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4th of July Weekend in San Francisco: Fireworks, Festivals, and More Things to Do with Kids

Rock your red, white, and blue. Parade photo courtesy of the City of Alameda Local Government
Rock your red, white, and blue. Parade photo courtesy of the City of Alameda Local Government
6/28/23 - By Sandra Lee

4th of July weekend in San Francisco and the Bay Area is alight with fireworks, fun runs, parades, and more family-friendly events. 

Independence Day weekend is here! Spend the 4th of July at Great America's 4th of July Celebration to enjoy food and rides, or participate in the Firecracker Run in Santa Cruz. The Bay Area's ever-popular 4th of July Parade and Fireworks takes place in Redwood City, where you can have festive family fun without spending a dime. 

Before the rockets' red glare and fireworks blast off, celebrate Independence Day with the best 4th of July activities for kids that aren't fireworks, and soak in the summer holiday with our Ultimate San Francisco Kids Summer Vacation Guide. 

Did we mention we’re running weekly giveaways all summer long? This week we’re giving away a Mommy Poppins beach towel. Plus, each entry also counts as an extra entry into our Ultimate Summer Giveaway, an all-included trip to Nick Resort Punta Cana! Find out how to enter on our Facebook or Instagram pages! 

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Glide into Redwood's popular 4th of July celebration. Photo courtesy of the Redwood City Annual Independence Day Parade
Glide into Redwood's popular 4th of July celebration. Photo courtesy of the Redwood City Annual Independence Day Parade

Best Things To Do 4th of July Weekend in San Francisco Bay Area

FoodieLand Night Market

San Mateo - Friday - Sunday, June 30 - July 2, 2023
Foodies of all ages can check out FoodieLand at the San Mateo Event Center. With 150 vendors of food and local artisans, it's a great way to support local businesses and immerse yourself in local culture. Activities include carnival games, live music, and arts & crafts for the whole family.  READ MORE

Marin County Fair

San Rafael - Friday - Tuesday, June 30 - July 4, 2023
The award-winning Marin County Fair is back with a theme that celebrates all things electric. Featuring a solar-powered carousel and stage, the fair is also committed to offering healthy food choices, as well as alcohol-free sponsorships and a smoke-free environment.  Families can also enjoy the many exhibits, concerts, carnival rides, sheepdog trials, petting zoo, nightly fireworks, and so much more.  READ MORE

Summer Science Funday at Lawrence Hall of Science

Berkeley - Saturday, July 1, 2023
The Lawrence is bringing back Science Fundays this summer with different themes for kids to explore on Saturday afternoons. Each week brings new activities, special guests, and more.  READ MORE

HEAD WEST Marketplace- Ferry Building

San Francisco - Sunday, July 2, 2023
Free
Shop local at HEAD WEST in the Ferry Building on the first Sunday of every month through the end of the year. Shop hand-made ceramics, locally sourced vintage, and more. See what your community can make, make connections, and help small businesses.  READ MORE

Chalk Full of Fun 2023

Redwood City - Monday & Tuesday, July 3 & 4, 2023
Free
Put those sidewalk chalk skills to the test at the Redwood City Chalk Festival, where professionals and amateurs create works of art in Courthouse Square on Hamilton St. with the theme "Heroes and Helpers." Participants can sign up to reserve a space, or just come to the event and create at the free chalking area on Hamilton.  READ MORE

Woodside Junior Rodeo

Woodside - Monday & Tuesday, July 3 & 4, 2023
Spend the 4th of July cheering on cowboys and cowgirls with some rodeo fun for the whole family with a 2-day special event. Kick off the festivities with a pre-rodeo dinner dance on July 3rd, then get ready for all the rodeo fun on July 4th!   READ MORE

Santa Cruz Firecracker Run

Santa Cruz - Tuesday, July 4, 2023
The famous Firecracker run is back this year with three courses (even one for kids) so that everyone can participate. Hang out afterward for a post-race brunch, awards, and music. It's a great way to start the 4th of July celebration day!  READ MORE

Foster City 4th of July Celebration

Foster City - Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Free
The 4th of July Celebration in Foster City is back with a whole day of fun events, activities, and music for the whole family. There will be a Kid Zone, a pet parade, family games, and a giant fireworks display. READ MORE

4th of July All-City Picnic

Santa Clara - Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Free
Central Park is hosting a 4th of July Celebration with food, games, a kids' zone, swimming fun, and live music. Admission to the event is free, with a fee for swimming and carnival games.  READ MORE

4th of July Fireworks Spectacular at Shoreline

Mountain View - Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View is hosting a 4th of July celebration for families of all ages. With vocalist Capathia Jenkins, conductor Edwin Outwater, and the SF Symphony, enjoy American classics and a tribute to Aretha Franklin. Then, watch the grand finale with a wonderful fireworks display.  READ MORE

Redwood City 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

Redwood City - Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Free
Go big on the 4th of July and celebrate with a day of activities in downtown Redwood City. A massive parade (the largest in the Bay Area) as well as a festival, pancake breakfast, and of course, glorious fireworks.  READ MORE

Great America 4th of July Celebration

Santa Clara - Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Great America is having an entire day dedicated to celebrating the 4th of July with rides, water play, BBQ, and fireworks. Come early, and enjoy the rides for the whole family (including Snoopy Land) and all the water slides and pool fun before the evening fireworks.  READ MORE

Novato's 4th of July Parade

Novato - Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Free
With the theme of "Nation of Innovation," the Novato 4th of July parade is one of the largest in the Bay Area. See classic cars, floats, music bands, pets, and more. There is a Buckaroo Breakfast from 7-10 a.m. hosted by the Presbyterian Church of Novato and is a $7 suggested donation.  READ MORE

46th Annual Alameda 4th of July Parade

Alameda - Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Free
The Alameda 4th of July Parade is the longest in the nation, drawing over 60,000 people to watch equestrians, dance troops, floats, antique cars, community groups, and community marching bands. The 5K Run starts at 9 a.m. with the parade starting at 10 a.m.  READ MORE

Fisherman's Wharf 4th of July Celebration

San Francisco - Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Free
Hang out at Fisherman's Wharf and enjoy some spectacular fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July. READ MORE

Concord's 4th of July Fireworks

Concord - Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Free
The City of Concord is welcoming everyone back for the annual 4th of July Celebration. This is a great event for the whole family that includes games, a run for adults and kids, a parade, and fireworks. READ MORE

Alameda County Fair

Alameda - Now through Sunday, July 9, 2023
There are so many things happening at the Alameda County Fair that you don't want to miss. New rides, events, activities, games, concerts, food, horse racing, movies on the lawn, and nightly drone light shows.  READ MORE

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