The 4th of July is quickly approaching, which means many people are planning barbecues, scoping out the best spots to see the SF Fireworks show, and looking forward to a day off. This year, a new event is coming to San Francisco to celebrate the 4th of July. While many cities and towns throughout the country have annual independence parades, San Francisco historically doesn’t have one. The main event is typically the waterfront fireworks display at Fisherman’s Wharf. This year, a community parade will take place on the scenic Great Highway next to Ocean Beach.
The catch? The parade is schedule a few days early, on Saturday June 29. The Great Highway is closed to cars on the weekends, and organizers wanted people to able to attend the parade on the weekend. The event will run from 11 am until 1 pm, with the parade beginning at noon.
The small-scale parade and picnic plans include decorated wagons and floats, inviting everyone in the community to join, including strollers, bikes, and kids of all ages. On Friday, June 28, organizers will hold a float decorating party, providing streamers and other decorating materials for community members. The Sunset Marching Band will make an appearance, and organizers are planning family-friendly activities along with free apple pie as a sweet treat.
The parade is community focused, organized by Friends of Great Highway Park. The organization is a group of volunteers who plan free events for the community along the Ocean Beach Coastline. You can regularly find people walking and biking along the closed Great Highway on weekends.
The city’s major Fourth of July celebration is the Fisherman’s Wharf Fireworks, which will take place on July 4 at 9:30 pm. The fireworks are launched from two barges, and many people are expected to flock to the waterfront to watch the show. We recommend bringing a jacket and blankets to prepare for chilly beach weather while you watch.