🎆 Fourth of July Fun in the North Shore 🎇
The Fourth of July is almost here, and the North Shore is ready to celebrate! Whether you’re looking for parades, fireworks, live music, or family-friendly fun, our communities have something special planned. Here’s your guide to where to go and what to do this Independence Day—right here in the North Shore!
📍 Whitefish Bay’s 4th of July Parade & Fireworks at Klode Park
🕛 Parade
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11:30 AM – Parade begins at Kent & Silver Spring Drive
A classic hometown parade featuring marching bands, community groups, vintage cars, and lots of candy for the kids. Stake out your spot early—it’s one of the North Shore’s most beloved traditions.
📌 Location
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Parade Route: Kent & Silver Spring to Lake Drive
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Festivities at Klode Park: 5900 N. Lake Drive, right on Lake Michigan.
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After the parade, head to Klode Park for a fun afternoon of live music, games, and an array of local food vendors. It’s a prime location to spend the day lakeside.
🎆 Fireworks
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Dusk (~9:15 PM) – Fireworks over Lake Michigan. Bring your blankets and chairs for an unforgettable view!
🎶 Tips
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Street parking is available but fills up quickly—walk or bike if possible.
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Consider bringing cash for vendors.
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Keep an eye on local updates for weather-related changes.
📍 Shorewood’s 4th of July Celebration at Atwater Park
🕒 Parade
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3:00 PM – Parade begins on Oakland Ave and ends at Atwater Park
Enjoy floats, fire trucks, musicians, and smiling faces in this community-friendly procession.
📌 Location
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Parade Route: Oakland Ave → Atwater Park (4000 N. Lake Dr)
🎶 Entertainment at Atwater Park
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Post-parade fun continues with live music, beachside hangs, and food trucks offering sweet and savory options.
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Dusk (~9:00 PM): Fireworks launch from Atwater Beach, with a spectacular view over Lake Michigan.
🌊 Insider Tip
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Get there early to grab a good spot on the bluff or beach.
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Bring a flashlight or headlamp for walking back safely after the fireworks.
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Pack a blanket or beach towel and enjoy a lakeside picnic!
📍 Glendale’s 4th of July Extravaganza at Kletzsch Park
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10:00 AM – Children’s Parade: Decorate bikes, strollers, or wagons. Participating kids get goody bags!
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10:30 AM – Main Parade: Full parade with community groups, floats, performers, and city officials.
📌 Location
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Kletzsch Park (6560 N. Milwaukee River Parkway)
Features a playground, disc golf, river views, and open green space.
⏰ Afternoon Festivities
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4:30–9:00 PM – Food Truck Festival: Including Chick‑Fil‑A, Hot Box Pizza, Xavier Crepes, Paul’s BBQ, and more.
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4:30 PM – Family Activities: Bounce houses, dunk tank, face painting, yard games, and more.
💦 Summer Soak
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5:00 PM – North Shore Fire Department “Summer Soak”: A refreshing mist party for all ages.
🎤 Ceremony & Music
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5:45 PM – Mayor’s Welcome + Color Guard
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6:00–9:00 PM – Judson Brown Band Live on stage.
🎆 Fireworks
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Dusk (~9:00 PM): Fireworks finale over Kletzsch Park—one of the largest in the area!
✅ Tips & Reminders
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Bring lawn chairs or blankets.
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Parking is available near the park, including handicap spots.
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Dogs are welcome (leashed).
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Grilling is allowed but only in designated areas.
📍 Fox Point, River Hills & Bayside
These communities do not host their own fireworks or parades, but residents often enjoy nearby events in Whitefish Bay, Glendale, and Shorewood.
Bonus Ideas: 
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Host a backyard BBQ with neighbors.
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Visit Atwater or Klode Park for the fireworks.
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Spend the afternoon at Doctors Park or the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center before heading to an evening celebration nearby.
🎇 Fireworks Recap by Location
| Community | Fireworks? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Whitefish Bay | ✅ | Klode Park at dusk |
| Shorewood | ✅ | Atwater Park at dusk |
| Glendale | ✅ | Kletzsch Park at dusk |
| Fox Point, Bayside, River Hills | ❌ | Check nearby communities for shows |
❤️ Celebrate Locally & Safely
No matter where you choose to spend your Fourth, the North Shore offers the perfect mix of small-town charm and lakeside fun. Be sure to tag us in your photos @DiscoverTheNorthShoreMKE and use #NorthShoreFourth so we can see how you’re celebrating!



