All you need to know about the July 3 fireworks in Milwaukee.
Every July 3, U.S. Bank Fireworks light up the sky over Milwaukee’s lakefront in an early celebration of our country’s birthday. Here is your guide to this event, which draws tens of thousands of people.
Where are they, what time do they start, and how long do they last?
The Milwaukee Lakefront Fireworks will take place at 9:25 p.m. July 3 at Veterans Park, 1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive. The show will last 60 minutes. Is it free to get into the park?
Of course!
What are the good spots to watch, and how early do you have to get to them?
Veterans Park and Juneau Park are great spots to watch, but anywhere along the lakefront will work
(including the Summerfest grounds). Most people arrive in the afternoon and early evening.
If you want to avoid the hassle and headache of trying to find a spot along the crowded lakefront, there is also South Shore Park in Bay View. Put a blanket down, grab a few drinks from the Beer Garden and watch as the fireworks burst above the city’s skyline a few miles away.
What’s with people camping out early?
In the past, people have arrived in the park several days in advance to secure a spot — and then pitched a tent and camped out.
But according to Milwaukee County regulations, there is no overnight camping allowed.
The rules do allow for people to arrive as soon as the park opens, at sunrise, to secure a good spot. People can still pitch tents or bring along lawn furniture and spend the rest of the day grilling, playing games and hanging out with family.
Are there any other events happening in Veterans Park that day?
There will be a free kite festival kicking off at 11 a.m. and going until 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to bring their kites and fly them around the park, with a goal of filling the sky “with as many kites as possible.” Kids will especially love the Giant Kites of Yves LaForest flying around the park — these are huge, colorful kites in the shapes of animals. Find out more info on the kite festival here.
The Navy Band Great Lakes usually performs in the late afternoon, but not this year.
Will food be sold there?
Around a dozen vendors set up along the lakefront to feed the thousands who show up. There will be brats, gyros, funnel cake, hot dogs, pizza and much more.
What roads will be closed and when?
The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office will close access to North Lincoln Memorial Drive when lots become full, which has happened as early as 5 p.m. in past years.
The department has not yet issued a statement on other road closures, though it’s likely northbound lanes on I-794 on the Hoan Bridge will close before the fireworks begin and all lanes on the Hoan will close during the duration of the fireworks, similar to last year’s closures.
Access to eastbound I-794 at the Marquette Interchange will likely be closed to all traffic except buses, as well as westbound Clybourn and Michigan streets. Where do you park? How much does that cost? There will be grass parking at Veterans Park, as well as special RV parking. The rates are $20 for a car or motorcycle and $60 for an RV/camper.
These will open to the public at 6 a.m. July 3. People will not be able to leave their cars overnight in the park on July 2 and July 3.
There are also parking lots nearby, including the O’Donnell Park structure at 910 E. Michigan St., the War Memorial parking lot at 750 N .Lincoln Memorial Drive and the U.S. Bank parking garage at 716 E. Clybourn St. The price is $6 to $12 for two hours of parking.
Are there any driving/parking alternatives? Lots will likely fill up quickly, and parking will become more difficult later in the day. It may be easiest to park farther west of the lakefront and take a downtown bus to the event.
If you live close by, you can always walk or take a Bublr bike.
Are there shuttle buses?
There are no shuttle buses going directly to Veterans Park, though the Milwaukee County Transit System has bus routes dropping passengers off nearby. For example, the Route 33 Vliet-Juneau line goes east from Washington Park to King Park to downtown to Juneau Park, with stops in between.
If you plan to watch the fireworks from Summerfest, you can take a MCTS Freeway Flyer from a ParkRide lot for $7 or a downtown shuttle.