Independence Day isn’t far off 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 the Bay Area heatwave and fire concerns this week, some cities have decided to cancel their July Fourth festivities. They include Antioch, whose daytime parade was canceled and other events pushed to the evening; and Healdsburg and St. Helena, whose fireworks shows have been postponed.
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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, the Cannery, or anywhere nearby for a show starting at 9:30pm. Some Pier 39 boat companies and water attractions offer fireworks viewing from the water.
2. More San Francisco fireworks celebrations
- USS Hornet: Music, food, and drinks from 10am-5pm
- Pier 39: Celebration at the pier with local bands, food, and arts and crafts
- A Red, White, and Band Independence Day: Free concert by the Golden Gate Park Band at the Bandshell
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.
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 at dusk on General Vallejo Field.
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 7:30pm fireworks show from outside the event.
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.
7. Marin
The Marin County Fair runs from July 3-7, 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 largescale events like the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and the Golden Gate Bridge 75th anniversary.
East Bay fireworks shows
8. Benicia
Benicia will host its annual fireworks show at 9pm at First Street Green. You can enjoy the 4th annual 3rd of July Torchlight Parade on July 3 at 6:30pm in Downtown Benicia.
9. Antioch
*Parade and daytime events canceled due to heat. Festivities will go on as scheduled after 6pm.
The City of Antioch will host a party 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.
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 9pm.
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 at 11am with a day-long festival including booths, bounce houses, food and drinks, and family activities. The fireworks show begins at 9:30pm.
13. 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.
14. Alameda
The Alameda County Fair runs from June 14th through July 7th, 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 in the evenings on July 3, 5, 6, and 7.
South Bay fireworks shows
15. San Jose
See multiple fireworks shows in San Jose this year (except for the usual show at Discovery Meadow, which has been canceled).
- Independence Day Celebration and Star-Spangled 4th: Concerts, baseball, and fireworks with the San Jose Giants at Excite Ballpark on both July 3 and 4.
- Lake Cunningham Park: Food trucks and family activities starting at 7pm, followed by a fireworks show at 9pm.
- Almaden Lake Park: Check out a daytime festival with live music, food trucks, and games starting at 3pm. Fireworks begin at 9:15pm.
16. Mountain View
The San Francisco Symphony will play Mountain View’s Shoreline Amphitheater with American classics, ending with a grand fireworks finale.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Morgan Hill
See Fireworks on the Green at 9:30pm 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!
20. 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.
21. Santa Clara
California’s Great America will launch a fireworks show at 9:45pm 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.
22. Milpitas
The Red, White, and Boom! concert and fireworks celebration will happen from 5-9pm at Milpitas Sports Center. Tickets are $6 pre-sale and $8 GA at the door.
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.