Fireworks and the Fourth of July go together like peanut butter and jelly – one just isn’t complete without the other! Whether you’re drawn to the urban energy of the Bay Area or the serene shores of Lake Tahoe, join us as we share our favorite picks for firework shows and parades that celebrate the culture and spirit of summer in Northern California.
Start the Fourth of July festivities bright and early with Orinda’s 40th 4th of July celebration. Breakfast burritos start at 7:30 a.m. and are available until 10 a.m. at Library Plaza. The morning continues with the Fun Run for a Reason at 8 a.m., the Library Book Sale at 9 a.m., and a parade at 10 a.m. Music in the Park kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with food trucks and beer booths including El Gran Tacos, King Gyro & Kabob and Curveball Sliders.
Moraga’s Fourth of July celebration includes fun for the whole family – even pets! The day kicks off with a Dog Parade at 11 a.m., and is accompanied by Food, Wine, and Beer Booths until 8 p.m. Booths include patriotic favorites prepared by Lamorinda Lions Club and Kiwanis Club of Moraga Valley. Family activities can also be found from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and include live entertainment and games.
Wrap up the day with the House Rockers on stage at the Bandshell at 7 p.m. and the Firework Spectacular starting at approximately 9:30 p.m. Activities are free, but a donation is recommended.
Another fabulous option if you’re looking for a full day of festivities is Pleasant Hill’s 4th of July Celebration. Kick off the day bright and early with the Firecracker 5K or Kids’ 100 Yard Dash at 7:45 a.m., then follow it up with the world-famous Pleasant Hill Parade from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. in downtown Pleasant Hill.
The celebration continues with live music, food, and fun for the whole family from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The day finishes with fireworks at College Park High School. Music, food, and dessert trucks will also be available starting at 8:45 p.m. While the events are technically free, a $4 donation per person is suggested.
The City of Martinez kicks off the 4th with the annual parade at 10 a.m. on Main Street. Wear your red, white, and blue, and then get set to be dazzled by a spectacular 20-minute firework show starting at 9 p.m. Both the parade and fireworks display are free and open to the public.
If you want all-day Fourth of July fun, Concord’s celebration is the place to be. The events start at 8 a.m. with the Stars & Stripes Kids Fun Run, or you can elect to enjoy the Rotary Pancake Breakfast instead (also at 8 a.m.). The Stars & Stripes 5K Run & Walk kicks off at 8:15 a.m., followed by the Independence Day Parade starting at 10 a.m. from Mt. Diablo High School.
The evening’s events begin around 4 p.m. with a picnic, food, local artists, and live music. Fireworks cap off the day of festivities at 9:30 p.m. and are free.
For those wanting to skip the early morning celebrations, Antioch’s 4th of July festivities are the perfect place to enjoy the festivities – in the afternoon. Starting at 4 p.m., you can enjoy Antioch’s annual parade, or check out the Kids Zone from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Live entertainment kicks off at 5:30 p.m., and fireworks close out the evening at 9:20 p.m.
If you’re traveling up to Tahoe and want to escape the South Shore crowds, the Fireworks at Donner Lake are one of our faves! Come for the fireworks alone, or enjoy all that Truckee has to offer on the Fourth, including a Pancake Breakfast, Firecracker Mile, and West End Beach Celebration featuring music, games, and plenty of summer vibes.
The day ends with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. You’ll need to purchase tickets in advance if you want to watch from The West End Beach Celebration, and you’ll need to be a Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District Resident or Homeowner to purchase tickets. Other viewing options include the Donner Memorial State Park’s beaches, Truckee’s 37 public piers, or one of Donner Lake’s many trails (recommended only for experienced hikers).
Cheers to a safe and festive holiday!