July 4th Things to Do

Fireworks over OaklandThere’s lots of fun Fourth of July celebrations, parades and festivals throughout the East Bay this year, as well as many places to catch the fireworks. Here are some of our top picks:

Alameda County Fair (final day) 
11 AM to 11 PM
The Alameda County Fair has everything you expect from a fair including the midway with Ferris wheels and roller coasters, fairground eats and sweet treats, fireworks, livestock, plus there’s culinary, homebrew and wine competitions, Horse Racing, Chinese Acrobats of Hebei, Monster Trucks, Concert Series, Rodeo, and a Festival Latino. As a special treat, on Father’s Day admission is free until noon.

Alameda Mayor’s Parade
Starting 9 AM
One of the largest Independence Day parades in the nation. The best viewing spots can be found on Park Street near the judges’ stand. The parade draws over 20,000 spectators from the region. Parade entries cross the full spectrum of Bay Area residents

Berkeley Marina
From noon to 10 PM with all kinds of free fun! Adventure Playground, get your face painted, try the giant slide, or splash in the water at the beach. Live entertainment from noon till 9 PM, food trucks, crafts, pony rides, petting zoo, dragon boat rides, free photo booth, and stay for the fireworks.

El Cerrito worldOne Festival
Starting at 10 AM
Annual admission-free family-friendly day of fun, food and entertainment for the whole family!

Fremont Parade
Starting 10 AM
Floats, music, even balloons – the patriotic 4th of July parade is a must-see to start your holiday festivities. It steps off promptly at 10 a.m. and should conclude by noon.

Jack London Square Festival of Family Fun
11 AM to  4 PM
This festive day will fill the waterfront with interactive activities and entertainment for both parents and children. Enjoy playtime at Riveropolis, watch stilt walkers perform and experience creative puppetry. It’s free to attend. Featuring tasty treats, music and much more!

Jack London Square Independence Day Cruise
7:30 to 10:30 PM
Catch the fireworks on board the USS Potomac, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Floating White House. Cruise into San Francisco Bay for a front row, water view of the festivities. Enjoy fireworks, sweets, sips and nibbles to celebrate!

Piedmont Parade and Pancake Breakfast
Pancake Breakfast from 8 to 10:30 AM
Parade starts at 11 AM
The Fourth of July Parade begins at the corner of Highland Avenue and Park Way. After the parade, a community picnic will be held in the Main Park which includes big band music on the main stage.

Vallejo
Starting 10 AM
The 163rd Annual Vallejo Fourth of July parade begins on Tennessee and Broadway Streets and will last until around noon. Also, the Red, White, Blues and Grooves festival will be held at the Vallejo Waterfront beginning at 11 AM, featuring a beer garden, good, live entertainment, door prizes, and fun for kids.

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