Fireworks, Food, and Local Fun 🎆🌭

Happy Fourth, Green Bay!

Whether you’re staking out a spot downtown, firing up the grill, or pretending your lawn chair is actually comfortable, this holiday weekend is packed.

We’ve rounded up the must-know events, closings, food news, and low-key gems to help you make the most of it (with minimal stress and maximum brats).

Let’s get into it.

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🧭 Moving on….

📰New Stories of the Week in Green Bay

📌 $17,441 in Mini-Grants

Green Bay just gave the green light (and green cash) to 18 neighborhood associations, awarding $17,441 in Mini-Grants for 27 creative, community-driven projects across the city.

From block parties and mural installations to outdoor movies, fall festivals, and a literal Pickle Fest, this funding is all about building connection, joy, and local pride. A portion—$2,290—is going specifically toward public safety initiatives, like signage and neighborhood outreach.

The grants were awarded based on creativity, community impact, and how well each project leveraged local resources. As GBN Chairman Tarl Knight put it:
"Free concerts, street beautification, resource sharing, this is how we build a connected city."

Keep your eyes peeled, your neighbourhood might be throwing the next can’t-miss event.

📌$29 million sewer overhaul

A massive $29 million sewer overhaul is officially underway in Green Bay, expect road, sidewalk, trail, and park disruptions from downtown all the way through Allouez.

The project, led by NEW Water, will replace over 13,000 feet of sewer lines originally installed during the Great Depression. These aging underground pipes are at the end of their life and urgently need upgrading for public health and safety.

Work starts now and runs through October 2026, with closures hitting Adams Street, Main Street, and areas along the East River near Joannes Park. Detours and traffic control will be in place, but no added costs will hit property owners.

In short: it’s big, it’s essential, and it’s going to be disruptive. Plan your routes accordingly.

📌On-Demand microtransit service

July 1, Green Bay Metro’s On Demand microtransit service now covers one large daytime zone instead of multiple smaller ones, making it easier to get around town without the hassle of zone transfers.

✅ Ride anywhere from UWGB to De Pere, Bellevue, or the airport
✅ Book via the GBM On Demand app or call (920) 448-3450
✅ Same fare as a regular bus: $2
✅ Now with better app routing & improved accessibility for riders with disabilities

It’s like Uber, but corner-to-corner and with way more community flavor.

📌Boating Restrictions & Firework Safety Warnings

Green Bay officials are urging residents to keep safety top of mind this holiday weekend. Temporary boating restrictions will be enforced during the Fire Over the Fox event—no docking, mooring, or boating between the Ray Nitschke Bridge and the train trestle by Leicht Park from 6 PM through the end of the fireworks show. A safety zone will also block off the City Deck during the Waterboard Warriors ski show (4–5 PM).

Meanwhile, the Green Bay Fire Department is warning families: in 2023, fireworks caused over $140 million in property damage nationwide, and children under 15 made up a big chunk of injuries. Even sparklers burn at 2,000°F.

Keep pets indoors, dispose of dud fireworks in water, and never let kids handle them. Stay safe, GB.

P.S. While you're out enjoying the sunshine, grilling, and fireworks this weekend, please remember you're not the only one on the beach. A pair of endangered piping plovers is nesting at Longtail Point right now. These tiny shorebirds are rare, sensitive to noise, and legally protected.

🪧 If you see fencing or warning signs, give them space.
🐕 Keep dogs leashed.
🎆 Skip fireworks near marked nesting zones.

Let’s Share the Shore and help these feathered locals have a peaceful Fourth, too.

🛒 Healthy Way Market is taking over Sal’s Foods of Allouez!

Adam Goettelman and Caitlin Oleson of Healthy Way Market just took over the longtime local staple, Austin’s / Sal’s Foods of Allouez, and they're bringing their community-first, fresh-food energy to Green Bay.

They weren’t even looking for a second location. But when this spot opened up in March, they went for it with late nights, local support, and a whole lot of passion for small, independent grocery.

Renovations and team-building are underway, with plans to open this fall. Expect a cozy neighborhood feel, more local produce, natural and organic groceries, and a whole lot of love packed into the aisles.

Welcome to Green Bay, Healthy Way. We’re here for it. 🙌

There’s a new spot rising in Green Bay. The Bread Shed, a cozy self-serve sourdough stand tucked off Finger Road, is officially open to customers.

Here’s how it works: stop by, grab a loaf (or three) of fresh, homemade sourdough white, wheat, and rotating flavors, and leave payment via cash, Venmo, or PayPal. No staff. No frills. Just good bread and trust.

Owner Nikki Mikula bakes it daily with a wild yeast starter and lets the flavor do the talking. She recommends toasting it and pairing it with butter, jam... or just tearing it straight into.

📌 Closed this week- Reopens week of July 7

📍 Find The Bread Shed:
1630 Finger Road, Green Bay
Open: 10 am–6 pm or until sold out

First come, first slice 🍞

🏡Cozy Charmer on 10th Ave

📍 1501 10th Ave, Green Bay, WI 54304
💲 $165,900 | 🛏️ 2 Bed | 🛁 1 Bath | 📐 704 Sq Ft

This 1949-built single-family home sits on a 6,183 sq ft lot and offers an affordable entry point to homeownership on Green Bay’s west side.

🏡 3591 Black Sheep Way, Green Bay

💲 $399,900 | 🛏️ 4 Bed | 🛁 3 Bath | 📐 2,281 Sq Ft

Built in 2024, this new construction condo offers spacious modern living in a growing east-side neighborhood. Set on a 5,227 sq ft lot, the property includes a 2-car garage

🎆 Fire Over the Fox Lights Up Downtown

It’s officially Fourth of July in Green Bay, and Fire Over the Fox is in full swing downtown along the Fox River!

🕒 Events run 3–10:30 PM, with live music, food trucks, and fun across Leicht Memorial Park, CityDeck, and beyond.

Don’t miss:

• 🎶 Live music on 5 stages, including Johnny Wad, the Talbott Brothers, and Reencuentro Norteño

• 🎤 Kids & Family Zone with bounce houses, magic shows, and even a dunk tank

• 🍔 15 food trucks and 3 beverage tents (plus that new container bar at Leicht Park)

• 💥 Fireworks at 9:45 PM, synced to WIXX 101.1 FM and broadcast live on WFRV-TV

🎶 Levitt AMP x Fire Over the Fox
📍 Neville Public Museum Parking Lot
Part of the main celebration, catch original music all evening long.

🪑 VIP Seating is still available via Eventbrite ($12), or go big with the rooftop “Best View in Leicht” package.

🚧 Heads-up: The Ray Nitschke Bridge is closed all day.

Whether you’re a die-hard local or new to the chaos, grab your people, bring your chairs, and get downtown.

🏓 Star-Spangled Paddle at The Picklr

If fireworks and lawn chairs aren’t your speed, swing by The Picklr Green Bay for some red, white, and ruthless pickleball.

The Star Spangled Paddle Tournament is happening now, featuring Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed divisions with pool play and a single-elimination finish. It’s competitive, fast-paced, and fully DUPR-regulated (so yes, your stats count).

🎟️ Free for members, $30 for non-members
📍 Register on The Picklr app with your doubles partner

Because nothing says "Happy Birthday, America" like a perfectly placed dink shot.

🎶 Music in the Alley Starts Sunday

Downtown De Pere is serving up chill vibes and local flavor every Sunday evening this summer with Music in the Alley, starting July 6 from 5–8 PM.

🎤 Live music kicks off with Jackson Mankowski
🍕 Eats by Oley’s Pizza & Pasquale’s International Café
🍺 Drinks from Nicolet Ale Works

📍 The Alley District – 301/305 Main Ave, De Pere
🗓️ Runs weekly through August 31

🥪4th of July Breakfast at Backyard Brew

Fuel up before the fireworks with a quick bite at Backyard Brew!

🎆 Friday, July 4 from 6–10 AM
🥚 $5 Egg & Cheese Sandwich
☕ $2 Coffee or OJ

It’s first-come, first-served, while supplies last, so set your alarm and start Independence Day with a solid cup and sandwich

🩸 Battle of the Badges: Blood Drive

Green Bay’s police and fire departments are facing off, but this time, it’s friendly.
The Battle of the Badges blood drive is happening Friday, 7:30–11:30 AM, and all eligible donors will receive a $15 e-gift card from the Community Blood Center.

🗓️ July 4
🕢 7:30–11:30 AM
🎁 $15 e-gift card for successful donations
🆚 Police vs. Fire: See who can bring in the most life-saving donations

Give blood, earn a gift, and support your favorite local heroes in the process.

⚾ Green Bay Rockers Game
📍 Capital Credit Union Park
🕐 1:00 PM- Rockers vs. Fond du Lac Dock Spiders- Friday, July 4
🎟️ Promo code = $4 tickets in sections 104–124

🏛️ 4th of July at Heritage Hill State Park
📍 2640 S. Webster Ave., Allouez
🕘 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
🪑 Picnic, grab a drink from the bar, and explore 1800s Wisconsin through interactive exhibits and reenactments.
🎟️ $6 adults | $3 kids under 12

🌿 Coming Soon: Green Bay’s Garden Walk Blooms July 19

The Green Bay Gardeners Club returns with its 3rd Annual Garden Walk on Saturday, July 19—and it’s the only event of its kind in Brown County.

Tour seven stunning private gardens on the west side of the Fox River, featuring everything from elegant fountains and whimsical yard art to pollinator gardens, orchards, vegetable beds, walking trails, and a chicken coop with serious personality.

🪴 Tickets:
🎟️ $15 in advance (until July 17)
🎟️ $20 day-of (if available - only 500 tickets total)
Includes coupons to local garden centers & restaurants!

📍 Locations: Hobart, Howard, & west Green Bay
💻 Info & photos: gardenclubgreenbay.weebly.com/garden-walk.html

This event is rain or shine, so grab your walking shoes, your favorite garden hat, and get inspired.

That’s the buzz for this week. 🐝

🌱 Thanks for making space for us in your inbox and your routine. Whether it’s neighborhood happenings, home projects, or weekend hangs, we’re lucky to tag along each week.

📬 Got a story worth sharing? A local legend, a new spot, or a can’t-miss event? Drop us a line, we’re always tuned in.

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Stay local. Stay buzzing.

If you see me around, give me a wave! I love meeting my buzz readers

MH.