Get ready for fireworks! Fourth of July celebrations are about to bedazzle the skies all across the Bay Area (for a comprehensive guide to local Independence Day festivities, go here). And after the skies clear, the rest of this month will be filled with all kinds of outdoor summer fun, including popular county and street fairs, world-renowned musicians performing at venues all around the Bay, and delightful celebrations of art, food, and wine.
Below are a few of my favorite July events. See you out there!
Fourth of July Signature Festivals:
Freedom Fest | Morgan Hill
Marking 150 consecutive years, this star-spangled celebration remains one of the longest running traditions in the Bay Area. Join in a Patriotic Sing and Family Music Fest on July 3, followed by a Freedom Run, Parade, Car Cruise, and a spectacular Fireworks on the Green show on July 4. For more information, visit morganhillfreedomfest.com.
Rose, White, & Blue Parade | San Jose
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. For more details, visit rwbsj.org. Later, a fireworks show at Lake Cunningham Park will dazzle the night skies above San Jose around 9PM.
Fireworks Spectacular | Mountain View
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a breathtaking musical experience and grand fireworks finale at Shoreline Amphitheater. The world-renowned San Francisco Symphony dazzles audiences each year at this sell-out performance. Click here for tickets and info.
Citywide Celebration | Santa Clara
Enjoy a family-friendly celebration with lawn games, live entertainment, and delicious food from a variety of food trucks at Mission College. Bring a blanket for a picnic, then watch the spectacular fireworks show with patriotic music, courtesy of California’s Great America (best viewed from the back of Central Plaza). More info here.
Celebration On Pier 39 | San Francisco
Take in the annual fireworks show from the 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:
Summer Twilight Series | Capitola | July 2,9, 16, 23, & 30
Pack a chair, a jacket, and a picnic to enjoy live music and the sunset in charming Capitola Village every Wednesday evening all summer long. Each concert begins at 6PM at the Esplanade Park Bandstand. For more info, go here.
Summer 2025 Festival | Napa Valley | July 5-20
Enjoy breathtaking performances in iconic wine country settings, paired with Napa’s renowned food, wine, and hospitality. Many daytime performances are free but require a reservation. Reserve a stay and make it a wine country getaway you’ll never forget. For schedule and tickets, visit festivalnapavalley.org.
Alameda County Fair | Pleasanton | Through July 6
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 9, 16, 23, & 30
Unwind and listen on the lawn to both local and world-renowned jazz musicians, orchestras, and singer-songwriters performing Wednesday evenings through August at Los Gatos Town Plaza. Free to the public; reserved seats are available for purchase. For lineup and info, visit jazzontheplazz.com.
46th Annual Arts & Wine Festival | Los Altos | July 12-13
Stroll, sip, and shop at one of the most popular street festivals in the Bay Area in Downtown Los Altos. This annual event showcases the distinctive works of artists and craftspeople from around the US. Enjoy all-day free concerts, taste select vintages from local wineries, and indulge your tastebuds in a wide variety of foods. For more info, visit downtownlosaltos.org.
Art & Wine Faire | Alameda | July 26-27
Enjoy the island breeze and summer sun in the charming Park Street District of Downtown Alameda at the city’s 38th annual Art & Wine Faire. 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.
Italian Family Festa | San Jose | July 26-27
Experience a slice of “la dolce vita” for one weekend in San Jose at the 43rd annual Italian Family Festa in History Park. Savor Italian food, cultural activities, a wine-tasting garden, grape-stomping, pizza-tossing, and much more. Visit italianfamilyfestasj.org.
