Guide to the Fourth of July in Milwaukee’s North Shore 2025

Fireworks in Klode Park in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin

Celebrating the Fourth of July in Milwaukee's North Shore offers a variety of family-friendly events, including parades, live music, and spectacular fireworks displays. Here's a guide to the festivities in several North Shore communities:

Shorewood Fourth of July

When is the Shorewood 4th of July Parade?

The Independence Day Parade begins at 3 PM, and the official route is still being determined.

What 4th of July activities are planned in Shorewood?

Live music starts at 7 PM at Atwater Park.

What time is Shorewood’s fireworks?

The fireworks display is scheduled for 9:00 PM at Atwater Park.

Glendale Fourth of July

A children’s parade at 10 am kicks off Fourth of July festivities in Glendale, WI

The Glendale Fourth of July takes place at Kletzsch Park, 6650 North Milwaukee River Parkway, Glendale, WI.

The morning kicks off with a Children’s Parade at 10 AM, followed by the Main Parade at 10:30 AM, marching along Milwaukee River. (Parade participants meet near Parkway School; everyone is encouraged to decorate bikes, wagons, or strollers.).

Starting about 4:30 PM, there’s a Food Truck Festival (4:30 PM) with a variety of snacks. Kids can enjoy bouncy houses and a dunk tank (courtesy of the local Scouts), and local firefighters bring the “Super Soak” at 5:00 PM for some community fun. Live music by Milwaukee’s cover band Failure to Launch plays from 6–9 PM. The evening ends with a grand fireworks display at dusk (usually around 9 PM) over Kletzsch Park.

Bayside Fourth of July

Bayside’s annual Fourth of July parade begins at 9 am and ends at Ellsworth Park

When is Bayside’s 4th of July parade?

The parade will start at 9 am at Village Hall, where participants will then walk east on Ellsworth Lane, south on Rexleigh Drive, north on King Road, and end at Ellsworth Park. Please begin gathering at Village Hall at 8:45am.

What 4th of July activities are planned in Bayside?

Once at Ellsworth Park, there will be treats and the annual Best Decorated Bike and Dog contests.

What time are Bayside’s fireworks?

Bayside does not hold a fireworks display.

River Hills Fourth of July

When is River Hills’ 4th of July parade?

River Hills holds a neighborhood parade on the morning of July 4th. Specific start times may vary annually.

What 4th of July activities are planned in River Hills?

The community organizes various family-friendly activities following the parade.

What time are River Hills’ fireworks?

Fireworks light up the sky in the evening, usually commencing at dusk.

Fox Point Fourth of July

Kids’ bike parade is part of the Fox Point Fourth of July festivities

When is Fox Point’s 4th of July parade?

Fox Point’s festivities are a morning event organized by the Fox Point Foundation.  On July 4, look for the bike parade and community picnic at Longacre Pavilion.

 In 2025, the Foundation schedules bike decorating at 8:30 AM, followed by the parade at 9 AM. The short parade travels through the village and returns to the Longacre Pavilion (N41 W26547 Longacre Boulevard). 

At 9:45 AM the Foundation hosts an ice cream social at Longacre Park . After that, families relax with lawn games and informal gatherings.  (Note: Fox Point does not hold a fireworks display.)

Mequon/ Thiensville Fun Before The Fourth

The Milwaukee Flyers will be dazzling the crowd again this year at Fun Before the Fourth from 12:30 pm-1 pm.

Mequon/Thiensville’s Fun Before the Fourth is a Saturday before July 4 tradition at Thiensville Village Park. Festivities begin with a parade at 10:30 AM. The mile-long parade starts at Mequon’s Weyenberg Library on Main Street, winds through Thiensville, and ends at Village Park (Children get free ice cream at the park after the parade.) The rest of the day is packed with activities: live music and entertainment, water-ski shows on the river, and food & drinks from local vendors (including the Rotary’s famous corn roast and Foxtown Brewing).

Demonstrations and games are scattered throughout the park all afternoon. The celebration wraps up with fireworks at dusk. The 2025 Family Fun Before the Fourth is scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2025 (again at Thiensville Village Park).

Grafton Fourth of July

When is Grafton’s 4th of July parade?

Grafton hosts a community parade during the day on July 4th. Specific start times may vary annually.

What 4th of July activities are planned in Grafton?

The town offers a range of activities, including live entertainment, food stalls, and family-friendly events.

What time are Grafton’s fireworks?

The night ends with a fireworks spectacle at dusk.

Cedarburg Fourth of July

When is Cedarburg’s 4th of July parade?

Cedarburg's parade is a local tradition, typically beginning at 10:00 AM on July 4th.

What 4th of July activities are planned in Cedarburg?

Following the parade, an all-day picnic takes place in Cedar Creek Park, featuring live music and various family-friendly activities.

What time are Cedarburg’s fireworks?

Fireworks illuminate the night sky at dusk, set from Adlai Horn Park.

Whitefish Bay Fourth of July

Whitefish Bay’s 4th of July parade beings at 11:30 am

When is Whitefish Bay’s 4th of July parade?

The Fourth of July parade kicks off at 11:30 AM at the corner of Silver Spring Drive and Kent Avenue, heading east on Silver Spring Drive, and continuing north on Lake Drive to Klode Park.

What 4th of July activities are planned in Whitefish Bay?

From 1 PM to 8:00 PM at Klode Park, enjoy food and beverages, kids' games from 1 PM to 4 PM, and live music.

What time is Whitefish Bay’s fireworks?

The day concludes with a fireworks finale at 9:30 PM at Klode Park, according to wfbcivicfoundation.org.

Please note that specific times and details for parades and fireworks in some communities were not available at the time of this guide. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's recommended to visit the official websites or contact the local municipalities directly.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Fourth of July:

• Arrive Early: Popular events can draw large crowds; arriving early ensures good viewing spots.

• Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially if attending daytime events.

• Follow Local Guidelines: Adhere to any safety protocols or regulations in place.

Enjoy a memorable Independence Day celebration across Milwaukee's North Shore communities!

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