Southern Wisconsin towns around the lakes know how to put great celebrations honoring our nation's birthday weekend.
WaunaBoom? Then Head to Waunakee For Rousing Weekend Patriotic Fun
What started as a modest fireworks show has become a beloved tradition, a free, joy-filled celebration where families, friends, and neighbors gather to share in the spirit of Waunakee. More than an event, WaunaBoom reflects the heart of our village: connection, pride, and shared purpose. That hometown spirit has earned national recognition, with WaunaBoom named by U.S. News & World Report in both 2025 and 2026 as one of
"The 17 Best Places to Go for the Fourth of July,"
placing our village celebration alongside iconic destinations like New York City, Las Vegas, and Washington D.C.
Ripp Park, 213 Dorn Dr. , Waunakee
Lake Mills Celebrates the 4th With the Independence Day Fireworks
Lake Mills turns red, white, and blue each July 4th with a heartwarming mix of kids’ fun and a spectacular
fireworks show.
Centered around Seljan Company’s grounds ( at 100 S. C.P. Ave), it’s a cherished community tradition. Admission is free, kids get a good bag in the morning from Sentry parking lot. There are also concessions available. Fireworks start at dusk (around 9-9:30PM.)
More Than Fireworks The Historic Stoughton Fair Is a Celebration of Freedom and Independence
The Stoughton Fair is back for its 100th anniversary. Running from Tuesday, June 30 to Sunday, July 5, enjoy a petting zoo, pie auction, duck race and more at Mandt Park. A fireworks show will happen at dusk, closing out the fair’s fourth day. Stoughton Fair is free to attend.
Mandt Park, 400 Mandt Parkway, Stoughton
Celebrate the 4th In Historic Monroe
Looking for the biggest Independence Day celebration in the area, head south to Monroe's annual Fourth of July festivities at Twining Park. The celebration includes a softball tournament, food vendors, a beer garden with live music, a City Band concert and a fireworks display to cap off the evening. It remains one of the most popular holiday events in Green County.
Twining Park, 425 14th Ave, Monroe
Whitewater's Fourth of July Festival Celebrate the 250th With More Than a Bang\
Whitewater's Fourth of July Festival is all about celebrating our Freedom and Independence for our families, friends and community. for an exciting and enjoyable day by the lake. We have many scheduled events for your entertainment and plenty of great food and music.
Cravath Lake Park is located in downtown Whitewater by Cravath Lake
Lakes Edition's Hometown of Edgerton Puts On A Great Fourth Celebration
Join the Edgerton Lions Club at their annual 3rd of July Fireworks Celebration. This is the Lions Club biggest fundraiser of the year, and it’s their 85th anniversary alongside America’s 250th anniversary. Enjoy bigger and better fireworks, music, food, and refreshments. Live music by Lounge Lizards at 4 PM and Buck Neck-ed at 7 PM. Firecracker raffle at 11 PM. The fireworks show takes place at Racetrack Park, July 3rd at dusk.
Monona Community Festival Brings Two Days Independence Fun
July 3rd - 4th | Winnequah Park
Get ready for the largest, longest-running, fun for everyone Independence Day festival in Dane County!
Celebrate with two unforgettable days of high energy live music from 5 stellar bands, flavor packed foods, lively team trivia, fabulous drag bingo, the crowd-favorite wife/partner carry championship, a multitude of family-friendly activities including a carnival, face painting, challenging climbing wall, bungee trampolines, children’s musician, engaging magic show and an exciting children’s parade! New This Year: A 2-Day Art Fair! Explore incredible works from talented artists, discover one-of-a-kind treasures, and celebrate creativity like never before. When the clock strikes 9:20 our spectacular, sky-illuminating fireworks display will dazzle, boom, and light up the night in a breathtaking celebration! This year’s show will be one you will not forget!
Great Place to view is Olbrich Park beach.
Winnequah Park, 1055 Nichols Road – Monona
Head To Evansville This Weekend For Lake Leota Fourth of July
One of Southern Wisconsin's more unique settings for a Fourth of July celebration, Lake Leota Fourth of July takes places in Leonard Leota Park. The park listed on National Register of Historic Place (NRHP) is a magical setting for a festival, overlooking placid Lake Leota. "It is the biggest event of the year," says Jim Brooks, former Common Council Chairman and head of the The Evansville Community Partnership (ECP.) ECP puts on the event every year. Brooks estimates close to 10,000 event goers will make their way to Evansville for the four day festival and fireworks show. Jim Brooks now resides in Iowa.
Lake Leota Fourth of July takes place Thursday, July 3rd through the 6th at Leonard Leota Park.
Leonard Leota Park is located at 5 Antes Drive, Evansville.
