities, parade, and evening fireworks.
Humboldt Park
3000 S. Howell Ave.
Parade at 9 a.m., kids’ contests, talent show, and fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Jackson Park (fireworks only)
3500 W. Forest Home Ave.
Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Lake Park
3233 E. Kenwood Blvd.
Parade, ice cream, water balloon toss, bikes & trikes, family-friendly activities, and fireworks.
Lincoln Park (fireworks only)
1301 W. Hampton Ave.
Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Washington Park (fireworks only)
1859 N. 40th St.
Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Wilson Park
1601 W. Howard Ave.
Includes a parade, family activities, and fireworks.
Parks Without Fireworks
Enderis Playfield
2978 N. 72nd St.
Parade and daytime activities only.
Martin Luther King Center
1531 W. Vliet St.
Daytime celebrations, no fireworks.
Mitchell Park
2600 W. Pierce St.
Daytime activities and a parade, no fireworks.
More details are available at: city.milwaukee.gov/July4th
Milwaukee County Suburbs
Bayside
Parade starts at 9 a.m. from Village Hall to Ellsworth Park, with treats and contests for best decorated bike and patriotic pup.
More info
Brown Deer
Family festivities begin at 4 p.m. at Village Park with food trucks, bingo, kids’ activities, live music, and fireworks at 9 p.m.
More info
Cudahy
Parade at noon with special guest LeRoy Butler. Kids can try a Lambeau Leap! Activities and music continue until fireworks at 9:15 p.m. at Sheridan Park.
More info
Franklin
Four-day celebration (July 3–6) at Lions Legend Park with a carnival, concerts, food, and fireworks on July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
More info
Glendale
Children’s parade at 10 a.m., food trucks, bounce houses, and music at Kletzsch Park. Fireworks at dusk.
More info
Greendale
Events from July 2–6 include a 5K, parade, bike parade, live music, and fireworks. Festivities centered in historic downtown.
More info
Greenfield
Parade kicks off at 12:15 p.m. at Konkel Park. Live music and food vendors all day. Fireworks begin around 9:45 p.m.
More info
Hales Corners
Start the day with a run, car show, kids’ parade, contests, and more. Fireworks at dusk at Hales Corners Park.
More info
Oak Creek
Morning parade followed by evening festivities at Lake Vista Park with food trucks and fireworks at dusk. Free shuttle available.
More info
Shorewood
Parade at 3 p.m., followed by music and fireworks at Atwater Park at 9 p.m.
More info
South Milwaukee
Kiddie parade, kids’ games, bounce houses, and family fun all day at Grant Park. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
More info
Wauwatosa
Parade at 9 a.m. down North Avenue. Don’t miss the Patriotic Pup Parade at noon or the drone show on July 2 at 9:15 p.m. at Hart Park.
More info
Whitefish Bay
Parade at 11:30 a.m., festival at Klode Park with food, games, and music. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
More info
Ozaukee County
Cedarburg
Parade at 10 a.m., followed by live music and activities at Cedar Creek Park. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at Adlai Horn Park.
More info
Grafton
Celebration on June 28 with parade and fireworks at dusk at Lime Kiln Park.
More info
Mequon-Thiensville
Family Fun Before the Fourth on June 28 at Thiensville Village Park: parade, water ski show, live music, and fireworks at dusk.
More info
Port Washington
July 3 beer garden and fireworks downtown. July 4 parade at 10 a.m., live music, pet parade, and kids’ activities throughout the day.
More info
Saukville
July 4 parade at 1 p.m. to Grady Park, food and live music, then fireworks at dusk from Peninsula Park.
More info
Washington County
Germantown
Parade at 9 a.m. ending at Firemen’s Park. Food and fireworks at dusk.
More info
West Bend
Parade at 9:30 a.m., activities at Regner Park, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at Riverside Park.
More info
Waukesha County
Big Bend
Truck & Tractor Pull on July 11–12 with music and fireworks both nights.
More info
Brookfield
Parade at 10 a.m. on July 4, Family Fest at Mitchell Park in the evening, fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
More info
Delafield
Parade at 10 a.m., followed by kids’ contests and free treats at the American Legion.
More info
Elm Grove
Fun run in the morning, food trucks, DJ in the park, and fireworks at 9:35 p.m.
More info
Hartland
Events from June 26–29 with carnival, live music, and fireworks on June 27. Parade on June 29.
More info
Menomonee Falls
Parade on July 3 at 7 p.m. Fireworks at dusk near the high school.
More info
Mukwonago
Fireworks on July 3 at 9:30 p.m. from Phantom Glen Park; best viewing from Indianhead Park.
More info
Muskego
Free water ski show at 6 p.m. on July 3 at Idle Isle Park. Fireworks at dusk.
More info
New Berlin
Carnival runs July 3–5 at Malone Park. Parades and fireworks on July 4; drone show July 5.
More info
Oconomowoc
Parade at 5 p.m. followed by music and fireworks at Fowler Lake.
More info
Okauchee Lake
Fireworks at dusk on July 4 from Lacy’s Lane.
More info
Pewaukee
Parade at 3 p.m., water ski show at 6 p.m., and fireworks at dusk.
More info
Sussex
Kiddie parade at 9:30 a.m., park festivities and splash pad fun all day. Fireworks at 9:20 p.m.
More info
Waukesha
July 3 beer garden and music at Lowell Park. July 4 parade at 11 a.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
More info
Let us know where you’re celebrating — and tag us in your photos!
Tips for Families
- Bring ear protection for little ones who don’t like loud noises (especially near fireworks).
- Many events include kids’ parades – let them decorate bikes, wagons, or even pets!
- Check city websites for last-minute updates, especially in case of rain.
✨ Looking for even more ideas? Don’t miss our:
- Top Kid-Friendly Summer Festivals in Milwaukee
- Family-Friendly Patio Dining Guide
- 50 Best Things To Do in Summer With Kids Around Milwaukee
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
