Where can one go to enjoy the rockets’ red glare on July 4? Here’s the lowdown.
First, there are several ticketed events for those who don’t want to fight the crowds. Visitors to California’s Great America in Santa Clara can watch fireworks up close at 9:40pm on both July 4 and 5. And there’s another fireworks doubleheader at Excite Ballpark in San Jose, where the Rotary Club of San Jose will host pyrotechnics after the San Jose Giants play the Stockton Ports and then again on July 4 at an Independence Day celebration featuring country artist Matt Stell.
A more serene experience can be found at the Shoreline Amphitheatre, where the San Francisco Symphony performs July 4 at 7pm, with fireworks adding to the musical excitement.
There are also city-sponsored fireworks shows taking place in Cupertino, Gilroy, Milpitas, Morgan Hill and San Jose. See the listings below for details.
Thu, July 3
Morgan Hill Freedom Fest—This big bash extends over two days: July 3 includes a Patriotic Sing (5pm at the Downtown Amphitheater, 17000 Monterey Rd) and a Family Music Fest (6pm at Monterey Rd. between Main and Dunne Ave.). July 4 will kick off with a Freedom Run (kids’ 1-mile at 7:30am, 5K at 8am), the Cruise & Car Show (noon-2pm), the Freedom Fest Parade (10am) and the big finale: a fireworks show—reportedly the largest ever in Morgan Hill—at the Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center (16500 Condit Road). Free. July 3-4. Downtown Morgan Hill and Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center. morganhillfreedomfest.com
Saratoga Nights—Held on the first Thursday of each month, the community event features live music, wine and beer under the stars. Free. July 3, 5-8pm. 14460 Big Basin Way, Saratoga. saratoga.ca.us
The Haberdasher Shows—A music residency, pop-up photo exhibits and drink specials on the first Thursday of the month. 21 and over. Free. July 3, 6-10pm. Haberdasher, 43 W San Salvador St, San Jose. haberdashersj.com
Fri, July 4
Cupertino’s 4th of July Celebration—The city has a full day planned, starting with a pancake breakfast at 8am at Quinlan Community Center (10185 N Stelling Rd), a flag-raising and children’s parade at 10am (Memorial Park), and kids’ activities and a concert. But the big attraction will be a fireworks display, launching from Hyde Middle School at approximately 9:30pm. Viewing locations are at Creekside Park, Sedgwick Elementary School and Miller Avenue near Bollinger Road (the school will be closed to the public). cupertino.gov
Fourth of July Parade—Meet at Town Hall for the 14th annual red, white and blue march down Fremont Road, concluding at Gardner Bullis School for refreshments. The Los Altos Hills Horseman’s Association will canter along. Free. July 4, 9-11am. Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Rd, Los Altos Hills. 650.947.2518. losaltoshills.ca.gov
Independence Day Parade and Festival—Redwood City gets serious with its Independence Day celebration, starting with an 8am pancake breakfast followed by the parade kicked off by a cannon blast at 10am. Afterwards comes a car show, live entertainment, and booths for community service organizations looking to raise funds with food and merch sales. The day concludes with a drone show at about 9:30pm in the port area. July 4, 8am-10pm. Downtown Redwood City. parade.org
Rose, White and Blue—San Jose’s Fourth of July Parade and Festival brings it all together: food, drinks, lucha libre matches by Pro Wrestling Revolution, a kids zone hosted by ArtHouse Studio, local vendors, book giveaways for kids from Friends of the Library, and a lineup of live entertainment. The parade runs 10am-noon, starting at Dana and Naglee avenues; just before, at 9:45am, the Lowrider Unity Council will lead a car cruise along the route. Free. July 4, 9:45am-2pm. Shasta Hanchett and Rose Garden neighborhoods, San Jose. rwbsj.org
Glorious 4th—Los Altos Parks & Recreation Department marks Fourth of July with live music, family games and food for purchase. Bike or stroll to the event; Greentown Los Altos provides bike valet service. Free. July 4, 10am-2pm. Shoup Park, 400 University Ave, Los Altos. 650.947.2790. losaltosca.gov
4th of July Festival—The city of Sunnyvale marks Independence Day with carnival games and family activities. Lori & RJ (10am), Choo Choo Soul (11am) and the Peelers Band (12:30pm) provide live entertainment. Free. July 4, 10am-2pm. Downtown Sunnyvale near Murphy and West Washington avenues. facebook.com
Fourth of July Parade, Picnic and Circus—Bring picnic baskets and blankets, decorate strollers and wagons for an 11am “people parade,” and come dressed in red, white and blue at this community picnic, with shows at noon and 2pm by Circus Bella. Free. July 4, 11am-3pm. Burgess Park, 501 Laurel St, Menlo Park. menlopark.gov
Fireworks at Lake Cunningham—The office of District 8 Councilmember Domingo Candelas is hosting a free fireworks show, preceded by a live performance by Sonora San Jose, food trucks and family-friendly activities and leading up to the fireworks show at 9pm. There will be no event parking at Lake Cunningham, so using mass transit is encouraged. VTA Bus Routes 22, 26, 31, 39, 70, 77, 103, or Rapid 522 all provide service to the location. July 4, 3-10pm. Lake Cunningham Regional Park, 2305 S White Rd, San Jose. sanjoseca.gov
Red, White & Boom Concert and Fireworks—Thousands of residents and guests will show up for this city-sponsored fireworks display. Before the fireworks there will be live music by School of Rock and Sugaray Rayford. During the day, families can enjoy food trucks, a 24-foot-tall water slide, bounce houses, classic carnival game booths, a rock-climbing wall and other activities, including a video game trailer with the latest PS5, Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch games. $10. July 4, 5-9pm. Milpitas Sports Center, 1325 E Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas. cityofmilpitas.simpletix.com
City of Santa Clara 4th of July—A family-friendly Fourth of July with lawn games, live entertainment, food trucks and a fireworks show with patriotic music at 9:35pm, visible from California’s Great America. Free. July 4, 5-10pm. Mission College, 3000 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara. 408.615.3140. santaclaraca.gov
On-the-Water Fireworks Viewing—The Boathouse & American Bistro at Shoreline Lake in Mountain View offers a different way to enjoy fireworks in Silicon Valley: in the middle of the lake, from a pedalboat, rowboat, canoe, kayak or SUP. The American Bistro will roll out a Fourth of July BBQ dinner (6-8pm) for everyone participating in the fireworks watercraft reservations. July 4, 8:30pm. 3160 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View. 650.965.1745. shorelinelake.com
Gilroy Fireworks Show—Beginning around dusk, fireworks can be viewed from nearby neighborhoods and at Christmas Hill Park. Free. July 4, 9:30pm. Gilroy High School, 750 W 10th St, Gilroy. cityofgilroy.org
Sat, July 5
De Anza Flea Market—This monthly student-run flea market brings together more than 800 vendor stalls selling plants, clothes, antiques, books, games and much more. July 5, 8am-2pm. De Anza College Parking Lots A&B, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino. deanza.edu/fleamarket
Concerts at Horse Thief Vineyards—Enjoy live music and open tasting room hours with live music by Matt Masih (July 5) and Kenny Taylor (July 6). Free. July 5-6, 1-4pm. Horse Thief Vineyards, 12575 Watsonville Rd, Morgan Hill. visitmorganhill.org
The Houserockers—This 10-piece rock & soul band with a wailing horn section and red-hot rhythm section rolls into the Morgan Hill Friday Night Music Series. Free. July 5, 5:30-9:30pm. Downtown Amphitheater, Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill. morganhillchamber.org
Wed, July 9
Downtown Farmers’ Market—Stroll through stalls filled with fresh produce, locally made packaged goods and hot meals from local food vendors. No admission. July 9, 9am-1:30pm. 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. sjdowntown.com
Vines & Vibes—Line dance to C&W covers by the Country Cougars at Guglielmo’s summer concert series. Bring a picnic or purchase food from a rotating lineup of local food trucks. Wine is available by the glass or bottle; no outside alcohol. Free. July 9, 3-4pm. Guglielmo Winery, 17575 Peak Ave, Morgan Hill. guglielmowinery.com
Summer Series Music and Market—Cisco Kid does the first concert in this eight-week community happening, which draws up to 1,300 people to downtown Sunnyvale. July 9, 6-8:30pm. Evelyn and Washington avenues, Sunnyvale. sunnyvaledowntown.org
Jazz on the Plazz—The series of free Wednesday concerts continues with Full Spectrum Jazz Orchestra and Kyle Hernandez performing a tribute to Pat Metheny. Free (option to buy reserved seats). July 9, 6:30pm. Los Gatos Town Plaza, West Main Street and Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos. jazzontheplazz.com
Ukulele Jam—Instructor Chuck Monahan will teach basic chords on the ukulele and lead the group in an informal performance. Ages 12 and up. July 9, 6:30pm. Mountain View Library, 585 Franklin St, Mountain View. 650.903.6337 mountainview.libcal.com
