4 Fourth of July Festivals Outside of Milwaukee

Milwaukee is one the best places to celebrate Independence Day. From the Fireworks Kite Festival to the annual parade, Milwaukee is a great place to take in the holiday. Still, everyone needs a change of pace now and again. If you’re looking to get out of the city to try something a little different for the 4th of July, the surrounding area has some pretty great offerings, too. Here’s what you can expect at the annual Independence Day celebrations in Waukesha, Kenosha, Wauwatosa, and Racine.

Waukesha 4th of July Festivities

First up for 4th of July fun in Waukesha is the parade at 11:00 am. If you have children who have always wanted to be in a parade, they can actually participate. Children can dress up in patriotic costumes and even bring decorated wagons or bicycles with them. If you plan on taking part in the parade itself, just be sure to arrive at Cutler Park by 10:00 am. All children who participate will be given free ice cream at the end of the parade! Of course, if your little ones prefer to spectate and collect candy, simply lining the parade route will be plenty of fun, too. And you can still get them that ice cream, although it won’t be free. Divino Gelato Cafe is less than half a mile away from Cutler Park.

You’ll then have the afternoon to spend in Waukesha, where you can take in one or more of their many parks, including some with swimming beaches! Finally, at 9:30 pm, the Fireworks Salute will take place at the Waukesha County Expo Center. Bring blankets and chairs, but leave any pets and alcohol at home.

Fun in Kenosha on the 4th of July

Kenosha offers a full day of activities on the 4th of July that they affectionately refer to as their Backyard Blast. Starting at 11:00 am on the 4th, the day will include family-friendly activities, food and alcohol vendors, and live music at 6:30 pm. Fireworks will get started around 9:30 pm. If you want to have all your fun in one place, Kenosha is where to be this Independence Day.

Wauwatosa on the 4th (and 5th) of July

Wauwatosa, WI does things a little bit differently. Their fireworks show takes place on the 4th of July this year, but their famous parade — it’s one of the biggest in the state of Wisconsin — is slated to take place on the 5th of July at 9 am.

So if you have Monday the 5th off and you’d like to come to Wauwatosa, here’s what we recommend: Book a hotel room for Sunday night. Take in the fireworks. Order room service for breakfast and head to the parade for a good spot by around 8:15 am.

Independence Day in Racine

Racine’s 4th Fest has a little something for everyone. Fireworks; a house decorating competition; and a parade that includes a real, very colorful, and nostalgic calliope that’s mounted onto the wooden frame of a 1920s automobile and is powered by a steam engine. Its songs signal the parade is coming, with the end of the parade marked by the fading of its notes as it finishes its route. For a truly one-of-a-kind parade experience, Racine’s parade is hard to beat.

Head out of the city if you’re looking for a different experience this 4th of July. Between Racine, Wauwatosa, Kenosha, and Waukesha, something’s bound to be exactly what you’re looking for.

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4 Fourth of July Festivals to Try if You Want to Celebrate Outside of Milwaukee

Waukesha 4th of July Festivities

Fun in Kenosha on the 4th of July

Wauwatosa on the 4th (and 5th) of July

Independence Day in Racine