One of my favorite things about living in the Greater Madison area is how every community finds its own way to celebrate Independence Day. Whether you're looking for fireworks, parades, live music, family activities, or simply an excuse to spend a summer evening outdoors, there's no shortage of options this Fourth of July weekend.
To help you plan, I've rounded up some of the best celebrations happening around Dane County and beyond.
🎆 Madison: Bucky-N-Booms on Lake Mendota
Madison is launching a brand-new Fourth of July tradition this year with Bucky-N-Booms along the Lake Mendota waterfront. Expect food, entertainment, family activities, and plenty of patriotic fun throughout the day.
📅 July 4
⏰ All-Day Celebration
📍 Lake Mendota Waterfront
Don't miss: Madison's stunning fireworks display over the lake after sunset.
🎇 Monona Community Festival
If you're looking for a classic hometown Fourth of July celebration, Monona's Community Festival is hard to beat. With live music, food vendors, family activities, and one of the area's best fireworks shows, it's consistently a local favorite.
📅 July 3
⏰ 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📅 July 4
⏰ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎆 Fireworks
⏰ 9:20 PM
📍 Winnequah Park, Monona
Best for: Families with kids and anyone looking for a full day of activities.
🎉 WaunaBoom in Waunakee
WaunaBoom has become one of the most popular Independence Day celebrations in Dane County. You'll find food, live music, activities for all ages, and a spectacular fireworks show to end the evening.
📅 July 4
⏰ 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM
🎆 Fireworks
⏰ Approximately 9:45 PM
📍 Ripp Park, Waunakee
Best for: Families, food lovers, and anyone who enjoys a lively community event.
🚒 DeForest Fourth of July Celebration
DeForest offers two full days of festivities with a slightly smaller-town feel while still delivering plenty of entertainment.
📅 July 3–4
⏰ Activities throughout both days
🎆 Fireworks
📅 July 3
⏰ Dusk
📍 Fireman's Park, DeForest
Best for: Families looking to avoid some of the larger crowds.
🎡 Sun Prairie Fireworks Celebration
Sun Prairie hosts one of the area's largest fireworks displays each year and attracts visitors from throughout Dane County.
📅 June 29
⏰ Evening
📍 Angell Park, Sun Prairie
Best for: Fireworks enthusiasts.
🌟 Shorewood Hills Fireworks
This longtime community tradition offers a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful fireworks display.
📅 July 4
⏰ Dusk
📍 Shorewood Hills
Best for: A quieter Fourth of July evening.
🌊 Fire on the River – Sauk Prairie
If you're up for a short drive, Fire on the River combines two days of family activities, entertainment, food, and fireworks.
📅 July 4–5
⏰ All-Day Events
📍 Sauk Prairie
Best for: Making a full holiday weekend out of your celebration.
🎆 Edgerton Lions Club Celebration
A hidden gem just south of Madison featuring live entertainment, food, and fireworks.
📅 July 3
⏰ 4:00 PM – Midnight
📍 Racetrack Park, Edgerton
⚾ Bonus Fun: Baseball & Fireworks
Looking for something different?
⚾ Madison Mallards Fireworks Night
📅 July 3
📍 Warner Park
⚾ Madison Night Mares Fireworks Night
📅 July 4
📍 Warner Park
Enjoy America's favorite pastime followed by a fantastic fireworks show.
My Local Favorites
🥇 Monona Community Festival – The best overall family experience.
🥈 WaunaBoom – Great energy, food, and activities.
🥉 Bucky-N-Booms – Madison's exciting new waterfront celebration.
No matter where you choose to celebrate, I hope you have a safe, fun, and memorable Fourth of July weekend with family and friends.
Happy Independence Day!
By: Andie White
