fireworks cruise milwaukee

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Fireworks Cruise

Milwaukee's lakefront is known for fabulous fireworks displays. I have seen many displays over the years, but there is no better place to be than on the water to enjoy the show. We depart the dock at 8:30pm, A cruise down the Milwaukee River starts your evening. Arriving at the harbor we choose a site to drop anchor, enjoy the show and then return to the dock after the fireworks are complete. You may bring your own food and drinks Let's Go!

Event Websites

• Festa Italiana

Boat Location

• 1933 S 1st St
• Milwaukee, WI 53204

KM Tours | (262) 223-0234 | 27 North Main Street, Hartford, WI 53027 | Contact

Milwaukee Harbor FIREWORKS DINNER CRUISE « All Events This event has passed. Milwaukee Harbor FIREWORKS DINNER CRUISE

July 3, 2023 @ 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm.

It’s an annual favorite that’s back this summer!

Don’t wait too long or space will be gone for this extra-special independence celebration on the Milwaukee Harbor with KM Tours July 3 Fireworks Dinner Cruise.

Leave the driving to us and enjoy an amazing meal of braised beef short ribs plus shrimp scampi, wonderful cruise and if mother nature co-operates an unforgettable fireworks spectacle reflecting in the waters of the Lake Michigan Harbor. Happy Birthday, America!   Our double-entre plated dinner will satisfy your appetite in the fresh lake air when you Come Join the Fun with us Monday July 3!

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Light the Hoan’s Annual Fundraising Event

August 17, 2024.

Unique event will celebrate Milwaukee landmark while raising awareness to light up lake-facing side.

There are many ways to light the Hoan:

Buy a ticket for one of our exclusive boats, bring your boat and sponsor a vip expereince at lakeshore park, rsvp for a riverwalk experience, donate a bulb, what is hoancoming.

Join us for this unforgettable evening featuring an orchestrated boat cruise led by the Funktoon Wagon, a light show on the Hoan Bridge synced to an exclusive DJ Shawna set, spectacular fireworks show, and so much more!

HOANCHELLA will be the first to provide a transformative experience that takes place on the Milwaukee River and shores of Lake Michigan.

This celebration of the Fresh Coast not only unites residents and visitors but also serves as a kickoff for lighting the East side of the Hoan Bridge, showcasing Milwaukee’s charm and inviting the world to experience our city’s magic.

Timeline of Events

Hoancoming takes place on both land and water, with festivities starting at 1pm. Whether you’re a Milwaukeean, an arts aficionado, a parent, boat owner, local resident or a visitor, there’s something for everyone!

Planning on participating with your own boat? You can join the parade with your own boat by following these instructions for public boats:

• 6:30 PM – Registered boats leave Discovery World
• 6:40 PM –  Public Boats join by Red Light House. Join after Cost Guard.
• 7:30 PM –  Turnaround at Cherry Street Bridge and wait for clear
• 7:35 PM –  Large Boats Depart & Boat Parade to Follow
• 8:30 PM –  Hoancoming Light Show / Fireworks and Drone Show!

We heard you Milwaukee and are bringing it back! New name, same epic event!

Last year, we introduced our inaugural event, Hoanchella, in collaboration with DJ Shawna and Nate Vomhof. We are expanding this year’s activities and offering more opportunities for the community to celebrate the fresh coast with us!

Hoancoming is the annual fundraising event for Light the Hoan , the local nonprofit organization that lit the Hoan Bridge! This event supports our mission to unite and rally the city by celebrating the vibrancy of Milwaukee with an iconic landmark of light. Proceeds will go to support community programs, annual bridge maintenance, and lighting of the east side of the Hoan Bridge. 

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What you will experience

Join us for an unforgettable event featuring overnight boat slips at Lakeshore State Park, an orchestrated boat cruise, a synchronized light show on the Hoan Bridge to DJ Shawna, music by the Funktoon’s pontoon, and spectacular fireworks.

This celebration of the Fresh Coast not only unites residents and visitors but also serves as a kickoff for lighting the East side of the Hoan Bridge, showcasing Milwaukee’s charm and inviting the world to experience our city’s magic.

Stay tuned for more info

Experience Hoancoming

On the Water

Retro cruise with dj vega.

Your ticket includes:

• Milwaukee-favorite DJ Vega throwing it back to the 80s and 90s
• A complimentary drink to start the night right
• 2 hour scenic cruise on the gorgeous Vista King by MKE Boat Line
• Prime viewing of the fireworks, drone and light shows
• Note: Cruise is 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Departing/Arriving from MKE Boatline

DJ Shawna’s Good Vibes Cruise ft. Radio Milwaukee

All aboard the Miss Wisconsin ! Experience an unforgettable evening with the DJ Shawna ’s Good Vibes Cruise featuring Radio Milwaukee. Your ticket includes:

• A high-energy DJ Shawna set to keep the vibes going
• Epic coverage a la @phillyflyboy and @JMattMKE
• 2 hour scenic cruise on the beautiful Miss Wisconsin by Edelweiss Cruise Lines
• Note: Cruise is 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Departing/Arriving from Edelweiss Cruise Lines

Kayak Crawl with FunkClub

Join the ultimate kayak parade led by FunkClub during Hoancoming! This isn’t just for the big boats—kayakers, it’s your time to shine! 🌊✨

Milwaukee Kayak Company is proudly sponsoring this unique event. Don’t miss out – sign up today! Event Schedule: • 2:30 PM | Check-in at Milwaukee Kayak Company • 3:00 PM | FunkClub kicks off the kayak parade • 5:00 PM | Return to the dock at Milwaukee Kayak Company Paddle with the best and groove to the beats—see you on the water! 🛶🎶

MKE Duffy & Paddle Tavern

Between Paddle Tavern and MKE Duffy , you can’t go wrong! 

Paddle Tavern: 

• 16 per paddle tavern
• BYOB – cooler & ice provided!
• Captain provided!
• More info here . 

MKE Duffy: 

• 12 per duffy
• Self-captained

Historic Narrated Boat Tour in partnership with the Historic Milwaukee, Inc. and Edelweiss Cruises

This narrated tour is brought to you by Historic Milwaukee, Inc (HMI).  Their team of knowledgeable volunteer narrators will provide an informative and enjoyable experience while cruising down the Milwaukee River and the inner and outer harbors. A portion of the ticket sales from this cruise go directly towards supporting HMI’s mission.

Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Ticket pricing: 

• Adult: $30.50
• Child: $15.25

Milwaukee Scavenger Pontoon Cruise

Hop aboard a pontoon and uncover secrets of Milwaukee with author of “Milwaukee Scavenger,” Jenna Kashou. During the 60-minute, round-trip tour, she will call out clues from her book and guests will have the opportunity to guess Milwaukee’s hidden gems, landmarks and hot spots, all visible from the Milwaukee River.

Cruise begins at 3pm and ends at 4pm. Please arrive at The Starling by 2:45pm. 

Cost: $25, which includes a copy of the book

Parking: Street parking or Third Ward Garage on Water and Chicago

• Drinks available for purchase on the boat. Make a day of it and wine & dine at The Starling before or after your tour!

Private Group Boats

Hosting a company morale event? Throwing a bachelor party? Celebrate in style on a private boat cruise featuring premiere views of Hoancoming’s firework, drone, and light show.

All private group boats include:

• Complimentary beverages
• Guided Captain Tour
• 3 hour scenic cruise 6-9 PM
• Prime viewing of the fireworks, drone, and light shows
• Private bathroom

Questions? Let us know .

22-passenger Private Boat

2 available!

49-passenger Private Boat

Vip pre-party & boat parade experience at lakeshore state park marina.

Elevate your Hoancoming experience! Sponsor a VIP boat slip, invite some friends or host some clients, and enjoy a day along the Milwaukee skyline. 

2:30-6:00 PM | VIP entertainment

6:30-8:30 PM | Boat parade 

What’s included: 

• (1) VIP Boat Slip at Lakeshore State Park Marina. **Overnight option available
• Complimentary food and drinks
• Live entertainment by Sarah Teale
• Priority view of fireworks, drone and light shows
• Company logo on promotions

Questions about booking a VIP Boat Slip? Want to book more than one? Reach out to the Hoancoming team at [email protected]

Experience Hoancoming On Land

Mke with kids stage at pere marquette park.

Calling all kids! Join us at Pere Marquette Park for family-friendly activities from 2-4pm.

• Kid Boogie Down Dance Party
• Pete’s Pops
• Sugar Spun Cotton Candy
• MKE With Kids Coloring Contest

Sound by Design Stage at Erie Street Plaza

Join Sound By Design DJs for a night of groovy tunes, delightful company, and unforgettable moments while offering the most stunning view of Hoan. 

We look forward to celebrating with you. Kindly confirm your attendance by clicking the RSVP link below.

White Claw Viewing & After Party at Boone & Crockett in partnership with OnMilwaukee

DJ Erich and VJ Brye are setting the stage for a perfect night out. Music and video projection begins at 7:30pm. White Claw will be in attendance, sampling exciting new product. A perfect setting to view for the Hoan Bridge lights, fireworks, and drone show. 

Thank you to OnMilwaukee for your partnership on this event!

Lakefront Brewery Stage

Lakefront Brewery will be setting up our patio not only to view the festivities on the Milwaukee River, but to also feature some of Milwaukee’s most talented musicians.

From the brewers themselves: “Our CurdWagon will be serving up hot and fresh food and our Beer Hut will be slangin’ dranks to those looking to imbibe.”

Lakefront Brewery Stage 2PM – Jacob Slade 4PM – Micah Olsan 6PM – Hanna Simone w/ Elly Bird

RSVP TODAY!

BID #21 Stage at Chase Plaza Bank Plaza

Enjoy the finale of Light Lane, a pedal-powered art installation on the Riverwalk at Chase Tower. Each of the four stationary bikes on the Riverwalk will play music and light up when pedaled.

Whimsical bubble art will float across the Riverwalk thanks to 42ndartist Entertainment, featuring the fabulous Bubble Lady, Michelle Hackett.

Plus, more arts-themed activation in the heart of Downtown!

Join in on the fun from 3-6pm at Chase Bank Plaza!

The Harp Stage

The Harp has prime viewing of both the kayak parade and boat parade. Plus, Jack Reed Group will be jamming out between 3-7pm. 

VIP Boat Slip

What’s included per person:

• One drink ticket
• Glow Sticks
• Lighten Your Appetite Snack Bag
• Premiere viewing experience of Homecoming 2024

This couldn’t happen without our sponsors

And thank you to our friends at, about light the hoan.

A collective of local business and civic leaders, Light the Hoan is nonprofit lighting up and uniting Milwaukee. In May 2018, the group launched a public crowdsourcing campaign to help raise more than $3.5 million to illuminate the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge, the iconic tied-arch bridge spanning nearly two miles across Interstate 794. Since 2020, Light the Hoan has illuminated the city’s iconic bridge, creating awareness for local non-profits, providing valuable tech and creative experiences for Milwaukee’s young professionals, and serving as a source of pride for the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Light the Hoan, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization and donations to it are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Proceeds will go to support community programs, annual bridge maintenance, and lighting of the east side of the Hoan Bridge.

Make new friends and memories all while supporting Light the Hoan. The same as traditional galas, attendees sponsor a table to share with friends and co-workers. Boat slips are considered our “tables.” Your support will allow us to maintain the bridge and ensure we keep the lights on for Milwaukee.

We have not coordinated any Summerfest parking lots to be open to the public that day. However, Irish Fest will be going on at the Henry Meier Festival grounds so please check out their website for more information on parking options.

Yes! Although you do not need to purchase a ticket to be a part of the boat parade, we do encourage those participating to make a donation to Light the Hoan. To donate, please click  here . Proceeds will go to support community programs, annual bridge maintenance, and lighting of the east side of the Hoan Bridge. 

We’re brewing up some stellar viewing experiences from land for you. Sign up to stay up to date!

Yes! We will be announcing kayak and paddleboard plans soon.

We’re excited to hear it! Contact us.

Lighting the bridge has always been about bridging the community. If you have an idea, a resource, or way you’d like to join our mission we want to hear it.

Absolutely! Check out the FunkClub Kayak Crawl from 3-5pm. We encourage kayakers to enjoy the lightshow on land. 

Have a message or question for us? Let us know!

Interested or planning to enjoy Hoancoming?

Fill out the below info to get up-to-date information.

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BOAT CHARTERS & RENTALS ON THE MILWAUKEE RIVER & LAKE MICHIGAN

Ready to book a self-captained pontoon see our live availability here., have questions or would like to book a private charter shoot us an [email protected], choose your boat cruise.

• Self-Captained
• Most Popular
• Hour Glass 4 hour Half Day | 9 hour Full Day
• Users 10 passengers max.

Self-Captained Pontoon Rentals

Riverwalk Boat Tours offers self-captained boat rentals in downtown Milwaukee.  Rent a pontoon boat to enjoy a half or full day on the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan!

• Hour Glass Custom with 1 hour, 45 minute minimum
• Users 22 – 49 passengers

Captained Private Charters

If you’re planning an event like a family gathering, small wedding or office party, Riverwalk Boat Tours offers affordable private cruises downriver and onto Lake Michigan. 

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The best river boat cruise in milwaukee, wisconsin.

All Good Here

Rented pontoon boat online, all went well, folks were at the dock to meet us & explain dos & don'ts. No issue with boat, went on 4 hour cruise, they were there to dock us when we returned too.

Annual Outing

Every year my coworkers and I schedule an outing on Thirsty Thursday - it's so much fun!! Great music, drinks and view of the city! Always have a great time!

Thirsty Thursday

More than expected, crew and boat were professionals. They took care of a large group of us. The views were incredible, thought it would be once in a lifetime adventure, but will do again.

Pontoon Boat Rental

We took an 8 hour rental on a Sunday afternoon. It was awesome! The boat was clean and newer. We maxed it out with 10 people and we had plenty of room even with coolers.

22 Passenger Rental

Customer service took care of me just fine, captain was cool, first mate was chill, they let us have our fun on the boat and have a great time. The trip was filled with beautiful sights and was very pleasant.

Great Tour of The River

It was a nice way to spend the evening on a hot day. The tour group had been very organized and the drinks were great. would do this again.

Riverwalk Boat Tours offers private charters and self-captained pontoon boat rentals.

Unwind after a long workday or celebrate the weekend in style with Riverwalk Boat Tours. Our private charters and pontoon rentals help ensure you have fun as you experience Milwaukee.

Join us for unforgettable and unique boating trips on the beautiful waters of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

(414) 276-7447

[email protected]

Our 2024 season starts NOW!

Sunday Funday

Cruise along the Milwaukee River and inner harbor of Lake Michigan while enjoying mimosa drink specials on this FUNDAY Cruise!

Cruise Details

End the weekend on a high note by enjoying a refreshing beverage while you relax and recharge drifting down the Milwaukee river and Lake Michigan harbor. The Sunday scaries don't stand a chance.

TICKET PRICING:

Adult: $29.25

Child: $29.25

Bar Details

$5 mimosa specials with options for orange, cranberry, or pineapple juice will be featured during this cruise. A full bar will also be available to purchase beer, wine, soft drinks, and mixed drinks. We accept cash or credit card at the bar.

Departure Details

The Sunday Funday Cruise will depart from our main dock located at 205 W. Highland Ave. 

Milwaukee River Cruise Line does not guarantee specific boats for public cruises. 

Enjoy the Sights of the Milwaukee River

See the cityscape from a whole new perspective.

The Experience

Take in unique views of the city while taking a load off.

Cruise Route

We'll debark from downtown Milwaukee. The entire cruise lasts 90 minutes and ends at the departure location. From there, you're within walking distance to countless restaurants, bars, and venues!

The Sunday Funday will depart from our main dock located at 205 W. Highland Ave. Please arrive 30 minutes before the departure time to check in.

Parking Options

Riverfront Plaza Building , 1 block north of Edelweiss Dock: 110 N. Martin Luther King Dr.

Vern’s Parking , 1 block south of our dock: 1017 N. Martin Luther King Dr.

Marcus Center , east of the Milwaukee River: 130 E. State St.

More Questions?

For more details on what to expect during the cruise, how to purchase tickets, or the do's and dont's of boating, check out our FAQs.

Grab a Gift Card Today

We now offer egift cards delivered right to your inbox so while you wait for the new cruise schedule, grab a gift card for yourself or your favorite person.

Keep Connected with Edelweiss

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on cruise schedules, special events, and promotions throughout the year.

Come join our team

Sail through summer as a part of our crew. Now hiring all positions for the 2024 season - don't miss the boat!

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Milwaukee, WI — Kanaloa Tiki Lounge, Milwaukee’s newest tiki-themed party boat, boasts a 12-person capacity, 26-foot deck, a 7-foot bar table, private bathroom on board, and a Polynesian-themed ambiance for a memorable event on Milwaukee’s downtown scenic river. We can provide the captain, lighting, music, and aesthetics to create your own one-of-a-kind tiki themed pontoon boat experience. Relax and enjoy all the beautiful scenery downtown Milwaukee has to offer with your favorite food and beverages. You are able to choose various two-hour chartered rental periods, filled with fun, laughter, and memories all while feeling as though you are relaxing on the beach at the local tiki lounge. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, sunset cruises, family gatherings, boat parades, fireworks, business meetings, bachelorette/bachelor parties, or just a casual cruise of the harbor. Want to stop at one of the hottest bars located on the Milwaukee River? The boat is in your command, and the possibilities for your destinations are plentiful. Kanaloa Tiki Lounge is unlike any other boat on the Milwaukee River and a time when friends and families gather to make new memories this summer.

Located at Schlitz Brewery Park, 1515 N River Center Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212.

Still have questions? Contact Us! [contact-form-7 id=”47″ title=”Contact”]

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Visitors Guide

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