Fourth of July 2025: The best parades, festivals and fireworks across the Bay Area

San Francisco Chronicle​

a day ago

Light up the sparklers! Whether the fog rolls in or not, San Francisco's official Fourth of July fireworks display off of Pier 39 is scheduled to go on, starting around 9:30 p.m. on Friday. Arrive early to watch the city's pyrotechnical display at Fisherman's Wharf, the Ferry Building, along the Marina Green or Tunnel Tops park. Or avoid the big city crowds by attending one of the many local fireworks and lit drone shows happening outside of San Francisco.
Not interested in the big booms? With pancake breakfasts and parades, fairs, live music in parks and more to choose from, there are many ways to celebrate. Check out the fun with the Chronicle's regional guide to Independence Day events.
Fourth of July Celebration: Steel Beach BBQ
Relax on the flight deck with live DJ sets from Dave Stebbins, games, barbecue and nonalcoholic drinks. View a flyover by the Memorial Squadron and explore the site and its Apollo artifacts and exhibits.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, July 4. $20-$38.77. USS Hornet Museum, 707 W. Hornet Ave., Alameda. 510-521-8448. www.uss-hornet.org
Enjoy an old-fashioned neighborhood parade and party at the city's newest oceanfront park. The route makes its way from Noriega to Kirkham streets with marching bands, fire trucks, community groups and more. Post-parade festivities at Kirkham Street will include children's activities, live music, food and drinks.
Golden Gate Park Band: American as Apple Pie, Ribs and Tacos
Celebrate all things American as German Gonzalez conducts the band in an Independence Day pops program.
1 p.m. Friday, July 4. Free. Golden Gate Park Music Concourse, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, S.F. 415-596-1741. www.goldengateparkband.org
S.F. Mime Troupe's 'Disruption: A Musical Farce'
Michael Gene Sullivan directs the 66th incarnation of the left-leaning musical theater group's traveling summer production, which poses the political question: As the U.S. moves toward authoritarianism, will San Francisco resist, or become a 'suburb of Silicon Valley'? Written by Sullivan and Marie Cartier, with music by Daniel Savio.
2 p.m. Friday, July 4. Continuing at various Bay Area locations through Sunday, Aug. 3. Free-$20. Dolores Park, 19th and Dolores streets, S.F. 415-285-1717. www.sfmt.org
Queer as Fourth: Radical Resistance fundraiser
Celebrate queer joy, resistance and liberation at a party set to include live DJ sets from Charles Hawthorne, Hauna Bauna and Nice 4 Life, food, and sexy dancers. A portion of proceeds will benefit Lyric SF center for LGBTQ+ youth.
3-8 p.m. Friday, July 4. $10-$20. El Rio, 3158 Mission St., S.F. 415-282-3325.
S.F. Fourth of July Pub Crawls and Hot Dog Eating Contest
The lower Polk Street-centered pub crawl will include stops at Westwood, Silver Cloud, Wizards & Wands, Comet Club, and others. Pie and hot dog eating contests will be held at Jaxson.
4-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, July 4-5. $5-$38.09. Check-in at Rick and Roxy's, 2125 Lombard St., S.F. www.july4sf.com
Dockside Fireworks viewing aboard the SS Jeremiah O'Brien
Celebrate 249 years of American independence with a front-row view of the fireworks from the deck of the World War II Liberty ship, berthed in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf.
7-10:30 p.m. Friday, July 4. $25-$45, reservations required. SS Jeremiah O'Brien, Pier 35, S.F. 415-544-0100. www.ssjeremiahobrien.org
Blue and Gold Fleet fireworks cruises
Celebrate Independence Day with views of San Francisco landmarks and fireworks during a cruise on the bay.
8:20, 8:25, 8:30 and 8:30 p.m. departures Friday, July 4. $79-$109; reservations required. Pier 41, S.F. 415-705-8200. www.blueandgoldfleet.com
East Bay
City of Richmond's annual third of July fireworks
An evening of live music, family-friendly activities, food trucks and vendors. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m.
5-10 p.m. Thursday, July 3. Free. Marina Bay Park, Regatta Blvd. and Marina Bay Pkwy., Richmond. 510-620-6793. www.ci.richmond.ca.us
Riggers Loft July 3rd Fireworks and Dance Party
Enjoy live music with Andre Thierry, food and drinks, arcade games, and an evening finale watching the Richmond fireworks display from the venue's outdoor area.
6-9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 3. $15-$45. Rigger's Loft, 1325 Canal Blvd., Richmond. 510-234-8477. www.riggersloftwine.com
Benicia's Torchlight Parade and fireworks
Downtown Benicia's First Street will host a lighted evening parade featuring floats and live entertainment on Thursday, July 3. On Friday, lay out a blanket along the marina green and enjoy the town's annual waterfront pyrotechnic display.
Torchlight parade from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, July 3; Fireworks 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 4. Free. First Street and Marina Green Park, Benicia. 707-745-9791. www.beniciamainstreet.org
Martinez Fourth of July Parade and fireworks
Cheer on the downtown parade and nighttime fireworks display.
USS Potomac Fourth of July fireworks cruise
Enjoy a three-hour bay cruise with great fireworks views. Snacks and beverages available.
7:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, July 4. $160, reservations required. USS Potomac, 540 Water St., Oakland. 510-627-1215. www.usspotomac.org
Orinda Fourth of July: Carnival in the Park
Early risers can enjoy a burrito breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and fun run at 7:55 a.m. The parade begins at 10 a.m. followed by a carnival with live music, community activities, food trucks and more at 11:30 a.m.
7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday, July 4. Free. Orinda Community Park, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda. 925-254-0800. www.orindaassociation.org
Pleasant Hill Fourth of July celebration
A firecracker 5K run begins the day's activities at 7:45 a.m. The parade is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. Route map available online. A festival with live music, food vendors and a children's zone will take place following the parade. There will be a fireworks watch party as the sun sets at College Park High school.
Parade and festival 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill; fireworks viewing event 6:30-10 p.m. Friday, July 4 at College Park High School, 201 Viking Drive, Pleasant Hill. 925-357-5850. www.phjuly4.com
Celebrate Concord Fourth of July
Get an early start at 8 a.m. with a Stars and Stripes 5K fun run/walk, followed by Concord's annual holiday parade. A community festival with live music and entertainment, carnival, vendors, food trucks and fireworks viewing follows.
Parade at 10 a.m. Free. Todos Santos Plaza, Salvio and Grant streets, Concord. Festival 4-10 p.m. Friday, July 4. Free. Mount Diablo High School, 2450 Grant St., Concord. 925-695-7268. www.concordjuly4th.com
Alameda Fourth of July Parade and 5K run
Choose a spot along the 3-mile parade route to cheer for marching bands, floats, equestrian displays and more. Get an early start with a 5K run/walk along the parade route, starting at 8:30 a.m.
Parade at 10 a.m. Friday, July 4. Free. Begins at Lincoln Avenue and Park Street, Alameda. 510-747-7400. www.alamedaca.gov
El Cerrito WorldOne Festival
Enjoy live music from Gamelan Sekar Jaya, Sister Carol, La Gente SF and Luv Phenomena, carnival rides, a family fun zone, classic car show, vendors, food, drinks, and more.
5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 3; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, July 4. Free admission. Cerrito Vista Park, 950 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito. 510-215-4300. www.worldoneradio.org
Moraga Fourth of July celebration
Festivities will include a dog parade, family activities, community booths, food and drinks, live entertainment, music, and a fireworks display.
Parade at 11 a.m.; Festival from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 4. Free. Moraga Commons Park, Moraga. 925-888-7050. www.moraga.ca.us
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Star Spangled Nights
Enjoy lighted drone shows each evening after a festive day in the park.
11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, July 4-5. $39-$80. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, 1001 Fairgrounds Drive SW, Vallejo. 707-644-4000. www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom/events
Jack London Square Summer Fun on the Fourth
The event includes live entertainment, including music from Splick da'Groove and the Everyday People, a trivia contest, craft activities, giveaways and more.
5-8 p.m. Free. Ferry Lawn, Jack London Square, Water Street, Oakland. 510-645-9292. www.jacklondonsquare.com
San Ramon Independence Day concert
There will be a patriotic music presentation and a tribute to veterans, followed by live music from Billy Nation and food vendors. Get energized for the day with a Fourth of July run/walk event at 8 a.m.
5-8 p.m. Friday, July 4. Free. Central Park Amphitheater, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. 925-973-3200. www.sanramon.ca.gov
Mare Island Spirit Ship celebration
A drone light show, food trucks, craft cocktail and mocktail lounge, children's area, live DJ sets, and magic performances are scheduled for the July Fourth party.
5:30-9:30 p.m Friday, July 4. $5-$10. Mare Island Promenade, 860 Nimitz Ave., Vallejo.
North Bay
Marin County Fair: Bug-tastic
Set on Frank Lloyd Wright-designed grounds, the fair offers exhibitions, farm animals, carnival rides, "Star Wars" characters, a food and vendor marketplace, a community stage, roaming entertainment, and mainstage concerts from the Legendary Wailers, the Skatalites, TLC, Petty Theft, Zepparalla, Chris Housman and others. Fireworks shows occur nightly around 9:30 p.m.
11 a.m.-11 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, July 2-6. Free-$30. Marin County Fair, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 415-473-6400. www.marinfair.org
Sausalito Fourth of July
A downtown parade will be followed by a picnic featuring family activities and live music in Dunphy Park. Gather at Gabrielson Park in the evening for live music, food trucks and fireworks.
Parade at 10 a.m.; picnic noon-4 p.m.; evening festival 6:30-9:45 p.m. Friday, July 4. Free. Dunphy and Gabrielson Parks, Sausalito. 415-289-4152. www.sausalito.gov
Novato Fourth of July Parade: The Greatest Town on Earth
The annual parade is set to feature floats, marching bands, vintage vehicles, horses and more. Enjoy pre-parade entertainment 9-10 a.m.
10 a.m. Friday, July 4. Free-$10. Reichert and Grant avenues, downtown Novato. www.novatoparade.com
Sonoma Fourth of July: 'American Road Trip'
A parade around the historic plaza will be followed by a festival with vendors, family-friendly activities, live music and a fireworks display sponsored by the Sonoma Volunteer Firefighters Association.
Festival 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; parade at 10 a.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Friday, July 4. Free. First Street, Sonoma. www.sonomavolunteerfirefighters.org
Corte Madera/Larkspur Fourth of July Parade and Festival
The 10:30 a.m. parade will feature a marching battle of the bands, floats, community groups and more. A festival in Town Park is set to include live music, entertainment, an art fair, children's activities, and food and drinks vendors.
Festival 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, July 4. Free. Corte Madera Town Park, 498 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera. Parade at 10:30 a.m. kicks off from Redwood High School, 395 Doherty Drive, Larkspur. 415-924-0441. www.cortemadera.org
Calistoga Star-Spangled Parade and Social: American Dream
The festivities begin with a morning parade followed by a festival that's set to include a maker's market, children's activities, food trucks, live music, magic and an after-dark laser lights show.
Parade begins at 11 a.m.; festival 2-8 p.m.; live music 2-10 p.m. $15-$25. Pioneer Park, 1308 Cedar St., Calistoga. 707-403-5024. www.celebratenapavalley.org
Call of the Sea Independence Day Sails
Enjoy an afternoon or evening fireworks sail aboard the 132-foot-long wooden brigantine Matthew Turner tall ship, decorated in patriotic colors.
3:30-6 p.m. and 7:15-10 p.m. Friday, July 4. $49-$195, reservations required. Bay Model Visitor Center, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415-331-3214. www.callofthesea.org
S.F. Sail on the Bay cruise
Board the 80-foot gaff-rigged coastal Schooner Freda B, for an afternoon or a sunset fireworks viewing cruise on the bay. Onboard bar with refreshments available.
3:45 and 7:15 p.m. Friday, July 4. $99-$316.63, reservations required. Schooner Freda B, Slip 465, 100 Bay St., Sausalito. 415-331-0444. www.sfbayadventures.com
Green Music Center Fourth of July Spectacular
Troy Quinn will conduct a pops concert featuring the Santa Rosa Symphony and Transcendence Theatre Company followed by a fireworks display. A family festival with carnival games, children's zone, food vendors and more begins at 4:30 p.m. Indoor and outdoor seating options available.
4:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, July 4. $46-$76. Weill Hall and Lawn, Green Music Center, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 707-664-4246. https://gmc.sonoma.edu
South Bay
Half Moon Bay Ol' Fashioned Fourth of July Parade and Party
The parade is set to include horses, floats, classic cars, community groups and marching bands. There will be a pancake breakfast at City Hall from 8-11:30 a.m. as well as a festival with live music, vendors, kids' activities, barbecue and more, beginning at 10 a.m.
Parade at noon; festival 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, July 4. Free. Main Street, Half Moon Bay. 650-726-5705. www.july4th.miramarevents.com
Redwood City Fourth of July: Celebrate California
Since 1939, the Redwood city Independence Day celebration has been one of Northern California's largest. It's set to include a pancake breakfast, parade, classic cars, a festival and patriotic drone show.
Festival 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; parade at 10 a.m.; drone show at 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 4. Free. Courthouse Square area, Redwood City. 650-365-1825. www.parade.org
Saratoga Independence Day Celebration
Enjoy live patriotic music from the McCartysville Volunteer Band. Historical outfits encouraged. Lawn seating — bring blankets and umbrellas.
9:30-11 a.m. Friday, July 4. Free. Kevin Moran Park, 12415 Scully Ave., Saratoga. www.saratoga.ca.us
​​California's Great America Fourth of July celebration
After an afternoon of amusement and water park fun, enjoy barbecue and a fireworks show, complemented by a patriotic soundtrack.
10 a.m.-11 p.m.; fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Friday, July 4. $57-$65. California's Great America, 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara. 408-988-1776. www.cagreatamerica.com
Pacifica Fourth of July
The city of Pacifica will host its annual Independence Day picnic with live music, carnival rides, games and family-friendly activities.
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, July 4. Free. Frontierland Park, 900 Yosemite Drive, Pacifica. 650-738-7300. www.cityofpacifica.org
Palo Alto Fourth of July Festival and Chili Cook-off
Enjoy free chili tasting, live music, food trucks and children's activities during the town's annual festival and cook-off.
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, July 4. Free. Mitchell Park, 600 E. Meadow Drive, Palo Alto. 650-463-4900. www.paloalto.gov
San Mateo Fourth of July Concert
Join the city of San Mateo's holiday celebration with family-friendly activities and live music from Club 90.
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, July 4. Free. Central Park, 50 E. Fifth Ave., San Mateo. www.cityofsanmateo.org
San Francisco Symphony Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
Edwin Outwater is scheduled to conduct the orchestra in a program of patriotic and theatrical works, featuring vocal soloist-ukulele virtuoso Taimane. The event includes a post concert fireworks display.
Gates 7 p.m.; concert 8 p.m. Friday, July 4. $26-$138. Shoreline Amphitheatre, 1 Amphitheatre Way, Mountain View. 415-864-6000. www.sfsymphony.org
Sacramento
A's versus Giants with after-game fireworks
The A's are scheduled to duke it out with the San Francisco Giants on Independence Day, followed by a fireworks display and drone lights show in honor of the holiday.
7 p.m. Friday, July 4. $206-$303. Sutter Health Park, 400 Ballpark Driv., West Sacramento. www.mlb.com/athletics