Milwaukee lakefront July 3 fireworks canceled this year

Fireworks will still be held at some Milwaukee County Parks

Milwaukee County Parks announced Friday, May 24, 2024 that this year’s July 3 lakefront fireworks are canceled.

The Milwaukee County Parks Department said the reason is lack of sponsorship. It’s a move that’s left Myles Calhoun and other fireworks fans speechless.

“I think it’s kind of disappointing, especially because it’s such a missed opportunity to bring families together or community in general,” Calhoun said.

The Parks Department says the fireworks alone cost about $350,000, but there is an additional $20,000 in average costs for additional staff labor hours, overtime, dumpsters, fencing and portable toilets.

“We don’t want to use our operating dollars for an event, for example. We want to put it into amenities that we’re able to benefit the whole community,” Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director Guy Smith said. “Again, I think sponsors and donors are looking to want to help fund amenities for the greater good. Although fireworks are great, they are expensive for a relatively short period of time.”

The fireworks were canceled in 2020 because of COVID-19 and again in 2021 because of a lack of seasonal employees and funding. In 2023, a teenager died in a shooting after the show; Smith said they’re aware of the safety concerns, but that didn’t play into the decision to cancel it this year and potentially years to come.

“At this point, we believe that the 3rd of July fireworks have run their course. We know that it’s been a tradition for folks, but we also have a lot of other great events and amenities,” Smith said.

There will be fireworks and other celebrations at some Milwaukee County parks: