Fairs, festivals, and outdoor fun abound in the Bay Area in July! Fireworks shows and celebrations lead the way as communities across the Bay Area gather to celebrate the red, white, and blue on July 4.
Looking for a new way to spend Independence Day? Try one of the ideas below, or click here to find a carnival, concert, parade, or picnic near you. From beaches to Wine Country, there are so many ways to enjoy and be enriched by the Bay Area’s great outdoor playground this summer. I’ll see you out there!
SIGNATURE FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVALS
Freedom Fest | Morgan Hill | July 3-4
Since 1876, this star-spangled celebration remains one of the longest-running traditions in the Bay Area. Events like the Patriotic Sing and the Family Music Fest kick off the celebration on Monday evening, followed by the Freedom Run, parade, car cruise, and the spectacular Fireworks on the Green show on the 4th. For more information, visit morganhillfreedomfest.com.
Celebration On Pier 39 | San Francisco | July 4
Take in the annual fireworks show from the spectacular waterfront at Pier 39 where you’ll get incredible 180-degree views of the bay. Spend the day at Fisherman’s Wharf watching world-famous San Francisco street performers and live musicians, reserve a table at one of the many waterfront restaurants, or book a cruise to take in the beautiful sights from the water. For more tips, click here.
Fireworks Spectacular | Mountain View | July 4
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a festive outdoor concert and grand fireworks finale at Shoreline Amphitheater. The San Francisco Symphony, vocalist Capathia Jenkins, and conductor Edwin Outwater fill the night air with a lineup featuring American classics and a special tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Click here for tickets and info.
Rose, White, & Blue Parade | San Jose | July 4
Dress in your best patriotic Independence Day costume and head to The Alameda for this historic community celebration and parade. Enjoy a full day of festivities with a fantastic car show, live music, themed souvenirs, and food trucks. Fireworks launched from Discovery Meadow Park will dazzle the night skies above San Jose at 9:30pm. For more details, visit rwbsj.org.
POPULAR EVENTS THROUGHOUT JULY
Alameda County Fair | Pleasanton | Now – July 9
Ranked one of the Top 50 Fairs in North America, this popular event is packed with fun, food, competitive exhibits, and entertainment for the whole family. Live horse races, nightly concerts, and carnival rides are just some of the many fair favorites. For more info and tickets, click here.
Jazz On The Plazz | Los Gatos Plaza | July 5, 12, 19, & 26
Los Gatos’ cool-cat music series, Jazz on the Plazz, presents this summer’s lineup, a tribute to Etta James, free to the public at the Los Gatos Town Plaza every Wednesday evening through August 23. For further info, visit jazzontheplazz.com.
78th US Women’s Open Championship | Pebble Beach | July 5-9
For the first time in Pebble Beach history, the US Women’s Open brings the greatest female golfers in the world to compete for one of the most coveted trophies in golf. Celebrate this defining moment in women’s golf at America’s most iconic course. For tickets and lodging, visit pebblebeach.com.
Live Music On The Colonnade | Santa Cruz | July 6, 13, 20, & 27
Enjoy FREE summer concerts by Bay Area bands on the beach on Thursday nights all summer at the Santa Cruz Beach Bandstand on the Colonnade. For the concert line-up, click here. Plus, enjoy free movies on the beach on Friday nights, from now through Aug. 11.
‘Jurassic World’ Live Tour – SAP Center | San Jose | July 7-9
See the mighty T.Rex, Blue the Raptor, and more of your favorite dinosaurs when Jurassic World comes to life in this action-packed show. Purchase tickets now for this high-in-demand event!
Campbell Car Show | Downtown Campbell | July 8
Spend the day in historic Downtown Campbell admiring beautifully maintained cars, hot rods, and trucks with fellow car buffs at this first annual car show. Enjoy live street music along with special kids’ events, plus fantastic eateries and fun retail shopping. Click here for more info.
44th Annual Arts & Wine Festival | Los Altos | July 8-9
One of the most popular street festivals in the Bay Area returns to Downtown Los Altos showcasing the distinctive works of artists and craftspeople, along with select vintages from local wineries. For more info, visit downtownlosaltos.org.
Festival Napa Valley 2023 | Various Venues | July 8-23
This annual wine country festival presents international stars and emerging talent in a selection of both free and affordable concerts within iconic Napa Valley settings. Innovative programs aim to enrich and inspire while bringing the arts to all. Paired with Napa Valley’s unparalleled food, wine, and hospitality, what’s not to love? For schedule and tickets, visit festivalnapavalley.org.
Music In The Park | San Jose | July 21
Three iconic rock bands will headline at Plaza de Cesar Chavez during San Jose’s annual summer music festival. Soul Asylum, Living Colour, and The Replacements’ Tommy Stinson kick off this year’s Music in the Park. Three great shows are planned through September. For tickets and info, click here.
