How to celebrate 250 years of America in the Bay Area: fireworks, drones, parades

Bay Area cities are hosting numerous events to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States this Independence Day, including fireworks, drone shows, parades, and concerts. Highlights include a drone show at San Jose's Lake Cunningham Park, a San Francisco Symphony performance at Mountain View's Shoreline Amphitheatre, and Morgan Hill's 150-year-old Freedom Fest parade.

Getting your Trinity Audio //trinityaudio.ai player ready...Whether you’re into fireworks shows or less-boomy drones, parades on Main Street or hot-dog extravaganzas — or maybe a puppy parade or pie-eating contest? — there’s plenty of festivities happening this Independence Day https://www.mercurynews.com/tag/fourth-of-july/ . Some might say more than normal: Cities around the Bay are celebrating America’s semiquincentennial can you believe we’re only a quarter of a millennium old? , adding more sparks and pops of festivity to an already lively holiday. Here’s 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. San Jose 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 https://www.rwbsj.org/ 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 https://bvnasj.com/4th-of-july-and-upcoming-events/ 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 https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/mayor-and-city-council/district-8/2026-4th-of-july-celebration-at-lake-cunningham Mountain View Fourth of July fireworks at the Shoreline Amphitheatre, July 4: At 7 p.m., the San Francisco Symphony led by conductor Ted Sperling performs “Summer of 1969, The Soundtrack of a Generation,” followed by fireworks. Note: Free lawn seats are no longer available; tickets are for sale on the symphony’s website. Details: sfsymphony.org https://www.sfsymphony.org/calendar Santa Clara Star-Spangled Nights at California’s Great America, July 3-4: The amusement park is staging an event in which the “night’s 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.” 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 https://www.sixflags.com/cagreatamerica/events/star-spangled-nights 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 https://missioncollege.edu/news/celebrate-fourth-at-mission-2026.html Cupertino Fireworks show, July 4: A flag-raising ceremony, children’s 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 https://www.cupertino.gov/Parks-Recreation/Events/Fourth-of-July Los Gatos 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’s 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 https://www.losgatosca.gov/339/4th-of-July-Symphony-in-the-Park Morgan Hill 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 “Freedom Run,” “Patriotic Sing,” car show and “Fireworks on the Green” 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 https://morganhillfreedomfest.com Gilroy Gilroy’s Annual Fireworks Show, July 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 https://www.cityofgilroy.org/910/Fireworks-Information Pleasant Hill Parade and fireworks, July 4: The celebration begins at 7:45 a.m. with the Firecracker 5K and kids’ 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 https://phjuly4.com/events-schedule Alameda 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 https://www.alamedaca.gov/Shortcut-Content/Events-Activities/July-4th-Parade The USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier: Hunker down on this massive vessel’s 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 https://uss-hornet.org/event/4th-of-july-250th-birthday-of-america/ Oakland 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 https://pardeehome.org/special-events San Leandro 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 http://sanleandro.org/America250 El Cerrito 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 “world-class music, friends, community groups, a classic-car showcase and more.” The event is free with pay-as-you-go options for food and beverages, rides, bounce houses and vendor booths. Details: elcerrito.gov https://www.elcerrito.gov/702/July-4th-Festival Albany 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’s also a free ice-cream giveaway at 1 p.m., plus carnival games, food vendors and family activities. Details: albanyca.gov https://www.albanyca.gov/City-Calendar/2026/4th-of-July-2026 Fremont 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 https://fremont4th.org Walnut Creek 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 https://walnutcreekconcertband.org/tickets/july-4-2024 Milpitas Red, White and Boom fireworks and concert, July 4: This large community event claims to have “one 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.” 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 https://www.milpitas.gov/659/4th-of-July---Red-White-and-Boom-Firewor Moraga July Fourth in the Commons: The town is using Moraga Commons Park 1425 Saint Mary’s 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 – 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 https://america250.org/event/moragas-july-4th-celebration/ Orinda 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 https://orindaassociation.org/4th-of-july-parade Danville 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 https://www.srvkiwanis.org/parade San Ramon 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 https://www.sanramon.ca.gov/our city/departments and divisions/parks community services/events/fourth of july Pleasanton Concert and picnic in Lions Wayside Park, July 4: From noon-1:30 p.m., Pleasanton’s 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 https://www.mad4p.org/celebratingjuly4th/ 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 https://annual.alamedacountyfair.com/july-4th/ Dublin 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 https://dublin.ca.gov/2876/Red-White-Blue-Backyard-Bash Livermore 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 – and for the first time, a flight simulator. Plus, live music, local food vendors and a kids’ zone. Details: livermoreca.gov https://www.livermoreca.gov/our-community/things-to-do/fourth-of-july-celebration Antioch Evening festival and fireworks, July 4: From 4-9:40 p.m., the city’s historic Rivertown will have live entertainment and local food vendors, plus a parade, and there will be a kids’ “Game Zone” at City Hall. The fireworks show starts around 9:20 p.m. Details: antiochca.gov https://www.antiochca.gov/221/Fourth-of-July-Celebration Brentwood 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 https://www.brentwoodca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/3701/583 Pittsburg 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 https://www.pittsburgca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/11417/19 Richmond 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 https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/Calendar.aspx?EID=23116&month=7&year=2026&day=3&calType=0 San Pablo 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: sanpabloca.gov https://www.sanpabloca.gov/1454/4th-of-July-Multi-Cultural-Celebration Concord 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 https://www.concordjuly4th.com Martinez Fourth of July parade and fireworks: Downtown will see more than “40 spirited entries” marching on Main Street at 10 a.m., in a “dazzling display of community pride and celebration.” From 9:30-10 p.m., there will be a fireworks show at Waterfront Park. Details: downtownmartinez.org https://downtownmartinez.org/4th-of-july-parade and cityofmartinez.org https://www.cityofmartinez.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/2224/16?sortn=EName&sortd=desc&npage=25&toggle=all Crockett 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 https://www.facebook.com/events/intersection-of-rolph-ave-loring-ave-crockett-ca-94525/-crockett-california-4th-of-july-celebration-/1760939278615828/ Clayton 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 https://www.claytonca.gov/321/4th-of-July-Parade San Francisco 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 https://america250.org/ 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 https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-to-light-up-golden-gate-bridge-for-united-states-250th-anniversary