The Fourth of July is full of cheer and old-fashioned fun. This year, join the community fun at a fun run, pancake breakfast, community parade, party in the park, and take your pick: a fireworks show or the latest trend– a drone show. Wear your red, white, and blue, and head out to one or more of these East Bay Independence Day events.
Thanks to The Mare Island Company for sponsoring this guide. Read on to learn more about the Mare Island Spirit Ship Celebration on July 4, 2023, a family-friendly evening on the Mare Island’s waterfront to celebrate July 4th featuring a drone light sky show!
Fourth of July Festivals, Parades, Drone Shows, and Fireworks for Independence Day
Events marked with this icon 🎆 include fireworks.
Where to celebrate the 4th of July in Alameda
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 9 am. See more >
July 4, Alameda Family Fest at South Shore Center, 3 pm to 5 pm. Face painting, stilt performances, and live music make this celebration manageable and fun. The timing makes it an ideal option to continue the patriotic fun after the Alameda Parade. View more >
July 4, Fourth of July Aboard USS Hornet, 10 am to 5 pm. Enjoy this annual summer BBQ party on the flight deck, plus listen to music and tour the ship and its aircraft. Tickets start at $20; children 6 and younger are free. Reserve tickets >
Where to celebrate 4th of July in Richmond, Pinole, Martinez, and Vallejo
July 4, The Mare Island Spirit Ship Celebration is a family-friendly evening and “edutaining” experience which honors the many ships built at this historic naval shipyard. The night offers a double-header drone exhibition! Food trucks, cold beverages, sweet treats, face painting, and more will be on site. Ages 10 & under are free. Ages 11-21 $5, Adults $10. Ticket link here: https://SpiritShipCelebrationJuly4.eventbrite.com
🎆 July 4, Martinez Parade and Fireworks, starts at 10 am. Parade down Main Street begins at 10 am. Fireworks are at the marina beginning at 9 pm. Learn more >
July 4, City of San Pablo Multi-Cultural Celebration & Light Show, 5 pm to 10 pm. Families will love the carnival games, tasty food, live entertainment and drone light show at this free community festival. Learn more >
🎆 July 4, Fourth of July at Six Flags, 11 am to 9 pm. Plan for a day full of fun at the amusement park and stay for an amazing fireworks display at the end of the day. Exhaust yourselves. Learn more and buy tickets >
Where to celebrate 4th of July in Albany and El Cerrito
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. Learn more >
July 4, Albany’s 4th of July in the Park, 11 am to 2 pm. Spend time with friends and neighbors. There will be a kid zone, food, and live music. Learn more >
July 4 Events in Piedmont
Piedmont Park Parade
Parade begins at 11 am; festivities in the park begin at 1 pm. Details are here >
July 4 Events in Contra Costa County
🎆 July 4, Concord Parade and Fireworks, starts at 8 am. Family fun run, parade, and nighttime fireworks promise a whole day of fun. Morning events take place at Todos Santos Plaza and fireworks sparkle in the sky above Mt. Diablo High School. Hope there’s time in between for a nap. Learn more >
July 4, Orinda Pancake Breakfast & Parade, 7:30 am to noon. The City of Orinda is holding its Fourth of July parade starting at 10 am, with a pancake breakfast beforehand at 7:30 am. Other activities of the day include flag-raising, a library sale, fun run, and a concert in the park. See Orinda Parade Route and more details >
🎆 July 4, Pleasant Hill Fun Run, Parade & Fireworks, starting at 7:45 am. Pleasant Hill is hosting a packed day of festivities: fun run, parade, party in the park, and fireworks show. Key times: Race begins at 7:45 am; Parade begins at 9:30 am; Fireworks begin at 8:45 pm ($4 per person). Pro tip: It is free and less crowded to park at Diablo Valley College. From the parking lot on Golf Club Road, you can see both the Pleasant Hill fireworks show and the Concord show. Bring blankets and chairs as you will be in a tailgate setting. Read more >
July 4, Kilwanis-Danville July 4th Parade, 9 am to noon. This holiday parade has a lot of neighborhood charm. Find a viewing spot along the route, which travels from San Ramon Valley High School to downtown Danville. See more details >
🎆 July 4, Moraga Commons 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks, 11 am to 10 pm
A full day of fun at a lovely park in Moraga. Enjoy inflatable jumpies, family activities and food throughout the day. Participate in the festive dog parade at 11 am, listen to live music at 6:45 pm, and end with a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30 pm. Details >
Fourth of July Celebrations in San Francisco
🎆 July 4, San Francisco Fireworks at Fisherman’s Wharf. Promising a full day of fun, you might have a hard time getting in if you haven’t staked out your blanket early on. Better views might be from Treasure Island or even the Bay itself. Regardless, we’re thrilled to have a big municipal fireworks display. Live music starts at 6 pm. Admission is free. 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) >
July 3 Independence Day Events
Ready to celebrate early? Here are a few events that happen before the 4th.
July 3, Benicia’s Independence Day parade stretches along First Street and includes dancers, floats, clowns, and entertainment. Learn more >
July 3, Annual Third of July Celebration (Richmond) – A “Fourth of July Eve” show! Fireworks, food, and fun are what this event is all about. Celebrate with the Richmond community at Marina Bay Park from 5:30 pm-10:00 pm to enjoy music and the youth play area (for a fee) until the night sky explodes with color during the 20-minute fireworks display at approximately 9:15 pm. More details >
Plan more summer outings with inspiration from our Massive Summer Bucket List.
Thanks to our sponsors at Mare Island!
