East Bay Fireworks & 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, big breakfast, 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, 2025, a family-friendly evening on the Mare Island’s waterfront featuring a drone light sky show and loads of family fun!

2025 Fourth of July Festivals, Parades, Drone Shows, & 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 light show! Food trucks, cold beverages, sweet treats, face painting, and kids’ games and activities, including an entertaining magic show by Perry Yan every hour. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and layers. Ages 10 & under are free. Ages 11-21 $5, Adults $10. Family of 2 adults and up to 4 children is $25. The event opens at 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 Carnival and Fireworks, starts at 4 pm. This hometown carnival and picnic starts late afternoon. Performers take the Stage at 5 pm, and nighttime fireworks light up the sky at 9:15 pm. No alcohol, no smoking, no dogs. Learn more >

 July 4 – Pleasant Hill Fun Run, Party & Fireworks, starting at 7:45 am. Pleasant Hill is hosting a packed day of festivities: fun run, party in the park, and a fireworks show. Key times: Race begins at 8 am; 10:30 is the party in the park; 6:30 is the fireworks fest; 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 – Martinez Fireworks, streets close at 6 pm. Fireworks just after 9:30 pm but the area will be blocked off to cars starting at 6 pm. Learn 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 jumpers, 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 4-5 – 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 a patriotic drone show at the end of the day.  Learn more and buy tickets >

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 13 – Alameda County Fair Fireworks
The Alameda County Fair ends every night with a light-up drone show, but on Friday, June 13, fireworks will light up the sky afterward. Read more about the Alameda County Fair with Kids.

 July 3 – Richmond Fireworks
A “Fourth of July Eve” show! The City of Richmond hosts a fireworks show outside of Marina Bay Park over the water the DAY BEFORE Independence Day. Fireworks, food, and fun are what this event is all about.  Celebrate with the Richmond community from 5-10 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. Details here >

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, Fourth of July Aboard USS Hornet, 10 am to 5 pm. Enjoy this annual summer Steel Beach BBQ party on the flight deck, plus listen to music, play games, and tour the ship and its aircraft. Enjoy a flyover in the afternoon. The party costs and the food is extra. 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. 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 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, 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 – Southshore Center Outdoor Concert with a Beatles tribute band. More info >

July 4 – Jack London Square Outdoor Concert. From 5 pm to 8 pm folks can spread out blankets, enjoy live music, a kids craft and giveaways while exploring the square’s restaurants and views. More info >

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. Bring a picnic or buy food on site. Tickets are $10 or less. Learn more >

 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 at 7:30 am. Other activities of the day include flag-raising, a library sale, a 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!