East Bay Fireworks and Other Fourth of July Events

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 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, 2024, a family-friendly evening on the Mare Island’s waterfront featuring a drone light sky show and loads of family fun!

2024 Fourth of July Festivals, Parades, Drone Shows, and Fireworks

Where can I go for fireworks or a drone show?

July 4 – The Mare Island Celebration is a family-friendly evening that ends with a drone exhibition! Food trucks, cold beverages, sweet treats, face painting, and kids games and activities, including a spellbinding magic show every hour. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, and layers. Ages 10 & under are free. Ages 11-17 $5, Adults $10. Event opens 5:30 PM. Tickets here >

July 4 – City of San Pablo Multi-Cultural Celebration & Light Show, 5 pm to 9 pm. Families will love the carnival games, tasty food, live entertainment, and drone light show at this free community festival. Learn more >

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 – 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 –  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 >

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) >

East Bay Fireworks That Are Not on The Fourth

Friday, June 28 – Alameda County Fair Fireworks
The Alameda County Fair ends every night with a drone show, but on two Fridays, fireworks will light up the sky afterward. Read more about the Alameda County Fair with Kids.

July 3 – Richmond Fireworks
A “Third of July Eve” show! The City of Richmond hosts a fireworks show outside of the Craneway Pavillion over the water the DAY BEFORE Independence Day. Fireworks, food, and fun are what this event is all about.  Celebrate with the Richmond community at Marina Bay Park from 5:00 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.

July 3 – Oakland As Fireworks
Another option to get the Independence Day party started early. After the July 3 game at the Oakland Coliseum, the crowd is invited to come down on the field with their blankets and enjoy a fireworks show. Learn more >

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 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 (Beatles cover ban!) 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 >

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 3 pm. Spend time with friends and neighbors. There will be a kid 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 and Fireworks, starts at 10 am. Parade down Main Street begins at 10 am. Fireworks just after 9 pm. 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 light display at the end of the day. (Not yet confirmed if fireworks or drones) Learn more and buy tickets >

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

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 >

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

Thanks to our sponsors at Mare Island!