Independence Day isn’t far off and the Bay Area is getting ready for festive July 4th fireworks celebrations. Every year Bay Area cities and counties go all-out for star-spangled parades, markets, live music, and more alongside the fireworks shows. With so many incredible opportunities to see fireworks, remember to have fun but leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals.
Note: 2023 details are still pending for some of these shows, so check back as we update this article with more information.
San Francisco
1. Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is home to a spectacular annual fireworks show over the water that you don’t want to miss. Get a good spot at Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, the Cannery, or anywhere nearby for a show starting at 9:30pm. Check the Pier 39 website for some boat companies and water attractions offering fireworks views from the water.
2. More SF celebrations
- USS Hornet: Music, food, and drinks from 10am-5pm
- Pier 39: activities and events starting at 11am, music from 5-8pm
- Aquatic Park: Live music starting at 6pm
- Oracle Park: Giants vs. Mariners at 1pm
- Golden Gate Park Band: free concerts at the Bandshell
- Fourth of July pub crawl.
North Bay
3. Sausalito
Starting with a spirited parade down Bridgeway and Caledonia, the day’s events feature a parade at 10am, an afternoon picnic, a T-shirt design contest, and live musical performances. The half-hour fireworks show is at 9:15pm with best viewing from Gabrielson Park.
4. Sonoma
Sonoma’s Fourth of July celebration kicks off with a parade at 10am around Sonoma’s historic Plaza, followed by an old-fashioned festival with food and carnival games. The 45-minute fireworks display takes place on General Vallejo Field at dusk.
5. Rohnert Park
This Sonoma County celebration features performances from Santa Rosa Symphony and Transcendence Theatre Company. Tickets start at $40 but you can see the fireworks show from outside the event after the concert.
6. Petaluma
The city of Petaluma will put on an exciting fireworks show at 9:30pm from the Petaluma Fairgrounds with best viewing locations marked on this map. The accompanying Stars and Stripes, Dogs and Bites event will happen at nearby Lucchesi Park with a farmers market, a bike parade, kids activities, a dog costume contest, and more.
East Bay
7. San Jose
The Rotary Club’s annual fireworks celebration will return to Discovery Meadow at 9:30pm preceded by a live singing of the national anthem.
8. Benicia
Benicia will host its annual fireworks show at 9pm at First Street Green, although there will be no daytime activities there or at City Park this year. You can enjoy the 3rd annual 3rd of July Torchlight Parade on July 3 at 6:30pm in Downtown Benicia.
9. Antioch
The City of Antioch will host a parade and party with live music and entertainment, restaurants, food courts, craft vendors, a kids zone and more. The parade begins at 4pm on W 2nd and W 3rd Street, and the fireworks begin just after dusk over the San Joaquin River.
10. Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill is celebrating the 4th with all-day events including a 5K run, downtown parade and live entertainment in Pleasant Hill Park. A fireworks viewing party will be held at College Park with the show starting at 8:45pm.
11. Concord
Enjoy an 8am 5K race and a 10am hometown parade at Todos Santos Plaza in Concord on July 4th. The fireworks will set off at 9pm at Mt. Diablo High School with doors opening there at 4pm for a carnival preceding the show.
12. Moraga
The celebration at Moraga Commons Park kicks off with a dog parade at 11am followed by a day-long festival including booths, bounce houses, food and drinks, and family activities. Fireworks are at 9:30pm.
13. Livermore
Doors open at 4pm for the “Salute to the 4th of July” celebration at Robertson Park, which will conclude with a 20-minute fireworks show at 9:30pm. Consider bringing a picnic because food truck lines are expected to be long.
14. San Pablo
The 4th of July Multi-Cultural Celebration will happen from 5-10pm at San Pablo Community Center with live music, carnival games, and an aerial drone show instead of fireworks.
South Bay
15. Redwood City
This is one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in Northern California with a pancake breakfast at 8am, a massive parade at 10am, and an impressive fireworks display at 9:30pm. The parade has been a staple of the celebration since 1939 and attracts thousands of visitors from across the state.
16. Gilroy
Gilroy High School will host a fireworks show around 9:30pm, but there is no on-site viewing available. Find a good spot at Christmas Hill Park or nearby neighborhoods to to see the show.
17. Morgan Hill
See Fireworks on the Green at 9:45pm at 16500 Condit Rd. They have $10 parking for 1000 vehicles and fun activities including live music all afternoon. Fun fact: this annual celebration has taken place since 1876!
18. Foster City
Leo Ryan Park will host an all-day Fourth of July celebration including a pancake breakfast, food trucks, live music, a Family and Dog Parade at 11am, and a fireworks show over the lagoon at around 9:30pm.
19. Santa Clara
California’s Great America will launch a fireworks show at 9:45pm above the Flight Deck rollercoaster, with best viewing from the Midway Plaza or Redwood Amphitheater. Spend a day on the roller coasters and stay for the fireworks at park closing.
20. Milpitas
The Red, White, and Boom! concert and fireworks celebration will happen from 6-9pm at Milpitas Sports Center. Tickets are $5 pre-sale and $7 GA at the door.
Featured image: Keneva Photography via Shutterstock