East Bay Fireworks & Other Fourth of July Events

The Fourth of July this year is a bigger, bolder celebration than usual! In addition to the USA’s 250th birthday, it is also California’s 175th. On a good year, the day is full of cheer and old-fashioned fun. This year, join the community fun at a fun run, community parade, party in the park, and take your pick: a fireworks show or a light-up drone show.  Wear your red, white, and blue, and head out to one or more of these East Bay 4th of July events. 

Thanks to The Mare Island Company for sponsoring this guide. Read on to learn more about The Mare Island Fourth of July Celebration on July 4, 2026, a family-friendly evening on Mare Island’s waterfront featuring a drone light sky show and loads of family fun!

2026 Fourth of July Festivals, Parades, Drone Shows, & Fireworks

Where can I go for fireworks or a drone show on the Fourth of July?

July 4 from 5:30-9:30 pm: The Mare Island Spirit Ship Celebration is celebrating both America’s 250th birthday & Vallejo’s 175th anniversary with a family-friendly evening that ends with a delightful drone light show! Food trucks, cold beverages, sweet treats, face painting, and kids’ games and activities, including an entertaining magic show by Brian Scott and live music from The Floorshakers. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and layers.

I’ve attended this event, and my kids of mixed ages really enjoyed it!

Fees: Ages 10 & under are free. Ages 11-21 $5, Adults $10. A family of 2 adults and up to 4 children is $25. The event opens at 5:30 pm. Performances are included but food costs. Tickets here >

Find Bay Area fireworks displays

July 4 – Alameda County Fair: fireworks will light up the sky for America’s 250th. Read more about the Alameda County Fair with Kids.

More East Bay municipal displays in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Moraga, and Martinez.

July 4 – San Francisco Fireworks at Fisherman’s Wharf. Ever-popular San Francisco fireworks deploy from two barges on the Bay. Better views might be from Treasure Island or even the Bay itself. Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm. Many roads in SF will be closed before and during the event. Learn more (including ways to see from the Bay) >

More illuminating drone shows

July 3 & 4 – Star Spangled Nights at Six Flags, 11 am to 9 pm. Plan a day at the amusement park, then stay for a patriotic drone show at the end of the day.  Learn more and buy tickets >

The Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton ends every night with a light-up drone show (except for July 4). The fair is from June 19 through July 12, Wednesday to Sunday.

What daytime events in the East Bay are best for little kids on the 4th of July?

If you’re like us, bedtime for little ones takes place well before fireworks can be seen in the sky, which means finding family-friendly ways to celebrate the holiday. Here are some picks for festivals and fun around the East Bay.

July 4, Alameda Parade, starts at 10 am. The Alameda July Fourth Parade claims to be the longest in the nation. Show up at 10 am to watch or even earlier to stake out the best viewing spot along the 3.3-mile parade route. If you’re feeling extra festive, join the community run/walk at 8:30 am. See more >

July 4 – worldOne Festival in El Cerrito, 11 am to 5 pm. The City of El Cerrito hosts its annual kid-friendly fair with food, jump houses, small rides, and a classic car show at Cerrito Vista Park. Admission is free, but rides are extra. Learn more >

July 4 – Albany’s 4th of July in the Park, 11 am to 3 pm. Spend time with friends and neighbors. There will be a kids’ zone, food, and live music in Memorial Park. We love the various contests that take place throughout the day. Learn more >

July 4 – Martinez Parade, starts at 10 am. The parade down Main Street begins at 10 am. Learn more >

July 4 – Piedmont Park Parade. The parade begins at 11 am; festivities in the park start at 1 pm. More info here >

July 4 – Independence Day at Ardenwood, 10 am to 4 pm. Enjoy a community festival at Ardenwood Historical Farm with music, games, and activities in the style of 1900. Learn more >

July 4 – Pool Party at Robert Livermore Aquatic Center, noon to 5 pm. This community pool with sprayground is offering music, food trucks, and lawn games to the mix. Free for Livermore residents, $7 for non-residents. Learn more >

July 4 – Historical Anza Expedition Party, 11 am to 3 pm. Come to Crockett to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Anza Expedition, the 250th anniversary of the USA, and 175 years of California statehood. Live music, bocce ball, compelling local stories, and more. Learn more >

TBD July 4, Orinda Breakfast, Fun Run & Parade, 7:30 am to noon. The City of Orinda is holding its Fourth of July parade starting at 10 am, with a burrito breakfast beforehand. Other activities of the day include flag-raising, a library sale, a fun run, and a concert. See more details >

Favorite East Bay Independence Day Celebrations by Time and Location

Plan more summer outings with inspiration from our Massive Summer Bucket List.

Thanks to our sponsor, The Mare Island Company! Enjoy the magic, music, and merriment at Vallejo’s Mare Island Spirit Ship Celebration for a relaxed but exciting Independence Day.