San Francisco Bay Area 4th of July 2026: Fireworks, Festivals, Parades, & More

San Francisco Bay Area 4th of July activities include fireworks, festivals, and parades.

You will find a variety of things to do in San Francisco, the East Bay, Marin, wine country, and along the Peninsula. 

Read on for ideas on the best places to have fun and a list of where you can see fireworks to celebrate America's birthday.

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San Francisco Events: Waterfront Festival & Fireworks 

The biggest Bay Area 4th of July activities are along the northern waterfront in San Francisco. On July 4, you will find a variety of things to do in Fisherman's Wharf at Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and venues all around the district.

You can listen to live music, enjoy family-friendly activities, take a cruise, and save with food and drink specials all day long. The event ends with a large fireworks display over the water. It begins around 9:30 pm and lasts approximately 30 minutes.

The event draws hundreds of thousands of people, so be sure to arrive early to secure the best spot!

More: Find out more about the fireworks show and what else there is to do in San Francisco this Fourth of July holiday

East Bay Fireworks

Several cities in the East Bay will host Bay Area 4th of July celebrations. The biggest are in Berkeley, Oakland, and Pleasant Hill.

• Antioch: Fireworks in downtown Antioch over the San Joaquin River start after dusk
• Concord: Mt. Diablo High School at around 9:15 p.m.
  
• Moraga: Fireworks at Moraga Commons Park start at around 9:30 pm
• Pleasant Hill: Viewing party at College Park High School fields, suggested donation of $4 per person, fields open at 6:30 pm with music and food, fireworks around 9:15 pm.
  
• Richmond: 3rd of July fireworks and celebration at Marina Bay Park, show starts at 9:15 pm

Additional Fourth of July Activities in the East Bay

Albany: This event runs from 11 am to 3 pm at Memorial Park in Albany. It features a pancake breakfast, a pet show, games, and food vendors.

Antioch: This year's Antioch celebration promises a fun-filled evening of events, featuring a parade that begins at 4 pm. Other fun things to do include live music, entertainment, local food trucks, and family-friendly games. The fireworks start at around dusk. Most events will be at Waldie Plaza on the riverfront in downtown Antioch.

Benicia (7/3): The Torchlight Parade starts at 6:30 pm in downtown Benicia, along First Street, where you'll find dancers, floats, and other entertainment.

Concord: Festivities in Concord start at around 5 pm, with the gates opening at 4 pm. You can enjoy live entertainment, food, and fun until the fireworks start at around 9:15 pm. If you want to get your day started early, you can also enjoy a 5 K run or walk at 8:15 am. 

Danville: This year's annual parade in Danville is from 9 am to 12 pm. The route starts at Hartz and Railroad Avenues and ends at San Ramon Valley Blvd. and Sycamore Valley Road. The parade features over 150 entries, including bands and floats, and draws more than 40,000 attendees annually.

El Cerrito: The city's annual worldOne Festival is on July 4 from 11 am to 5 pm. It includes food, a classic car show, and entertainment. It's at Cerrito Vista Park.

Fremont: This year's July 4th parade aims to honor American heritage while celebrating Fremont's vibrant diversity and local talent. The parade begins at 10 am near the Fremont Center on Paseo Padre Parkway. It ends at Capitol Avenue and Liberty Street. 

Martinez: This year's Fourth of July celebrations in Martinez will take place on July 4. The annual parade starts at 10 am from Court and Main Streets and makes its way to Alhambra Avenue and Main Street. 

Moraga: You will find community activities throughout the day, including a parade, family-friendly events, live music, and fireworks. It begins with the dog parade at 11 am and concludes with fireworks at 9:30 pm.

Pleasant Hill: The Annual July 4th Celebration in Pleasant Hill includes a Firecracker 5k run (7:45 am), downtown parade (9:30 am), party in the park (10:30 am to 1:30 pm), and fireworks display (9:15 pm).

Richmond: This city of Richmond celebrates its early July 3rd again this year. Head down to Marina Bay Park from 5 pm to 10 pm to enjoy live blues music, food vendors, and the interactive Fun Zone for kids. Fireworks begin around 9:15 pm with a display that lasts around 20 minutes.

San Pablo: The city's 4th of July Multi-Cultural Celebration activities include live entertainment, kids' games, and food and drinks. All events begin at 5 pm at the San Pablo Community Center. Admission is free, but there is a cost for the games and activities. It ends with an aerial drone light show and ends at 10 pm.

San Ramon: The celebration features music from Billy Nation, the "Premier Billy Joel Concert Experience." You will also find beer, wine, food, water, and other treats for sale. It starts at 5 pm and runs until around 8 pm at the San Ramon Central Park Amphitheater.

South Bay & Peninsula Fireworks

The South Bay and Peninsula areas will also have a variety of Bay Area 4th of July activities. You will find the "World's Shortest Parade" in Aptos; the "Red, White & Boom!" in Milpitas, and a Fourth of July celebration with the SF Symphony at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View.

• California's Great America: Top off a day of thrilling rides at this popular amusement park in Santa Clara with a fireworks show at 9:40 pm.
• Cupertino: Fireworks start at 9:30 pm and can be viewed from Creekside Park, Sedgwick Elementary School, and Miller Avenue near Bollinger Road.
• Gilroy: Launched from Gilroy High School at 9:30 pm, can be viewed from nearby neighborhoods and at Christmas Hill Park.
  
• Morgan Hill: Fireworks close out the annual Freedom Fest at Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center around 9 pm.

• Milpitas: "Red, White & Boom!" concert and fireworks show at the Milpitas Sports Center complex from 5 pm to 9 pm.
• San Jose (7/3 and 7/4): Post-game fireworks at Excite Ballpark on July 3 and 4 after the San Jose Giants of Minor League Baseball play.

Additional Bay Area 4th of July Events in the South Bay & Peninsula 

Aptos: This seaside community will once again host the "World's Shortest Parade" this Independence Day (a tradition showcasing vintage cars and local talent since 1961). The parade lasts from about 10 am to 11 am. You can then head over to Aptos Village Park for their Party in the Park, featuring live music, kids activities, great food and beer, and more. 

Cupertino: This all-day event includes a parade, a pancake breakfast, and fireworks. The day starts with a pancake breakfast (8 to 11 am), flag raising and children's parade (10 am), and a concert with other family activities (10:30 am to 12 noon). Fireworks start at 9:30 pm.

Los Gatos: The annual 4th of July Symphony in the Park event at Oak Meadow Park runs from 10 am to 1 pm.

Milpitas: The "Red, White & Boom!" celebration in Milpitas is at the Milpitas Sports Center. The evening event includes food trucks, a kids' area, and other activities. Pre-sale ticket holders can enter at 5 pm; 6 pm for general admission. Fireworks close out the evening around 9 pm. 

Morgan Hill: The annual Freedom Fest kicks off this year on July 3 with the popular Family Music Fest, an evening filled with live music and dancing, food and drinks. The festivities start at 6 pm and end around 10 pm. The Freedom Festival continues all day on the July 4 as well. There is a 5k run at 8 am, a parade at 10 am, and gates to the fireworks event open at 3 pm. This event began in 1876 and remains one of the best in the Bay Area. 

Mountain View: The place to be in Mountain View on the Fourth of July is the Shoreline Amphitheater. This annual concert by the SF Symphony with an amazing fireworks display is the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day. Doors open at 5 pm, featuring games and events, followed by music at 8 pm, with fireworks starting shortly after dark.

Pacific Grove: Head to downtown Pacific Grove for their annual Fourth of July celebration. Festivities take place from 11 am to 3 pm at Jewell Park and feature live entertainment and food from local restaurants. They will read the Declaration of Independence, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. You can then enjoy other entertainment and kids' activities.

Palo Alto: The annual 4th of July Summer Festival and Chili Cookoff is at Mitchell Park from 11 am to 3 pm. You can enjoy live music, tasty chili, and entertainment for the kids. Bring along chairs or something to sit on during the festival.

Redwood City: Redwood City will once again host the largest Fourth of July Parade in Northern California. It starts at 10 am in downtown Redwood City. This year's festival will take place on the streets near the San Mateo County History Museum from 9 am to 5 pm. You will find food, beverages, arts and crafts, and more. The night will finish with a drone light show at 9:30 pm.

San Jose: This year's Rose, White, and Blue Parade begins at 9:45 am, winding through the Rose Garden and ending on the grand avenue known as The Alameda. On The Alameda, you can enjoy a festival starting at 11 am. It features local food and drink, along with live music and dozens of arts and crafts booths until 2 pm. 

North Bay & Wine Country Fireworks

If you plan to be in the North Bay or Wine Country during this annual holiday, you will also find plenty of things to do.

You will find a full day of activities in American Canyon, the Napa County Fair and Fireworks event in Calistoga, and the Marin County Fair in San Rafael.

• American Canyon: Free fireworks at Independence Park around 9:20 pm to top off the all-day festival

• Rohnert Park: Fireworks Spectacular with the Transcendence Theatre Company & Santa Rosa Symphony features carnival activities from 4:30 to 7 pm and fireworks around 9:15 pm.
• San Rafael: Nightly fireworks display at 9:30 pm at the Marin County Fair from July 1 to 5
  
• Sebastopol (July 3): Annual 3rd of July Fireworks and Music Extravaganza at Analy High School and Football Field, fireworks at 9:30 pm
  

• Sonoma: Fireworks over General Vallejo's field start at dusk and will last for around 30 minutes

• Windsor (7/3): Keiser Park at 9:30 pm, gates open at 4 pm

Additional Bay Area 4th of July Festivals & Activities in the North Bay

American Canyon: Enjoy a parade, a concert/festival in the park from 3 to 10 pm, and fireworks around 9:20 pm. Join the fun at Independence Park.

Calistoga: The annual 100+ year-old parade takes place from 11 am to 12 pm along Lincoln Avenue in this quaint wine country town. It's followed by the Star Spangled Social and Maker's Fair, featuring food trucks, water slides, drinks, and more family fun, at the Calistoga Fairgrounds from 2 pm to 10 pm. The night ends with a grand finale laser light show.

Healdsburg: The Annual July 4th Community Celebration, Kids' Parade, and Duck Dash will be in Healdsburg's historic town square. Activities begin at 10 am with face painting, complimentary food and drinks, a foot race around the plaza, and the annual parade, which starts at 11 am. Events wrap up around 1 pm. 

Napa: Annual 4th of July Parade runs through downtown Napa. It is on 2nd and 3rd Streets and kicks off at 9:30 am. The event continues at Oxbow Commons from 3 pm to 10 pm, featuring kids' activities, food, live music, and a Salute to America at 8 pm. Finally, at 9:30 pm, you can enjoy their drone show—one of the largest in Northern California.

Novato: The Novato Fourth of July Parade is in the Old Town District on Grant Avenue between Reichert and 7th Avenue, and has over 100 entries, making it one of the largest in the San Francisco Bay Area. It starts at 10 am and lasts about two hours.

Rohnert Park: This year's festivities begin with the Rohnert Park Jubilee at the Community Center from noon to 4 pm. Then, at Weill Hall and Lawn you'll find a kids zone starting at 4:30 pm, complete with carnival games, bounce houses, food, music, and more. Then, at 7:30 pm, the Santa Rosa Symphony takes the stage along with the Transcendence Theatre Company. It ends with a fireworks spectacular.

San Rafael: One of the largest North Bay celebrations is in San Rafael at the Marin County Fair. From July 1 to 5, catch live music and fireworks each night at 9:30 pm, more than 35 hands-on games for the entire family during the day, and so much more. This year's theme is Stars, Stripes, and Stories.

Sebastopol (July 3): The annual 3rd of July Fireworks and Music Extravaganza begins in the afternoon with a kid's corner, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, musical entertainment, and more. Fireworks top off the night around 9:30 pm.

Sonoma: Sonoma's Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade and Celebration features festivities at the historic Plaza, including food, drink, and game booths from 10 am to 5 pm. The annual parade starts at 10 am at 1st Street East and Spain Street. The day ends at dusk with a 30-minute fireworks show over General Vallejo's field.

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