4th of July in Port Washington 2026: Parade & Fireworks

Photo: Visit Port Washington

America turns 250 this year, and Port Washington is celebrating with the kind of hometown Fourth of July that feels straight out of a summer postcard: a downtown parade, decorated kids’ bikes, patriotic programming, family games, live music, a beer garden, and fireworks over Lake Michigan.

If you’re looking for a classic lakefront Independence Day celebration in Ozaukee County, Port Washington is an easy pick. The celebration runs throughout the day on Saturday, July 4, 2026, with activities centered around downtown Port Washington, Van Ells-Schanen American Legion Post 82, and Veteran’s Memorial Park.

Related: See our full Ozaukee County Fourth of July guide for Cedarburg, Grafton, Saukville, Thiensville, Mequon and more.

Fourth of July 2026: Quick Details

When: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Where: Downtown Port Washington, American Legion Post 82 and Veteran’s Memorial Park
Address: American Legion Post 82, 435 N. Lake Street, Port Washington, WI 53074
Cost: Free admission
Fireworks: Around 9:30 p.m. / dusk over the lakefront
Best for: Families, parade lovers, lakefront fireworks, live music, patriotic small-town vibes

The celebration is part of Port Washington’s “250 Years of Freedom” Independence Day festivities, organized with support from Van Ells-Schanen American Legion Post 82 and local community partners.

Schedule of Festivities

10 a.m. — Fourth of July Parade Through Downtown Port Washington

The day kicks off with a patriotic parade through downtown Port Washington, including floats, community groups and the always-popular kids’ decorated bikes.

This is the kind of parade where you’ll want to arrive early, especially if you’re bringing little kids who want a front-row spot. Bring a folding chair, sunscreen and maybe a small bag for parade treats.

10:30 a.m. — “250 Years of Freedom” Program

After the parade, the community will gather for a patriotic program honoring 250 Years of Freedom. With the celebration led in part by American Legion Post 82, this is a meaningful stop for families who want the day to be more than just fireworks and food.

Late Morning + Afternoon — Family Games, Crafts and Activities

Families can stick around for kid-friendly games, crafts and activities throughout the day. The event also includes a costumed pet parade and judging, which should be a fun and very Port Washington-style addition to the celebration.

Note for pet owners: Port Washington’s standard park rules include pet restrictions in some areas, including Veteran’s Memorial Park, so follow the event’s posted instructions and organizer guidance for the pet parade.

11 a.m.–2 p.m. — Complimentary Food While Supplies Last

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., families can enjoy complimentary hot dogs, chips and ice cream while supplies last. This is a great reason to make it a full-day outing, but don’t wait too long if your kids are counting on the free treats.

11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. — Live Music at Veteran’s Park

Live music runs from late morning into the evening at Veteran’s Park. The official Port Washington event listing specifically mentions live music by Windy Hope, along with evening music, food and beverages.

Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and plan on settling in near the lakefront for the afternoon.

2–9:30 p.m. — Beer Garden at Veteran’s Park

The beer garden opens in the afternoon and runs into the evening, making Veteran’s Park a good home base if you’re staying for fireworks. Bring ID, and expect the lakefront area to get busier as the day goes on.

Around 9:30 p.m. — Fireworks Over Lake Michigan

Port Washington’s fireworks are one of the prettiest displays in the area because of the lakefront setting. The official listing says fireworks are at dusk, and local promotion lists the show at 9:30 p.m., so plan to be in place by 9 p.m.

Great viewing areas are typically along the lakefront, downtown harbor area and near Veteran’s Park. Bring layers, too — even on a hot July day, the lake breeze can cool things down quickly after sunset.

Tips for Families

Port Washington is very walkable, but the lakefront and downtown will be busy on the Fourth. Arrive early for parking, especially if you want to catch the 10 a.m. parade.

Bring chairs, sunscreen, water bottles, snacks for younger kids, and ear protection for anyone sensitive to fireworks. If you’re staying all day, it’s worth packing a small “lakefront evening” bag with sweatshirts or blankets.

You can also make a day of it by walking the harbor, visiting downtown shops, grabbing coffee or ice cream, or exploring the lakefront before the evening fireworks.

Make It a Bigger Fourth of July Weekend

Port Washington is one of several Ozaukee County communities celebrating the Fourth. If you’re comparing nearby options, check out our Ozaukee County Fourth of July 2026 guide, which includes Port Washington, Cedarburg, Grafton, Saukville, Mequon, Thiensville and more.

You can also browse our Milwaukee area Fourth of July guide for fireworks, parades and drone shows across southeast Wisconsin, or our Milwaukee North Shore Fourth of July guide for Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, Fox Point, Glendale, Bayside and nearby communities.

For all of our seasonal family guides, visit the full North Shore Family Adventures Holiday Guides.