{"id":379909,"date":"2026-06-29T23:20:20","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T23:20:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/379909\/"},"modified":"2026-06-29T23:20:20","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T23:20:20","slug":"how-to-celebrate-250-years-of-america-in-the-bay-area","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/379909\/","title":{"rendered":"How to celebrate 250 years of America in the Bay Area"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re into fireworks shows or less-boomy drones, parades on Main Street or hot-dog extravaganzas \u2014 or maybe a puppy parade or pie-eating contest? \u2014 there\u2019s plenty of festivities happening this Independence Day<\/a>. Some might say more than normal: Cities around the Bay are celebrating America\u2019s semiquincentennial (can you believe we\u2019re only a quarter of a millennium old?), adding more sparks and pops of festivity to an already lively holiday.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a sampling of how the Bay Area is celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States this weekend. Please check all event pages for updated information on entry policies, times and ticket prices.<\/p>\n

San Jose<\/p>\n

Rose, White & Blue Parade and Festival, July 4: A car cruise and festive parade are highlights of this free festival, running 9:45 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1100 Shasta Ave., San Jose. Details: rwbsj.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Blossom Valley Neighborhood Festival, July 4: A patriotic walk and carnival games mark this regular event, running 8:45 a.m.-11 a.m. at Miner Park. Details: bvnasj.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Drone show at Lake Cunningham Park, July 4: Doors open at 6 p.m., and the drone show starts at 9 p.m. (no event\/onsite parking). Details: sanjoseca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Mountain View
\n\"FireworksFireworks light up the sky and the Bay Bridge as seen from Middle Harbor Shoreline Park in Oakland on July 4, 2013. (Ray Chavez\/Bay Area News Group)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fourth of July fireworks at the Shoreline Amphitheatre, July 4: At 7 p.m., the San Francisco Symphony led by conductor Ted Sperling performs \u201cSummer of 1969, The Soundtrack of a Generation,\u201d followed by fireworks. Note: Free lawn seats are no longer available; tickets are for sale on the symphony\u2019s website. Details: sfsymphony.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Santa Clara<\/p>\n

Star-Spangled Nights at California\u2019s Great America, July 3-4: The amusement park is staging an event in which the \u201cnight\u2019s sky will be painted with bright and colorful lights while explosive sounds erupt in combination with patriotic music, creating an unforgettable show for all ages.\u201d The fireworks start at 9:40 p.m. There is also an all-you-can-eat backyard barbecue for $40-$66. Details: sixflags.com\/cagreatamerica<\/a><\/p>\n

Celebration at Mission College, July 4: The Great America fireworks show can also be viewed from Mission College at 3000 Mission College Blvd. The college will stay open 5-10 p.m. for a free party with food trucks, live music and family-friendly activities. Details: missioncollege.edu<\/a><\/p>\n

Cupertino<\/p>\n

Fireworks show, July 4: A flag-raising ceremony, children\u2019s parade and concert are scheduled for 10 a.m.-noon. Then fireworks will launch at 9:30 p.m. at Hyde Middle School (19325 Bollinger Road), with views from Creekside Park, Sedgwick Elementary and Miller Avenue near Bollinger Road. Details: cupertino.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Los Gatos<\/p>\n

Symphony in the Park, July 4: From 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Oak Meadow Park will see a welcome from the town mayor, a children\u2019s bike-and-stroller parade and performances by the San Jose Wind Symphony. There will be food trucks and a beer-and-wine garden; picnic blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. Details: losgatosca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Morgan Hill<\/p>\n

Morgan Hill Freedom Fest, July 4: This local parade has taken place every year for 150 years, and 2026 is no different. Aside from the parade, expect a \u201cFreedom Run,\u201d \u201cPatriotic Sing,\u201d car show and \u201cFireworks on the Green\u201d at the Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center (16500 Condit Road). Gates open at 3 p.m., and entry closes at 9 p.m. Tickets are $25-$50. Details: morganhillfreedomfest.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Gilroy<\/p>\n

Gilroy\u2019s Annual Fireworks Show,\u00a0July 4: Beginning around 9:30 p.m., Gilroy will launch fireworks from Gilroy High School (750 W. 10th St.), which can be viewed at Christmas Hill Park and other surrounding neighborhoods. Details: cityofgilroy.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Pleasant Hill<\/p>\n

Parade and fireworks, July 4: The celebration begins at 7:45 a.m. with the Firecracker 5K and kids\u2019 100-yard dash in the downtown area, followed by a parade and party with barbecue and games at Pleasant Hill Park. Festivities will pick up again in the evening with a fireworks viewing party at College Park High School featuring food trucks and music. Suggested donation is $4. Details: phjuly4.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Alameda
\n\"AA child jumps to give a high-five during the Rose, White and Blue Fourth of July celebration and parade on The Alameda in San Jose on July 4, 2025. (Shae Hammond\/Bay Area News Group)\u00a0<\/p>\n

City of Alameda Fourth of July Parade, July 4: The time-honored parade is the longest Fourth of July parade in the nation. It begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Park Street and Lincoln Avenue. Details: alamedaca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

The USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier: Hunker down on this massive vessel\u2019s flight deck from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Independence Day, with a beach party and barbecue plus live music and drinks ($39 adult admission). Details: uss-hornet.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Oakland<\/p>\n

Pardee Patriotic Picnic, July 4: The historic home of a California governor is having a barbecue with vintage costumes encouraged ($15 children and $25 adults, includes food and live music); show up at 672 11th St., Oakland. Details: pardeehome.org<\/a><\/p>\n

San Leandro<\/p>\n

250th Independence Day event, July 4: This free celebration runs 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Monarch Bay Golf Club, with live music, community performances, food vendors and artisan crafts. Details: sanleandro.org<\/a><\/p>\n

El Cerrito<\/p>\n

Daytime festival and car show, July 4: From 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Cerrito Vista Park and on Pomona Ave., the city will have \u201cworld-class music, friends, community groups, a classic-car showcase and more.\u201d The event is free with pay-as-you-go options for food and beverages, rides, bounce houses and vendor booths. Details: elcerrito.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Albany<\/p>\n

Fourth of July in the Park: Entertainment at this afternoon shindig at Memorial Park (1325 Portland Ave.) includes live music at 11:45 a.m., a pie-eating contest at 1 p.m. and a puppet-show performance at 2 p.m. There\u2019s also a free ice-cream giveaway at 1 p.m., plus carnival games, food vendors and family activities. Details: albanyca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Fremont<\/p>\n

Fourth of July Parade: The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. sharp and will have an ASL-assisted performance of the national anthem; the staging ground is at Paseo Padre Parkway and Stevenson Boulevard. Details: fremont4th.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Walnut Creek<\/p>\n

Concert at Civic Park, July 4: From 6-7 p.m., enjoy a free community concert from the Walnut Creek Concert Band in the park (1375 Civic Drive), with marches and patriotic music. Details: walnutcreekconcertband.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Milpitas<\/p>\n

Red, White and Boom! fireworks and concert, July 4: This large community event claims to have \u201cone of the few remaining city-sponsored fireworks displays in the Bay Area, lighting up the night sky with the beautiful Milpitas hills as the backdrop.\u201d There will also be live music from Mercy & The Heartbeats and MarchFourth. Event runs 5-9 p.m. at the Milpitas Sports Center (1325 E. Calaveras Blvd.), and general admission is $11 (presale $8). Details: milpitas.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Moraga<\/p>\n

July Fourth in the Commons: The town is using Moraga Commons Park (1425 Saint Mary\u2019s Road) as a staging ground for a dog parade at 11 a.m., inflatable jumpies and family activities until 4 p.m., and live music throughout the day culminating in a 7 p.m. concert by Neon Velvet \u2013 and after all that, a fireworks show around 9:30 p.m. Food, wine and beer will be served. Details: america250.org\/event\/moragas-july-4th-celebration<\/a><\/p>\n

Orinda<\/p>\n

Fourth of July parade: The annual parade starts at 10 a.m., followed by a carnival and music in Orinda Community Park, with food trucks and beer booths. Details: orindaassociation.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Danville<\/p>\n

Kiwanis Club-Danville Fourth of July Parade: The annual parade takes place 9 a.m.-noon in downtown Danville. Parade starts at San Ramon Valley High School and ends at Town and Country Drive. Details: srvkiwanis.org<\/a><\/p>\n

San Ramon<\/p>\n

Fun run and evening funk band, July 4: Registration is open until July 3 for this Independence Day run through San Ramon on a paved and looped course, which begins at 8 a.m. Then from 5-8 p.m., the Central Park Amphitheater will hold a concert with Olympia Fields Brass and funk-and-soul group The Cheeseballs. Beer, wine and food available from food trucks. Details: sanramon.ca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Pleasanton<\/p>\n

Concert and picnic in Lions Wayside Park, July 4: From noon-1:30 p.m., Pleasanton\u2019s annual concert and picnic will take place at this downtown park at 4401 First St. Six hundred hot-dog lunches will be available for purchase (vegetarian options available). Details: mad4p.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Alameda County Fairgrounds holiday programming, July 4: The fair will be open on Independence Day with special programming and performances to mark 250 years of America. Parking lots close at 4:30 p.m. and admission gates at 5 p.m., so plan to arrive early for the fireworks at 9:30-9:45 p.m. On fair nights that are not on July 4, fireworks are replaced with drone shows. General admission $20 plus parking. Details: annual.alamedacountyfair.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Dublin<\/p>\n

Red, White & Blue Backyard Bash, July 4: From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the Dublin Sports Grounds (6700 Dublin Blvd.) will have live entertainment, food, games, vendor booths and family-friendly activities. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Details: dublin.ca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Livermore<\/p>\n

Airport extravaganza, July 4: From 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the Livermore Municipal Airport will have a display of military aircraft, emergency vehicles, jets and helicopters \u2013 and for the first time, a flight simulator. Plus, live music, local food vendors and a kids\u2019 zone. Details: livermoreca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Antioch<\/p>\n

Evening festival and fireworks, July 4: From 4-9:40 p.m., the city\u2019s historic Rivertown will have live entertainment and local food vendors, plus a parade, and there will be a kids\u2019 \u201cGame Zone\u201d at City Hall. The fireworks show starts around 9:20 p.m. Details: antiochca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Brentwood
\n\"TheThe VFW Post 10789 color guard marches downtown in a Brentwood July Fourth parade, which will take place again this year. (Doug Duran\/staff archives)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Agricultural Roots & The American Dream, July 4: A parade through downtown at 9:30 a.m. is followed by a citywide celebration with live music, a car show and more. The afternoon festivities are centered around City Park, 710 Second St., Brentwood. Details: brentwoodca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Pittsburg<\/p>\n

Marina fireworks show, July 4: The Pittsburg Marina (51 Marina Blvd.) will have fireworks, local food trucks and a waterfront party hosted by Dale Vino. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Details: pittsburgca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Richmond<\/p>\n

Fireworks Pre-Show, July 3: The day before July Fourth, there will be a community celebration from 5-10 p.m. at Marina Bay Park with food and music, followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Details: ci.richmond.ca.us<\/a><\/p>\n

San Pablo<\/p>\n

Drone show and Multicultural Fourth of July Celebration: Starting at 5:30 p.m., the San Pablo Community Center will have live entertainment, food trucks and carnival games. The night ends with a free drone show at 9:30 p.m. Details:\u00a0sanpabloca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Concord<\/p>\n

Citywide celebration, July 4: Festivities at the beginning of the day (8-10 a.m.) center on Todos Santos Plaza with a fun run, a 5K and a holiday parade. From 4-9 p.m., the action switches to Mt. Diablo High School with live bands and evening fireworks. Details: concordjuly4th.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Martinez<\/p>\n

Fourth of July parade and fireworks: Downtown will see more than \u201c40 spirited entries\u201d marching on Main Street at 10 a.m., in a \u201cdazzling display of community pride and celebration.\u201d From 9:30-10 p.m., there will be a fireworks show at Waterfront Park. Details: downtownmartinez.org<\/a> and cityofmartinez.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Crockett<\/p>\n

Independence Day celebration: This tiny town on the Carquinez Strait is having an afternoon of live music, local history, a pie-eating contest, a car show and more family fun. At 11 a.m., there will be an immersive guided historical walk about the Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition. Live music runs until 3 p.m. Free, gather at Rithet Park (Rolph Ave. at Loring Avenue). Details: facebook.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Clayton<\/p>\n

Fourth of July parades: A 7 a.m. pancake breakfast is followed at 10 a.m. with a kids parade, and then the main annual parade takes place on Oak Street. Details: claytonca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

San Francisco
\n\"FireworksFireworks illuminate the Golden Gate Bridge on its 75th birthday in San Francisco on May 27, 2012. (Karl Mondon\/Bay Area News Group)\u00a0<\/p>\n

American Discovery 250 Relay, July 4: Shortly after 10 a.m., athletes doing a 21-week-long relay across the United States for its 250th anniversary will cross the Golden Gate Bridge, followed by a celebration on the San Francisco waterfront. Details: america250.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Golden Gate Bridge fireworks, July 4: The show starts at 9:30 p.m. on the iconic span for just the third time in history. It should be visible from across San Francisco and the Bay Area, weather permitting. Details: sf.gov<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Whether you\u2019re into fireworks shows or less-boomy drones, parades on Main Street or hot-dog extravaganzas \u2014 or maybe…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":379910,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[88,90,89],"class_list":["post-379909","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-san-jose","tag-san-jose","tag-san-jose-headlines","tag-san-jose-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/379909","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=379909"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/379909\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/379910"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=379909"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=379909"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=379909"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}