Neighborhoods across the city are preparing to celebrate Independence Day in a variety of ways.
We’ve compiled a list of free community events happening before and on the Fourth of July as well as some safety tips.
(Did we miss anything? Please put in comments or email pbyers@milwaukeenns.org)
Drone Show: Friday, July 3
A drone show is planned for 9:20 p.m. on Friday, July 3 along the lakefront at McKinley Beach, 1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive.
The show is free and open to the public. Food, beverages and other vendor items will be available for purchase. Outside picnic foods are welcome, but outside alcohol isn’t allowed. No pets are permitted on the beach, playgrounds or ball courts.
Activities like face painting and bounce houses begin at 3 p.m., when bathrooms open and people can start to find their spots. Chairs and blankets can be put down, but tents and grills are not allowed.
More information here.
Events at Milwaukee parks and other places on Saturday, July 4
Alcott Park
At Alcott Park, 3751 S. 97th St., there will be a parade and festivities during the day and fireworks at night. The parade begins at 9:45 a.m. from 3575 S. 88th St. to 3751 S. 97th St. At 10:30 a.m., there will be a flag ceremony, cannon salute and volunteers will hand out ice cream. At 11 a.m., there will be children’s games and then teen and adult games at 11:30 a.m. After the pull raffle at noon, there will be free hot dogs for the first 300 people.
Enderis Playfield
A parade and decorated bike, wagon and scooter contest will take place at Enderis Playfield, 2978 N. 72nd St., beginning at 9:15 a.m. From 10 a.m. to noon, there will be free ice cream, food and beverages available for purchase, music, lawn games, prizes and arts and crafts activities.
Gordon Park
The parade at Gordon Park, 2828 N. Humboldt Blvd., begins at 11 a.m. (from Breman and Clarke streets to Gordon Park). From 11:15 a.m. to 2 p.m., there is ice cream and root beer and family activities (including speeches, music, art projects and performances). Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m.
Humboldt Park
At 9 a.m., a Fourth of July parade will begin from South Kinnickinnic Avenue and East Lincoln Avenue and lead into the festivities at Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Ave.
At the park, there will be a children’s decorated vehicle contest, with registration starting at noon, judging at 12:30 p.m. and the children’s decorated parade at 1 p.m. A doughnut and doughnut hole eating contest will happen from noon to 1:30 p.m. Children’s entertainment, “The Princess of Magic,” is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. to 1 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., there will be the posting of the colors, the national anthem and the contest awards presentation. From 7:15 to 9 p.m. Blind Hill, an alternative rock originals and cover band, will perform.
Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Jackson Park
Fireworks at Jackson Park, 3500 W. Forest Home Ave., are scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m.
Lake Park
At Lake Park, 3233 E. Kenwood Blvd., there will be a parade, children’s festivities during the day and fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Lincoln Park
A fireworks display will happen at Lincoln Park,1301 W. Hampton Ave., at 9:15 p.m.
Lyons Park
An Independence Day parade will begin at Manitoba Park, South 51st and West Manitoba streets, and head toward Lyons Park, 3301 S. 55th St. at 1 p.m. The flag ceremony with free ice cream will begin at 1:45 p.m. At 2 p.m. a live band will play and the park will host games for kids. At 2:30 p.m. there will be more games for kids and adult games and free hot dogs, brats, burgers and cake while supplies last. A talent contest at 3 p.m. will be followed by a corn hole tournament. The event will end with a 50/50 raffle drawing. Tickets will be sold all day.
Dr. MLK Center
At Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 1531 W. Vliet St., there are daytime activities with arts and crafts beginning at 10:30 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m. and the annual talent show at 12:30 p.m.
Mitchell Park parade and fireworks
Fourth of July school parades will begin at two locations (West National Avenue and South 4th Street/ West Scott Street and South 30th Street) at 9 a.m. and head toward Mitchell Park, 2600 W. Pierce St. A flag raising will take place at 10 a.m. in front of the Domes with a costume, bike and tricycle contest. At 11 a.m., there are games for children and adults and a pie eating contest at 11:45 a.m. More information here.
Washington Park
Fireworks at Washington Park,1859 N. 40th St., are slated to begin at 9:15 p.m.
Summerfest fireworks: Saturday, July 4
The last day of Summerfest is Saturday, July 4 from noon to midnight.
Summerfest’s Celebration of America’s 250th presented by Harley-Davidson fireworks takes place that night at 9:30.
For more information and to get tickets, visit summerfest.com.
Safety tips
The city of Milwaukee is encouraging people to celebrate safely. Here are some of the guidelines.
- The use of consumer fireworks can lead to devastating burns, other injuries, fires and even death. The city of Milwaukee prohibits the sale and use of fireworks by all residents. The safest way to enjoy them is through public displays conducted by professionals.
- Any item that emits smoke, bangs or sparkles is considered illegal and upon conviction subject to a fine of no less than $500
- Annually over 9,000 people in the U.S. are treated at hospital rooms for fireworks-related injuries.
- You can call the Milwaukee Police Department’s non-emergency line at 414-933-4444 to report neighbors popping fireworks. Because illegal fireworks are typically a public disturbance rather than a life-or-death emergency, police respond based on priority. During busy times like the Fourth of July, response times may be delayed or officers may not be dispatched at all if there are pressing emergencies.
If you have questions regarding fireworks, you can call the Safety Division at 414-935-7990
Related: The Milwaukee Fire Department is urging residents to not use fireworks
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