Independence Day Festivities

Parade along North Avenue on July 4, 9:00 a.m.

The parade starts at approximately 9:00 am. Over 80 units will leave the staging area near Swan Blvd (92nd Street). The parade will go east on North Avenue, ending near 80th Street.

Road closures:

• N. Swan Blvd. will be closed between W. Meinecke Ave. and the Menomonee River Pkwy.
• Menomonee River Pkwy will also be closed between N. Swan Blvd. and Charles Hart Pkwy.
• W. North Ave will be closed between Menomonee River Pkwy. and Wauwatosa Ave.

Sensory Zone for Parade

Between the blocks of 80th to 81st Street on North Avenue, be on the lookout for our Sensory Zone for the parade. In this section, designated with signage, there will be minimized lights and sounds for individuals with disabilities and those who prefer a less stimulating environment.

This initiative is geared towards individuals who are sensitive to sensory overload, including those with autism, PTSD, or other conditions that make such environments challenging. Our Sensory Zone ensures everyone can join in and enjoy the festivities comfortably.

Handicapped Accessible Parking & Viewing Area for Parade

• Parking – At the Bell Tower Office Bldg. (9200 W. North Ave.)
• Viewing Area – Located at the corner of Swan Blvd. & North Ave.

Celebrate Independence Day with an afternoon of family fun and free entertainment at Hart Park’s Muellner Building. From 12:00–3:00pm, families can enjoy:

• Face Painting — colorful designs for kids of all ages
• Balloon Art — creative balloon twists and characters
• Caricature Artist — take home a fun keepsake drawing
• Free Ice Cream for everyone throughout the event

Bring the whole family for a relaxed, festive afternoon filled with activities, smiles, and sweet treats.

Launch Time: Approximately 9:15 p.m.

Location: Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Krauss-Miller-Lutz Outdoor Athletic Complex, located at 1401 Swan Boulevard.

View this online map to see parking options, viewing areas, and road closures.

Fireworks Parking Information (in order of closest/best options)

1. Parking lot at the stadium. Enter off of Swan Blvd.
2. 1200 N Mayfair parking lot. This is a private business that agreed to have free parking for the community. This is approximately 0.4 miles from the stadium viewing area.
3. Park and Ride lot (10600 W Watertown Plank Rd). This is approximately 0.4 miles from the stadium viewing area.
4. Underwood Creek Parkway (parking on one side only, and only north of the freeway). This is approximately .4-.7 miles from the stadium viewing area.
5. 1233 N Mayfair parking lot. This is a private business that agreed to have free parking. It’s possible that you can use the Oak Leaf Trail to go under Mayfair Road instead of crossing at the intersection. However, the Oak Leaf Trail might be closed on this date. You could park in the lot and watch fireworks from the parking lot. Please continue to monitor trail closures. This is approximately .75 miles by way of Oak Leaf Trail to the stadium viewing area.
6. Vel R Phillips parking lot (10201 W Watertown Plank Rd). This is approximately .75 miles from the stadium viewing area.
7. Irgens parking lot (1425 Discovery Parkway). This is 1.25 miles from the stadium viewing area, by way of the walking path to Swan Blvd. to the stadium viewing area.

Fireworks Viewing areas

• The stadium bleachers are the preferred viewing area. The stadium will open at approximately 7:00 p.m. for people. The fireworks start at approximately 9:15 p.m.
• The soccer field is the second preferred viewing area. Bring your own chair or blanket.
• Any of the parking lots listed above would be great viewing areas if you park there and stay there.

Street Closures for Fireworks

• Swan Blvd at Discovery Parkway
• Swan Blvd at Underwood Creek Parkway

Other information

• The college will offer concessions for purchase in the stadium.
• There is no alcohol allowed.
• There are bathrooms in the stadium. We will also have porta-johns available.

Accessibility considerations

• There is limited handicapped parking close to the stadium.
• If you plan to sit in the stadium and have mobility issues, plan to arrive early because the parking is limited. Otherwise, the other parking options involve a 0.3 to 1.25 mile walk. As an alternative, you could view the fireworks from one of the parking lots instead of coming to the stadium.

• Parade Application 2026 (pdf version. Scroll down for online version.)
• Read parade guidelines for 2025
• Sponsor or donate to the parade