It is about time to start celebrating summer.
After many communities canceled or had limited Fourth of July festivities due to the pandemic, many are back with activities planned for all ages, including parades, fireworks and carnivals. Some will even have free ice cream.
Some of these events are on July 4, which is a Tuesday, while others take place before the Fourth.
Pay attention to the dates and check the event Facebook pages and websites for more detailed information. Also, participation in many of the tournaments and parades have registration deadlines. Many events are still in need of volunteers. You can inquire about volunteering by contacting each site.
While some communities are still finalizing plans, most have been set. Here’s a look at Independence Day activities in and around Milwaukee in 2023.
Bayside
The Fourth of July weekend will start out with a beer garden from 2 to 9 p.m. July 1 at Ellsworth Park, 600 E. Ellsworth Lane.
The parade is slated to begin at 9 a.m. July 4 beginning at Village Hall, 9075 N. Regent Road and then proceed east on Ellsworth Lane, south on Rexleigh Drive, north on King Road and end at Ellsworth Park.
After the parade at Ellsworth Park, there will be treats and they will hold the best decorated bike and dog contests.
For more information: Visit baysidewi.gov/4th-of-july-parade.
Brown Deer
Despite not having a parade, Brown Deer still has fun festivities taking place on July 4 at the Village Park and Pond, 4920 W. Green Brook Drive. Fun and family-friendly activities begin at 2 p.m., the pond opens for swimming from noon to 5 p.m., and the fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
For more information and updates, visit facebook.com/BrownDeerParkandRec.
Cudahy
Cudahy is planning an all-day Fourth of July celebration.
Its annual parade will kick off the day’s events on July 4. The bike parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the main parade begins at noon. The parade will begin at Grange and Packard avenues and end at Layton Avenue and Lake Drive.
The Library Square festivities are slated to begin at 1 p.m. This will include a free ice cream and Cracker Jack station, and there will be food and drinks, entertainment, a veterans reception and kids games. At 6 p.m., the WhiskeyBelles — a country and American trio — will perform.
Fireworks are slated for 9:15 a.m. at Sheridan Park, east of the pond, 4800 S. Lake Drive, Cudahy.
For more information: Visit www.cudahy-wi.gov/events/fourth_of_july.php.
Franklin
Franklin offers three days of festivities — carnival rides, food vendors, music, fireworks and a parade — for its “Independence Celebration” from June 30 to July 2. It will be at Lions Legend Park in Franklin between Loomis Road and Drexel Avenue.
Fireworks are scheduled for 9:30 p.m. on July 1. The children’s parade is at 12:30 p.m. July 2, with the main parade at 1 p.m. For the children’s parade, kids with an adult can be dropped off at the front parking lot of the Franklin Police Department, 9455 W. Loomis Road, by 11:30 a.m. There will be an ice cream social after the parade.
On June 30, the food court, carnival and main tent bar will be open from 5 to 11 p.m. Bella Cain, a country band, will perform from 7:30 to 11 p.m.
On July 1, the food court is open from 3 to 11 p.m.; the carnival from noon to 11 p.m. ($25 wristband from noon to 4 p.m.) The second annual Cornhole Tournament begins at 3 (with registration required), and the Main Tent Bar from 2 to 11 p.m. Doo-Wop Jukebox, a rock n’ roll band, is scheduled to perform from 3 to 6:30 p.m. and Mt. Olive Band, a rock band, from 7:30 to 11 p.m.
For the second year, Franklin will have its Cornhole Tournament with the registration deadline by June 22. There is a $40 non-refundable registration fee per team and the tournament is limited to the first 32 teams. Contact Doug at 414-745-0514 with questions or a team can sign up at this link: Cornhole Tournament Sign-Up Form.
On July 2, the food court is open from noon to 11 p.m. and the carnival and the main tent will be open from 2 to 11 p.m. The Jimmys, is scheduled to play from 3 to 6:30 p.m. and the Almighty Vinyl Band, a rock band, will perform from 7:30 to 11 p.m.
There is no admission nor parking fee for City of Franklin events.
For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.franklinwi.gov.
Glendale
Glendale’s Fourth of July Celebration has entertainment options the entire day, is free and everyone is invited. The children’s parade begins at 10 a.m. July 4 with the main parade following at 10:30 a.m.
The parade route starts at Parkway Elementary School and heads north through Kletzsch Park on the Milwaukee River Parkway.
Festivities include business vendors, a food truck festival, bouncy houses and a dunk tank from 4:30 to 9 p.m. The Toys, a party band, will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. with the fireworks at dusk.
The festivities will be at Kletzsch Park, 6560 N. Milwaukee River Parkway.
For more information, visit glendale4thofjuly.com.
Greendale
Five days of Fourth of Festivities are planned for Greendale, including a parade, fireworks, amusement rides, beer tents and live music. This will take place near the gazebo on Broad Street in historic downtown Greendale.
Ample parking is available at Greendale High School, 6801 Southway.
From 3 to 10 p.m. on June 30 and from 3 to 11 p.m. on July 1 to July 3, kids amusements rides and food and beverage tents will be open. On June 30, rock and roll band Vintage Groove is to perform at 3 p.m. and the Bobby Friss Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. The Lions Famous Fish Fry is scheduled from 4 p.m. until it’s sold out.
At 3 p.m. on July 1, Smart Mouth will play top 100 pop, alt-rock and R&B hits while Cherry Pie will perform at 7:30 p.m.
At 3 p.m. on July 2, Bobby Way and the Fabulous Wayouts, a party band mix, will perform and Bella Cain, which plays Top 40 country hits will perform at 7:30 p.m.
On July 3, the rock bands Breaking Cadence will perform at 3 p.m. and Mount Olive at 7 p.m.
On July 4 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, the kids amusement rides are open. The parade is at 9:30 a.m., through downtown Greendale, and the fireworks are at dusk at the high school.
For more information, visit https://greendalelions.org/july4
Greenfield
Greenfield’s celebration is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4 at Konkel Park, 5151 W. Layton Ave.
Activities include a parade, a bike-decorating contest, pageant and live music from American Graffiti (a band which plays ’50s and ’60s music). There will be beverages and food vendors. Fireworks will begin at dusk.
For detailed information, visit gfjuly4.com.
Hales Corners
There’s a full day of activities planned in Hales Corners on July 4, including the Firecracker Four Run/Walk at 8 a.m. at Hales Corners Park, 5765 S. New Berlin Road.
An antique and classic car show runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Holz Chevrolet, 5961 S. 108th Place.
A children’s parade is at 9:30 a.m. — lineup is at Hales Corners Elementary — with ice cream and games to follow at Hales Corners Park.
A patriotic pet costume contest is at 11 a.m. at the park.
From noon until 2 p.m., there’s an open house at the Hales Corners Fire Station.
At 11 a.m. it’s pie drop-off for the baking contest; judging is at noon.
The main parade is at 4 p.m. It starts at Scharles Avenue and Forest Home Avenue and ends at 116th and Godsell Avenue.
The Whitnall High School cheer team performance is at 5 p.m. in front of the Hales Corners Pool House.
Fireworks are at dusk (approximately 9:30 p.m.) at Hales Corners Park.
for more information, visit http://bit.ly/halescorners4th2023
Milwaukee’s Lakefront Fireworks
In an event that attracts 10,000 people, the fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 3.
Community members are invited to watch the display from Veterans Park, 1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, for the best viewing location.
Parking at the lakefront will begin at 6 a.m. July 3 and will be cash only ($25 a car). All lots can be accessed from Lincoln Memorial Drive on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no in-out privileges once a vehicle enters the grounds and no overnight parking is allowed. All vehicles are asked to leave the grounds after the fireworks display has concluded.
For more information, visit https://county.milwaukee.gov.
Milwaukee’s Fireworks Kite Festival
From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 3, presented by Gift of Wings, spectators can watch giant kites flying above Veterans Park and can have a free kite-flying lesson. Bring your own kite or purchase one at the Gift of Wings kite store.
This annual event will take place at Veterans Park, 1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive.
For more information, visit https://county.milwaukee.gov.
Milwaukee
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.
Here are some details:
Alcott Park
At 9:45 a.m., there will be a parade march from 3575 S. 88th St. to Alcott Park, 3751 S. 97th St.
From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Alcott Park, ice cream and flags will be handed out, and there will be crafts, balloons and face painting for kids. At 11:30 a.m., there will be free hot dogs to the first 300 people. At noon, there will be games and a talent contest beginning at 5 p.m. Fireworks are at 9:15 p.m.
Enderis Playfield
At 8:45 a.m., the parade begins at Enderis Playfield, 2978 N. 72nd St., with a flag ceremony at 9:30 a.m. At 9:45 a.m., an American trivia contest is scheduled. At 10 a.m., there will be music, games, crafts, a sing-along and food and beverages for purchase, and at 11:30 a.m., there will be a Milwaukee Fire Department water cannon display.
Gordon Park
At 11 a.m., the parade begins at Bremen and Clark Streets and ends at Gordon Park, 2828 N. Humboldt Blvd. From noon to 4 p.m. there’ll be family activities. Fireworks are at 9:15 p.m.
Humboldt Park
A 9 a.m., the parade will begin from South Kinnickinnic Avenue and East Lincoln Avenue and will lead into the festivities at Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Ave. At the park, there’ll be a children’s decorated vehicle contest, with registration starting at noon, judging at 12:30 p.m. and the parade at 1 p.m. A doughnut and doughnut hole eating contest is from 12:15 to 1 p.m. Children’s entertainment The Princess of Magic is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. during the decorated vehicle contest judging. From 2:30 to 5 p.m., there will be a talent show with gift card prizes; from 7 to 7:15 p.m. is the posting of colors, national anthem and award presentations and DJ music is from 7:15 to 9 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Find more information at facebook.com/HumboldtPark4thofJuly.
Jackson Park
At Jackson Park, 3500 W. Forest Home Ave., fireworks are slated to begin at 9:15 p.m.
Dr. MLK Center
At Dr. MLK Center, 1531 W. Vliet St., there will be a stage practice for the talent show and arts & crafts from 10 to 11 a.m. From 11 a.m. to noon, there will be a free lunch. The talent show is slated from noon to 2 p.m.
Lake Park
At Lake Park, 3233 E. Kenwood Blvd., there will be a parade from Riverside Park and one from Maryland Avenue School (Prospect and Bradford avenues) at 9 a.m. that ends at Lake Park. Ice cream will be available at 9:30 a.m. Games will start at 10 a.m. and at 11 a.m., it’s bikes and trikes, buggy and coaster judging, children’s activities and a water balloon toss. Fireworks are at 9:15 a.m.
Visit facebook.com/lakeparkfourth/ for details.
Lincoln Park, 1301 W. Hampton Ave., will have fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Mitchell Park
Three school parades will kick off the festivities at Mitchell Park, 2600 W. Pierce St. The parades will start at 9 a.m. from three locations and eventually merge and enter the park: Location No. 1 is National Avenue and 4th Street; Location No. 2 is Mitchell and 23rd streets; Location No. 3 is Scott and 30th streets.
At 10 a.m., there’ll be a flag raising in front of the Domes, followed by a costume, bike and trike decorating contest, a doll buggy, coaster and stroller decorating contest. At 11 a.m., it’s games for children and adults by the bandstand in the center of the park; at 11:45 a.m., there’s a pie-eating contest; DJ music is from 6 to 9 p.m. and fireworks are at 9:15 p.m.
At Noyes Park, North 40th and West Galena streets, and Washington Park, 8235 W. Good Hope Road, fireworks are slated to begin at 9:15 p.m.
Wilson Park
A 9 a.m., a parade starts the fun at South 20th Street and West Howard Avenue and feeds into Wilson Park, 1601 W. Howard Ave. After the parade, there’ll be ice cream at 9:45 a.m. and a flag-raising ceremony with the singing of the national anthem at 9:50 a.m. Starting at 10 a.m., there’ll be family-friendly entertainment including games, a bike-decorating contest, a special performance by The Milwaukee Flyers, and music throughout the day along with food and drinks for purchase. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. Find more information at facebook.com/wilsonpark4thofjuly.For details on all the city’s celebrations, go to city.milwaukee.gov/DCD/BoardsCommissions/July4th.
Oak Creek
Oak Creek’s citywide Fourth of July Celebration on July 4 will begin with the parade and end with fireworks at Lake Vista Park, 4159 E. Lake Vista Parkway, Oak Creek.
The parade begins at 9 a.m. near Edgewood Elementary School, 8545 S. Shepard Ave. and ends at American Legion Post 434, 9327 S. Shepard Ave.
After the parade, there will be free ice cream and activities throughout the day.
Fireworks will take place at dusk.
There will be a free shuttle service to Lake Vista Park from Oak Creek East Middle School, 9330 S. Shepard Ave., beginning at 4 p.m. A return shuttle service from Lake Vista Park back to East Middle School will be available until 11 p.m.
For more information, visit www.oakcreekwi.gov.
Shorewood
On July 4, there will be an evening of entertainment at Shorewood’s Atwater Park, 4000 N. Lake Drive. The parade begins at East Kensington Boulevard and North Oakland, heads south on Oakland toward River Park (North Oakland and East Edgewood avenues).
There will be no kids’ decoration station before the parade this year.
Live music is at Atwater Park at 7 p.m. and fireworks follow at the park at 9:30 p.m. or dusk.
For more information, visit https://www.villageofshorewood.org.
South Milwaukee
On July 4, there are activities for everyone to enjoy at Grant Park, picnic area 5A and 6 for the Fourth of July celebration. The festivities are slated to begin at 10 a.m. with a Call to Colors. At 10:10 a.m. the kids parade will take place in the park, and at 11 a.m., there will be races and games for kids. At noon, there will be free ice cream and Cracker Jack.
The fireworks are slated to begin at 9:30 p.m. The rain date for the fireworks is set for July 5.
Call 414-762-2222 for more information.
St. Francis
St. Francis will be holding its celebration on July 4. The parade will start at 2 p.m. at the St. Francis Civic Center, 3400 E. Howard Ave., and will make its way toward Milton Vretenar Memorial Park, 4230 S. Kirkwood Ave. There will be food trucks, beverages and music by The Now, a band that plays a wide range of rock, country and pop hits from over five decades.
Fireworks begin at the park at 9:15 p.m.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/St.FrancisWICelebrations.
Wauwatosa
Due to road construction, there will be a new parade route for the parade on July 4. The parade begins at 9 a.m. and will leave the Hoyt Pool parking lot. The parade will then proceed north on Swan. 92nd Street to North Avenue, turn right on North Avenue to 76th Street.
In 2023 only, the Fourth of July parade has a new route due to construction on the usual route. The parade will leave from the Hoyt Pool parking lot at 9:00 am, with lineup beginning at 7:30 am. The parade will proceed north on Swan Blvd. (92nd Street) to North Avenue, then right on North Avenue and ending near 80th Street.
At 1 p.m. at Hart Park, 73rd and Chestnut Streets, there will be judging of decorated bikes, coaster wagons, doll buggies and battery-operated children’s vehicles. There will also be food drive for Tosa Cares Food Pantry where people can bring one non-perishable food item to register decorated bikes and wagons. There will also be face painting and free ice cream.
At 5 p.m., there will be live music until it is time for the fireworks. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. and will be launched at 63rd Street and River Parkway.
The viewing locations for fireworks include Hart Park, along 65th Street and River Parkway.
For more information, visit www.wauwatosa.net .
West Allis
West Allis will have its Independence Day celebration on July 1 and July 4. The parade — featuring Bucky Badger and the University of Wisconsin Marching Band — will begin at 10 a.m. on July 1. It will begin at 77th and Greenfield, continue east on Greenfield toward 70th Street, and then south onto 70th Street to Orchard Avenue.
On July 4, Failure to Launch, a cover band for pop, rock, hip-hop, and country music of the past 60 years, is set to perform at 8:30 p.m. where the firework show will follow at 9:30 p.m. at State Fair Park. Concessions will be available, and parking is scheduled to open at 7 p.m. for $10.
For more information, visit westalliswi.gov/independenceday.
Whitefish Bay
The parade is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. July 4 at Kent Avenue and Silver Spring Drive. After the parade, a festival will be held at Klode Park, 5900 N. Lake Drive, with games for kids, food and music. Bands will be announced closer to the time.
Fireworks are set for 9:30 p.m. at Klode Park.
For more information, visit www.wfbcivicfoundation.org/communityevents.
Cedarburg
Cedarburg’s Fourth of July Parade and Hometown Celebration, on July 4, will feature a parade starting at 10 a.m., followed by an all-day picnic in Cedar Creek Park, N52-W5882 Portland Road. There will be live music and a fireworks display at dusk from Adlai Horn Park, N63 W5875 Columbia Road.
For more information, visit www.cedarburg.org.
Grafton
Grafton’s Independence Day celebration takes place July 1.
The parade begins at Seventh and Wisconsin avenues at 4 p.m. The festivities will continue at 5 p.m. at Lime Kiln Park, 2020 Green Bay Road, with food, beverages, games and live music; fireworks begin at dusk around 9:30 p.m.
www.grafton-wi.org.
Mequon-Thiensville
Mequon-Thiensville has its traditional event, Family Fun Before the Fourth.
Family Fun Before the Fourth will take place Saturday, July 1, at Thiensville Village Park, 250 Elm St., Thiensville. The event will kick off at 10:30 a.m. with a parade in Mequon, winding through Thiensville and ending at Thiensville Village Park. There will be restaurants and food trucks, a rock-climbing wall, live music and Echoes of Camp Randall performance, The Milwaukee Flyers, and the Badgerland Water Ski Show Team will perform water ski shows at 1 and 5:30 p.m.
There will also be live performances of Kids Dance Party by DJ Run Productions and The Playlist.
Fireworks are scheduled for dusk.
For more information, visit familyfunbeforethefourth.com.
Port Washington
Port Washington will have its Fourth of July Celebration complete with a bike decorating contest, family picnic, kids games and activities and a fireworks display on July 4.
A picnic is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and bike judging is at 11 a.m.
Fireworks will be at the lakefront in Port Washington at dusk.
For more information, visit bit.ly/pwfourthofjuly2023.
Saukville
There will be two festivals in Saukville on July 4. The parade is at 1 p.m. and will follow South Main Street to Grady Park, 110 W. Dekora St. From noon until 5 p.m. at Grady Park, there will be food, beverages and games, with music from 2 to 4 p.m. At 5 p.m., the festivities will go to Peninsula Park, 303 E. Clay St., with food, beverages, games and more music.
Fireworks will be at dusk at Peninsula Park.
For more information, visit https://www.village.saukville.wi.us/.
Germantown
Germantown will have its Fourth of July parade, activities and fireworks on July 4 at Firemen’s Park, W162 N11870 Park Ave.
The parade is slated to begin at 2 p.m. beginning at the Germantown Post Office and proceeding to Firemen’s Park on Park Avenue.
Beginning at 3 p.m. and running until dusk, there will be family-friendly activities, games, food and live music.
Fireworks will begin at dusk.
For more information, visit www.germantownchamber.org.
West Bend
The City of West Bend’s Fourth of July celebration takes place on July 4. The festivities begin with a parade from Badger Middle School, 727 S. 6th Ave., to Regner Park, 800 N. Main St.
From 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be live music and food and beverages available for purchase. At 11 a.m., there will be a Kiwanis Duck Derby near the tennis courts at the park and a sandcastle building contest at Regner Park Beach.
At Riverside Park, there will be DJ and dancing and fireworks beginning at Riverside Park beginning at 9:45 p.m.
For more information, visit https://www.ci.west-bend.wi.us.
Big Bend
Big Bend’s big celebration is two weekends after the Fourth of July. Big Bend’s Rumble by the River Truck and Tractor Pull is set for Friday and Saturday, July 14-15 at Big Bend Village Park on Riverside Drive in Big Bend.
There is “preferred” parking for $5 per vehicle in the park on both evenings. There will also be a free shuttle bus from 4 p.m. to midnight on both nights.
Gates open at 3 p.m. each day with truck and tractor pulling starting at 6 p.m.
Almighty Vinylperforms on the main stage Friday night. Bella Cain performs Saturday night.
Find more info at bigbendpull.com, and at Facebook.com/bigbendpull.
Admission for adults and teens is $15 per person (at the gate), and free for kids 10 and under.
Brookfield
Brookfield’s Independence Day activities begin with a parade at 10 a.m. on July 4 on Calhoun Road between Gebhardt Road and North Avenue. After the parade, there will be a flag raising ceremony at Civic Plaza, 2000 N. Calhoun Road.
Family Fest takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mitchell Park, 19900 River Road, with family-oriented activities and a variety of food and entertainment. A fireworks display will also be at the park, starting at approximately 9:15 p.m.
For more information, visit www.ci.brookfield.wi.us/725/Independence-Day-Activities.
Delafield
There will be two days of festivities in Delafield for the Fourth of July. Fireworks are scheduled for July 1 (rain date July 2) over Nagawicka Lake. Visitors can see the fireworks at St. John’s Park in downtown Delafield across from the Post Office or at Naga-Waukee County Park on Highway 83, 651 Highway 83.
The parade, with a new parade route, is slated to begin at 10 a.m. on July 4 at the Delafield City Hall/Library (500 Genesee St.). The route will go north on Oneida Street, east on Main Street and south on Lapham Peak Road to the Legion Post at 333 N. Lapham Peak Road. After the parade will be an honor guard ceremony, children’s bike judging and free ice cream, hot dogs and root beer at the Delafield American Legion.
For more information, visit delafieldlegion.com.
Elm Grove
Elm Grove’s celebration is July 4, which begins with a flag raising ceremony at 9 a.m. followed by a fun run/walk at 9:15 a.m. outside the library (the cost is $15 for an individual).
Family Fun Fest, at 13600 Juneau Blvd., will feature a bike decorating contest at 10:30 a.m., open swim from noon to 5 p.m. and a baking contest from 5 to 6 p.m. DJ in the park is slated for 6 to 9:30 p.m. At 9:30 p.m., the national anthem will be sung followed by fireworks.
For more information, visit www.elmgrovewi.org.
Hartland
Hartland’s Fourth of July festivities will begin on Friday, June 30. The Hometown Celebration Fireworks are slated for Friday at 9:30 p.m. at Nixon Park, 175 E. Park Ave. The Hartland Community Band plays from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center and Stetsin & Lace, a country recording artist band, is slated to perform from 7 to 10:30 p.m. (with a break during the fireworks). Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.
A car show is slated for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 1 at Nixon Park with food and refreshments available for purchase. Music will begin in Nixon Park at 4 p.m. with opening acts including Devon Huckstep & Catelyn Picco from 4 to 6 p.m. and Bella Cain to perform from 8 to 11 p.m.
The parade is slated for 1:30 p.m. July 2. The parade will start on Merton Avenue, travel along Hartbrook Drive and end at North Avenue.
For more detailed information, visit www.villageofhartland.wi.gov/515/Hartlands-Hometown-Celebration.
Menomonee Falls
The Optimist Club will sponsor the village’s Independence Day Parade at 7 p.m. on July 3. The parade route starts on Appleton Avenue at Elm Lane and proceeds southeast to Woosencraft Drive, finishing on Titan Drive.
The fireworks are slated to begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 3 at Menomonee Falls High School, W142 N8198 Merrimac Drive.
New this year: There will be no reserving, staking, taping off or marking off viewing areas that are for the public right-of-way prior to 4:30 p.m. July 3. Any items placed there will be removed before 4:30 p.m. on July 3. The public right-of-way includes the medians, sidewalks and the grassy area between the curb line and the sidewalk.
For more information, visit https://fallsparades.org/independence-day-parade.
Mukwonago
The celebration, fireworks and live music, will take place on July 3.
Fireworks will be launched from Phantom Glen Park, 441 Andrews St. in Mukwonago, at about 9:30 p.m. and will be visible from anywhere within the village and on the lake. The recommended spectator location is Indianhead Park and the new Phantom Junction Stage. The rain date is July 8.
There will be live music from the Phantom Glen Park Stage from 3 to 9 p.m.
For more information, visit the “Phantom Lakes Fireworks, Mukwonago WI” Facebook page.
Muskego
Muskego will have its Fourth of July celebration on July 3. There will be a water ski show at 6 p.m. and fireworks at dusk at Idle Isle Park, W182 S6666 Hardtke Drive in Muskego.
For more information, visit www.muskegowaterbugs.org.
New Berlin
There is an assortment of activities on different days for the Fourth of July festivities, including a carnival, live music games and food.
The carnival runs from noon to 11 p.m. July 1 and 2; 5 to 11 p.m. July 3 and noon to 11 p.m. July 4.
From 9 a.m. to noon on July 2, there is the fire department pancake breakfast. There is a cornhole tournament and a trivia contest (new) at 6 p.m. on July 3.
There will be live music each day.
At 9:30 a.m. on July 4 is the children’s parade for those 11 years and younger with decorated bikes, tricycles and wagons. Lineup begins at 9 a.m. at the lower/south parking lot of City Hall. No registration is required.
On July 4, the main parade begins at 1 p.m. The parade route will begin on 159th Street, travel west to Rose Court and end on Observatory Road.
Fireworks will be at 10 p.m. at Malone Park, 16400 W. Al Stigler Parkway in New Berlin on July 4. Shuttles will run from 4:30 through 11:30 p.m. The route includes stops at New Berlin Activity & Recreation Center, Ronald Reagan Elementary School (outer parking lot) and the festival grounds.
Some of the events need advanced registration.
For a complete and extensive schedule, visit bit.ly/NewBerlinFourth2023.
Oconomowoc
Oconomowoc has its parade and entertainment on July 1.
The Oconomowoc Rotary Club will present its annual parade through downtown Oconomowoc at 5 p.m. July 1.
Enjoy food, drink and entertainment at Fowler Park before the fireworks display over Fowler Lake at dusk.
For more information, visit bit.ly/OconomowocFourth2023.
Okauchee Lake
The sky over Okauchee Lake will light up July 2 at dusk from the island in the channel between the Golden Mast Inn and the Hideaway Bar & Grill.
For more information, visit bit.ly/OkaucheeLake2023.
Pewaukee
Pewaukee has several events planned for July 4. First, kids are invited to decorate their bikes, trikes and wagons at home and bring them to Kiwanis Village Park, 325 Capitol Drive. Check-in is at 9:45 a.m., and judging is at 10 a.m.
The Fourth of July parade starts at 3 p.m. in downtown Pewaukee, passes by the lakefront and ends at Kiwanis Village Park. The rubber duck race is at Koepp Park, 201 Oakton Ave. at 4 p.m. At 6 p.m., the Pewaukee Lake Water Ski Club will perform. At 8 p.m., there will be live music at Lakefront Park.
A fireworks display will start at dusk over Pewaukee Lake.
For more information, visit visitwaukesha.org/event/pewaukee-4th-of-july-festivities.
Sussex
A kiddie parade will kick off the July 4 festivities. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Civic Center parking lot, N64 W23760 Main St. and goes west on Main Street to Village Park, W244 N6125 Weaver Drive.
At The Grove at Village Park, families can enjoy the splash pad, the playground and have an ice cream treat.
The Sussex-Lisbon fireworks are scheduled for 9:20 p.m. The recommended spectator viewing is from the hill in front of the Lions Den Building in Village Park.
For more information, visit https://fourth-july.com/sussex.
Waukesha
Waukesha has its fireworks and neighborhood beer garden slated for July 3 at Lowell Park, 2201 Michigan Ave. The Neighborhood Beer Garden is at 6 p.m. and will include beverages, food trucks and a live performance by the rock band The Cheap Shots. There will also be glow bracelets for the first 3,000 attendees. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.
The parade is scheduled for 11 a.m. on July 4 with the theme, “United We Rock!” The parade will begin at the Lee Sherman Dreyfus State Office Building, 141 NW Barstow St. The parade will proceed to Main Street to Maple Avenue and end on Park Avenue.
Families wishing to decorate bikes, trikes and strollers can participate and line up near the Children’s Unit sign beginning at 10 a.m. at the Lee Sherman Dreyfus State Office Building. No registration is required.
For more information: Visit www.waukesha-wi.gov/residents/independence-day.php.
More:Outdoor music, arts and more things to do in the Milwaukee area in summer 2023
Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @kozlowicz_cathy.