July 3 Drone Show at The Lakefront

Hosted by Milwaukee County Parks, in partnership with the Milwaukee County Executive's Office and the Milwaukee Parks Foundation. A special thanks to Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Milwaukee, local law enforcement, other local and regional partners, and media organizations.

This year’s signature event will take the experience up with an expanded lineup of family-friendly activities along the lakefront prior to the debut of pyrotechnic drone technology, combining synchronized aerial light formations with safe, controlled spark effects. Viewers can expect awe-inspiring images of Milwaukee’s most iconic landmarks, and other patriotic and local themes. A synchronized soundtrack will accompany the drones.

Safety and Carry-In Notes

The event is free and open to the public, with food, beverages, and select vendor items available for purchase.
Outside picnic foods are welcome.
Outside alchohol prohibited.
No pets permitted on the beach, playgrounds, or ball courts.
Local law enforcement and other partners are coordinating safety.
No camping is allowed in the Milwaukee County Parks per Milwaukee County Ordinance 47.25
No overnight parking is allowed in the Milwaukee County Parks per Milwaukee County Ordinance 47.25

Schedule at a Glance of Activities & Amenities

Start Time	Activity
2 p.m.	Parking and Spot claiming opens. To save your spot, set up your chairs or put down a blanket. No staking or grilling allowed.
2 p.m.	Portable restrooms open at key locations, and the McKinley Marina restrooms will also be open and available.
3 p.m.	Parks Concessions beer stands and additional vendors open to serve food and beverages. Food vendors include Flips Donuts, Special Events Foods, Bartolotta, and Roundhouse Beer Garden, and more.
3 to 7 p.m.	Activity stations open throughout McKinley Park and McKinley Beach, offering face painting, bounce houses, and more. Vendors include Mitchell Parks Domes, Wehr Nature Center, and Boerner Botanical Gardens.
9 p.m.	Live remarks from County Executive David Crowley
9:15 p.m.	Drone Show Start, will last about 45 minutes. Coming Soon: Download the Coordinated Soundtrack
10:30 p.m.	Event to close. All vehicles must leave after the show has concluded. No overnight parking or camping is allowed.

Parking and Lincoln Memorial Drive Access

McKinley Marina Parking Lot: Paid Parking ahead of time is offered through ParkMobile for $25.
Coast Guard Station Grass Lot: $20 per vehicle, cash or credit – first come first served.
McKinley Tennis Court Lot: $20 per vehicle, cash or credit – first come first served.
Free designated street parking only for vehicles with Disabled License Plates or government-issued Disabled Hang Tags - first come first served
No in-out privileges are available after a vehicle has entered the lot.
Lincoln Memorial Drive will close when the lots are full and will reopen after the show.

Viewing the Drone Show

McKinley Beach is the main viewing area and additional viewing is available in McKinley Park and along lakefront areas.
Bradford Beach and other distant shoreline views are not designated viewing areas for this event and may not offer the show's full 3-D effects.
- Green Zone: Best views + live audio
- Yellow Zone: Good views, music download recommended
- Red Zone: Limited views, music downloads strongly encouraged
A safety perimeter for the fly zone is imposed. Boaters in the water outside the safety zone may view the show but may not see its full effects.

Drone Show Map