Kenosha July 4th Road Closures: What to Know for Celebrate America 2026

Kenosha July 4th Road Closures Start Thursday, July 2

If you’re heading downtown for the Celebrate America festival or the Festival Foods Fireworks this weekend, plan your route now. Kenosha July 4th road closures and traffic changes take effect Thursday, July 2, and remain in place through the morning of July 6

This article has been updated from an earlier version to reflect the current closure schedule. The Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade on June 28 has already taken place — the information below covers the Celebrate America festival and July 4 fireworks only.

One-Way Traffic Loop Begins Thursday at 11 a.m.

Starting at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, traffic east of Third Avenue will be directed one way only in a counter-clockwise loop between 54th and 56th Streets, along Calabria Way and continuing to Sixth Avenue. That pattern stays in effect until 8 a.m. on Sunday, July 6.

This is the primary traffic management measure for the Celebrate America festival, which runs July 3–4 along the harbor with two stages of live music, a carnival, food vendors, and more.

July 4: Celebration Place Fireworks Closure

On the evening of July 4, the east end of Celebration Place will be fully closed — to pedestrians and vehicles — from 8:30 to 10 p.m. No traffic will be permitted east of Third Avenue between 56th Street and 54th Street, including Calabria Way, during that window.

The closure is a safety measure for the Festival Foods Fireworks, which launch at 9:30 p.m. over the lakefront. Plan to be in your viewing spot before 8:30 p.m. if you’re heading to that area.

July 4: Simmons Island Closed to Vehicles

Consistent with recent years, Simmons Island will have no vehicle access or public parking on July 4, at the direction of Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton. Barricades will go up at two points: 50th Street and Seventh Avenue, and Kennedy Drive and 45th Street.

Only residents of Fourth Avenue, the Coast Guard, and those with business at the Kenosha Water Utility, Great Lakes Yacht Sales, or Kenosha Yacht Club will be permitted onto the island by vehicle. All other visitors are welcome — but must walk in.

The closure is intended to improve safety and the overall experience for the thousands of people who visit Simmons Island on July 4.

July 4: Kennedy Drive Goes One-Way North

To reduce post-fireworks congestion, Kennedy Drive will operate one-way northbound beginning at 8 a.m. on July 4. Traffic flows north from 44th Street, through Kennedy Park and Pennoyer Park, and exits at 35th Street. The pattern ends at 1 a.m. on July 5.

RV Parking on July 4

RVs will be redirected away from the HarborPark area due to heavy traffic. A designated RV lot has been set up in the vacant lot west of City Hall at 625 52nd St. The lot is accessible from 54th Street, east of Sheridan Road, and opens at 6 a.m. on July 4. All vehicles must be out by 7 a.m. on July 5.

Free Shuttles and Streetcar Service July 4

The city encourages attendees to park downtown — including the parking ramp at Eighth Avenue and 56th Street — and use free transit to reach the lakefront. Three free services run on July 4:

Free Streetcar: Runs 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., passing HarborPark east of the museums (one of the best fireworks viewing spots) and along the harbor where Celebrate America is held.

Lakefront Trolley (transit center ↔ Carthage College): The trolley won’t run its regular lakefront route on July 4. Instead, it runs free between the transit center and Carthage College via Seventh Avenue, Alford Park Drive, and Sheridan Road. Hours: 2 to 11 p.m.

Simmons Island Shuttle: A free 15-minute loop from the transit center at 724 54th St. to Simmons Island Park, running 2 to 9 p.m. This is the easiest option if you’re headed to the island on foot.

For more information, visit kenosha.org or contact the City of Kenosha at 262-653-4177.

PAST: June 28: Parade Day Road Closures

The Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade presented by Snap-on kicks off Independence Day week on Sunday, June 28. Streets in the parade staging area close beginning at 9 a.m., though access to the annual Mass at the bandshell will be maintained that morning.

The parade route itself closes to traffic at noon. The route begins on Seventh Avenue at Washington Road, travels south through Sixth Avenue downtown, and ends on the west side of Library Park. The parade uses only the southbound lane on Seventh Avenue. Once the route closes at noon, spectators are welcome to sit on the boulevard. The best viewing spots are along Seventh and Sixth avenues before the procession reaches Library Park to disband.

All road closures from the parade are expected to clear by approximately 3:45 p.m.