July is prime concert season and filled with fairs, festivals, and outdoor fun! Firework extravaganzas and star-spangled celebrations lead the way as communities across the Bay Area gather to celebrate the Red, White, and Blue on July 4. (For an extensive guide to this year’s Independence Day events, go here.) And after the Fourth, we have a dazzling array of events springing up all across the Bay!
From beaches to wine country, there are so many ways to enjoy and be enriched by the Bay Area’s great outdoor playground this July. I hope you have a wonderful month of celebrating summer!
Fourth of July Signature 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. A Patriotic Sing and Family Music Fest kicks off the celebration on Wednesday evening, followed by the Freedom Run, parade, car cruise, and spectacular Fireworks on the Green on the Fourth. For more information, visit morganhillfreedomfest.com.
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 popular food trucks. For more details, visit rwbsj.org. Plus, a fireworks show from Discovery Meadow Park will dazzle the night skies above San Jose at 9:30PM!
Fireworks Spectacular | Mountain View | July 4
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a breathtaking musical experience and grand fireworks finale at Shoreline Amphitheater. The world-renowned San Francisco Symphony, conducted by Edwin Outwater, blends stellar musicians and wonderful musical selections that dazzle audiences each year at this sell-out performance. Click here for tickets and info.
Celebration On Pier 39 | San Francisco Bay | July 4
Take in the annual fireworks show from the spectacular northern SF Bay 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 Bay cruise with the Gold & Blue Fleet to take in the beautiful sights from the water. For more tips, click here.
Popular July Events In & Around The Bay Area:
Alameda County Fair | Pleasanton | Now-July 7
Ranked one of the top 50 Fairs in North America, this popular fair 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 | July 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31
Los Gatos’ cool-cat music series, Jazz on the Plazz, presents this summer’s lineup of renowned musicians, free to the public at the Los Gatos Town Plaza every Wednesday evening through August 21. For lineup and more info, visit jazzontheplazz.com.
Festival Napa Valley| Napa Valley | July 6-21
This annual Wine Country festival presents international stars and emerging talent in free and affordable concerts in 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.
45th Annual Arts & Wine Festival | Los Altos | July 13-14
One of the most popular street festivals in the Bay Area returns to Downtown Los Altos showcasing the distinctive works of artists and craftspeople, plus select vintages from local wineries. For more info, visit downtownlosaltos.org.
37th Annual Art & Wine Faire | Alameda | July 27-28
The charming Park Street District of Downtown Alameda will play host to the city’s 37th annual Art & Wine Faire on July 27th and 28th. Featuring over 200 artisans, live music, local wines and beer, a kid’s area, and trendy festival fare (think mango sticks and Dole whips), this signature summertime event offers nonstop fun for the whole family.
Music In The Park | San Jose | July 28
Downtown San Jose’s Music in the Park has five great shows planned for this summer, leading with The Beach Boys—synonymous with the California lifestyle and American icons for over half a century. Get tickets now for their “Endless Summer Gold” tour at Plaza de Cesar Chavez on July 28. For a complete schedule of upcoming shows and ticket info, click here.
FREE Live Music On The Colonnade | Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk | Various Dates Through Aug. 6
Enjoy FREE summer concerts by Bay Area bands on the beach on Monday and Tuesday 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 August 9.
