Some places summer traditions come and go, while some places summer traditions become icons. Mandatory Milwaukee is all about the latter. Join us as we revisit beloved and well-worn local staples summer traditions with fresh eyes, and explore how they might figure in the city’s future. This week: FIREWORKS!

Fireworks! Ahhhh! Milwaukee loves fireworks! Here’s where you can find July 4 fireworks displays in the Milwaukee area!

SUNDAY, JULY 3

Milwaukee Lakefront Fireworks
Veterans Park, 9:30 p.m.
“Head to Veterans Park on Sunday, July 3 for an evening of fireworks and fun celebrating tradition. The 45-minute fireworks display co-presented by American Family Insurance, the Kelben Foundation, Inc. and Town Bank, a Wintrust Community Bank will start around 9:30 p.m.”

Menomonee Falls
Menomonee Falls High School, 9:30 p.m.
“The Menomonee Falls Independence Day Parade is the largest of the three parades held in Menomonee Falls. This parade is very well attended and precedes the annual fireworks display held at Menomonee Falls High School. Reserving a parade viewing space is allowed during a pre-scheduled time slot.”

MONDAY, JULY 4

Milwaukee County Parks
Alcott Park, Enderis Playfield, Gordon Park, Humboldt Park, Jackson Park, Dr. M L King, Jr. Park, Lake Park, Lincoln Park, Mitchell Park, Noyes Park, Washington Park, Wilson Park, 9:15 p.m.
“The City of Milwaukee’s Fourth of July festivities are scheduled for Monday, July 4, 2022. A tradition dating back to 1911, Milwaukee has long celebrated the Fourth of July with community events around the city. Following the last two years of pandemic-related cancellations, Independence Day activities are returning to parks throughout Milwaukee this summer, including parades, picnics, games, talent contests, and fireworks, in celebrating this great American holiday.”

Brookfield
Mitchell Park, 9:17 p.m.
“Family Fest is in full swing at Mitchell Park from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. This annual pre-fireworks event features family-oriented activities and a variety of food, and entertainment. Come on out to the park earlier and find parking, have a picnic, enjoy the activities and entertainment, and stay for the fireworks extravaganza.”

Cudahy
Lakefront at Pulaski Avenue, 9:15 p.m.
“Launch Site: Lakefront at Pulaski Avenue. Aerial display only. No ground display.”

Glendale
Kletzsch Park, dusk
“The City of Glendale’s 4th of July Committee is at it again planning a great 2022 Celebration. We are working hard to host for you one of Metro-Milwaukee’s largest Independence Day parties. Attendees can expect a Parade Extravaganza, a Food Truck Festival, live music from The Toys, bouncy houses, summer soak, dunk tank and of course a grand fireworks display.”

Shorewood
Atwater Park, 9:15 p.m.
“Shorewoodians can show their patriotic spirit and cheer on participants in the Village’s traditional July 4 parade, and later enjoy live music and a dazzling fireworks display in Atwater Park. 2 p.m. Parade setup begins (at E. Kensington and N. Oakland). 3 p.m. Parade begins, heading south on Oakland toward Shorewood High School. 7 p.m. Live music at Atwater Park with local band Cosmic Endeavors. 9 p.m. Fireworks at Atwater Park.

Waukesha
Lowell Park, 9:30 p.m.
“Join the celebration with a parade that kicks off at 11:00am. At dusk head over to Lowell Park for a Neighborhood Beer Garden and get ready for a great fireworks celebration, with the show beginning at 9:30 p.m.”

Wauwatosa
Hart Park, 9:15 p.m.
“Fireworks will be launched from 63rd and River Parkway. The best viewing spots are in Hart Park (7300 W. Chestnut St., Wauwatosa). Bring your chair or blanket and sit near the Rotary Stage. Or, find a spot in the bleachers at the track. 70th Street between State Street and Honey Creek Parkway will be closed after 7 pm. There are restrooms near the Rotary Stage and near the track.”

West Allis
State Fair Grandstands, 8:30 p.m.
“The annual grandstand show will begin at 8:30 p.m. followed by the Festival Food Fireworks display at approximately 9:30 p.m. at the State Fair Park Grandstands located at 640 S. 84th St. Enjoy a free, family-friendly concert with music by Failure to Launch followed by the fireworks. Failure to Launch is a popular high-energy cover band that has been rockin’ together for nearly two decades. You can expect to see a dynamic show of some of the most upbeat and danceable pop, rock, hip-hop, and country music of the past 60 years! Parking at State Fair Park opens at 7:30 p.m. and costs $10 per vehicle.”

Whitefish Bay
Klode Park, 9:30 p.m.
“The Fourth of July Parade kicks off at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of Silver Spring Drive and Kent Avenue. The parade heads east on Silver Spring Drive, continuing north on Lake Drive to Klode Park. We salute our 2022 Grand Marshal, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Dallet. Fill your bellies with a variety of food from 1-8 p.m. Dr. Dawg, Milwaukee Brat House, T. Best Kettle Corn, Happy Dough Lucky Mini Donuts and several carnival-style options. Wet your whistle with a cold one between 1-9 p.m. Beer, hard lemonade, hard seltzer, soda & water will be available. FIREWORKS FINALE!, 9:30 PM – Klode Park Bluff. Fireworks presented by Sendik’s.”

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Co-Founder and Editor

Matt Wild weighs between 140 and 145 pounds. He lives on Milwaukee's east side.