The Bay Area is gearing up for festive July 4th fireworks shows in San Francisco and beyond this Independence Day!
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.
Due to heat waves and wildfire concerns, it’s not uncommon for fireworks shows to be canceled in California. Check with each respective show’s organizer for the latest updates ahead of the Fourth of July 2026.
This year, San Francisco will launch fireworks from the Golden Gate Bridge — for only the third time in history.
San Francisco will launch its official 2026 Fourth of July fireworks from the Golden Gate Bridge and two barges in the bay, one under the bridge and one at PIER 39. Recommended viewing spots include Crissy Field, Marina Green, and the Presidio (which will host food trucks and amenities 9:00–17:30).
The bridge will fully close to all traffic for the duration of the show. Read our article for details about the bridge closure and detours.
For a magical night out beyond San Francisco, see 1,200 illuminated drones take flight in an unforgettable open-air spectacle in San Jose, depicting your favorite characters and moments from the Harry Potter™ films.
If you miss the show on Fourth of July weekend, you can also get tickets to the next event in Sacramento on August 14-15, 2026.
Sausalito
Starting with a spirited parade down Bridgeway and Caledonia at 10am, the day’s events continue with an afternoon picnic and live musical performances. The half-hour fireworks show is at 9:15pm with the best viewing from Gabrielson Park.
🌐 Website: City of Sausalito
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 after 5pm on General Vallejo Field.
🌐 Website: City of Sonoma
Rohnert Park
This Sonoma County celebration features performances from Santa Rosa Symphony and Transcendence Theatre Company. Tickets start at $46 but you can see the 7:30pm fireworks show from outside the event.
🌐 Website: Green Music Center
Petaluma
The city of Petaluma will put on an exciting fireworks show at 9:30pm from the Petaluma Fairgrounds. 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.
🌐 Website: Visit Petaluma
Marin
The Marin County Fair runs from July 1-5, and they’ll throw a fireworks show every single night at 9:30pm. The fireworks are presented by Pyro Spectaculars, the same people behind many large-scale events like the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and the Golden Gate Bridge 75th anniversary.
🌐 Website: Marin County Fair
Sebastopol
On the night of the 3rd of July, the Kiwanis Club of Sebastopol will host a community celebration and fundraiser with a fireworks show and live music. Grab a drink in the brand-new wine and beer garden, and catch the fireworks at 9:30pm.
🌐 Website: Kiwanis Club of Sebastopol
Benicia
Pending a fundraiser, Benicia hosts its annual fireworks show on the evening of July 4th at First Street Green. They also host the 3rd of July Torchlight Parade on the evening of July 3 in Downtown Benicia.
🌐 Website: Benicia Community Foundation – event TBA for 2026 (accepting donations)
Antioch
The City of Antioch hosts a party from 4 to 9:30 pm with live music and entertainment, restaurants, food courts, craft vendors, a kids zone, and more. The fireworks start at 9:20pm over the San Joaquin River.
🌐 Website: City of Antioch
Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill celebrates the 4th of July with all-day events including a 5K run, downtown parade and live entertainment in Pleasant Hill Park. A fireworks viewing party will be held from 6:30-10pm at College Park.
🌐 Website: Pleasant Hill Fourth of July
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.
🌐 Website: Concord July 4th
Moraga
The celebration at Moraga Commons Park kicks off at 11am with a day-long festival including a dog parade, booths, bounce houses, food and drinks, and family activities. The fireworks show begins at 9:30pm.
🌐 Website: Town of Moraga
San Pablo
The 4th of July Multi-Cultural Celebration will happen from 5-9pm at San Pablo Community Center with live music, carnival games, and an aerial drone show instead of fireworks.
🌐 Website: City of San Pablo
Alameda
The Alameda County Fair runs from June 13 – July 6, and they have some exciting events and attractions to check out. See all the usual carnival attractions, horse racing, and live music every single day. They’ll present a drone show every night and a fireworks show at 9:30pm on July 4.
🌐 Website: Alameda County Fair
San Jose
See multiple fireworks shows in San Jose this year:
San Jose Giants Fireworks Shows: Concerts, baseball, and fireworks with the San Jose Giants at Excite Ballpark on both July 3 and 4 after the games.
Lake Cunningham Park: Food trucks and family activities throughout the afternoon, plus a drone show at 9pm.
Mountain View
The San Francisco Symphony will play Mountain View’s Shoreline Amphitheatre with Summer 1969 American classics, ending with a grand fireworks finale.
🌐 Website: Shoreline Amphitheatre
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 drone show at 9:30pm. The parade has been a staple of the celebration since 1939 and attracts thousands of visitors from across the state.
🌐 Website: Peninsula Celebration Association
Gilroy
Gilroy High School usually hosts 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 see the show. The City of Gilroy has yet to post 2026 details, so check their website and socials for more.
Gilroy Gardens is also hosting a Fourth of July celebration from July 3-5 during their Cherry Jubilee.
🌐 Website: City of Gilroy
Morgan Hill
See Fireworks on the Green 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!
🌐 Website: Morgan Hill Freedom Fest
Foster City
Leo Ryan Park will host an all-day Fourth of July celebration including a pancake breakfast, food trucks, live music, and a Family and Dog Parade at 11am, but the fireworks show has been canceled for 2026.
🌐 Website: Foster City
Santa Clara
California’s Great America will launch fireworks shows on July 4 at 9:40pm above the Flight Deck rollercoaster, with the best viewing from the Midway Plaza or Redwood Amphitheater. Spend a day on the roller coasters and stay for the fireworks.
🌐 Website: California’s Great America
Milpitas
The Red, White, and Boom! concert and fireworks celebration will happen from 5-9pm at Milpitas Sports Center. Tickets are $8 pre-sale and $11 GA at the door.
🌐 Website: City of Milpitas
Richmond
Richmond throws a “Fourth of July Eve” community celebration at Marina Bay Park on July 3rd, complete with food, music, and a youth play area. The evening wraps up with a 20-minute fireworks show over the water at about 9:15pm, making it a great option if people want fireworks two nights in a row.
