From days-long musical celebrations to waterfront spectaculars, Wisconsin puts its own Midwest spin on Independence Day.
June 29 to July 4: Bean & Bacon Days
Augusta
Bush Brothers and Co., known for its Bush’s Best canned beans, sponsors this annual festival, which is celebrating its 47th anniversary this year, so don’t be surprised to see bean wrestling and the crowing of Mr. Bean and Miss Beanette. But there’s so much more to do throughout the town during Bean & Bacon Days, including a book and craft sale, custom car show, a demolition derby, stagecoach rides, horse pulls and a petting zoo. Test your skills at darts, bean bag toss or volleyball, or enjoy live music each night. A pie and ice cream social at 11 a.m. on Sunday is followed by the Lion’s Grand Parade. And there will be fireworks on Saturday night at Lion’s Field and Tuesday night at Lake Eau Claire.
Cost: Free.
For more information: beanandbacondays.info.
June 30 to July 2: Riverfront Rendezvous Festival
Stevens Point
The annual three-day community festival returns for the 39th year to Pfiffner Pioneer Park. Dozens of food trucks and tents will keep you fueled for fun activities all weekend long this Fourth of July in Wisconsin, including pickleball, horseshoe, cornhole and fishing tournaments; kids’ games and inflatables; and a marketplace in the park. Live music performances begin Friday night and continue through Sunday. Headliners are Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on Friday, The Hype on Saturday, and Adam Greuel and the Space Burritos on Sunday. The weekend culminates on Sunday with fireworks on the river at dusk.
Cost: Free.
For more information: stevenspoint.com.
June 30 to July 4: Riverfest
La Crosse
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, this family festival offers “something for everyone.” A full schedule of events begins at 7 a.m. on June 30 and runs until late in the evening on July 5 in Riverside Park. There will be kid-friendly games, axe throwing, wrestling, car shows, magic shows, water-skiing performances and much more throughout the five-day celebration. Musical performances include the Army National Guard band and 38 Special, and the entire event kicks off and ends with fireworks on the first and last days.
Cost: $10 advance; $15 day-of.
For tickets and more information: riverfestlacrosse.com
July 1: Lights the Isthmus
This one-of-a-kind family-friendly celebration returns for a third year to historic Breese Stevens Field. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a night on the field as you listen to a lineup of musical acts that begin when the gates open at 6 p.m. Food and beverages will be available. A 20-minute fireworks show will launch from behind the music stage inside the stadium.
Cost: $12 for adults; free for children younger than 12.
Tickets: breesestevensfield.com.
July 1 to July 3: East Troy Music Festival
East Troy
Ring in our nation’s birthday at this three-day carnival and entertainment extravaganza at the Rossmiller Sports Complex and Skate Park. Dozens of rides, live music on three stages, a dart tournament, plenty of food and the largest beer tent in the area are highlights. On Sunday, guests will enjoy a parade at noon and fireworks at dusk.
Cost: $20 advance/$25 day-of for single-day wristband; $50/$60 for unlimited access.
Tickets: easttroylions.org/music-festival.
July 3: Fireworks Kite Festival
Milwaukee
The skies above Veterans Park will be filled with giant kites during this all-day activity that starts at 11 a.m. Folks will be on-hand to teach you how to fly one of these eye-popping kites; bring your own kite or buy one at the gift store. Food vendors and local breweries will be on-site throughout the day. At dusk, head to the lakefront for a 30-minute fireworks display.
Cost: Free; $25 parking.
For more information: county.milwaukee.gov.
July 3 and July 4: Freedom Fest
Sheboygan
Join in the festivities along the riverfront for the viewing of one of holiday’s most unique traditions: the Venetian Boat Parade. Decked out in colorful and patriotic lights, the boats illuminate the waters starting at 9:30 p.m. Then, July 4 begins with the 2- and 5-mile Freedom Run, followed by the Independence Day Parade. A full day of activities in Fountain and Deland parks includes live music, foods, a brat fry and more. And celebration concludes with a fireworks festival at 9:30 p.m. near South Pier.
Cost: Free.
For more information: visitsheboygan.com.
July 3 and July 4: Independence Day Celebration
Egg Harbor
For small town charm and picture-perfect Americana, head to this artsy haven on the shores of Lake Michigan this Fourth of July in Wisconsin. Businesses and restaurants will be open for out-of-town visitors who flock here to see the July 3 fireworks and Independence Day Parade, both of which were voted the best in Door County. The parade starts at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Live music, food and refreshments add to the fun.
Cost: Free.
For more information: eggharbordoorcounty.org.
July 4: Fire Over the Fox
Green Bay
The riverfront is the place to be on Independence Day as northeastern Wisconsin’s largest event kicks off at 3 p.m. with fun and activities for the entire family. Six stages showcasing live music and entertainment, food trucks, bounce houses, vendors and more will bring the celebrations to Leicht Park, the Neville Museum parking lot, the Main Street Bridge and City Deck. The day ends with a patriotic fireworks display set to music beginning at 9:45 p.m. Reserved VIP seating is available for purchase.
Cost: General admission is free; VIP tickets are $15.
For more information: downtowngreenbay.com.
July 4: Fireworks and Family Fun
Wisconsin Dells
Get ready to ooh and aah at this downtown community fireworks extravaganza this Fourth of July in Wisconsin. Come early for live entertainment that begins at 4 p.m. and sample foods from local vendors. Kids ages 4 to 12 can test their leg power in the pedal tractor pull contest. And everyone will enjoy corn hole, face painting, balloon twisters and more. Fireworks begin at dusk.
Cost: Free.
For more information: wisdells.com.
July 4: 4th of July Fun Paddle Race
Oconomowoc
Don your favorite patriotic swimsuit or Uncle Sam costume and head to Breens Bay in Lower Nemahbin Lake, where, at 2 p.m., you can paddle your way around the islands and into Upper Nemahbin Lake. A gathering with food and drinks will follow. Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and other small paddle watercraft are welcome, and participants will receive a free T-shirt.
Cost: Free.
For more information: lowernemahbin.com.
July 4: Independence Day Parade, Picnic in the Park and Water Ski Show
Conover
Wholesome family fun takes center stage in the tiny town of Conover, near the Michigan border, this Fourth of July in Wisconsin. The festivities begin at 1 p.m. with a holiday parade on Town Road, followed by an afternoon of picnicking in Conover Town Park. Food, refreshments, music, kid’s games and a dunk tank will be at the park. Then head to Lake Pleasant for a performance of barefoot tricks, jumps, flips, stunts and human pyramids by the Chain Skimmers water ski team.
Cost: Free.
For more information: conover.org.
July 4: 4th Fest
Racine
The Midwest’s largest Fourth of July parade steps off at 9 a.m. and travels 2.6 miles along Main Street. You’ll see marching bands, horses, antique cars, living replicas of national monuments, jugglers, service men and women, and more. Afterwards, head to North Beach for a day of fun on Lake Michigan — and to stake out your spot to watch the city’s spectacular fireworks that start at dusk.
Cost: Free.
For more information: racine4thfest.org.