Parades, a Drone Show and So Many Fireworks

Aubrey Jannene waves a flag at a passing march band. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.

Happy 250th birthday America! There’s lots to do this weekend, including parades, firework shows and drone shows. It’s also your last chance to check out this year’s Summerfest lineup, and the Milwaukee County Zoo is offering a reduced admission rate as well as a digital scavenger hunt. You’ve likely been indoors all week trying to stay cool during this heat wave, so treat yourself and get out there this weekend.

June 2-4: Summerfest Weekend Three

This weekend is your last chance to check out Summerfest this year, where the Henry Maier Festival Park is packed full of live music on both free and ticketed stages, entertainment such as skateboarding and bmx demonstrations, vendors and more. Music highlights for the final weekend include Jelly Roll, the Gin Blossoms, Sean Paul and more. Be sure to catch featured local acts like Known Moons, Gold Steps and Wave X Nile, and don’t forget to check the Summerfest website to find out about admission promotions like free admission on July 4 for those who donate three non-perishable food items.

July 3: Milwaukee County Parks Drone Show

Milwaukee County Parks is once again putting on a drone show instead of a traditional fireworks show in support of America’s 250th birthday. This year’s event will feature an expanded lineup of family-friendly activities and will introduce its new pyrotechnic drone technology, which will add safely controlled spark effects to the light show. The show will take place at McKinley Beach and will feature food and beverage vendors. The show is free to attend and will run from 2 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The drone show will start at 9:20 p.m. For more information, visit the Milwaukee County website.

July 4: America 250: The Power of We

There are many ways to celebrate Independence Day in Milwaukee and many different fireworks shows, parades, celebrations and more to check out. This year’s theme is America 250: The Power of We and will feature celebrations in 12 different parks. Not every park will feature a fireworks show or parade, so it’s worth checking the City of Milwaukee’s website to find out which park will meet your Fourth of July celebratory needs.

July 4: $4 on the 4th

If fireworks and crowds aren’t your thing, here’s another way to celebrate the fourth: Hanging out with the adorable animals at the Milwaukee County Zoo. In celebration of the holiday, the Milwaukee County Zoo is lowering its admission fee down to $4. Guests can participate in the zoo’s Sea to Shining Sea digital scavenger hunt, where participants will learn where in the United States each animal comes from. The Milwaukee County Zoo will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

July 5: Cafe Sopra Mare

If at this point you haven’t had your fill of live music outdoors, the Villa Terrace’s Sopra Mare daytime concert series is back, bringing live music performances to the museum’s courtyard. The free concert series will feature a performance by jazz artist Neal Bardeal. During the concert, the museum and gardens will be free to access. Villa Terrace will also offer complimentary coffee, and encourages guests to bring their own coffees if preferred. Sopra Mare will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

July 5: 414Flea Market

Over 40 unique vendors will set up shop at Zocalo Food Park, where guests can shop vintage clothing, handmade goods, art and more while enjoying bites from the park’s various food trucks. A live DJ will provide ambience, and guests can stop inside to cool off with beverages. 414Flea is free to attend and will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.