MILWAUKEE — For the second year in a row, Milwaukee will celebrate Independence Day with a July 3rd drone show on McKinley Park.
New this year, the drones will feature some pyrotechnics.
“Very few companies can even do this, because this is the cutting edge of fireworks and the cutting edge of drones,” said Milwaukee County Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman. “They’re combining it together to celebrate our 250th birthday of our country right here.”
It is a “surprise” as to what the specific fire spectacle will be.
“We’re adding pyrotechnic effects to add to the wow factor and it is a safe and environmentally friendly way to produce this event,” said Milwaukee County Parks Director Guy Smith.
The drone show will kickoff at 9:15 p.m. on July 3 off the shore at McKinley Beach on Lake Michigan.
The show is 45 minutes long, featuring three waves of drone performances each lasting 15 minutes.
In addition to the show, there will be several activities available before the main event.
“This year we’re building a more robust, family friendly atmosphere leading up to the event with activities, vendors and opportunities,” said Smith.
The Milwaukee County Parks and Milwaukee Parks Foundation are working to secure food and beverage vendors, as well as a bouncy house and other entertainment.
“This event really highlights the beauty and value of these public spaces,” said Smith. “We encourage folks to come early, and enjoy everything the park has to offer.”
Last year’s show was met with mixed reviews from the public, with constant ads serving as one of the biggest concerns.
“We definitely took that feedback,” said Smith. ”We’re certainly going to highlight our sponsors, obviously before the show, and during the show, but the reality is with the drones themselves, we will scale back the advertising aspect.”
Just two years ago, the planning committee dealt with the opposite issue. In 2024, the celebration was canceled due to a lack of sponsorships.
“This total event, including all the expanded family friendly things we’re doing, including the drone show is $250,000 total,” said Smith.
Smith states that in the past, fireworks costed around $500,000 annually.
For 2026, Milwaukee Parks is asking the public for a donation of $50,000 by May 15 to match a challenge grant.
