Is it really almost the 4th of July again? Are you ready to celebrate the birth of our great nation with your kids this year? Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to all of the best July 4th 2014 fireworks in San Francisco, the peninsula, and the North Bay area, as well as other great celebrations and activities that you can enjoy with your family this Independence Day!
There’s plenty of great family-friendly events happening this year throughout the region, with tons of festivities, celebrations, fireworks, fun runs, and other all-ages activities.
Looking to go further afield? Check out our guides for San Jose and the South Bay and Oakland and the East Bay.
Happy Fourth of July!
Fireworks, Festivities, and Parades
Fourth of July Celebration at Pier 39
Flash! Sparkle! Pop! It’s Fourth of July! PIER 39 celebrates Independence Day with fun for the whole family featuring musical entertainment and activities in the entrance Plaza. At approximately 9:30 p.m., The City of San Francisco will treat spectators to an elaborate fireworks display over the San Francisco Bay. The best location to enjoy a festive Fourth of July is at PIER 39.
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 12 p.m.–9:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Location: Pier 39, San Francisco
Fourth of July Celebration at Fisherman’s Wharf
Where should you go see the best fireworks displays in the San Francisco Bay Area? Fisherman’s Wharf is San Francisco’s premier spot to celebrate America’s Independence Day holiday. Visitors can enjoy free, fabulous entertainment throughout the Wharf, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over San Francisco Bay.
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 12 p.m.–9:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Location: Pier 47, San Francisco
4th of July Concert with the Golden Gate Park Band
The Golden Gate Park Band has been playing free concerts in Golden Gate Park continuously since 1882. Bring a picnic and enjoy a glorious musical tradition of patriotic and American music.
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
4th of July Fireworks Spectacular with the San Francisco Symphony
The San Francisco Symphony performs its annual Fourth of July concert and celebration. Each year, the symphony switches up its musical theme to create a unique experience for guests. Past themes have included “American Journeys” and “the sporting life.” This year’s concert promises to be just as fun with the orchestra performing another unique repertoire in celebration of the nation’s birthday, followed by a fireworks spectacular.
Date: July 4, 2014
Location: Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View
4th of July Celebration in Pacifica
Join the Pacifica’s Parks, Beaches and Recreation Dept. at Frontierland Park for a 4th of July celebration featuring live music, face painting, hair coloring, temporary tattoos, puppets, balloons, dance, martial arts demos, really tasty food, cotton candy, craft booths, and more!
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 10 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Location: Frontierland Park, Pacifica
4th of July Celebration in Foster City
Join the City of Foster City and the Lions Club of Foster City for this exciting all-day 4th of July celebration at Leo Ryan Park! You don’t want to miss all the games, food, entertainment, family and dog parade, and a grand fireworks display.
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 8 a.m.–9:45 p.m.; fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Location: Leo Ryan Park, Foster City
28th Independence Day Festivities in Milbrae
The Milbrae Independence Day Festival provides an opportunity for community service organizations to raise funds buy selling food, merchandise or giving out information on their organization. There are also arts and craft booths and entertainment for the thousands of people that attend the festival immediately after the parade.
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 9 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Location: Broadway Avenue, Milbrae
July 4th Fireworks, Parade, and Picnic in Sausalito
Sausalito claims to have the best July 4 fireworks show in Marin County this year. The day starts with the parade at 10:00 a.m., featuring bands and floats with everything from jazz to rock performers. That’s followed by a picnic at Dunphry Park from noon till 5 p.m., which features live music, dancing, family games, a tug-of-war, and the traditional egg toss. The celebrations then move to Gabrielson Park at 6 p.m. and culminate with a fireworks display at 9:20 p.m.
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 10 a.m.; fireworks at 9:20 p.m.
Location: Various locations in Sausalito (see listing)
July 4th in San Mateo
Head down to Central Park in San Mateo to enjoy a range of July 4th festivities, including classic carnival games, family fun, music, and entertainment.
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 12 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Location: Central Park, San Mateo
4th of July Parade in Los Altos Hills
Join the sixth annual Los Altos Hills 4th of July Parade. The parade heads down Fremont Road and concludes at Gardner Bullis School, where you can meet your friends and neighbors for a refreshing beverage and a juicy watermelon treat! Please, no fossil fueled vehicles or horses.
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Location: Town Hall, Los Altos Hills
July 4th in Redwood City
Each year the Redwood City Firefighter’s Association puts on its annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast fundraiser. This is followed by the July 4th parade, where antique fire equipment is paraded through the streets of downtown Redwood City
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 12 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Redwood City
4th of July Parade and Celebration in Menlo
Decorate your bike, tricycle, wagon, golf cart, or float for the City of Menlo’s annual 4th of July parade. Once at Burgess Park, you and your family will enjoy music, games, and food. Menlo Park is your small town oasis in the Bay Area.
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 11:45 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Location: Burgess Park, Menlo
Santa Rosa July 4th Red, White, and Bloom in Sonoma
Enjoy an afternoon and evening of family fun and a great community celebration at Red, White, and Bloom! Proceeds benefit the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County and local underprivileged youth! Voted the best fireworks display in Sonoma County in 2013.
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 3:30 p.m.–10 p.m.; fireworks at 9:37 p.m.
Location: Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa
4th of July Fireworks Spectacular with Judy Collins
Spend July 4th listening to Judy Collins, who has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism. In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her luminescent presence shines brightly as new generations bask in the glow of her iconic 50-album body of work, and heed inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century. Date: July 4, 2014 Time: 7:30 p.m.; fireworks at conclusion Location: Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park
Vallejo 4th of July Parade and Fireworks
The 161st Annual Vallejo July 4th Parade is on, with the theme “Let Freedom Ring!” Parade step off is 10:00 a.m. The 2014 Vallejo 4th of July Parade will travel on its traditional route beginning at Broadway and Tennessee, then turns left on Sonoma Blvd, then right on Georgia through downtown. Enjoy the day and return to the Vallejo waterfront for FIREWORKS.
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.; fireworks at dusk
Location: Downtown Vallejo
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Fireworks Celebration
For three consecutive days—July 4, 5, and 6—join Six Flags, as they celebrate our country, enjoy the summer and share great times with family and friends. This season, put in a full three days of fun at the park as our park hours will run from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the day culminating in a fantastic fireworks show.
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 10:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; fireworks at 10:00 p.m.
Location: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo
Corte Madera and Larkspur 4th of July Celebration
The Corte Madera and Larkspur festivities start off with at the 62nd Annual Independence Day Pancake Breakfast—with pancakes, sausages, fruit, coffee, orange juice, and milk. This is followed by a parade featuring many incredible bands, including the Famous Corte Madera Town Band, McIntosh Pipe Band, and the Freedom Band
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; fireworks at 10:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Corte Madera and Larkspur
Marin County Fair Fireworks
Watch in awe as the sky above Marin County Fair illuminates with a watershed of exciting new effects. This will be the biggest, most elaborate fireworks spectacular ever staged over the lagoon. Using the skies as its canvas, this truly immersive entertainment experience will be one not to miss as it fills the Marin skies every night of the Fair.
Date: July 2–6, 2014
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Marin County Fair, San Rafael
Other Activities and Events
4th of July Fireworks Viewing Hike
Watch the fireworks from the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Depending on visibility, expect to see various communities’ fireworks around Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, and Contra Costa. The hike is 4.5 miles round trip, over uneven terrain, at a mostly moderately easy pace with some moderately strenuous slopes.
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: American Canyon
4th of July Fireworks Sail aboard the Baylis
Wylie Charters invites you to experience an explosion of color and fun this 4th of July! Set sail in the San Francisco Bay this Independence Day and feel the excitement first hand on an intimate 65ft yacht.
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m.–11 p.m.
Location: Pier 40, San Francisco
Hornblower Cruises 4th of July Dinner Cruise
Spend this Independence Day enjoying Hornblower Cruises & Events’ Premier July 4th Dinner Cruise. Head aboard this four-hour yacht cruise and take in the breathtaking sights of the San Francisco City skyline. Enjoy a delicious four-course seated dinner, a hosted premium cocktail bar and live entertainment. As the sun sets, step outside to the outer decks for an unbeatable view of the San Francisco fireworks show!
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m.; boarding time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Washington Street, San Francisco
Old Fashioned Fourth of July
The San Mateo County History Museum will present an Old Fashioned Fourth of July within its building, the 104-year-old county courthouse in Redwood City. Children will be invited to hand-crank homemade vanilla ice cream and then take a taste. They will also make traditional Independence Day crafts to take home with them.
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 10:00 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: San Mateo County History Museum, San Mateo
4th of July Celebration Luncheon
A 4th of July celebration luncheon catered by Creekside Grill. Outstanding reviews have been given to Executive Chef Artie Serrano. Enjoy good food and great company! At San Mateo Senior Center on July 2 and King Community Center on July 3.
Date: July 2–3, 2014
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: San Mateo Senior Center / King Community Center, San Mateo
4th of July Firecracker Run
Wake up for the annual Firecracker Run—join your neighbors and strangers and choose either the four miler or the one mile race depending on your level of fitness, your inability to back down from a challenge or your desire to eat both the hamburger and the hotdog.
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 6:30 a.m.
Location: Downtown Novatu
4th of July Fun Run in Redwood
This 5k fun run takes place along the route of one of the most popular 4th of July parades in Northern California, so you’ll have no shortage of supporters. And afterwards, stay and watch the parade.
Date: July 4, 2014
Time: 8:45 a.m.
Location: Downtown Redwood City
