2026 Fourth of July Guide: Waukesha & Lake Country

Looking for the best places to celebrate the Fourth of July in Waukesha County and Lake Country? Whether you're searching for hometown parades, spectacular fireworks, lakefront celebrations, family festivals, boat parades, or patriotic traditions, you'll find something happening all weekend long as communities celebrate both Independence Day and America's 250th birthday.

Here's your guide to the biggest celebrations around Waukesha County and Lake Country.

Thursday, July 2

New Berlin Family Festival

The annual New Berlin Family Festival kicks off at Malone Park with carnival rides, food vendors, live entertainment, and family activities. The evening wraps up with the festival's popular drone show beginning around 9:30 p.m., offering a unique alternative to traditional fireworks.

Friday, July 3

City of Waukesha Fireworks Celebration

Lowell Park | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Waukesha once again celebrates on July 3 with:

• Food trucks

• Neighborhood Beer Garden

• Live music by 5 Card Studs

• Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

A special America250 flag dedication ceremony begins at 5:45 p.m. before the evening festivities.

Oconomowoc Independence Day Parade

The annual parade begins at 5:00 p.m., traveling from Lisbon Road and Lake Road to Fowler Park before the evening lake celebrations.

Menomonee Falls Independence Day Celebration

The evening parade steps off at 7:00 p.m. along Appleton Avenue before fireworks near Menomonee Falls High School around dusk.

Nagawicka Lake Boat Parade & Fireworks

One of Lake Country's favorite traditions!

Decorated boats gather near the north end of Lake Nagawicka before cruising around the lake during the patriotic boat parade. Fireworks follow after dark, weather permitting.

New Berlin Family Festival

Festival fun continues with carnival rides, entertainment, food vendors, and the popular Flashlight Candy Hunt for kids.

Saturday, July 4

Lake Country Freedom Run, Walk & Ruck

Start Independence Day with this family-friendly event featuring:

• 5K

• 10K

• Ruck division

• Finisher medals

• Event shirts

• Hot dog celebration at the finish

Town of Brookfield Parade & Community Picnic

Parade begins at 9:00 a.m. before continuing to Marx Park for a community picnic and family activities.

Sussex Independence Day

• Parade at 9:15 a.m.

• Evening entertainment

• Fireworks around 9:20 p.m. at Sussex Village Park.

City of Brookfield Parade

Beginning at 10:00 a.m., the annual parade winds through Brookfield before concluding with a community ice cream social and flag ceremony.

Brookfield Family Fest

Mitchell Park hosts evening festivities featuring music, food vendors, family fun, and fireworks beginning around 9:15 p.m.

Delafield Fourth of July Parade

The Delafield American Legion hosts its traditional community parade beginning at 10:00 a.m. through downtown.

Waukesha America250 Parade

Downtown Waukesha celebrates America's 250th birthday with one of southeastern Wisconsin's largest Independence Day parades beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Families will also enjoy the Children's Bike Unit, allowing kids to decorate bikes, wagons, and strollers and join the celebration.

Elm Grove Family Fun Fest

A full day of patriotic fun includes:

• Bike decorating

• Games

• Baking contest

• Family entertainment

• Fireworks around 9:35 p.m.

New Berlin Family Festival

The celebration reaches its biggest day with:

• Mini Parade

• Main Parade

• Carnival

• Live music

• Food

• Fireworks around 10:00 p.m.

Stone Bank Fourth of July Celebration

Enjoy a classic small-town celebration with the annual parade beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by festivities in the park.

Butler Fourth of July

The parade begins at 2:00 p.m. before family activities, glow-stick fun, and fireworks at Frontier Park later that evening.

Pewaukee Fourth of July Celebration

Pewaukee offers one of Wisconsin's biggest Independence Day celebrations featuring:

• Parade at 3:00 p.m.

• Duck Race

• Pewaukee Lake Water Ski Show

• Live music

• Fireworks over Pewaukee Lake after dark

It's an unforgettable way to spend Independence Day on the lake.

Hales Corners Independence Day

The festivities include:

• Parade

• Family activities

• Community festival

• Fireworks at Hales Corners Park around 9:30 p.m.

Oconomowoc Lake Fireworks

One of Wisconsin's most scenic fireworks displays lights up Fowler Lake and Lac La Belle around 9:00 p.m. after an evening boat parade.

Okauchee Lake Fireworks

Boaters and spectators gather around the lake for the annual fireworks display over Okauchee Lake around 9:00–9:15 p.m.

Sunday, July 5

America250 History Celebration

Mukwonago Red Brick Museum

Continue celebrating America's 250th birthday with local history exhibits, historical displays, and family-friendly programming highlighting Wisconsin's past.

Thursday, July 9

Moonlit Movies: The Wild Robot

Fowler Park — Oconomowoc

Bring blankets and lawn chairs for:

• Family activities

• Waterski show

• Snacks

• Free outdoor movie at dusk

Saturday, July 11

Stars, Stripes & Splash Pool Party

Buchner Community Pool — Waukesha

Celebrate America's birthday with patriotic games, music, swimming, and family fun.

You can also browse all of our Fourth of July guides here:

https://northshorefamilyadventures.com/category/fourth-of-july/

Happy Fourth of July, and have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend! 🇺🇸