Fourth of July celebrations are taking shape across Northeast Wisconsin as communities finalize fireworks plans for the 2026 holiday weekend. Residents and visitors will have multiple opportunities to celebrate Independence Day, with displays scheduled across the region on both July 3 and July 4.
From Downtown Green Bay to the shores of Lake Michigan in Manitowoc, local parks and gathering spaces are expected to attract large crowds as families mark one of the busiest weekends of the summer. The schedule also creates opportunities for residents to attend more than one fireworks show thanks to several communities holding displays a day before Independence Day.
2026 Fourth of July Fireworks Schedule in Northeast Wisconsin
Appleton
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Time: 9:45 p.m.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 1620 E. Witzke Blvd., Appleton
Kimberly
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Location: Sunset Park, 101-299 Sunset Park Rd., Kimberly, WI 54136
Fond du Lac
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Location: Lakeside Park, 555 N. Park Ave., Fond du Lac
Green Bay
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 9:45 p.m.
Location: Downtown Green Bay
Manitowoc
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Location: South Pier, 900 S. Lakeview Dr., Manitowoc, WI 54220
Menasha
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 9:50 p.m.
Location: Jefferson Park, 915 3rd Street, Menasha, WI 54952
Neenah
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 9:45 p.m.
Location: Riverside Park, 500 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah, WI 54956
New London
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Location: Hatten Stadium, 801 Werner-Allen Rd., New London, WI 54961
Oshkosh
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 9:45 p.m.
Location: Menominee Park, 1601 Menominee Dr., Oshkosh, WI 54901
Sheboygan
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Additional timing and venue information was not included in the available event details.
Which Fireworks Shows Could Be the Most Popular?
Several venues on the schedule have long served as major gathering spots for Independence Day celebrations. Downtown Green Bay is expected to attract large crowds because of its central location, while Menominee Park in Oshkosh remains a popular destination for families looking to combine holiday activities with fireworks viewing.
Waterfront locations such as South Pier in Manitowoc and Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac may also draw significant attendance thanks to their open viewing areas and scenic surroundings. Meanwhile, Riverside Park in Neenah and Jefferson Park in Menasha provide residents with community-focused celebrations close to home.
How to Plan a Two-Day Fireworks Weekend
One of the most notable aspects of the 2026 schedule is that Appleton and Kimberly are hosting fireworks on July 3. This gives families the chance to attend an early display before choosing another destination on July 4.
Because most fireworks begin between 9:30 p.m. and 9:50 p.m., visitors should expect increased traffic near event venues during the evening hours. Arriving before sunset can help secure parking and provide more flexibility when selecting viewing spots.
Families looking for additional seasonal activities may also be interested in other family-friendly events and community celebrations taking place throughout the year.
What to Know Before Heading Out
Weather remains one of the biggest variables for outdoor holiday events. Organizers may delay or modify fireworks schedules if severe weather develops, making it important to monitor local announcements before traveling.
Visitors should consider bringing lawn chairs, blankets, water and other essentials for an evening outdoors. Popular locations may experience heavier traffic after the fireworks conclude, so planning exit routes in advance can help reduce delays.
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According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Nearly 250 years later, fireworks displays continue to be one of the most recognizable traditions associated with the holiday across communities large and small.
With events spread across Northeast Wisconsin over two nights, residents have no shortage of options for celebrating Independence Day in 2026, whether they prefer a downtown gathering, a neighborhood park or a waterfront fireworks display.














