WAUKESHA, Wis. (WAUK) — The city of Waukesha is gearing up for a two-day Independence Day celebration, featuring a neighborhood beer garden, fireworks display, and a parade through downtown.

The festivities kick off on July 3 with the Neighborhood Beer Garden & Fireworks event at Lowell Park, 2201 Michigan Avenue. The event, running from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., will feature food trucks, beverages, and a performance by “Decade – An 80s Rock Experience.”

Couri Insurance is sponsoring the fireworks display, set to begin at 9:30 p.m. Organizers will distribute free glow bracelets to the first 6,000 attendees.

Michigan Avenue will be closed from Greenmeadow to Waukesha North High School, with parking available at nearby school lots.

On July 4, the city’s annual Independence Day Parade will step off at 11 a.m. in downtown Waukesha. This year’s theme is “Through the Decades.” The parade route begins at the Lee Sherman Dreyfus State Office Building on Barstow Street, proceeds down Main Street, turns onto Maple Avenue, and concludes at Wisconsin Avenue.

Families are invited to participate in the Children’s Bike Unit, featuring decorated bikes, trikes, and strollers. No registration is required, and participants can join the lineup beginning at 10 a.m.

City officials emphasize safety measures, including a secure perimeter along the parade route and parking restrictions. No vehicles will be allowed along the route starting at 7 a.m. on July 4, with road closures beginning at 10 a.m.

Spectators are encouraged to use street parking or city lots near the parade route and walk to viewing locations.

Organizers remind attendees that pets, carry-in fireworks, sparklers, open flames, grills, candles, and outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited at both events.