Milwaukee July 4 Fireworks, Parades and More: 2018 Guide

MILWAUKEE, WI — Milwaukee is known as Brew City, or the City of Festivals. On Tuesday, July 3, they all come together as residents party like it's 1776. Milwaukee hosts a number of celebrations including its hour-long fireworks display downtown. Here is your guide to events to the 2018 festivities:

Downtown Fireworks

The Milwaukee Lakefront Fireworks display begins at about 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at Veterans Park, 1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive. Plan to arrive early! The lakefront travel and parking situation can be a real mess, especially if you arrive last-minute. Here is a helpful guide from Milwaukee County:

Rules for the Fireworks at the Lakefront

1. Overnight vehicular parking is NOT ALLOWED in Veterans Park on July 2 or 3 -- See the Fees & Regulations and Event Site & Parking Map
2. Driving a vehicle into the park is NOT ALLOWED (It's never allowed!)
3. Dropping off passengers on Lagoon Road is NOT ALLOWED on July 3.The Gift of Wings Kite Store parking lot will serve as a lot for vehicles with state-issued disabled plates or hang tags. Availability is limited; when this lot is full, event-goers will need to use general parking..
4. Using tent stakes or other stakes to mark a "saved" spot is NOT ALLOWED (Staking is never allowed!)
5. Pack it in, Pack it out! So everyone can enjoy a clean, safe, and fun Fourth of July, the Milwaukee County Parks and the City of Milwaukee's Fourth of July Commission remind you to place trash in the proper containers or to take it with you.

Summerfest

If you're looking for a party on the Fourth of July, look no further than Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival. Located at the Henry Maier Festival Park along the lakefront, it's a front-row seat for the July 3 fireworks display.

Kite Festival

A free Firework Kite Festival will be held in Veterans Park on July 3, and it lasts all day long. Bring your kite or just marvel at all the airborne creations.

Neighborhood Celebrations

Milwaukee is home to numerous neighborhood-level celebrations on the Fourth of July. Click on the parks below for celebration event schedules:

• Alcott Park
• Enderis Playfield
• Gordon Park
• Humboldt Park
• Jackson Park
• Dr. M L King, Jr. Park
• Lake Park
• Lincoln Park
• Mitchell Park
• Noyes Park
• Sherman Park
• Washington Park
• Wilson Park
• Humboldt Park,
• Lake Park,
• Jackson Park
• Wilson

Patch File Photo