Milwaukee and Waukesha County are full of festive fun to celebrate Independence Day. Whether you’re planning a weekend packed with parades or looking for the perfect fireworks spot, The Ingleside Hotel offers a convenient and comfortable home base for all your 4th of July adventures.
 

For even more Independence Day events and festivities throughout the area, be sure to check out Lake Country Family Fun’s comprehensive 4th of July event guide.

Parades

Brookfield Independence Day Parade
•    📍 Calhoun Road (Gebhardt to North Ave)
•    🕘 10:00 AM | Saturday, July 4
Kick off your 4th of July with a festive community tradition featuring floats, bands, and civic pride.

Waukesha 4th of July Parade
•    📍 Downtown Waukesha
•    🕚 11:00 AM | Saturday, July 4
Enjoy a classic parade with patriotic flair, including marching bands, decorated bikes, and local organizations.

New Berlin 4th of July Parade
•    📍 Starts at National Ave & Coffee Rd to Malone Park
•    🕐 1:00 PM | Saturday, July 4
Part of New Berlin’s multi-day festival, this family-friendly parade is packed with hometown spirit.

Pewaukee 4th of July Parade
•    📍 From Pewaukee Schools to Village Park
•    🕒 3:00 PM | Saturday, July 4
A charming local parade just minutes from The Ingleside Hotel. Don’t miss the concessions and activities at the lakefront afterward.

Delafield 4th of July Parade
•    📍 Downtown Delafield (Main Street)
•    🕙 10:00 AM | Saturday, July 4
Celebrate a second day of patriotic pride with this scenic and festive parade through downtown Delafield.

Fireworks & Drone Shows

Wauwatosa Drone Show at Hart Park
•    📍 Fireworks launched from Wisconsin Lutheran College's baseball diamond
•    🕥 ~9:15 PM | Saturday, July 4
A stunning high-tech display kicks off the week’s celebrations early. Bring chairs and enjoy the modern spectacle.

Milwaukee Lakefront Drone Show
•    📍 McKinley Beach & McKinley Park
•    🕥 9:30 PM | Friday, July 3
Milwaukee continues its modern twist on Independence Day with a 45-minute drone show enhanced with pyrotechnic effects, creating a high-tech alternative to traditional fireworks.

Waukesha Fireworks
•    📍 Lowell Park
•    🕤 Festivities: 6:00 PM | Fireworks: 9:30 PM | Friday, July 3
Fireworks take place on July 3, featuring live music, food trucks, and a neighborhood beer garden before the show.

Pewaukee Lake Water Ski Show
•    📍 Lakefront Park
•    🕠 Ski Show: ~6:00 PM, July 4
Watch the Pewaukee Gators perform thrilling stunts and tricks on the water before the fireworks begin.

Pewaukee Fireworks
•    📍 Pewaukee Beach & Lakefront Park
•    🕤 Dusk (~9:15 PM) | Saturday, July 4
Live music, food vendors, and a festive atmosphere lead into a fantastic fireworks finale.

New Berlin Fireworks
•    📍 Malone Park
•    🕤 ~10:00 PM | Saturday, July 4
Cap off the day with fireworks after a full schedule of rides, games, and entertainment.
 

Lake Nagawicka Fireworks 
•    📍 St. John's Northwestern Academies
•    🕤 Dusk (~9:00 PM) | Friday, July 3
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Nagawicka, this dazzling display is the perfect way to start your Independence Day weekend. 

Lac La Belle Fireworks
•    📍 View from lakeshore or boat
•    🕤 Dusk (~9:30 PM) | Saturday, July 4
Settle in on the shoreline or head out by boat for one of the area's most scenic fireworks experiences.

Upper Nemahbin Fireworks
•    📍 Upper Nemahbin Lake (view by shore or boat)
•    🕤 Dusk (~9:00 PM) | Saturday, July 11
A local favorite for lake residents and visitors seeking a laid-back way to end the weekend.

Stay Close to the Action
Staying at The Ingleside Hotel means you’re never far from the fun. Whether you're heading out for a parade, relaxing by the lake, or watching fireworks light up the sky, we make it easy to enjoy the best of Waukesha County and Milwaukee’s western suburbs.
With family-friendly amenities, on-site dining, and Springs Water Park just steps away, our hotel is the ideal place to relax between holiday happenings.