July is one of those months that reminds me why I adore living in the Bay Area. Long sunny days give way to warm evenings filled with outdoor concerts, waterfront festivals, neighborhood celebrations, and spectacular fireworks.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or simply looking for something fun close to home, here are a few of my favorite events to enjoy this month:
Fireworks & Festivals | July 4:
Freedom Fest | Morgan Hill
Join in celebrating America’s 250th year at this community-wide, star-spangled celebration, one of the longest-running traditions in the Bay Area. Festivities begin with 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 the 4th. 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. Prepare for a full day of festivities complete with a fantastic car show, live music, themed souvenirs, and food trucks. For more details, visit rwbsj.org.
Fireworks Spectacular | Mountain View
Celebrate the Fourth 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.
Star-Spangled Night | 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 be dazzled by the spectacular fireworks show accompanied by patriotic music, courtesy of California’s Great America. 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. Watch world-famous San Francisco street performers and live musicians at Fisherman’s Wharf, 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.
Golden Gate Bridge Show | San Francisco
In honor of our nation’s 250th celebration, the magnificent Golden Gate will serve as the launch site of a fantastic fireworks display for only the third time in its history. Come early to grab a viewing spot at Crissy Field or Marina Green, or—if you’re lucky—find a table at a restaurant along Pier 39 that will provide views of both the city’s major displays. Click here for more info.
Popular July Events In & Around The Bay Area:
Summer Twilight Series | Capitola | July 1—Aug. 19
Pack a chair, a jacket, and a picnic supper to enjoy live music and the sunset in charming Capitola Village every Wednesday evening all summer. All concerts begin at 6:00PM at the Esplanade Park Bandstand. For more info, go here.
Festival | Napa Valley | July 4-19
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 12
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 8—Aug. 26
Unwind and listen on the lawn to world-renowned and local 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.
47th Annual Arts & Wine Festival | Los Altos | July 11-12
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 25-26
Soak up the island breeze and summer sun in the charming Park Street District of Downtown Alameda at the city’s 39th 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 25-26
Experience a slice of “la dolce vita” for one weekend in San Jose at the 44th annual Italian Family Festa in History Park. Feast on Italian food and take part in cultural activities, a wine-tasting garden, grape-stomping, pizza-tossing, and much more. Visit italianfamilyfestasj.org.
