The Milwaukee Lakefront fireworks are NOT coming back in 2024. Other parks within Milwaukee County will have fireworks. They are not happening due to lack of sponsorship and cost.

 The Milwaukee County Parks Department regrets to announce that, due to a lack of sponsorship, the traditional July 3rd Fireworks at the lakefront will not be held this year. While we understand the cherished tradition this event holds for many in our community, we are committed to providing alternative celebrations to ensure a memorable Independence Day experience for all.

Milwaukee County Parks takes great pride in hosting fourteen July Fourth fireworks celebrations in parks throughout the county, offering diverse opportunities for families and friends to come together and celebrate. We invite the public to join us at one of our many other celebrations.

July Fourth fireworks shows and celebrations in Milwaukee County include:

• Hales Corners: Hales Corners Park
• Cudahy: Sheridan Park
• Glendale: Kletzsch Park
• South Milwaukee: Grant Park
• City of Milwaukee:
  • Alcott Park
  • Wilson Park
  • Mitchell Park
  • Washington Park
  • Noyes Park
  • Lincoln Park
  • Jackson Park
  • Humboldt Park
  • Gordon Park
  • Lake Park
  • King Park (No fireworks – celebration only)

“We recognize the disappointment that this news may bring,” said Milwaukee County Parks Director, Guy Smith. “However, our commitment to providing vibrant and accessible recreational spaces remains unwavering. We are grateful for the years of generous support from sponsors that have allowed us to create lasting memories, and we express our gratitude to the community for their continued understanding and support.”

Milwaukee County Parks remains dedicated to fiscal responsibility, prioritizing the utilization of our funds to address the significant maintenance backlog and reinvest in our parks. By allocating resources wisely, we aim to preserve the natural beauty of our parks for generations to come.

While we are unable to host the July 3rd fireworks display in 2024, which costs approximately $350,000 for the fireworks alone, this decision also helps us avoid an additional $20,000 in average costs for additional staff labor hours, overtime, dumpsters, fencing, and portable toilets. This allows us to spread out staffing, resources, and focus on other events happening throughout Milwaukee County. This approach ensures that we can provide amenities and recreational spaces to the public 365 days a year.

Despite the disappointment, we believe this opportunity better aligns with our mission to maintain welcoming spaces for everyone to gather and enjoy the outdoors. We will continue to support our neighborhood 4th of July celebrations. As a non-mandated service, our primary goal is to ensure that our parks remain vibrant and accessible year-round, and hosting events like the July 3rd fireworks display would limit our ability to fulfill this commitment. We will continue our hard work to ensure that folks from all over can enjoy all that Milwaukee County Parks have to offer.

Find Free Summer Fun HERE.

Find 77 Things to do this Summer HERE.

Find more 4th of July festivities, fireworks, and parades in our 4TH OF JULY GUIDE!