Where to Buy Legal Fireworks in the Bay Area: Top 5 Locations for 2026

In the San Francisco Bay Area, the sale and discharge of fireworks are strictly regulated. Most cities have a total ban on fireworks, but some municipalities allow the legal sale of "Safe and Sane Fireworks" (non-aerial, non-explosive) between June 28 and July 4. These fireworks are certified by the California State Fire Marshal and are sold at booths set up by local non-profit organizations.

For 2026, if you plan to buy legal fireworks in the Bay Area, you must travel to a city where sales are permitted and purchase from authorized booths during their limited window of operation. Below are the top five locations to legally purchase fireworks in the Bay Area, covering San Jose, Milpitas, Gilroy, Union City, and Dublin.

1. San Jose – The Largest Legal Fireworks Hub in the Bay Area

• Sales Permitted: Yes (Safe & Sane Fireworks only)

• Sales Period: June 28 – July 4, 2026

• Official Link: City of San José Fire Department – Fireworks Safety

• Description: As the largest city in the Bay Area to allow fireworks, San Jose typically opens over 65 booths operated by charitable organizations and supplied by TNT or Phantom Fireworks. The city publishes a complete list of authorized booth addresses, organizations, and hours in late June.

• Where to Buy: While the 2026 list is pending, booths are traditionally concentrated in shopping centers along Blossom Hill Road, Capitol Expressway, Alum Rock (East San Jose), Camden/Meridian, and the Story Road/King Road area. Look for booths in the parking lots of major malls and plazas.

2. Milpitas – The Primary South Bay Supply Point

• Sales Permitted: Yes (Safe & Sane)

• Sales Period: June 28 – July 4

• Official Link: City of Milpitas Fire Department Fireworks Program

• Description: Milpitas is the second-largest fireworks hub in the South Bay. The local government reviews applications and releases a list of legal booths in June.

• Where to Buy: Booths are typically found near supermarkets, community plazas, and major intersections, such as Milpitas Square (near 99 Ranch Market), the area surrounding the Great Mall, Jacklin Rd × Hillview Dr, and the Landess Ave commercial district. Both Phantom and TNT booths are common here.

3. Gilroy – Best for Large Assortments and High Inventory

• Sales Permitted: Yes (Safe & Sane)

• Sales Period: June 28 – July 4

• Official Link: City of Gilroy Fireworks Information

• Description: Gilroy offers a more relaxed shopping experience with widely distributed booths and easy parking. Roughly 15–18 booths are operated by schools, churches, and community groups each year.

• Where to Buy: Booths are most common near shopping centers. Traditional locations include Gilroy Crossing (near Costco and Best Buy), the First Street commercial area, and the southern end of Santa Teresa Blvd. Gilroy's booths often carry larger stock, making them ideal for high-inventory items like large assortment kits and long-duration fountains.

4. Union City – The Only Major Oasis in the East Bay

• Sales Permitted: Yes (Safe & Sane)

• Official Link: City of Union City – Fireworks Regulations

• Description: While neighboring cities like Berkeley, Oakland, and Fremont strictly prohibit fireworks, Union City remains one of the few places in the East Bay where they are legal. This makes it the go-to spot for East Bay residents.

• Where to Buy: Booths are usually located in the Union Landing Shopping Center (near Target and Century 25 Theater), the Decoto Rd commercial area, and the intersection of Whipple Rd × Central Ave. Due to high demand in the East Bay, expect lines at these locations.

5. Dublin – The Legal Hub for the Tri-Valley Region

• Sales Permitted: Yes (Safe & Sane)

• Official Link: City of Dublin – Fireworks Safety

• Description: Dublin is the only city in the Tri-Valley area (Pleasanton, Livermore, San Ramon) that allows legal sales, attracting residents from all over the surrounding region.

• Where to Buy: Main locations include the Dublin Blvd commercial corridor, Hacienda Crossings (near the Regal Cinema), and the areas around Village Parkway and Amador Valley Blvd. Because of its central location, Dublin's booths are very popular and often sell out early.

Important: Legal Differences and Risk Warnings

Laws regarding fireworks vary significantly across the Bay Area. Before you buy, keep these rules in mind:

• Total Ban Cities (Illegal to buy or use): San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, Fremont, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Cupertino, and most cities in San Mateo County.

• Permitted Cities (Buy and use allowed): San Jose, Milpitas, Gilroy, Union City, Dublin, Newark, and parts of San Leandro.

• Fines for Violations: Illegal discharge of fireworks can lead to fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 in general areas, and upwards of $10,000 in high-fire-risk zones.

2026 Fireworks Buying Tips

Since California strictly limits sales to the week of Independence Day (June 28 to July 4), legal booths will only be open during this time. San Jose, Milpitas, Gilroy, and Dublin are the most reliable spots for South Bay and Tri-Valley residents, while Union City serves as the primary East Bay hub.