Milwaukee County Lights Up the Sky with Spectacular July 3rd Drone Show!
Presenting Sponsor: Michael F. Hupy
Milwaukee County Parks in partnership with Milwaukee Parks Foundation
The drone show will feature three waves of drones lasting approximately 14 minutes each, blending cutting-edge drone technology with an original synchronized soundtrack for a dazzling 45-minute performance. Viewers can expect awe-inspiring images of Milwaukee’s most iconic landmarks, and other patriotic and local themes.
Show Details:
- Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025 (make up date: Sunday, July 6th)
- Location: McKinley Beach and surrounding areas
- Start Time: Approximately 9:15 p.m., after dark
- Show Duration: 3 waves of about 14 minutes each (total ~45 minutes)
- Music: A synchronized soundtrack will accompany the drones.
Claiming a Viewing Spot
While the main viewing area for the drone show is at McKinley Beach, additional viewing is available in McKinley Park and along lakefront areas. Please note that Bradford Beach and other distant shoreline views are not designated viewing areas for this event—they may not offer the show's full 3-D effects. A safety perimeter for the fly zone is imposed. Depending upon their position, boaters in the area outside the safety zone may view the show but may not see its full effects.
Beginning at 2 p.m. on July 3, you may claim a spot for your group to watch the show. To save your spot, set up your chairs or put down a blanket.
- NO claims before 2 p.m.
- NO staking
- NO grilling
- Milwaukee County Parks discourages you from setting up tents
Parking & Lincoln Memorial Drive Access
Parking at three lakefront lots is offered on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 2 p.m. — NO early entry! Combined, the lots have about 1,000 spaces.
Parking Lot Fee: $20 per car-length, cash only. No in-out privileges are available after a vehicle has entered the lot.
- Coast Guard Station Grass Lot: Entry on Lagoon Road from Lincoln Memorial Drive (LMD); Exit onto LMD (northbound).
- McKinley Marina Parking Lot (excluding slip-tenant area): One entry/exit from LMD
- McKinley Tennis Courts Grass Lot: One entry/exit, from southbound LMD (north of Lafayette Hill Road and the tennis courts)
- FREE designated street parking ONLY for vehicles with Disabled License Plates or government-issued Disabled Hang Tags
LMD will close when the lots are full and will reopen after the show.
All vehicles must leave after the show has concluded. Absolutely NO overnight parking or camping is allowed on July 2nd or 3rd.
Amenities
Portable and accessible restrooms along with those at the McKinley Marina will be available after 2 p.m.
Parks staff and additional vendors will serve food and beverages throughout McKinley Beach and park after 3 p.m..
- 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:
- Flips Donuts
- Heavenly Roasted Nuts
- Rolling Cones Ice Cream Truck
- Roundhouse Beer Garden at McKinley Park
- Sweet Delight Kettle Corn
And a Good Time Was Had by All! Now Let's Clean Up!
To help keep the park clean, take your trash home for disposal.
Cleanup Volunteers Needed!
July 4, 6 to 9 a.m.
Location: McKinley Roundhouse, Beer Garden entrance
1750 N Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202
A special thanks to Milwaukee Parks Foundation, County Executive David Crowley, Milwaukee County, Milwaukee County Parks, Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Milwaukee, local law enforcement, other local and regional partners, and media organizations.
