Wauwatosa Independence Day Celebration

Bring your family to the Wauwatosa Independence Day Celebration. Family fun will continue before the fireworks at Hart Park. NEW LOCATION THIS YEAR IN 2026!

Wauwatosa Independence Day Celebration

Parade

The parade starts at approximately 9:00 am. Over 80 units will leave the staging area near Swan Blvd (92nd Street). The parade will go east on North Avenue, ending near 80th Street.

Road closures:

• N. Swan Blvd. will be closed between W. Meinecke Ave. and the Menomonee River Pkwy.
• Menomonee River Pkwy will also be closed between N. Swan Blvd. and Charles Hart Pkwy.
• W. North Ave will be closed between Menomonee River Pkwy. and Wauwatosa Ave.

Sensory Zone for Parade

Between the blocks of 80th to 81st Street on North Avenue, be on the lookout for our Sensory Zone for the parade. In this section, designated with signage, there will be minimized lights and sounds for individuals with disabilities and those who prefer a less stimulating environment.

This initiative is geared towards individuals who are sensitive to sensory overload, including those with autism, PTSD, or other conditions that make such environments challenging. Our Sensory Zone ensures everyone can join in and enjoy the festivities comfortably.

Handicapped Accessible Parking & Viewing Area for Parade

• Parking – At the Bell Tower Office Bldg. (9200 W. North Ave.)
• Viewing Area – Located at the corner of Swan Blvd. & North Ave.

Celebrate Independence Day with an afternoon of family fun and free entertainment at Hart Park’s Muellner Building. From 12:00–3:00pm, families can enjoy:

• Face Painting — colorful designs for kids of all ages
• Balloon Art — creative balloon twists and characters
• Caricature Artist — take home a fun keepsake drawing
• Free Ice Cream for everyone throughout the event

Bring the whole family for a relaxed, festive afternoon filled with activities, smiles, and sweet treats.

Wauwatosa Independence Day Celebration Events at WISCONSIN LUTHERANT COLLEGE in 2026

The Independence Day fireworks will take place at Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Krauss-Miller-Lutz Outdoor Athletic Complex this year (2026).
Address: 1401 Swan Blvd., Wauwatosa

Fireworks

7:00 pm: The stadium will open to the public. Best viewing is the stadium bleachers. Next best place to watch is the soccer field. Don’t forget to bring your own blanket and chairs if you choose the soccer field to view! There are also neighboring parking lots in which to view, just watch out for trees.

View this viewing map.

9:15 pm: Fireworks Spectacular: Fireworks will be held on July 4 at 9:15 pm.

*Help support the Independence Day & Memorial Day Observance Programs with the Wauwatosa Civic Celebration Commission. If you are interested in helping with these events or would like more information, please contact the: Wauwatosa Special Events Hotline at (414) 479-8988.

Fireworks Parking Information (in order of closest/best options)

1. Parking lot at the stadium. Enter off of Swan Blvd.
2. 1200 N Mayfair parking lot. This is a private business that agreed to have free parking for the community. This is approximately 0.4 miles from the stadium viewing area.
3. Park and Ride lot (10600 W Watertown Plank Rd). This is approximately 0.4 miles from the stadium viewing area.
4. Underwood Creek Parkway (parking on one side only, and only north of the freeway). This is approximately .4-.7 miles from the stadium viewing area.
5. 1233 N Mayfair parking lot. This is a private business that agreed to have free parking. It’s possible that you can use the Oak Leaf Trail to go under Mayfair Road instead of crossing at the intersection. However, the Oak Leaf Trail might be closed on this date. You could park in the lot and watch fireworks from the parking lot. Please continue to monitor trail closures. This is approximately .75 miles by way of Oak Leaf Trail to the stadium viewing area.
6. Vel R Phillips parking lot (10201 W Watertown Plank Rd). This is approximately .75 miles from the stadium viewing area.
7. Irgens parking lot (1425 Discovery Parkway). This is 1.25 miles from the stadium viewing area, by way of the walking path to Swan Blvd. to the stadium viewing area.

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

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