Bay Area 4th of July Fireworks Guide: The Best Independence Day Events in Northern California

Independence Day is just around the corner—are you ready for fireworks and celebrations? From daytime parades and concerts to evening firework shows, the entire day is filled with festive activities. Here are some of the best events around the Bay Area:

San Francisco Fireworks Shows

Fisherman’s Wharf

The annual fireworks at Fisherman’s Wharf are spectacular. For the best views, consider Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, or the Cannery. Some boat companies at Pier 39 offer water tours for a unique experience. Fireworks start at 9:30 PM—make sure to arrive early!

More San Francisco Celebrations

• USS Hornet: From 10 AM to 5 PM, enjoy music, food, and drinks. Perfect for the whole family.

• Pier 39: Wharf festivities.

• A Red, White, and Band Independence Day: Free Golden Gate Park Band concert at the Bandshell in Golden Gate Park.

North Bay Fireworks Shows

Sausalito

The day begins with a parade at 10 AM, followed by a picnic and live music performances in the afternoon. The fireworks show starts at 9:15 PM at Gabrielson Park. Get ready for a beautiful night sky!

Sonoma

The celebration kicks off with a parade at 10 AM, followed by festive activities in Sonoma Historic Plaza, including food and carnival games. The fireworks show takes place at General Vallejo Field at dusk.

Rohnert Park

Enjoy performances by the Santa Rosa Symphony and the Transcendence Theatre Company. Tickets start at $40, and the fireworks show begins at 7:30 PM. You can enjoy the fireworks for free outside the venue.

Petaluma

Fireworks will be set off at Petaluma Fairgrounds at 9:30 PM. The Stars and Stripes, Dogs and Bites event at Lucchesi Park features a farmers market, bike parade, kids' activities, and a dog costume contest—fun for all ages.

Mare Island Celebration

The evening ends with a drone exhibition! Enjoy food trucks, cold beverages, sweet treats, face painting, and kids' activities, including a magic show every hour. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, and layers. Ages 10 & under are free, ages 11-17 are $5, and adults are $10. The event opens at 5:30 PM.

East Bay Fireworks Shows

Benicia

The annual fireworks display in Benicia takes place at First Street Green at 9 PM. The annual Torchlight Parade occurs on July 3 at 6:30 PM in Downtown Benicia.

Antioch

The city of Antioch hosts a parade and party with live music, a food court, craft booths, and a kids' zone. The parade starts at 4 PM, and the fireworks show is at sunset over the San Joaquin River.

Pleasant Hill

The celebration in Pleasant Hill includes a morning 5K run, parade, and live entertainment. The evening's fireworks viewing party is at College Park, with the show starting at 9 PM.

Concord

Enjoy a 5K run at 8 AM and a parade at 10 AM at Todos Santos Plaza. The fireworks show takes place at Mt. Diablo High School, with the site opening at 4 PM for carnival activities.

Moraga

Moraga Commons Park hosts festivities starting at 11 AM, including booths, bounce houses, food, and drinks. The fireworks show caps off the day at 10 PM.

San Pablo

This multicultural celebration at the San Pablo Community Center runs from 5 PM to 9 PM, featuring live music, carnival games, and a drone light show instead of traditional fireworks.

South Bay Fireworks Shows

San Jose

San Jose hosts multiple fireworks shows this year (Discovery Meadow fireworks canceled).

Independence Day Celebration and Star-Spangled 4th: July 3 and 4 at Excite Ballpark with concerts, baseball games, and fireworks.

Lake Cunningham Park: Starting at 7 PM with food trucks and family activities; fireworks begin at 9 PM.

Almaden Lake Park: Music, food trucks, and games start at 3 PM, with fireworks at 9:15 PM.

Mountain View

The San Francisco Symphony will perform classic American music at Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, concluding with a grand fireworks display—romantic and stunning.

Redwood City

One of Northern California’s largest Independence Day celebrations includes a pancake breakfast at 8 AM, a grand parade at 10 AM, and fireworks at 9:30 PM.

Gilroy

Fireworks at Gilroy High School will be at 9:30 PM, but there's no onsite viewing. Consider watching from Christmas Hill Park or nearby neighborhoods.

Morgan Hill

Fireworks will be at 16500 Condit Rd, starting at 9:30 PM. The event includes live music in the afternoon. Parking is $10 per car.

Foster City

Leo Ryan Park hosts an all-day celebration, including a pancake breakfast, food trucks, live music, family and dog parades (11 AM), and fireworks at 9:30 PM.

Santa Clara

California’s Great America theme park will host a fireworks display above the Flight Deck roller coaster. The best viewing spots are Midway Plaza or Redwood Amphitheater. Spend the day enjoying rides and stay for the fireworks.

Milpitas

Red, White, and Boom! Concert and fireworks celebration at the Milpitas Sports Center from 5 PM to 9 PM. Pre-sale tickets are $6, and at-the-door tickets are $8.

These events offer Bay Area residents and visitors a variety of options to celebrate Independence Day. Whether you’re looking to watch spectacular fireworks or participate in family-friendly daytime activities, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to check the specific details for each event, plan your transportation and parking, and bring essentials like blankets and chairs. Enjoy this patriotic holiday to the fullest! If you’re interested in any of these events, feel free to share your plans in the comments or tell us which fireworks show you’re most looking forward to! Have a fantastic 4th of July!

A picnic mat is essential for watching fireworks on the 4th of July. The G GOOD GAIN Waterproof Picnic Blanket sold on Amazon is not only waterproof and sandproof but also lightweight and portable. It's perfect for family picnics, camping, traveling, and various other occasions. Whether you're sitting or lying down, you'll be comfortable!

Purchase here 👉 G GOOD GAIN Waterproof Picnic Blanket