What to know about the 2023 Milwaukee lakefront fireworks

Drew Dawson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Updated ·4 min read

There are many fireworks displays in the Milwaukee area every Fourth of July weekend, but none is bigger than the July 3 show at Veterans Park.

The event draws thousands of people who camp out all day to witness the 30-minute fireworks show.

If you plan on attending the event, here are some things you should know.

What day are the fireworks?

Monday, July 3.

When do the fireworks start?

9:30 p.m.

Where can you view the lakefront fireworks in Milwaukee?

There are many places to view the fireworks. The biggest crowds set up in Veterans Park and Juneau Park by the Milwaukee Art Museum.

However, fireworks can be viewed from many places including Bradford Beach, Lakeshore State Park, parts of Bay View like South Shore Park and Russell Avenue Fishing Pier, Harbor View Plaza at the foot of Greenfield Avenue on the Kinnickinnic River, and the tops of Northpoint and Lafayette hills on the East Side.

Does it get crowded?

Yes. Emphatically, yes! People come early to reserve spots, set up tents and even bring a trailer filled with their living room furniture. It's a big deal, so the best advice every year is to get there early.

People watch the Milwaukee lakefront fireworks display from the patio of the Milwaukee War Memorial Center on Sunday, July 3, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wis.
People watch the Milwaukee lakefront fireworks display from the patio of the Milwaukee War Memorial Center on Sunday, July 3, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wis.

What is the parking situation?

There is no overnight parking either the night before or after the fireworks. Parking will open at 6 a.m. with lots open along Lincoln Memorial Drive. It's important to note that once you park in these lots, your vehicle will not be allowed to leave until after the fireworks conclude.

You do have to pay to use these lots. It is cash only. The parking fees for the lots in 2023 are:

  • Car: $25

  • Car with trailer: $50

  • RV: $75

  • RV with trailer: $100

Are there bus stops near the fireworks?

Yes. Here are the lines that Milwaukee County Transit System recommends:

  • CONNECT 1 BRT line: A nine-mile route that starts at Wauwatosa's Watertown Plank Road Park and Ride and can take you to the Wisconsin Avenue and Van Buren Street, a few blocks from Veterans Park. This bus route has free fares at the moment. The route's hours for the day are approximately 4:35 a.m. to 1:39 a.m.

  • GreenLine: Dropping off on Brady Street or on the Ogden Avenue intersections with Farwell and Prospect avenues, this route stops at places like Bayshore Mall, UW-Milwaukee, Walker's Point, Humboldt Park and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. Regular fares are in place for the Green Line. Hours of operation will be approximately 3 a.m. to 2 a.m.

  • Route 14: This route drops off at the intersection of Humboldt and Ogden avenues, a couple blocks from Veterans Park. There are stops at Bayshore Mall, in Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, Riverwest and the Lower East Side. Regular fares are in place for this route. The hours of operation are approximately 4:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.

  • Route 30: The closest stops to the fireworks are Brady Street and at the Ogden Avenue intersections with Prospect and Farwell avenues. This route stops on Sherman Boulevard south of Mill Road, in the Washington Park area, UW-Milwaukee and downtown. Regular fares are in place for this route. The hours of operation are 4 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Fares are $2 for riders ages 12 and up and $1 for youth 11 and under, seniors 65 and over, and people with qualifying disabilities. Fares are currently free on the CONNECT 1 BRT line.

Can I camp out the night before to save a spot?

No. Milwaukee County Parks states that the park is closed at 10 p.m. each night.

Is there food and beer for sale at the park?

Yes. There will be food and beer stands located throughout the park. They will open at 9 a.m. and be open until the start of the fireworks.

What if I can't make the July 3 fireworks?

Never fear. There are dozens of fireworks displays taking place July 4 weekend. Here's a complete list of shows in the Milwaukee area.

More: A supermoon will be visible the same night as Milwaukee's 2023 lakefront fireworks

More: Which fireworks are legal in Milwaukee, and who can buy them?

Drew Dawson can be reached at ddawson@jrn.com or 262-289-1324.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about the July 4th 2023 Milwaukee lakefront fireworks