2026 Waukesha County Fourth of July Parades, Fireworks & Independence Day Events

One of the many things that makes Waukesha County and Lake Country such wonderful places to call home is the strong sense of community found throughout our local towns and neighborhoods. From lakeside fireworks and hometown parades to family festivals, bike decorating contests, and community picnics, Independence Day weekend is filled with traditions that bring people together.

Whether you're looking for fireworks over the water, a small-town parade, activities for the kids, or a full day of family fun, here is your guide to Fourth of July celebrations throughout Waukesha County and Lake Country.

Brookfield (City)

Children's Parade

📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026
⏰ 9:55 AM

Children ages 4–10 are invited to show their patriotic spirit by decorating bikes, wagons, scooters, rollerblades, or strollers in red, white, and blue. Families should meet at Calvary Lutheran Church, 1750 N. Calhoun Road, at 9:30 AM for lineup.

The Children's Parade travels north on Calhoun Road to Civic Drive.

Independence Day Parade

⏰ 10:00 AM

The main parade follows the Children's Parade and travels along Calhoun Road. The parade typically concludes around 11:30 AM.

Flag Raising Ceremony & Ice Cream Social

⏰ Immediately following the parade
📍 Civic Plaza

Brookfield Family Fest

📍 Mitchell Park, 19900 River Road
⏰ 6:00 PM–9:00 PM

Family Fest features food, entertainment, family activities, and a festive pre-fireworks atmosphere.

Fireworks

🎇 Approximately 9:15 PM

Helpful Tips: Calhoun Road closes around 9:30 AM. Chairs, blankets, and similar items may only be placed along the parade route within 24 hours of the event. Items may not be placed on medians before 7:00 AM on parade day. Fireworks rain date is Sunday, July 5, 2026, for fireworks only.

Brookfield (Town)

Parade

📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM

The Town of Brookfield parade begins near Elmbrook Church and travels east on Davidson Road, then south on Linden Lane into Marx Park.

Picnic & Family Activities

⏰ Immediately following the parade until noon
📍 Marx Park

Enjoy games, ice cream, a pie-eating contest, brats, hot dogs, hamburgers, and special 250th anniversary activities.

Helpful Tips: Parade participants should be in the Elmbrook Church north parking lot before 8:45 AM. Bring chairs and candy bags for the parade.

Butler

Parade

📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM

The Butler parade travels from the corner of 127th and Arden north on 127th Street to Frontier Park. The parade route is about one mile and typically takes about one hour.

Evening Band

⏰ Approximately 6:00 PM
📍 Frontier Park

Fireworks

🎇 Dusk, approximately 9:00–9:15 PM
📍 Lower Frontier Park

Helpful Tips: Road closures may begin around 1:30 PM, and parade lineup begins at 1:00 PM. No food will be served at the park, so plan accordingly. The police department will be handing out glow sticks before the fireworks.

Delafield

Nagawicka Lake Boat Parade

📅 Friday, July 3, 2026
⏰ Boats gather at 7:15 PM
⏰ Parade begins at 7:30 PM

Decorated boats meet at the north end of Nagawicka Lake and travel clockwise around the main lake.

Lake Nagawicka Fireworks

📅 Friday, July 3, 2026
⏰ Dusk, approximately 9:30 PM

Fireworks follow the boat parade over Lake Nagawicka.

American Legion Community Parade

📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM

The parade begins at the City Hall parking lot on Oneida Street and travels through downtown Delafield to the Delafield American Legion Post.

After the Parade

⏰ Immediately following the parade

Enjoy an Honor Guard ceremony, decorated bicycle judging, complimentary hot dogs, root beer, and ice cream while supplies last.

Blackhawk Helicopter Landing

🚁 Scheduled for 11:30 AM, weather permitting

Helpful Tips: Naga-Waukee County Park requires a daily or annual vehicle permit. Access may be limited once parking areas reach capacity. City Hall parking is not available for non-parade vehicles during lineup beginning at 8:30 AM.

Elm Grove

Fun Run/Walk Sign-In & Warm-Up

📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026
⏰ 8:30 AM–9:00 AM

Fun Run/Walk

⏰ 9:15 AM–10:15 AM

Open Swim

⏰ 12:00 PM–5:00 PM

Food Trucks, Beer Garden & Vendor Programming

⏰ 5:30 PM–9:30 PM

DJ in the Park

⏰ 6:00 PM–9:30 PM

National Anthem

⏰ 9:30 PM

Fireworks

🎇 9:35 PM

Helpful Tips: Personal sparklers and fireworks are not allowed. Plan for a full day of activities if you want to enjoy the morning events, evening entertainment, and fireworks.

Lac La Belle

Fireworks

📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026
⏰ Approximately 9:00–9:30 PM

The Village of Lac La Belle fireworks will be launched from Camp Olin Sang Ruby at dusk.

Helpful Tips: Lakeside viewing areas may fill quickly. Community donations help support this annual fireworks tradition.

Lake Keesus

Kiddee Parade

📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026
⏰ 10:30 AM

The Lake Keesus Fourth of July Kiddee Parade begins on Park Drive and ends at the end of Flynn Road.

Picnic

⏰ Immediately following the parade

Enjoy hot dogs, chips, and beverages sponsored by LKAA.

Helpful Tips: A free-will offering will be accepted to help defray costs, and fireworks donations will also be accepted.

Menomonee Falls

Independence Day Parade

📅 Friday, July 3, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM

The parade begins on Appleton Avenue at Elm Lane and proceeds southeast to Woosencraft Drive, finishing on Titan Drive. The parade typically lasts about two hours.

Fireworks

📅 Friday, July 3, 2026
⏰ 9:30 PM

The fireworks display takes place on the practice field between Menomonee Falls High School and Ben Franklin School.

Helpful Tips: Appleton Avenue between Pilgrim Road and Lilly Road, along with areas around Menomonee Falls High School, Ben Franklin School, and the stadium, will close to traffic no later than 5:30 PM. Parking is limited, so carpooling is recommended. Stadium seating will be open for fireworks viewing.

Mukwonago / Phantom Lake

Phantom Lake Fireworks

📅 Friday, July 3, 2026
⏰ Dusk, approximately 9:30 PM
📍 Phantom Glen Park

The Phantom Lakes Management District will once again sponsor the annual Phantom Lake fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from Phantom Glen Park and can be viewed from numerous locations throughout the Village of Mukwonago and around Phantom Lake.

Recommended Viewing Areas

📍 Indianhead Park
📍 Phantom Junction Stage

Rain Date

📅 Saturday, July 11, 2026

Helpful Tips: Portions of Phantom Glen Park will be restricted for safety during the fireworks display. Arrive early for parking and viewing areas.

New Berlin

New Berlin Family Festival

📅 Thursday, July 2 – Saturday, July 4, 2026
📍 Malone Park

The 58th Annual New Berlin Fourth of July Family Festival offers three days of family fun, food, entertainment, carnival rides, and patriotic celebrations as part of America's 250th birthday countdown.

Carnival

🎡 Open daily throughout the festival

Unlimited ride wristbands are available in advance or at the festival.

Drone Show

📅 Thursday, July 2
⏰ 9:30 PM

The holiday weekend begins with a nighttime drone show over Malone Park.

Flashlight Candy Hunt

📅 Friday, July 3
⏰ 9:30 PM

Bring your flashlight and join the annual candy hunt.

Mini Parade

📅 Saturday, July 4
⏰ Lineup begins at 9:00 AM
⏰ Parade begins at 9:30 AM

Children ages 11 and younger are invited to participate with decorated bikes, tricycles, and wagons.

Main Parade

📅 Saturday, July 4
⏰ 1:00 PM

The annual New Berlin Fourth of July Parade returns through the community.

Fireworks Finale

📅 Saturday, July 4
⏰ 10:00 PM
📍 Malone Park

Festival Foods presents the grand fireworks finale to conclude the three-day celebration.

Helpful Tips: Parking is available at the festival grounds for a suggested $10 donation. Free shuttle service is available from Ronald Reagan Elementary School and the New Berlin Activity and Recreation Center.

North Lake

Fireworks

📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026
⏰ Approximately 9:00 PM

The North Lake Yacht Club will celebrate the 44th year of fireworks and flares on North Lake.

Helpful Tips: Fireworks times are approximate and may vary slightly based on weather and sunset. Lakeside viewing areas fill quickly.

Oconomowoc

Independence Day Parade

📅 Friday, July 3, 2026
⏰ 3:30 PM

The parade travels from the Lisbon and North Lake Road area through downtown Oconomowoc before ending at Fowler Park.

Rubber Duck Race

📍 Veterans Park Flume
⏰ Immediately following the last parade float

Ducks are released into the flume between the lakes after the final float passes Veterans Park. Ducks can be purchased before the parade at Village Green.

Bands at the Beach

📍 City Beach
⏰ 7:30 PM

Enjoy "Ain't That America," a John Mellencamp tribute band during the annual Bands at the Beach concert.

Helpful Tips: Downtown parking fills quickly, especially near Veterans Park and Fowler Park. Bring cash if you plan to purchase ducks for the race.

Okauchee Lake

Venetian Night Lighted Boat Parade

📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026
⏰ Boat lineup at 8:00 PM
⏰ Parade begins at 8:30 PM

The Okauchee Lake Yacht Club sponsors the annual Venetian Night Lighted Boat Parade. Decorated boats gather at Party Island before traveling toward the channel.

Fireworks

📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026
⏰ Approximately 9:30–9:45 PM

The annual Okauchee Lake fireworks are launched from Island Park, located between the Golden Mast and The Hideaway Bar & Grill.

This annual fireworks display is entirely funded through community donations and is considered one of Lake Country's signature Independence Day celebrations.

Helpful Tips: Arrive early if viewing from lakeside restaurants or public areas. Boat traffic increases significantly before and after the fireworks display.

Old World Wisconsin

Independence Day Weekend

📅 Saturday, July 4 – Sunday, July 5, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Celebrate America's 250th birthday and Old World Wisconsin's 50th anniversary with a special holiday weekend.

Activities Include

🥧 Pie-eating contests
⚾ Historic baseball
🚜 Wagon rides
🧈 Butter churning
🎵 Live music
🇺🇸 Declaration of Independence readings
🎪 Children's parade
🎯 Lawn games and activities

Food & Beverages

🍔 Holiday-inspired foods at the Clausing Cafe
🍺 Special anniversary brew at Wittnebel's Tavern

Helpful Tips: Admission fees apply. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission. Advance tickets are recommended.

Pewaukee

Bicycle & Doll Buggy Decorating Contest

📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026
📍 Kiwanis Village Park
⏰ 10:00 AM

Children can decorate bicycles, tricycles, scooters, wagons, and doll buggies in patriotic themes. Prizes are awarded in multiple categories.

Lakefront Concessions

⏰ 10:00 AM–7:00 PM

Food and refreshments are available throughout the day.

Independence Day Parade

📅 Saturday, July 4
⏰ 3:00 PM

The parade begins near Pewaukee Schools and travels through downtown Pewaukee and along the lakefront.

Rubber Duck Drop

⏰ 4:00 PM

Watch 1,500 rubber ducks float down the Pewaukee River.

Pewaukee Lake Ski Club Show

⏰ 6:00 PM

One of Lake Country's favorite traditions returns to the lakefront.

Fireworks

🎇 Approximately 9:30 PM

Helpful Tips: Parking is available near the library, Oakton Avenue, the lakefront, and former St. Mary's parking lot. Arrive early if you plan to spend the entire day downtown.

Stone Bank

Fourth of July Parade

📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM–1:00 PM

The Stone Bank Fourth of July Parade begins at Stone Bank School and ends at Stone Bank Community Park.

This annual celebration marks the parade's 76th year.

Helpful Tips: Roads close at 10:00 AM and no traffic will be permitted through the area afterward. Plan to arrive early for parking and seating.

Sussex

Community Walking Parade

📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026
⏰ Lineup at 9:15 AM
⏰ Parade begins at 9:30 AM

In honor of America's 250th birthday, Sussex is expanding the traditional Kiddie Parade into a Community Walking Parade open to all ages.

Participants are encouraged to decorate bikes, scooters, wagons, cozy coupes, or themselves in patriotic themes.

Ice Cream & Splash Pad Celebration

📍 The Grove at Village Park
⏰ 10:00 AM

Celebrate after the parade with free ice cream, playground fun, and the splash pad.

Patriotic Music

⏰ 9:00 PM

Fireworks

📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026
⏰ 9:20 PM
📍 Sussex Village Park

This year's fireworks display will be synchronized to music and can be viewed from the hill near The Ridge Pavilion.

Helpful Tips: No registration is required for the parade. Bring swimsuits and towels if children plan to use the splash pad.

Waukesha

Independence Day Celebration

📅 Friday, July 3, 2026
📍 Lowell Park, 2201 Michigan Avenue

Neighborhood Beer Garden & Food Trucks

⏰ Beginning at 6:00 PM

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of food, beverages, and community celebration before the fireworks.

Live Music

🎵 The 5 Card Studs
⏰ Evening performance beginning at 6:00 PM

The band brings classic favorites, yacht rock, and crowd-pleasing hits to kick off the celebration.

Fireworks

🎇 9:30 PM

The annual Waukesha Independence Day fireworks display concludes the evening at Lowell Park.

Independence Day Parade

📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026

Children's Bike Unit Lineup

⏰ Beginning at 10:00 AM
📍 Cutler Park

Children are invited to participate with decorated bikes, trikes, wagons, and strollers. No registration is required.

Parade

⏰ 11:00 AM

The parade begins on Barstow Street near the Lee Sherman Dreyfus State Office Building, continues along Main Street, turns onto Maple Avenue, and concludes at Wisconsin Avenue.

Children participating in the Children's Unit receive participant ribbons and families are welcome to walk alongside younger children.

Helpful Tips: No parking is allowed along the parade route after 7:00 AM. Streets close beginning at 10:00 AM, and traffic will not be permitted inside the parade route until the event concludes around 1:00 PM.

Celebrate Independence Day in Waukesha County & Lake Country

From neighborhood parades and lakeside fireworks to community festivals and family traditions, Independence Day weekend is one of the many reasons people love calling Waukesha County and Lake Country home.

Whether you're spending the evening watching fireworks over the water, decorating bicycles for a hometown parade, enjoying live music with neighbors, or making memories with family, these celebrations showcase the strong sense of community that makes southeastern Wisconsin such a special place to live.

At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Lake Country Realty, we know that a home is about more than four walls. It is about the communities, traditions, events, and memories that make a place truly feel like home.

From all of us at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Lake Country Realty, we wish you a safe, happy, and memorable Fourth of July weekend.

Event details are subject to change. Please check with individual event organizers before attending for the most current information.

All information was accurate at the time of publication. If you notice a change, correction, or event we should add, please let us know!