Fourth of July 2025 Guide: Shorewood, Wisconsin

Fireworks at Atwater Park in Shorewood, Wisconsin

Get ready for a fun-filled Independence Day in Shorewood! This guide covers everything from the village’s full event schedule to local dining options, family activities, historical traditions, fireworks viewing spots, and even nearby celebrations in Whitefish Bay and Milwaukee. Enjoy a warm community atmosphere and make the most of July 4, 2025 in and around Shorewood.

Shorewood offers an all-day lineup of public festivities on July 4th, so plan ahead to catch every highlight.

12:30–2:00 PM – Free Community Swim
Cool off at the Shorewood High School VHE Pool with a free all-ages swim session. This midday swim is a great way for families to have fun and beat the heat before afternoon events.

1:30 PM – Kids’ Decoration Station
Head to the Kensington Liquor parking lot, where Little Sprouts Play Café is sponsoring a bike/wagon decorating station. Children can adorn their bikes, trikes, and wagons in red-white-and-blue style – prizes are often awarded for the most creative designs. It’s a festive kick-off for kids who want to ride in the parade or just show off their patriotic flair.

3:00 PM – Independence Day Parade

The parade runs south along Oakland Avenue (starting around E. Kensington Blvd) and winds through Shorewood’s main corridor. Find a spot early along Oakland – families line the route with chairs and blankets to catch candy and see the marching bands, floats, and community groups go by. The Parade Grand Marshal, a honored local volunteer, will lead the way in a classic car. This year’s route heads toward the River Park area on the village’s north end. (In recent years, the village adjusted the parade route for safety, ending near Atwater School instead of crossing Capitol Drive, but the traditional spirit remains the same.

The Shorewood Foundation has named longtime resident and tireless volunteer Beverly Scott as the 2025 Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshal, honoring her decades of service—from working the polls and supporting the library to leading youth scouting, Habitat for Humanity builds, and faith-based outreach—while raising seven children (and a grandson) and championing nearly every Shorewood event, including the parade and fireworks.

The village adopted a modified route ending at Atwater Elementary 

~4:00 PM – Post-Parade Ice Cream & Music
When the parade concludes (around 4 PM), stick around at the finish area for a free ice cream social and live music. It’s a beloved Shorewood tradition for families to gather after the parade and enjoy complimentary ice cream at Spector Field (in River Park) accompanied by local musical performers.

5:30–9:00 PM – Atwater Park Festival
By 5:30, Atwater Park on the lakefront becomes a bustling festival ground.A variety of food trucks and beverage tents will be on site, offering everything from burgers and tacos to kettle corn and lemonade. There are also family-friendly games and activities – the park’s playground and open lawn will keep kids happily occupied while parents sample local treats. This community picnic-like atmosphere is a highlight of Shorewood’s celebration, bringing everyone together by the lake.

7:00 PM – Flag Ceremony
Around 7 PM, pause for a patriotic flag ceremony at Atwater Park. Shorewood’s community leaders will introduce this year’s Parade Grand Marshal and lead a tribute to our nation. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the show – the live music has become a fun annual tradition that appeals to all ages.

9:00 PM – Fireworks over Lake Michigan
At dusk (approximately 9:00–9:30 PM), the Shorewood Foundation’s fireworks display lights up the sky over Lake Michigan. Watch from Atwater Park’s grassy bluff or the beach below as brilliant fireworks burst over the lake, their colors reflecting on the water. It’s a dazzling finale to Shorewood’s festivities. Arrive early to claim a good viewing spot – many families bring blankets and find a cozy place on the bluff or along the lakefront railing for the best views.

Note: All these events are free and open to the public. They are organized by the Village and the Shorewood Foundation (with support from local sponsors) to ensure a memorable community celebration. In case of inclement weather, check the Village of Shorewood or Shorewood Foundation websites for any schedule changes or rain dates.

Note: Village Seeking Volunteers for July 4 Festivities!

The village needs help with getting everyone lined up and in their proper spots, and then walk in the parade carrying banners and keeping everyone on track. They are also looking for cool cars, convertibles, jeeps, trucks and motorcycles that want to show off their stuff! You might even be able to carry a VIP or just ride along with others. Interested parties should reach out to Sarah via email at events@shorewoodwi.gov. 

Fourth of July in the North Shore

Looking for more Fourth of July festivities in the area? See our full 2025 Guide to Fourth of July in Milwaukee’s North Shore.