Independence Day is this week, and the Bay Area is getting ready for festive July 4th fireworks shows in San Francisco and beyond. 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 2025.
Table Of Contents
San Francisco fireworks shows
1. Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is home to San Francisco’s spectacular annual fireworks show. Get a good spot at Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, or anywhere nearby for a show starting at 9:30pm. Some Pier 39 boat companies and water attractions offer fireworks viewing from the water.
🌐 Website: Fisherman’s Wharf
2. More San Francisco 4th of July celebrations
- USS Hornet Fourth of July Steel Beach BBQ: Music, food, and drinks from 10am-5pm
- Fourth of July at Pier 39: Celebration at the pier with local bands, food, and arts and crafts
- Blues for Independence: Free concert by Stan Erhart & the Fabulous Misfits at the Bandshell from 4:30-7:30pm
- Sunset Dunes 4th of July parade: A community parade from 12-2pm on the Great Highway.
- Golden Gate Park Bandshell Concerts: Independence Day celebration with the Golden Gate Park Band from 1-2:30pm, followed by “Blues for Independence” from 4:30-7:30pm.
- S.S. Jeremiah O’Brien fireworks viewing: Dockside fireworks viewing aboard a historic ship in the SF Bay, from 7:30-10:30pm.
If Karl the Fog holds off, you’ll be able to see the main San Francisco Bay fireworks show from near and far. Many people like to get a waterfront spot at Pier 39, Crissy Field, Aquatic Park, or even Treasure Island. But you can also enjoy a great vantage point from Twin Peaks, Bernal Heights Park, or Coit Tower.
The main fireworks show over the SF Bay usually begins at 9:30pm. Across the Bay Area, most official fireworks shows begin around the same time, but some will start as early as 7:30pm.
North Bay fireworks shows
3. 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
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 around 5pm on General Vallejo Field.
🌐 Website: City of Sonoma
5. 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
6. 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: City of Petaluma
7. Marin
The Marin County Fair runs from July 2-6, and they’ll present 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
8. 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
East Bay fireworks shows
9. Benicia
Benicia hosts its annual fireworks show at 9pm at First Street Green. They host the 3rd of July Torchlight Parade on the evening of July 3 in Downtown Benicia.
🌐 Website: Benicia Community Foundation – event TBA for 2025 (accepting donations)
10. Antioch
The City of Antioch hosts a party from 4 – 9:30 pm with live music and entertainment, restaurants, food courts, craft vendors, a kids zone, and more. The fireworks begin just after dusk over the San Joaquin River.
🌐 Website: City of Antioch
11. 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 (the show usually starts at 9pm)
🌐 Website: Pleasant Hill Fourth of July
12. 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
13. 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
14. 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
15. 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. Although they won’t present any spectacles on the actual Fourth of July, you can watch a drone show on July 3 and after every concert at 9:30pm.
🌐 Website: Alameda County Fair
South Bay fireworks shows
16. 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 4 and 5 after the games.
- Lake Cunningham Park: Food trucks and family activities starting at 3pm, followed by a fireworks show at 9pm.
- Almaden Lake Park fireworks show is canceled for 2025
🌐 Website: City of San Jose
17. Mountain View
The San Francisco Symphony will play Mountain View’s Shoreline Amphitheater with American classics, ending with a grand fireworks finale.
🌐 Website: City of Mountain View
18. 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
19. 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 see the show.
🌐 Website: City of Gilroy
20. 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
21. 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 2025 due to construction.
🌐 Website: Foster City
22. Santa Clara
California’s Great America will launch fireworks shows on July 4 and 5 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
23. Milpitas
The Red, White, and Boom! concert and fireworks celebration will happen from 5-9pm at Milpitas Sports Center. Tickets are $67 pre-sale and $10 GA at the door.
🌐 Website: City of Milpitas