Here is the most comprehensive list of 4th of July celebrations around the Bay Area! (I know it’s the most comprehensive because I’ve put together all the events listed in all of the major calendars and websites out there about this topic.)

This post is organized by region, then by whether it’s a morning only celebration (run, pancake breakfasts, parades), all day celebration, or fireworks (evening) only celebration so you can plan according to your kids nap times!

This year, we are attempting to have the kids nap late, so they can stay up late for the fireworks for the first time. Hope it works. Have a happy 4th everyone!!

If you are on Facebook and want to get weekly updates of special events in San Francisco within a Facebook group, join our San Francisco Family Travel + Activities group! Every Monday, there is a thread that lists these kinds of events with specific links, where members can add events too!

Want to know more about things to do in San Francisco Bay Area? Read more here:

• Family and Recreational Pool Hours Summary, Map and Average Temperature
• 3-day itinerary full of places to see animals in San Francisco
• 60+ kid-friendly wineries in and near San Francisco
• 30+ kid-friendly hikes with 49 square miles of San Francisco
• 30+ Weekend Getaways and Day Trips from San Francisco

Map of 4th of July Festivities in the Bay Area

Legend:

Red = Morning/Day Time Only

White = All Day & Night

Blue = Night Only

Fourth of July Celebrations in San Francisco

Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf

Hours: 1:30 pm-10pm

Highlights: Live music (Amazing 80s cover band Tainted Love from 3-6pm) at Pier 39, Aquatic Park (6pm)and Ghirardelli Square

Fireworks: Yes – at 9:30pm

SS Jeremiah O’Brien – Dockside Fireworks Viewing

Hours: 7:00pm-10pm

Highlights: Tickets ($10-$40, kids under 5 free) include hot dogs, popcorn and soft drinks.

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:30pm

4th of July Fireworks Boat Rides Out of Fisherman’s Wharf

Hornblower Cruises

Hours: 7:00pm-11pm

Highlights: 3 Different Cruises from San Francisco – premier dinner curise, buffet dinner cruise, and one on the Belle

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:30pm

Red and White Fleet

Hours: 7:45-end of fireworks

Highlights: HOSTED bar and snack stations throughout the vessel; all included in your ticket price. This tour typically last for about two and a half hours

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:30pm

Golden Gate Park Band – 4th of July Concert

Hours: 1pm-2:30pm

Highlights: Celebrate our Country’s Birthday! Patriotic and American Music

Fireworks: No

Over 10 Different Free Guided Walking Tours for 4th of July

Hours: Varies

Highlights: Tours include Alfred Hitchcock’s San Francisco, Coit Tower Murals, Gold Rush City, and the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park.

Fireworks: No

Mission Terrace 4th of July Parade & Picnic

Hours: 10:30am-end of picnic

Highlights: Bring your kids, your dogs, and deck out your bicycles, strollers, and wagons in red, white and blue. We’ll have an old-fashioned parade through the neighborhood and then enjoy a picnic and entertainment at Balboa Park.

Fireworks: No

Angel Island 4th of July Fireworks Viewing Party

Hours: 6pm-11pm

Highlights: Live Music, Food and Drinks. This special ticket includes round trip ferry service to Angel Island and round trip Tram ride from the Cove to Battery Ledyard. Pre-purchase required.

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:30pm

Union Square Live: Classic Country/Honky Tonk Concert: Tom Armstrong & the Branded Men

Hours: 6pm-8pm

Highlights: Special 4th of July reunion show, one night only on Union Square, San Francisco.

Fireworks: No

Farley’s Potrero Hill  – Safe & Sane Fireworks Extravaganza

Hours: 8:45-9:30pm

Highlights: Farley’s Coffee hosts their annual “Safe and Sane” July Fourth Fireworks show in the street on July 4, 2018 at sundown. Each year, it’s typically accompanied by patriotic John Philip Sousa music from speakers hung awkwardly out of Farley’s windows.

Fireworks: Yes – on the street!

Family Friendly Fourth of July Celebration in the East Bay

Alameda – USS Hornet

Hours: 2pm-10pm

Highlights: Live music and entertainment, flight simulator, jump house, kids zone, games and more ($25 per adult, $15 for 7-17, and kids under 6 are free)

Fireworks: Yes – at 9:15pm

Alameda Parade @Lincoln and Park Streets

Hours: 10am

Highlights: “One of the largest and longest Independence Day parade in the nation. With over 160 floats and 2,500 participants who travel a three mile route.” Amazing!

Fireworks: No

4th at the Alameda County Fair

Hours: 11am-6pm

Highlights: Special performances, music, horse and pig racing and, of course, carnival fun

Fireworks: No

Albany – A Green, Red, White and Blue Celebration at Memorial Park

Hours: 12pm-4pm

Highlights: Family games, petting zoo, rock climbing wall, zip line, jump houses, watermelon eating contest, Diaper Derby (who’s baby is the fastest?), Mustache & Beard Contest

Fireworks: No

Antioch Parade, Festival and Fireworks

Hours: 8:30am-10pm

Highlights: Pancake breakfast (8:30-10:30am), Parade (11am), Family frun for everyone at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds (4pm) and Fireworks!

Fireworks: Yes – at 9:30pm

Benicia Torchlight Parade (July 3rd)

Hours: 6:30pm

Highlights: Dancers, floats, clowns, and entertainment.

Fireworks: No

Benicia Picnic in the Park and Fireworks at City Park

Hours: 12pm-9:30pm

Highlights: Arts and crafts, food, live entertainment and children’s activities.

Fireworks: Yes – at 9pm

Berkeley Marina

Hours: Noon-10pm

Highlights: Free Dragon Boat rides (12-5pm), pony rides, slides, bubble ball rides, carousels, face painting, amazing playground “Adventure Playground” with zip lining (until 8pm), Tilt-a-Whirl,, live entertainment on stage. (NO alcoholic beverages allowed.)

Fireworks: Yes – at 9:35pm

Berkeley – Hornblower Berkeley 4th of July Cruise

Hours: 7:30pm-11pm

Highlights: 3 types of boats and cruises

Fireworks: Yes – at 9:35pm

Brentwood – Classic 4th of July Parade & Celebration

Hours: 9am-1pm

Highlights: Parade, food, games, entertainment, and a children’s parade.

Fireworks: No

Clayton – 4th of July Celebration

Hours: 4pm-after fireworks

Highlights: Free family games, our free watermelon, our free ice cream, AND our free fireworks

Fireworks: Yes – after 9pm

Concord Todos Santos Plaza & Mt. Diablo High School

Hours: 8am-9:30pm

Highlights: 5K & Kids Run at 8am, Parade at 10am, Festival at 4pm, Fireworks at 9pm

Fireworks: Yes – at 9pm

Danville – Kiwanis Parade at Downtown Danville

Hours: 9am-noon

Highlights: Fun parade, and you can put out chairs from 6pm the night before!

Fireworks: No

Dixon – 4th of July Fireworks

Hours: 8:30-after fireworks

Highlights: There is no big festival, so make your own fun by bringing your frisbee, your dog, and your guitar to Hall Park whenever you please, get comfortable, and wait for the fireworks to start.

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:00pm

El Cerrito & WorldOne July 4th Festival at Cerrito Vista Park

Hours: 10am-6:30pm

Highlights: Live music and entertainment, kids fun area, arts and crafts vendors, food, and free valet BIKE parking.

Fireworks: No

Fairfield Parade

Hours: 8am-1pm

Highlights: Pancake breakfast start at 8am, and parade at 10!

Fireworks: No

Fremont – Ardenwood Independence Day Celebration

Hours: 10am-4pm

Highlights: “Fun-filled community festival, 1900-style!! Patriotic music on the lawn and fiddle music in the farmyard. There will be games, contests and races for everyone all day long. Test your skill at nail-driving, egg toss and watermelon seed spitting or join a bucket brigade and tug-of-war contest.” Bring a  picnic!

Fireworks: No

Fremont Parade

Hours: 10am

Highlights: Parade of about few blocks long with the national anthem, and parade that awards float with appeal, theme, patriotic-ness, and people’s choice.

Fireworks: No

Hurcules – 4th of July Festival, Parade & Dynamite Run

Hours: 7am-3pm

Highlights: Run (5K run/walk,1 mile fun run, kids run) starts at 8:30am, post-race Festival in Refugio Valley Park, awards, refreshments, entertainment, vendor booths, and the 4th of July Parade(starts at 10:45am)  until 3pm.

Fireworks: No

Livermore – Red, White & Boom Fireworks and Block Party

Hours: 4pm-10pm

Highlights: Streets close at 4pm, and one big huge block party with fireworks at the end!

Fireworks: Yes – at 9:30pm

Martinez 4th of July Parade

Hours: 8am-11am

Highlights: Pancake breakfast, flag raising ceremony, and parade!

Fireworks: No

Oakland – Jack London Square Block Party and Backyard BBQ!

Hours: 11am-5pm

Highlights: live music and entertainment, a beer/cider garden, tasty backyard BBQ, local shopping and a kids zone. And a beer garden (get your beer pass)!

Fireworks: No

Oakland – Pardee Home Museum Patriotic Picnic

Hours: noon-3:30pm

Highlights: BBQ burgers, piano concert, games and activities on the lawn! (adults $15, kids 5-11 $5, and kids under 5 are free)

Fireworks: No

Oakland A’s Fireworks (July 3rd)

Hours: 6:05pm-10pm

Highlights: Postgame fireworks! You can sit on the outfield grass to watch the show.

Fireworks: Yes – after the game

Oakland – 4th of July Concert: Oakland Municipal Band 2018 Season Kick-Off

Hours: 1pm-3pm

Highlights: Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and a picnic lunch, and kick-off this season with the 4th of July concert!

Fireworks: No

Orinda- Breakfast, Run, Parade and Park Fun

Hours: 7:30am-1:30pm

Highlights: Pancake breakfast at 7:30, flag raising ceremony at 7:55, Haley’s Run for a Reason at 8, book sale at 9am, parade at 10am, and community park activities from 11:30am-1:30pm.  

Fireworks: No

Piedmont 4th of July Breakfast and Parade

Hours: 8am-end of the parade

Highlights: Pancake breakfast from 8am-10:30 am, then parade begins at 11am.

Fireworks: No

Pittsburg – 4th of July Fireworks at the Marina

Hours: 8:30-after fireworks

Highlights: The City of Pittsburg will once again host the Independence Day Fireworks Celebration on July 4, 2018 at the Pittsburg Marina. Fireworks will begin at Dusk (approximately 9:15pm)

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:15pm

Pleasant Hill – Run, Parade. Party in the Park, and Fireworks

Hours: 7:50am-10pm

Highlights: 100 yard dash for kids 7 and under at 7:50am (followed by 5K), Parade at 9:30am, 10:30am – parky in the park starts with food, games, activities, and live music, clown, watermelon eating contest! 6:30pm – gates open at College Park HIgh School and firework and live music.

Fireworks: Yes – 9:20pm

Pleasanton – Celebration at Lion’s Wayside Park

Hours: noon-2:30pm

Highlights: Bring your picnic to this “all-volunteer event is a fun way to make sure that we remember Fourth of July” and listen to some live music.

Fireworks: No

Richmond 3rd of July Celebration (July 3rd)

Hours: 5:30pm-10pm

Highlights: Food, music and the youth play area (for a fee) until the night sky explodes with color.

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:15pm

San Pablo – Multicultural Celebration and Fireworks

Hours: 5pm-10pm

Highlights: Live entertainment, games, activities, food, family fun and Fireworks

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:30pm

San Ramon Fourth of July at Central Park Amphitheater

Hours: 5pm-8pm

Highlights: Free concert featuring the Michael Jackson Tribute Band: Foreverland, San Ramon Symphonic Band, party hats, anniversary cake and free crafts for the kids.

Fireworks: No

Stockton – Waterfront Fireworks Extravaganza

Hours: 8-11pm

Highlights: Barron Hilton (of Hilton Hotels) owns a place right by the tip and has put on a big free fireworks show for many years. It’s the biggest annual party in the entire Delta and Northern California and the largest gathering of private pleasure boats in Northern California.

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:00pm

Suisun City Waterfront Celebration

Hours: 11am-10:30pm

Highlights: All day entertainment including ferris wheel, giant slide, car-go-round, trampolines, mechanical bull ride, merry-go-round, pony ride, petting zoo and much more!

Fireworks: Yes – at 9:15pm

Tracy – Hometown Celebration – with hot air balloons!

Hours: 6am-10pm

Highlights: 6am – hot air balloon takes off, all day fun activities, and fireworks at the end of the night!

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:30pm

Vacaville – 4th of July Fireworks & Creekside Concert

Hours: 6:30-10pm

Highlights: Old-fashioned Fourth of July with Vacaville’s fun-filled evening of music and fireworks under the stars at the Creekwalk in Andrews Park from 6:30 pm with fireworks at dusk. Good food, beer & wine,  and a great fireworks display.

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:00pm

Vallejo – 4th of July at Discovery Kingdom

Hours: All day until end of fireworks

Highlights: All-American food fest and fireworks!

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:30pm

Vallejo – Mad Hatter 4th of July Parade and Waterfront Festival

Hours: 11am-10pm

Highlights: Artisan Craft Beer & Wine Garden, Live Music & Cultural Performances, Adult & Children’s Rides & Interactive Activities, Classic Cars, Parade Floats

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:30pm

Vallejo – 4th of July Parade

Hours: 10am – end of the parade

Highlights: Giant puppets, horses, cars, costume characters, musical performers, City Officials and much more.  

Fireworks: No

Walnut Creek – July 4th Patriotic Concert & Picnic in the Park

Hours: 6-7pm

Highlights: Free concert at Civic Park. The music begins at 6 pm. “Bring a picnic, bring the family, bring your friends and celebrate America.”

Fireworks: No

Fourth of July Celebration in the South Bay

Aptos 4th of July Festivities

Hours: 7am-4pm

Highlights: World’s Shortest Parade starts at 10am – and Party in the Park to follow! Fireworks: No

Big Basin 4th of July Weekend Celebration and Talent Show (July 7th)

Hours: 7pm-

Highlights: campfire, sing-a-long and talent show (sign up in advance to participate)!

Fireworks: No

Boulder Creek – 4th of July Parade, Pancake Breakfast, and BBQ at Junction Park

Hours: 7am-5pm

Highlights: Parade, which starts at 10am where you’re most likely see a motorcycle drive over a car!

Fireworks: No

Cupertino 4th of July Celebration at Memorial Park, Blackberry Farm and Fireworks

Hours: 7am-10pm

Highlights: Pancake breakfast, carnival, flag raising, parade, concert, free swimming and food trucks and fireworks!

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:30pm

Felton – 4th of July Family Fun at Roaring Camp

Hours: All day

Highlights: Games, live music and an all-American barbecue.

Fireworks: No

Foster City Parade, Celebration, and Fireworks at Leo Ryan Park

Hours: 9am-10pm

Highlights: Games, food, entertainment, family and dog parade, and a grand fireworks display

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:30pm

Gilroy – 4th of July BBQ at Gilroy Gardens

Hours: 10am-6pm

Highlights: Get special meal deals that include BBQ ribs, hot dogs, curry and rice, etc!

Fireworks: No

Gilroy – 4th of July Fireworks Salute

Hours: 9pm

Highlights: The City of Gilroy hosts their annual 4th of July Fireworks Display at Gilroy High School on Tenth Street on July 4, 2018 at 9:30 pm.

Fireworks: Yes – Around 9:30pm

Great America July 4th Celebration

Hours: Opening until after the fireworks

Highlights: Fireworks set to lively patriotic music

Fireworks: Yes – at 9:45pm

Half Moon Bay’s 48th Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July Parade & Other Festivities

Hours: 8am-3pm

Highlights: Pancake breakfast at City Hall Parking lot from 8am-noon, parade at noon, and community BBQ, wine, beer, margaritas and mimosas hosted by the Chamber of Commerce (now I want to move here) until 3pm, kidzone with face painting and petting zoo, live music all until 3pm

Fireworks: No

Hollister – Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks

Hours: Celebration canceled this year – fireworks pending.

Highlights: “Due to inclement weather, we have canceled our Celebration in the Park.  We will still try to have our fireworks display depending on weather conditions.  We anticipate the fireworks will take place anytime after 845pm.”

Fireworks: Potentially – 8:45pm

Los Altos Hills – 4th of July Parade

Hours: 9:30am-11am

Highlights: “Parade down Fremont Road and conclude at Gardner Bullis School where you can meet your friends and neighbors for a refreshing beverage and a juicy watermelon treat!”

Fireworks: No

Los Gatos – Fourth of July at Civic Center

Hours: 11am-3pm

Highlights: Train rides, Carousel, snack shack, BBQ, face painting, photo booth, lawn games, inflatables and beer garden!

Fireworks: No

Los Gatos – Fantastic 4th Concert at Oak Meadow Park

Hours: 1pm

Highlights: Family-friendly pops concert filled with marches, patriotic songs, show tunes and more!

Fireworks: No

Menlo Park Parade and Festival at Burgess Park

Hours: 11:45am-2:30pm

Highlights: Parade starts at 11:45am (you can join in on the parade!) down Santa Cruz Avenue to Burgess Park. Bounce houses, music, rock walls, face painting, crafts, game and food!

Fireworks: No

Milpitas – Red, White & Boom! Pool Party, Fireworks & Concert

Hours: 1pm-10pm

Highlights: Purchase your tickets online ($3 for 2 and up), Pool party starts at 1pm, and 5pm on, there is kids zone and food trucks, live music and fireworks show!

Fireworks: Yes – around 9pm

Mountain View Celebration at Shoreline by San Francisco Symphony

Hours: 8pm-10pm

Highlights: Fireworks with the orchestra music. Late start, but kid-friendly because of the outdoor nature. Purchase tickets in advance.  

Fireworks: Yes

Moraga – July 4th at The Commons Park

Hours: 7:30am-10pm

Highlights: Pancake breakfast, dog parade, children’s bike parade, family magic show, inflatables, food, wine, beer booths, national anthem, concert and fireworks!

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:30pm

Morgan Hill Freedom Fest: Run, Parade and Fireworks On The Green

Hours: Festivities start from the day before, but on the 4th from 6:30am-11pm

Highlights: Freedom run, parade, cruise, family music fest and fireworks!

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:30pm

Pacifica 4th of July Picnic at Frontierland Park

Hours: 11am-4pm

Highlights: Face Painting, Free Games, Food, Crafts, Live Music and a fun playground!

Fireworks: No

Palo Alto Chili Cook-Off at Mitchell Park

Hours: 12-5pm

Highlights: Margaritas, live music, food trucks, and of course chili! Kids Area with fun projects. ($5 and it includes 5 tastings from the chili cook-off booths)

Fireworks: No

Redwood City Parade, Festival and Fireworks (Various Locations)

Hours: 7:30am-10pm

Highlights: Pancake Breakfast (7:30-10:30am, Parade Run at 8am, Chalk Full of Run 8am, Parade at 10am, Festival 9am-5pm, Carnival until 10pm, car show at 9am, the concert from 7-9:15pm, fireworks around 9:30pm

Fireworks: Yes – at 9:30pm

San Jose – Rotary Club Centennial Fireworks at Discovery Meadow

Hours: 9:30pm

Highlights: “Free, fun, family-friendly professional fireworks”

Fireworks: Yes – at 9:30pm

San Jose – San Jose Giants Baseball & 4th of July

Hours: 6pm-after fireworks

Highlights: The Giants, wearing special “Stars & Stripes” jerseys and caps, but more importantly, from anywhere near the stadium, you can watch the post-game fireworks show for free

Fireworks: Yes – after the game around 9:30pm

San Jose – Rose, White & Blue Parade, Picnic and Festival

Hours: 10am-3pm

Highlights: Parade, music performances and national anthem!

Fireworks: No

San Mateo Locals Only Parade and Carnival

Hours: 10am-1pm

Highlights: Parade, games, family games, Bean Bag Toss, Flip Frog, Shaved Ice & Cotton Candy, & Food Booths

Fireworks: No

San Mateo – Fourth in the Park Fest & Free Swim

Hours: 11am-2pm

Highlights: Sit back, relax, and enjoy this free event featuring games for kids and adults, music, free recreational swim, a family cardboard boat race and inflatable fun.

Fireworks: No

Santa Cruz – Wilder Ranch State Park “Old-Fashioned Independence Day”

Hours: 11am-4pm

Highlights: 1900s style independence day celebration! Noon family parade, games, kids crafts carea, live music, living history demonstrations, historic speeches and flag raising.

Fireworks: No

Santa Clara – All City Picnic & Fireworks Extravaganza (Various Locations)

Hours: noon-10pm

Highlights: In 4 different locations citywide, activities start at noon, and end with fireworks!

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:30pm

Saratoga – Independence Day Celebration

Hours: 9am-10pm

Highlights: Races start at 9am, followed by parade and pooches (11am), all American BBQ and Dessert fest start at 11:30am, car show, live reading of the declaration of independence, and fireworks!

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:30pm

Scotts Valley 4th of July Parade, Flyover & Fireworks

Hours: 3pm-10pm

Highlights: 3pm parade, Food & Games, Live music, and fireworks!

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:20pm

Watsonville – Fourth of July Parade

Hours: Noon until end of the parade

Highlights: The Spirit of Watsonville 4th of July parade proceeds down Main St. from St. Patrick’s Church to First Street.

Fireworks: No

Watsonville – Fire in the Sky Fireworks

Hours: 5pm-9:30pm

Highlights: Skydive exhibition, formation flyovers, jet dragster, food trucks, bounce house, live band, and fireworks!

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:30pm

Fourth of July Celebration in the North Bay

American Canyon – 4th of July Parade, Festival & Fireworks

Hours: 9am-1pm

Highlights: Pancake breakfast at 7am, Parade at 10:30am, followed by Community Park II for an all-day festival, from noon to 9:30 pm, that includes a Kidzone, fun family activities for the whole family, food and entertainment in 2 stages.

Fireworks: No

Bolinas vs. Stinson Beach – Annual Tug of War Battle & Parade

Hours: 9am-1pm

Highlights: The annual tug of war battle between the towns of Bolinas and Stinson Beach begins at 9 am followed by Bolinas Independence Day Parade at 11am.

Fireworks: No

Calistoga – 4th of July at Napa County Fair

Hours: 11am-11pm

Highlights: Downtown Calistoga for the parade at 11:00 am (route: Cedar Street, Lincoln Avenue, Fair Way). At noon, gates open at the Napa County Fairgrounds to an afternoon of fun and fireworks.  

Fireworks: Yes – around 10 pm

Cloverdale – 4th of July Fireworks

Hours: 8pm- after fireworks

Highlights: The annual Cloverdale 4th of July Fireworks will take place viewing from the high school football and baseball fields at dusk brought to you by the Cloverdale Lions Club. The BBQ is not happening this year.

Fireworks:  Yes – around 9:00pm

Corte Madera Parade and Festival at Corte Madera Town Center

Hours: 9am-5pm

Highlights: Parade at 10:30am, and festivities start at 9am until 5, including artists booths, live entertainment from 12:30-3:30pm, kids carnival games, bounce houses, slides and arts and crafts.

Fireworks: No

Healdsburg – 4th of July Fireworks Show

Hours: 7pm-10pm

Highlights: At night, catch a fireworks display at the Healdsburg High School Football Field. Fireworks start once it gets dark. Bring a blanket and a picnic for this fun, small-town Fourth of July celebration.

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:15pm

Inverness – 4th of July Foot Races & Festivities

Hours: 9am-1pm

Highlights: Foot races for toddlers to adults and other 4th of July festivities until 1pm.

Fireworks: No

Kenwood 4th of July Parade, Breakfast and Race

Hours: 7am-11:30am

Highlights: “we love floats, boats, bands, unicycles, goats, horses, dogs, classic vehicles, sports teams, hiking clubs, go-carts … more creative the better” Also have pancake breakfast from 1am, and 10K and 3K footrace. Parade at 10:30am at Kenwood Plaza Park

Fireworks: No

Marin County Fair at San Rafael

Hours: 11am-11pm

Highlights: Not just going on the 4th of July, but this fair has lots of fun entertainment, rides, and fireworks for a lot longer!  

Fireworks: Yes

Mill Valley – 4th of July Parade & BBQ Picnic

Hours: 10:30am-1:30pm

Highlights: Parade among the redwoods (Stolte Grove), followed by all-American BBQ picnic with hot dogs, hamburgers, beer, soda, apple pie Fun Entertainment for the kids like magician and animal show — and a pinata!

Fireworks: No

Downtown Napa – 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

Hours: 10am-after fireworks

Highlights: Parade starts at 10am-12pm, and evening there will be kidzone, live music, and more followed by fireworks at night.

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:30pm

Novato 4th of July Parade

Hours: 10am-end of parade

Highlights: Over 100 entries – making it one of the bigger parades in the San Francisco Bay Area!

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:30pm

Petaluma 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks at Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds

Hours: 5pm-11pm

Highlights: Fireworks, local food vendors, live music, kids activity area, cold beer on tap.

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:30pm

Rohnert Park – 4th of July Concert & Fireworks

Hours: 4:30pm-10pm

Highlights: The Green Music Center on the Sonoma St. University campus in Rohnert Park is hosting a July 4th concert and festival capped with fireworks into the Sonoma County skies (purchase tickets beforehand).  There will be a festival with carnival games, bounce houses, face painting, plus food, music and more.

Fireworks: Yes – around 9:15pm

Ross – 4th of July Celebration

Hours: 11am-2pm

Highlights: Parade at 11am, followed by a picnic with kids games, live music, food and more until 2pm

Fireworks: No

Sleepy Hollow (San Anselmo, CA) – Fourth of July Parade & Poolside Party

Hours: 8:30am-8pm

Highlights: Start the day with a fun run at 8:30am, parade at 11am, followed by lunchtime including pool games, face painters, root beer floats making, and from 4:30-8pm is dinner time and dancing! Water balloons encouraged (after the fire truck passes)!

Fireworks: No

Santa Rosa – Red, White & Boom! At Sonoma County Fairgrounds

Hours: 3pm-10pm

Highlights: Food, live music, kids activities, with local bands and vendors. Jumpy houses, face painters also. Simulcast live music fireworks. No alcohol allowed. Purchase tickets ahead of time.

Fireworks: Yes – at 9pm

Sausalito Parade, Picnic, and Fireworks

Hours: 10am-9:30pm

Highlights: Parade at 10am, picnic from noon-6:30pm at Dunphy Park with live music, food, dancing, tug-of-war, egg toss. Dinner and Fireworks at Gabrielson Park with live music and food trucks.

Fireworks: Yes – at 9pm

Sonoma’s 4th of July Celebration

Hours: 10am-after fireworks

Highlights: Parade begins at 10am, followed by the festival which concludes at 5, and fireworks at General Vallejo’s Field.

Fireworks: Yes – around 9 pm

St. Helena – 4th of July Fireworks Show

Hours: 9pm- after fireworks

Highlights: St. Helena will celebrate July 4th, 2018 with a 4th Annual free fireworks display centered in the middle of town for all guests after sundown, approximately 9 pm.

Fireworks:  Yes – around 9:00pm

Woodacre – Fourth of July Parade & Flea Market

Hours: 9am-4pm

Highlights: Crafts and market start at 9am, including fire department pancake breakfast. Parade starts at noon, and BBQ, horse exhibits, kids games and beautiful men’s legs contest, 2 man saw contest and live music.

Fireworks: No

Yountville  – 4th of July Fair, Parade & Fireworks

Hours: noon-9:30pm

Highlights: Head up to the Veterans Home in Yountville for their annual Fourth of July Festival. Throughout the day enjoy live music, food and drink vendors and explore the Kid Zone complete with water slide, dunk tank and obstacle course. You can also take a dip in the community pool or watch America’s favorite past time at Borman Field. At 6:00 pm the Kids Parade will be lead by the Home Wheelchair Drill Team, The “Hills Angels”. After the parade find a spot on the golf course and watch the fireworks.

Fireworks: Yes- around 9:30pm

Places to Light Off Fireworks

Do you want to have your own fireworks show? Go to one of these 12 cities in the Bay Area to do that so you can do it legally! We love this article by Mercury News.

There you have it!

If you are coming into San Francisco for the 4th of July, make sure you dress in layers, and if you are staying for the fireworks, bring a jacket! You may also want to be prepared to not see the fireworks if you are on ground level, because the fog will hide it. Every 4th we’ve spent here, we couldn’t see the fireworks except for one year when we were high up in a friend’s condo. (Note to self: contact friend that lives high up in a condo. :))

Want to know more about things to do in San Francisco Bay Area? Read more here:

• Family and Recreational Pool Hours Summary, Map and Average Temperature
• 3-day itinerary full of places to see animals in San Francisco
• 60+ kid-friendly wineries in and near San Francisco
• 30+ kid-friendly hikes with 49 square miles of San Francisco
• 30+ Weekend Getaways and Day Trips from San Francisco

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Do you know of a kid-friendly 4th of July event in the Bay Area that is not on this list? Contact us or leave a comment below!