Skip the backyard fireworks this year and head to one of the many organized Fourth of July events happening across the Bay Area. From parades and concerts to fireworks shows and even drone displays, there’s no shortage of safe, family-friendly ways to celebrate Independence Day.
EAST BAY
- Alameda 4th of July Parade
July 4 | 10 a.m. | City of Alameda
The nation’s longest Fourth of July parade spans 3.3 miles with more than 170 entries and 2,500 participants. - Hornet Museum’s 4th of July
July 4 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | USS Hornet Museum
Enjoy a Steel Beach BBQ, music, games, free Island tours, and an afternoon flyover. - Antioch Fourth of July Celebration
July 4 | 4 p.m. | Fireworks at dusk | Waldie Plaza
Live entertainment, food trucks, games, and fireworks along the historic Rivertown waterfront. - Livermore Airport Fourth of July Celebration
July 4 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Livermore Municipal Airport
Military aircraft displays, remote-control demonstrations, and emergency vehicle exhibits. - Brentwood Classic 4th of July Parade
July 4 | 9:30 a.m. | Downtown Brentwood
The popular Children’s Parade kicks things off, followed by the main parade. - Pleasant Hill 4th of July Celebration
July 4 | 9:30 a.m. parade | Evening fireworks at College Park High School
Family fun continues with live music, food, and fireworks in the evening.
NORTH BAY
- Sonoma 4th of July Parade & Fireworks
July 4 | 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Sonoma Plaza
Named among the top Fourth of July celebrations nationwide with a parade, community activities, and fireworks. - Marin County Fair
July 4 | Marin County Fairgrounds
Five days of rides, concerts, food, art, and fireworks. - Healdsburg Kids Parade & Duck Dash
July 4 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Healdsburg Plaza
Lawn games, face painting, Duck Dash races, and a children’s parade. - Sausalito 4th of July Festivities
July 4 | 10 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. | Sausalito
A day of parades, live music, food, games, and fireworks. - Petaluma Independence Day Fireworks
July 4 | 9:30 p.m. | Over Petaluma
High-elevation fireworks show visible throughout the area.
PENINSULA
- Half Moon Bay Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July Parade & Festival
July 4 | 8 a.m. Pancake Breakfast | Noon parade
Downtown Half Moon Bay transforms into a red, white, and blue celebration. - Palo Alto 4th of July Festival & Chili Cook-Off
July 4 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Mitchell Park
Chili tasting, games, and family-friendly activities. - Los Altos Hills 4th of July Parade
July 4 | 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Town Hall
March down Fremont Road followed by watermelon and refreshments. - Mountain View Fireworks Spectacular at Shoreline
July 4 | 7 p.m. | Shoreline Amphitheatre
Celebrate with the San Francisco Symphony and a professional fireworks show. - Menlo Park 4th of July Celebration
July 4 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Burgess Park
Parade, picnic, and free shows by Circus Bella. - Redwood City 4th of July Celebration & Drone Show
July 4 | All day | Drone show at 9:30 p.m.
Classic family celebration with food, music, and a high-tech drone light show over the Port.
SAN FRANCISCO
- Fisherman’s Wharf Fireworks
July 4 | 9:30 p.m. | PIER 39 & Aquatic Park
Waterfront fireworks from two barges, plus shops, dining, and entertainment. - San Francisco 4th of July Pub Crawl & Hot Dog Eating Contest
July 4 | 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Rick & Roxy’s and Marina District bars
Drink specials, DJs, and a festive (and messy) hot dog eating competition.
SOUTH BAY
- Rose, White, & Blue Parade & Festival
July 4 | 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. | The Alameda, San Jose
Celebrating San José’s diversity, public spirit, and agricultural heritage. - Santa Clara 4th of July Celebration
July 4 | 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Mission College
Lawn games, food trucks, live entertainment, and family fun. - Gilroy Annual Fireworks Show
July 4 | 9:30 p.m. | Christmas Hill Park & surrounding neighborhoods
Enjoy Gilroy’s professional fireworks show from nearby viewing spots. - Milpitas Red, White, and Boom!
July 4 | 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Milpitas Sports Center
One of the few remaining city-sponsored fireworks shows, with live music and family fun.
A Reminder for Pet Owners
Fireworks can be stressful for pets. Keep them indoors, provide comfort, and avoid bringing them to loud public celebrations.
For the latest details, visit each event’s official website before heading out. Enjoy a safe and festive Fourth of July across the Bay Area.