Fourth of July in Middleton

Whether it’s gathering with friends on a pontoon on Lake Mendota, picnicking with family at Lake View Park, or just enjoying the leisure life downtown — Middleton has everything you need for a fun and relaxing holiday weekend.

Please note that the festivities and fireworks section include events from the 2025 celebrations. Stay tuned for Fourth of July events in 2026 as the date gets closer. 

FESTIVITIES AND FIREWORKS

The City of Middleton does not host a fireworks show — partly because there are so many places to take in the festivities around us. Follow this link to see the various scheduled fireworks events happening over the Fourth of July weekend just a short drive away! Plus, explore a list of July festivals in the Dane County area here. 

Live music: Capital Brewery has live music set July 3, July 4 and July 5, in its bier garden. Check out their lineup.

Games: Test your music knowledge at Monk’s Restaurant & Bar’s weekly Boombox Bingo, starting at 6 p.m., Saturday.

Baking: Join Miggy’s Bakes for a festive Fourth of July-themed cake decorating class, offered from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on July 2, and a kids’ cake decorating class from noon to 1:30 p.m. on July 3.

Calendar: Check out our calendar of events for more details!

LAKE LIFE

Enjoy the sights of the Fourth of July fireworks show from Lake Mendota with Marshall Boats’ Pontoon Cruise & Fireworks. Book your pontoon ride now!

There are several ways to get onto Lake Mendota in Middleton, there is even have a rental shop in case you don’t have or can’t bring your own boat!

Open docks: Marshall Park and Lake Street Park.

Rentals: Marshall Boats rents pontoon boats, kayaks (singles and tandem), paddleboards (singles and doubles), canoes, and fishing boats. Marshall Boats also offers events, group rentals and private parties at its rooftop patio.

SPLASH PADS & POOLS

One of Middleton’s most beloved family attractions in the summertime is the free Splash Pad at Lakeview Park. The Splash Pad is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and is located in the beautiful Lakeview Park.

Another great way to get in the water is the Walter R. Bauman Outdoor Aquatic Center, which features a zero-depth pool, eight-lane competition pool, a diving well, waterslides, interactive water play equipment, a sand playground and a concession stand. The pool is celebrating the Fourth of July with a special pool party from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday, July 4, Admission is $5.50 and there will be games, contests and prizes! Click here for pool hours.

PICNIC AREAS

All of Middleton’s parks have open picnic areas. If looking picnic inspiration, check the Middleton Picnic Guide. Visit the City’s Parks & Rec site for all locations and information on reservations for larger groups. Book your reservation before it’s too late! 

CAMPING

Mendota County Park is located just off of County Road M in the Town of Westport — which shares a border with Middleton (it’s about 10 minutes from Downtown Middleton).

The park has a 30-unit campground and a 5-unit boat camping area. Each site has a 30-amp electrical hook-up. Services include bathroom and shower facilities and a dump station. Mendota County Park also offers two shelter facilities, unsupervised swimming area with an accessible swimming ramp, volleyball courts, play equipment and a shallow launch for small boats, kayaks and canoes. This park, located a few miles southwest of Governor Nelson State Park, is also a designated lake access site from December through March.

HIT THE TRAILS

Sometimes you just need an excuse to slow down during the busy holiday weekend and enjoy nature, Pheasant Branch Conservancy is that perfect excuse. The conservancy offers more than 600 acres of protected prairie land with well-kept trails that can be accessed from various points throughout Middleton. Find trails — for both hiking and biking — and scenic views of the creek, bridges, birds and more.

DINING/SHOPPING

With more than 80 restaurants and cafes and more than 55 places to shop, you will not get bored in Middleton. Dining in Middleton is made up of a variety of cuisines including Indian, Cajun, Mexican, Italian, Korean, Japanese, Mediterranean and more — there is truly something for everyone! Discover our delicious dining scene here.

Don’t forget to stop by The National Mustard Museum, home to nearly 6,000 mustards from around the world. Sample some of the most popular mustard brands at the tasting bar and shop around the gift shop for quirky souvenirs.

You won’t want to miss out on visiting Middleton’s award-winning craft brewery, Capital Brewery & Bier Garten. On Friday and weekend nights during the summer, the Bier Garten hosts live music on its performance stage, view the 2025 Bier Garten music lineup here.

FIND LODGING

Middleton is home to nine hotel properties, all minutes from downtown and accessible from the Beltline (which can take you to downtown Madison in less than 15 minutes). Check out our hotels and book your stay today!

MAKE MIDDLETON YOUR HOME BASE

Middleton is conveniently located within an hour of multiple area attractions. See our custom-illustrated regional map! Explore the area and come home to us.

Whether it’s gathering with friends on a pontoon on Lake Mendota, rocking out at Capital Brewery or just enjoying the leisure life downtown — Middleton has everything you need for a fun and relaxing holiday weekend.