Fourth of July in Middleton

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

FESTIVITIES AND FIREWORKS

If you enjoy celebrating the U.S. by getting on your feet and dancing to the beat, then from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, July 1, head on over to Middleton High School’s Otto Breitenbach Stadium for Drums on Parade, a stellar marching music performance and regional competition put on by Drum Corps International.

You’ll be in for a good time if you decide to spend part of your Fourth of July weekend at Pleasant View Golf Course. For the entire weekend, Pleasant View has fun activities and specials planned. Whether you want to get out with the whole family, enjoy a fish fry before or after hitting up the par 3 course or tee up 18 holes with a cart included for only $29.95, there’s something for all to enjoy on the course over the Fourth.

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 festivals and fireworks events happening over the Fourth of July weekend just a short drive away!

LAKE LIFE

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

Open docks: Marshall Park and Mendota County Park in nearby Westport.

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

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 10-15 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.

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. From 1-4 p.m. on July 4, the aquatic center will be hosting a special Fourth of July Pool Party that will include fun games, contests and concession specials, learn more here.

PICNIC AREAS

All of Middleton’s parks have open picnic areas. If looking for a spot to set up a picnic, check out the City’s Parks & Rec site for more information, as well as reservation information for larger groups. Book your reservation before it’s too late! 

HIT THE TRAILS

Sometimes you just need an excuse to slow down during the busy holiday weekend and enjoy nature, Pheasant Branch Conservancy is the perfect excuse. The conservancy offers more than 500 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 70 restaurants and cafes and more than 50 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 nights during the summer, the Bier Garten hosts live music on its performance stage, view the 2023 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. Check out 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, camping with family at Mendota County Park, or just enjoying the leisure life downtown — Middleton has everything you need for a fun and relaxing holiday weekend.