Port Washington Fish Days 2026: Complete Family Guide

July 16–18, 2026 | Port Washington, Wisconsin

Port Washington Fish Days returns July 16–18, 2026, with three days of fish, live music, family activities, a downtown parade and fireworks over Lake Michigan.

This year’s theme, “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Fish,” celebrates America’s 250th anniversary while honoring the commercial fishing heritage that helped shape Port Washington.

The free community festival begins with two evenings of music and food at Veterans Park before expanding across downtown, Veterans Park, Rotary Park and Upper Lake Park for the main celebration on Saturday.

Fish Days is also one of Port Washington’s largest community fundraisers. Food, beverage and activity proceeds support participating civic organizations and community initiatives.

Port Washington Fish Days 2026 at a glance

Dates: Thursday, July 16–Saturday, July 18, 2026
Location: Downtown Port Washington and several nearby lakefront parks
Admission: Free
Thursday hours: 4–10 p.m.
Friday hours: 4–10 p.m.
Saturday activities: Beginning at 8 a.m., with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Check the official Fish Days schedule before leaving home because performances and activities remain subject to change.

Thursday, July 16: Fishgiving

Time: 4–10 p.m.
Location: Veterans Park, 410 N. Lake St.

Fishgiving offers a more relaxed opening to the weekend, with food, drinks and live entertainment along the lakefront.

The 2026 music schedule includes:

• 4–7 p.m.: Elvis & the Memphis Rockers

• 7–10 p.m.: Advance Band

Thursday is a good choice for families that want the Fish Days atmosphere without Saturday’s crowds. Veterans Park has open lawn space, views of Lake Michigan and a bandshell that makes it easy to settle in for the evening.

Bring a blanket or folding chairs and an extra layer for children. Temperatures near the lake can feel noticeably cooler after sunset.

Friday, July 17: Fishmas Eve

Time: 4–10 p.m.
Location: Veterans Park

Friday’s Fishmas Eve celebration combines Alumni Night, fish and chips and four more hours of live music.

The evening’s lineup includes:

• 4–6 p.m.: Letter 8

• 6–10 p.m.: Our House

Friday will likely have a livelier evening atmosphere than Thursday, especially during Our House’s four-hour set. It should work well for families with older children, teenagers and relatives or friends returning to Port Washington for the weekend.

Saturday, July 18: The main Fish Day celebration

Saturday is the biggest day of the festival, with events spread across downtown Port Washington and three lakefront parks.

The day begins with the Portal 5K at Coal Dock Park, followed by the downtown parade. Activities then move to Veterans Park, Upper Lake Park and Rotary Park before concluding with fireworks over Lake Michigan.

Start the day with the Portal 5K Run/Walk/Roll

Time: 8–10:30 a.m.
Location: Coal Dock Park, 146 S. Wisconsin St.

The 41st Portal Fish Day Run/Walk/Roll kicks off Saturday’s festivities with events designed for participants of different abilities.

The 2026 options include:

• A timed 5K run

• A 5K walk

• A new, flatter Captains Course that welcomes wheelchairs, walkers and strollers

The 5K begins at 8 a.m., followed by the Captains Course at 8:15 a.m.

Registration proceeds support Portal, Inc., a Port Washington nonprofit that provides employment, life-skills education and recreational services for adults and students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Registration costs increase as race day approaches. Online and race-day registration is cashless. Families should also note that only service animals are permitted at Coal Dock Park during the event.

Watch the Fish Days Parade downtown

Time: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

The Fish Days Parade begins at 11 a.m. and moves through downtown Port Washington.

The parade is one of Saturday’s best free activities for families. Plan to arrive well before 11 a.m. if you want a curbside viewing spot, particularly with young children who may have trouble seeing over the crowd.

Because the Portal 5K and parade both require road closures, driving and parking in the downtown area will become more difficult as the morning progresses.

Upper Lake Park: The best destination for families

Main activities: Noon–7 p.m.
Guppies Zone: 1–7 p.m.
Location: Upper Lake Park, 554 N. Lake St.

Upper Lake Park is the center of Saturday’s family programming. The park sits above Lake Michigan and offers more room to spread out than the busier downtown and Veterans Park areas.

Family Zone activities

Scheduled attractions include:

• Carnival games

• Putt-putt golf

• Minnow racing

• University of Wisconsin Marching Band

• Brew City Wrestling

• Makers Market

• Port Fish Days Car Show

• Live music from Shuga Blu

The UW Marching Band is scheduled to perform in the Family Zone from 1–1:30 p.m.

The Makers Market runs from noon to 6 p.m., while the car show is scheduled from noon to 5 p.m.

Guppies Zone for younger children

The Guppies Zone at the Lions Pavilion runs from 1–7 p.m. and is geared toward younger festival visitors.

Activities include:

• Bouncy house

• Petting zoo

• Hair braiding and glitter

Wristbands are available for some activities. The published 2026 options include:

• $25: Unlimited carnival games, bouncy house, minnow racing and putt-putt

• $15: Unlimited bouncy-house access

• $10: Additional limited-activity options

Review the final pricing at the festival before purchasing, as individual activity options may vary.

Veterans Park: Fish, drinks and live music

Time: Approximately 12:30–9:30 p.m.
Location: 410 N. Lake St.

Veterans Park serves as Saturday’s primary food, beverage and live-music hub.

The 2026 entertainment lineup includes:

• Nate Herlache

• The First Wave

• Gus Garay

• Smartmouth

Fish and chips remain the festival’s signature food. Purchasing food and beverages also supports the local organizations staffing the stands, making lunch or dinner part of the festival’s broader fundraising mission.

Families who want the traditional Fish Days experience should plan at least one stop here. It will, however, be one of the busiest parts of the grounds during lunch, dinner and the final musical performances.

Rotary Park dance party and fireworks

Kid Boogie Down: 6–9 p.m.
Fireworks: 9:30–10 p.m.

Rotary Park becomes the place to be Saturday evening with a Kid Boogie Down dance party followed by fireworks over Lake Michigan.

The dance party is an especially useful option for families arriving late in the day. Children can dance and burn off energy before everyone settles in for the fireworks.

The fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. Popular lakefront viewing locations will fill quickly, so claim your spot early and bring a blanket or portable chairs.

Parking and free shuttle service

Parking near downtown and the lakefront becomes scarce on Saturday. Fish Days operates shuttle services from two satellite lots:

• Ozaukee County Justice Center west parking lot

• I-43 Park & Ride at Exit 100

According to the festival’s 2026 shuttle information, service from both parking areas runs from 1–11 p.m. Saturday.

An additional shuttle runs between Veterans Park and Upper Lake Park from 1–7:30 p.m. This is particularly helpful for families with young children because the two major festival areas are separated by a hill.

The shuttles do not begin until after the morning race and parade. Families arriving for those events will need to find downtown parking or walk from a more distant location.

A practical Saturday plan for families

A full day can be exhausting, particularly with young children. Families will have a better experience by choosing a few priorities.

Morning-to-afternoon plan

• Arrive by 10 a.m. and park within walking distance of downtown.

• Find a parade spot before the 11 a.m. start.

• After the parade, walk or ride the park shuttle to Upper Lake Park.

• Visit the Family Zone, petting zoo, car show and Makers Market.

• Stop at Veterans Park for fish and music.

• Leave before the evening crowds.

Afternoon-to-fireworks plan

• Park at a satellite lot and take a shuttle after 1 p.m.

• Begin in Upper Lake Park.

• Eat dinner and hear live music at Veterans Park.

• Head to Rotary Park before 6 p.m. for Kid Boogie Down.

• Stay for the 9:30 p.m. fireworks.

• Use the shuttle rather than searching for downtown parking.

What to bring

A little preparation will make the day considerably easier:

• Folding chairs or a picnic blanket

• Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats

• Refillable water bottles

• A light jacket or sweatshirt

• Comfortable shoes for hills and uneven park terrain

• Cash and a card for food, drinks and activities

• Hearing protection for children during fireworks

• A stroller or wagon for younger children

Port Washington’s lakefront weather can change quickly. Even on a warm July afternoon, temperatures may drop when the wind shifts off Lake Michigan.

Best activities by age

Toddlers and preschoolers

Young children will likely enjoy the Guppies Zone, petting zoo, bouncy house, parade and early portion of Kid Boogie Down. Consider visiting Saturday afternoon and leaving before the fireworks if loud noises or late bedtimes are a concern.

Elementary-age children

The Family Zone offers the strongest concentration of activities for this age group, including putt-putt, carnival games, minnow racing, the UW Marching Band and Brew City Wrestling.

Tweens and teens

Older children may be more interested in the Portal 5K, car show, Makers Market, wrestling, live bands and fireworks. Friday’s Our House performance also provides a lower-commitment way to experience the festival.

Extend your Port Washington adventure

Fish Days can easily become part of a longer Ozaukee County outing. Take a walk around the harbor, explore the historic downtown or enjoy the view from Coal Dock Park before the crowds arrive.

For more nearby inspiration, see our guide to charming Wisconsin towns worth exploring, which includes Port Washington, or browse more Port Washington family adventures.

You can also continue south to explore family-friendly Cedarburg or plan your next outing with our complete guide to Milwaukee-area summer festivals.

Is Port Washington Fish Days worth the trip?

Fish Days remains one of the best opportunities to experience Port Washington at its liveliest. The combination of free admission, lakefront scenery, community-supported food stands, children’s activities, live music and fireworks makes it easy to build an outing around almost any family schedule.

Families seeking a quieter visit should choose Thursday evening. Friday works well for live-music fans, while Saturday delivers the complete festival experience.

Before departing, check the Port Fish Days website and full 2026 event preview for schedule or weather-related changes.