As the Fourth of July approaches, Bay Area cities are gearing up for a vibrant celebration of Independence Day in 2025, featuring parades, fireworks, and various festivities for families and friends to enjoy.
In San Francisco, the city’s renowned fireworks display will light up the waterfront, drawing thousands to Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. Set to kick off at 9:30 p.m., the fireworks will be a highlight of the evening. Attendees are encouraged to take public transportation to ease traffic congestion, although parking remains available at the Pier 39 parking garage.
North Bay cities are also planning exciting events to celebrate Independence Day. Napa will host its annual Sunrise Rotary Parade, starting at 9:30 a.m. The parade will traverse 2nd and 3rd Streets. Following the parade, families can gather at Oxbow Commons for a festive party from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., culminating in a spectacular drone show at 9:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, Sausalito will kick off its all-day celebration with a parade at 10 a.m., moving down Bridgeway and concluding at Caledonia Street. A community picnic at Dunphy Park from noon to 4:00 p.m. will follow the parade, leading into an evening party at Gabrielson Park starting at 6:15 p.m., with fireworks scheduled for 9:15 p.m.
The city of Sonoma will celebrate its annual Fourth of July festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will commence with a lively parade through the city plaza at 10 a.m., followed by various food, drink, and game booths hosted by local nonprofits. The day will conclude with a fireworks show beginning at 5 p.m., lasting around 30 minutes.
In Novato, the Fourth of July Parade will commence at 10 a.m., beginning at the intersection of Grant Avenue and Reichert Avenue, and ending at Seventh Street.
Over in the Peninsula, Foster City has announced the cancellation of its fireworks show due to construction at the Foster City Community Center, which restricts their ability to host large crowds at Leo Ryan Park. However, the day will still feature a range of activities at the park, including an 8 a.m. pancake breakfast, live music, and family-friendly parades, all winding down by 2:30 p.m.
Half Moon Bay will host its traditional “Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July Parade” from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Main Street, preceded by a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. The local community will gather to celebrate in true American fashion.
In the South Bay, Morgan Hill’s theme this year is “Stars, Stripes and Stories: Celebrating 150 Years.” The city’s parade will kick off at 10 a.m. on Main Avenue, winding through Peak and West Dunne Avenues and Monterey Road. Following the parade, a fireworks show will start at the Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center on Condit Road, with gates opening at 3 p.m.
San Jose will not have its usual fireworks display this year, citing public safety concerns following a fire incident during last year’s event. However, the city will still be part of the festivities with other fireworks shows, including a waterfront display at Lake Cunningham Park.
Sunnyvale is also geared up for activities, hosting a community event filled with carnival games and live music from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in its downtown area near Murphy Avenue.
In the East Bay, numerous cities are celebrating Independence Day in style. Alameda will host the longest annual 4th of July parade in the nation, beginning at 10 a.m. The parade routes for this festive event cover 3.3 miles starting from the intersection of Park Street and Lincoln Avenue, through Otis Drive and Encinal and Central Avenues, concluding at Webster Street. Additionally, a 5K run at 8:30 a.m. will precede the parade.
Antioch will hold its annual Independence Day Parade at 4 p.m., commencing on West 2nd Street and concluding on West 3rd Street, via I Street. Following the parade, community festivities with food and live music will take place, leading into a fireworks display at 9:20 p.m. centered around City Hall on 2nd Street.
Orinda’s celebrations will include its annual parade at 10 a.m., preceded by a burrito breakfast at 7:30 a.m., alongside a flag-raising and fun run. The parade will travel along Camino Pablo and Orinda Way, with a carnival filled with music, food trucks, and beer booths starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Orinda Community Park.
Pleasant Hill is planning a full day of events, starting with a Firecracker 5K and Kids 100-yard dash from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., followed by the Independence Day Parade from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Both events will be held downtown, with the Party in the Park commencing at 10:30 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Park, featuring live music, food, and activities for children. The city’s fireworks show is set to begin at 6:30 p.m., with a viewing party at College Park High School, complete with music, food, and dessert trucks. A suggested donation of $4 will be appreciated to support the festivities.
Finally, San Pablo’s annual Multi-Cultural Celebration will take place at the San Pablo Community Center, featuring live entertainment, carnival games, various food options, resource tables, and a drone show from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
With such an array of activities across the Bay Area, residents and visitors alike are sure to find something to enjoy this July 4th as they celebrate the spirit of Independence Day together.
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