July 3rd Drone Show, Know Before You Go
Milwaukee, WI — Milwaukee County and Milwaukee County Parks in partnership with Milwaukee Parks Foundation will once again host the amazing drone show at McKinley Beach on Friday, July 3, 2026. This year’s event will feature new pyrotechnic drones and family-friendly pre-show activities!
Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor, Michael F. Hupy, whose continued support helps make this free community event possible.
The evening will feature a welcome and live remarks from County Executive David Crowley. The drone show will feature three waves of drones lasting approximately 15 minutes each, blending cutting-edge technology with an original synchronized soundtrack for a stunning 45-minute performance. Viewers can expect spectacular visuals of Milwaukee’s most iconic landmarks transitioning into patriotic portrayals and other local scenes!
Public Viewing Areas
Viewing areas for the drone show will be available at McKinley Beach and McKinley Park, offering expansive lakefront views for attendees. A synchronized soundtrack brought to you by Radio Milwaukee will accompany the drones live, and will be available for personal download soon on our website: Drone Show at the Lakefront | Parks | Milwaukee County
Parking & Access
Parking Locations:
- Reserved parking is available at McKinley Marina for $28 per vehicle through ParkMobile. Prepay to park using this link: McKinley Marina Lot | Drone Show Parking at McKinley Marina North Lot | ParkMobile
- First come, first served parking is also available for $20 per vehicle, cash or card, starting at 2:00 p.m. at the Coast Guard Station Lot and the McKinley Tennis Courts Lot (reference event map). Parking is limited to approximately 1,000 spaces and is expected to fill quickly.
- Once parking opens at 2:00 pm, you may reserve your seating area, but please note, no staking is allowed.
Amenities
Vendors Open at 3:00 p.m. Food and beverage:
- Food and beverage vendors will be available on site.
- Parks beer stands serve Molson Coors, Lakefront Brewery, and White Claw hard seltzers, along with Pepsi products. Proceeds from beer sales help support future park projects.
Additional Food Vendors include:
- Bartolotta’s Roundhouse Beer Garden
- Flips Donuts
- Special Events Foods
- Additional vendors
New this year, families can enjoy bounce houses, face painting, and live entertainment before the show begins.
Portable and accessible restrooms along with those at the McKinley Marina will be available.
Safety & Launch Area
To ensure everyone’s safety, roads near the event area may close just before and during the show, and the drone launch zone near the pier will be restricted. Milwaukee County Park Rangers, the Milwaukee County Sheriff‘s Office, and local law enforcement partners will be on site to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Our Amazing Partners and Sponsors
Milwaukee County Parks would like to thank the many organizations, sponsors, public safety partners, and community supporters who help make this event possible.
- Presenting Sponsor: Attorney Michael F. Hupy of Hupy and Abraham
· City of Milwaukee – Environmental Collaboration Office
· Radio Milwaukee
· Carroll University – Drone Technologies
· Northwestern Mutual
· Milwaukee Parks Foundation
· David Herro and Jay Franke
· Brewers Community Foundation
· Visit Milwaukee
· Hupy & Abraham, S.C.
Stay Informed
For up-to-date event information, the public map, and event updates, visit: Drone Show at the Lakefront | Parks | Milwaukee County
Help Us Clean Up
Attendees are encouraged to help keep the lakefront clean by properly disposing of trash and recycling materials throughout the event area. There will be an organized park cleanup at the McKinley Roundhouse, Beer Garden entrance on Saturday, July 4th from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Volunteers are wanted. Sign up here! Drone Show Volunteer Sign Up Form
Additional Details
- Make Up Rain Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026
- Members of the media seeking interviews or additional information should submit a request through Milwaukee County Parks’ Media Request Form.
Image from Milwaukee County Parks.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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