There’s something for everybody this Fourth of July. (Photo by Greg Ramar)
The nation’s annual freedom fest is all about family, fireworks, friends, fireworks, food and fireworks. Oh, and did we mention fireworks? We scraped together the South Bay’s best events to ensure no one reports back to work next Wednesday with a sob story about spending the afternoon and evening consoling their confused pets.
Find more events with the SanJose.com calendar.
The 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular returns to the Shoreline for its 31st year. The San Francisco Symphony will play a “Summer of Love” set featuring hits like “California Dreamin” and “Somebody to Love.”
The San Jose Giants will light up the sky above Municipal Stadium after their July 4 game. Of course, the Independence Day extravaganza is actually just one of many, as the Giants put on fireworks after home games all season.
Downtown San Jose’s annual fireworks spectacular has been a Rotary Club revelation. Viewing parties can set up for free in Discovery Meadow. Access to the VIP party includes a dinner buffet and special indoor and outdoor seating. Tickets are $75 for adults and $35 for kids. The show starts at 9:30pm.
Fireworks aren’t on the menu for Palo Alto’s 36th annual Summer Festival, but the best chili in town will take center stage. The heated competition runs noon to 5pm and will be accompanied by live music and activities for the whole family.
Freedom can’t wait, which may be why this event starts with a Freedom Run at 6:30am. Morgan Hill’s bash runs the whole day and welcomes families to take in a car show and parade, in between jump houses, live music, food and, of course, fireworks. The show begins at 9:30pm.
The Peninsula celebration combines a 5k run, pancake breakfast and a parade led by three-time Emmy Award-winning Grand Marshal Kenny Ortega. The parade starts at 10am, and the day will end with fireworks at 9:30pm.
The Milpitas Sports Center will host a free pool party during the day. Afterwards, everyone can enjoy a fireworks show and a set by cover band The Houserockers. Bring some bucks for a slew of local food trucks.
Santa Clara will throw a picnic and fireworks extravaganza at City Park from noon to 10pm. Keep the whole family entertained with live music, food trucks and carnival games. Fireworks begin at 9:30pm. The event is free, but bring some skrill for the food.
The Peninsula Celebration combines a 5k run, pancake breakfast and a parade led by three-time Emmy Award-winning Grand Marshal Kenny Ortega. The parade starts at 10am, and the day will end with fireworks at 9:30pm.
Pedalboat, rowboat and kayak rentals are available to take in the fireworks while drifting along the waters of Shoreline Lake. Private barbecues are a no-no but picnic baskets and barbecue passes will be on sale.
This year marks the fourth annual July 4th Fun Festival at Almaden Lake Park. Past years have included an emphasis on arts and wine, but no alcohol will be served this time to keep things extra family friendly.
No official event here, but Communications Hill is one of the best spots to watch fireworks—assuming seats are still available. The high vantage point gives an excellent view of downtown’s annual show—as well as more illicit affairs—but make sure to arrive well before sundown.
A parade kicks off at 3pm on Scotts Valley Drive, before music and games begin at Skypark Park. All this leads up to the grand finale firework show at 9:15pm. Tickets are $6-$8 and kids under 4 are free.
