Independence Day in Door County is more than just fireworks—it’s a full weekend of small-town parades, pancake breakfasts, live music, arts & crafts, and lakeside magic. Whether you’re looking to dance in the streets, cheer on a boat parade, or catch the glow of fireworks over the water, each community offers something uniquely festive. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening across the peninsula—organized by town—so you can plan your patriotic adventure with ease.
Fish Creek brings the celebration to life early in the day with its Hairpin 5K Run, a fun and scenic course winding through town. For fireworks, hop aboard a live music cruise from Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours at 7 p.m.
On Wednesday, July 2 you can travel to Fish Creek Beach at sunset to watch the fireworks display —an unforgettable way to cap your night.
Egg Harbor hosts one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the county. It kicks off on Thursday, July 3 with food, drinks, and fireworks from the harbor. On July 4, enjoy a classic small-town parade down Hwy 42, followed by a spirited performance by the UW Marching Band.
Explore Egg Harbor’s full agenda
A favorite among locals and visitors, Baileys Harbor goes all out on the 4th. Start your day with a pancake breakfast, shop the arts & crafts fair, sip from the beer tent, and stay for live music and fireworks launched from Anclam Park. It’s a full-day celebration that captures the spirit of summer.
Explore Baileys Harbor’s festivities
Head to Sunset Park in Sturgeon Bay on July 4 for an evening of food trucks, family activities, and live music by local favorites like Glas Hamr. As the sun sets, fireworks will be launched from a barge over the water—offering great views all around the park.
Check out Sturgeon Bay’s full schedule
Tucked at the northern tip of the peninsula, Gills Rock puts on a charming evening celebration with food, drinks, a boat parade (or regatta), and fireworks over the bay. It’s the perfect low-key way to enjoy the holiday surrounded by water and sky.
See Gills Rock’s event details
Washington Island celebrates the Fourth of July with classic small‑town charm and lakeside flair. The day begins with a Fire Department pancake breakfast (7 – 10 AM) at the firehouse, fueling families and visitors for a fun-filled morning.
As evening approaches, the island hosts a festive parade along Main Road, typically starting around 8:30 PM, adding hometown spirit to the holiday. The celebration culminates as fireworks light up the sky over the Washington Island.
Check out the full event schedule
Sister Bay’s Freedom Fest happens a little later—on Saturday, July 12—and it’s worth the wait. With live music, food vendors, a boat parade, and fireworks at the marina, it’s an encore celebration of independence with a waterfront vibe.
From high-energy parades and live music to laid-back lakeside evenings and festive boat parades, Door County’s Fourth of July celebrations truly offer something for everyone. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or enjoying a solo getaway, each community brings its own unique charm to the holiday. For a front-row seat to the fun, stay at the Fresh Coast Motel in the heart of Fish Creek—just steps from the beach and harbor. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of festivities, where you can kick back on the patio by the fire pit and watch the fireworks light up the sky.
