
Attending Green Bay’s annual Fire Over the Fox is just one way to see spectacular Fourth of July fireworks. (Donald Joski/Shutterstock)
To help kick off the Fourth of July festivities across Wisconsin, we’ve compiled a list of 13 of the best fireworks shows to check out this year.
There’s nothing quite like the Fourth of July in Wisconsin. From community parades to backyard BBQs, the day brings neighbors, family, and friends together like no other. And then, of course, there are the fireworks. No Independence Day celebration would be complete without them. To help kick off the festivities, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best fireworks displays and festivals across the state.
Northeastern Wisconsin
Fire Over the Fox – Green Bay
Green Bay’s annual Fire Over the Fox 4th of July celebration starts at 3 p.m. and features a range of fun activities, live music, and food and drinks. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. and is viewable from the Ray Nitschke Bridge, City Deck, Leicht Memorial Park, and Neville Public Museum grounds.
Independence Day Weekend – Kohler
This year, Kohler is hosting a weekend-long celebration featuring a range of events and activities from July 4 to July 6. Highlights include an outdoor movie night at the American Club, live music, and, of course, fireworks. The fireworks show will take place on July 5 at 9:15 p.m.
Light Up the Lake – Green Lake
Green Lake’s Light Up the Lake 4th of July Celebration starts at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast followed by tons of other activities and events, including two parades (a patriotic boat parade and a downtown community parade), live entertainment, duck races, and more. Fireworks start at dusk and can be viewed from Deacon Mills Park, Hattie Sherwood Park, and Sunset Park.
Northern Wisconsin
A One-of-a-Kind Island Celebration – Madeline Island
For those looking to escape the mainland, Madeline Island hosts a yearly 4th of July celebration. The day starts with a parade at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Celebration on the Green with speakers and live music. The fireworks show starts at 9:45 p.m.
It is important to note that the ferry does not run later hours for the event. The last scheduled trip to Bayfield is at 10:30 p.m. That being said, there is another fireworks show in Bayfield starting at 9:30 p.m., which is a great option for those who don’t have accommodations lined up on Madeline Island and are worried about catching the ferry on time.
Riverfront Rendezvous – Stevens Point
Stevens Point’s Riverfront Rendezvous Festival is a multi-day celebration starting on July 3 and ending on July 5. It features live entertainment, carnival rides, a parade, tournaments, and much more. The fireworks show will take place on July 5, beginning at dusk.
Fireworks over Lake Minocqua – Minocqua
The Independence Day festivities kick off in Minocqua with a parade at 4 p.m., followed by a waterski show performed by the Min-Aqua Bats Water Ski Club at 7 p.m. The fireworks show begins at dusk and can be seen from multiple viewing locations.
Southeastern Wisconsin
Celebrate America – Kenosha
Start your Independence Day festivities with a trip to the Rainbow Valley Rides Carnival. The carnival will be set up in the parking lot of the Southport Marina and takes place from July 3 through July 5. Unlimited rides will be offered on Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m. for $25 per person. The Celebrate America Fireworks show will take place on the 4th starting at 9:30 p.m. Music, entertainment, food, and beverages will be available leading up to the display.
Fireworks, Drones, and More – Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s Fourth of July festivities last multiple days. For those looking to head to the lake, there will be a 45-minute drone show over the lakefront on July 3 starting at 9:15 p.m. A synchronized soundtrack to accompany the show will be available for download by attendees.
On July 4th, Milwaukee County will host a variety of fireworks shows across the city, starting at 9:15 p.m. Show locations include Alcott Park, Gordon Park, Humboldt Park, Jackson Park, Lake Park, Lincoln Park, Mitchell Park, Noyes Park, Washington Park, and Wilson Park. Get there early for parades, games, picnics, and more.
Multiple suburbs and neighborhoods will also be hosting their own festivals and fireworks shows. For more information, check out this page from Visit Milwaukee.
4th of July Hometown Celebration – Cedarburg
Festivities in Cedarburg take place throughout its iconic historic district. The day starts with a parade at 10 a.m., followed by a picnic with plenty of food, drinks, and live music. The fireworks show begins around 9:30 that evening.
Southern Wisconsin
Monona Community Festival – Monona
A suburb of Madison, Monona hosts one of the largest Fourth of July festivals in southern Wisconsin. The Monona Community Festival takes place over two days and includes a plethora of events and activities, including live music, an art fair, a car show, and a cornhole tournament, to name a few. Fourth of July fireworks will light up the sky starting at 9:20 p.m. on the final day of the event.
Community Fireworks Extravaganza – Wisconsin Dells
It’s no surprise that the Water Park Capital of the World has its own fun Fourth of July festivities planned. The celebration begins downtown at 2 p.m. with live music, concessions, and games. The event concludes with Fourth of July fireworks at dusk.
Western Wisconsin
Riverfest – La Crosse
Riverfest in La Crosse is a four-day celebration starting on July 2. Eventgoers can expect a full schedule of activities and events each day, including live performances, a singing competition (known as Riverfest Idol), a craft fair, a car show, and so much more. Fireworks will take place at 9:40 p.m. on the fourth.
A Fireworks Spectacular – Eau Claire
For folks living in the Chippewa Valley, Eau Claire’s annual fireworks show is a highly anticipated and cherished event each Independence Day. The fireworks can be viewed from several locations, including Phoenix Park, Carson Park, and Half Moon Beach. The show begins at 10:05 p.m. on the fourth. Viewers can tune in to WAXX 104.5, Greatest Hits 98.1, and Today’s Variety I-94 for an accompanying fireworks soundtrack.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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