Milwaukee County to Hold 2025 Drone Show

Milwaukee County will replace its traditional July 3 fireworks celebration with a large-scale drone show over McKinley Beach and the Lake Michigan shoreline in 2025. The 45-minute event, sponsored by Michael F. Hupy and coordinated by the Milwaukee Parks Foundation, will feature three waves of drones, each lasting about 14 minutes, accompanied by music and imagery celebrating Milwaukee’s landmarks and patriotic themes. Officials cite the drone show as a more inclusive and environmentally friendly alternative, reducing noise and air pollution and improving accessibility for those sensitive to fireworks. The change follows the cancellation of the 2024 fireworks due to lack of sponsorship, with organizers noting that rising costs have made fireworks unsustainable. Public viewing areas will be available at McKinley Beach and McKinley Park, with parking, amenities, and some safety-related road closures. Milwaukee joins other cities in adopting drone shows for summer celebrations.