Here’s our list of fun East Bay Fourth of July fireworks, parades, and family celebrations. This is not a complete list of events, so if we missed one you love, tell us about it in the comments box below.
EAST BAY JULY 4TH
Alameda: 4th of July Parade: July 4. Parade starts at 10am along Park St, Ocean Dr, Grand Ave, Central Ave, and Lincoln Ave. Jumpin’ and Jivin’ Jubilee from noon to 4pm at Rittler Park.
Benicia Fireworks, Freedom Festival Torchlight Parade & Picnic in the Park: July 3 – 4, 2012. Freedom Festival activities in Downtown Benicia start wih the Torchlight Parade on July 3, 2012, 6:30pm. The parade travels up First Street from D Street to the judging area at Benicia City Park on First and Military Streets. Picnic in the Park & Fireworks take place July 4th 2012 noon – 7pm in Benicia City Park, on the corner of Military and First Streets. The event features live entertainment, an open-air market, hot food, and lots of fun activities for children. Fireworks at 9pm at the bottom of First Street.
Berkeley 4th of July Celebration: July 4, 2012. Noon to 10pm at Berkeley Marina and Cesar Chavez Park. Live entertainment from noon until 9:30PM on the main stage including music and dancers. Jugglers, magicians, comedians, and on the Buddy Club Stage in Shorebird Park. Drummers, circus arts, and jugglers around the park. Zorbing balls, stunt show, climbing walls, bungee trampoline, and more at Cesar Chavez Park. Free dragon boat rowing 2-6pm. Fireworks at 9:30pm at the end of Berkeley Pier.
Concord 4th of July 2012 Jubilee and Parade: July 4, 2012. Pancake breakfast 6:30-11am. Hot dog lunches at 11am. Parade at 10am along Salvio St and Mira Vista Terrace. Singing Flag variety show July 2, 3, and 4 followed by fireworks each night at 9:20pm at Dave Brubeck Park, 4363 Concord Blvd.
Danville: July 4th Parade: July 4, 2012. Parade starts at 9am and runs from the corner of Hartz Avenue and Railroad Avenue, continues down Hartz and San Ramon Valley Boulevard and ends at the corner of San Ramon Valley Boulevard and Sycamore Valley Road.
Fairfield Independence Day Parade: July 4, 2012. The annual Fairfield Independence Day Parade will be held on July 4, 2012 at 10am, in downtown Fairfield along Texas St. Pancake breakfast 7:30-10:30am at the Masonic Building. The breakfast costs $7 for adults and $3.50 for children 6-12 years old.
El Cerrito: worldOne Fourth of July Festival: July 4, 2012. 10am-7pm at Cerrito Vista Park. Event features live reggae, dub and world music, a children’s fun area with carnival games, jump houses and rides, arts & crafts vendors and food booths by local business and service groups.
Fremont 4th of July Parade: July 4, 2012. Parade starts at 10am in the Downtown District and kicks off with “Beech Boys” flyover. Route begins at State St and Capitol Ave, then on to Paseo Padre Pkwy, Walnut Ave, Liberty St, and ends on Beacon Ave at the corner of State St, Fremont CA.
Hayward Old-Fashioned Fourth of July: July 4, 2012. 11am-3pm at Meek Park, 17365 Boston Road. Even features fun games and crafts, a History Hunt around the park, free live music, and tours of Meek Mansion ($5) which include actors’ portrayals of the Meek family.
Martinez Hometown 4th of July Parade: July 4, 2012. Flag Raising Ceremony Veterans Memorial Bldg, 930 Ward St, 8-8:15am. Pancake breakfast at Roxx on Main, 627 Main St, 8-10am. Parade at 10am on Main St, beginning at Court St and ending at Alhambra Ave.
Oakland July 4th Family Fun Festival at Jack London Square: July 4, 2012, 11am-4pm. Event features live music from The Blues Burners and Moxie, festival food, shopping, ctivities for kids including a giant slide, bounce houses, hands on arts & crafts, magicians, hula hoops, a petting zoo and jugglers.
Orinda: 4th of July Parade and Celebration: July 4, 2012. Event features the annual Pancake Breakfast, flag raising ceremony, fun run, parade, live music, food, games and booths in the park following the parade. Roadrunner’s Pancake Breakfast at the Community Center 7:30-10am; flag raising ceremony in front of the Community Center at 7:55am; parade starts at 10am; activities in the park 11:30am-1:30pm.
San Ramon: Star-Spangled Spectacular: July 4, 2012, 4-7:30pm at San Ramon Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. Event features live music by Pride & Joy and the San Ramon Symphonic Band and a patriotic salute to our armed forces. Blue Star Moms will be accepting items for care packages for the troops.
Suisun City Independence Day Celebration: July 4, 2012. Parade at 10am on Texas St in Downtown Fairfield. Harbor Plaza opens at 3pm for family picnicking and fun. Performers include Alive Music Orchestra from 3-4pm, Chapkis Dance from 4-5pm, and Poyntlyss Sistars at 6pm. Fireworks start at 9:15pm. Poyntlyss Sistars perform again after the fireworks.
Vacaville 4th of July Concert and Fireworks: July 4, 2012. Andrews Park gates open at 5pm. Live music starts at 6:30pm featuring Journey Unauthorized, a tribute band. Lots of food and craft vendors on site. Fireworks at dark.
OTHER BAY AREA INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS
- Fourth of July Fireworks & Celebrations, San Francisco
- Fourth of July Fireworks & Celebrations, North Bay
- Fourth of July Fireworks & Celebrations, Peninsula
- Fourth of July Fireworks & Celebrations, South Bay
