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Silicon Valley residents seeking a professional fireworks show close to home this Fourth of July will have fewer options to choose from. Redwood City is replacing its traditional fireworks show at the Port of Redwood City with a drone show, and Foster City has canceled its fireworks display this year due to construction of the city’s community center.
But that still leaves Shoreline Amphitheatre’s annual fireworks extravaganza with the San Francisco Symphony (with special guest ukulele virtuoso Taimane), plus fireworks displays in Cupertino and at California’s Great America, which will be visible from Mission College’s festivities nearby. There’s also Palo Alto’s chili cook-off, circus performances in Menlo Park and parades, live music and family fun aplenty planned around the region. Here’s a full guide to Independence Day in the cities between San Francisco and San Jose.
Peninsula
Mountain View
Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
The theme of this year’s concert and fireworks show at Shoreline Amphitheatre is “From the North Shore to Shoreline,” with featured soloist and ukulele virtuoso Taimane joining the San Francisco Symphony and conductor Edwin Outwater.
July 4, 7 p.m., at Shoreline Amphitheatre, One Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View. Tickets are $29.50-$206. livenation.com
Shoreline Lake Fireworks Viewing and BBQ
Catch the Shoreline Amphitheatre show from a pedalboat, kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard on Shoreline Lake (rowboat spots are full). Watercraft rental reservations have been opened early, and hours will be extended for the Boathouse and American Bistro, which will stay open until 10:30 p.m. The American Bistro will serve a barbecue dinner from 6 to 8 p.m., which is included for those with watercraft reservations.
July 4, 8:30-10:15 p.m. (dinner from 6 to 8 p.m.) at the Boathouse and American Bistro, 3160 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View. Reservations are $135-$335 per vessel.
tinyurl.com/ShorelineLake4th.
Los Altos
Glorious 4th Independence Day Celebration
Head to Shoup Park for live music, games, activities and food available for purchase. Free bike valet service will be provided.
July 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Shoup Park, 400 University Ave., Los Altos. ca-losaltos.civicplus.com.
Los Altos First Fridays
Ten to 15 bands will play simultaneously throughout downtown Los Altos starting at 6 p.m. under the July theme “Happy Birthday America.” Musicians include Clarinet Peeps, Top Shelf Big Band, Jazz Before Midnight and more.
July 4, 6-9 p.m., in downtown Los Altos. losaltosfirstfriday.fun/entertainment.
Los Altos Hills
4th of July Parade
Los Altos Hills hosts its 14th annual parade down Fremont Road, concluding at Gardner Bullis School with refreshments. The Los Altos Hills Horseman’s Association will include six to eight horses in the back of the parade.
July 4, 9-11 a.m., starting at Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills. losaltoshills.ca.gov.
Palo Alto
Palo Alto Chili Cook-Off and Summer Festival
Enjoy free chili tasting plus food trucks, live music, games and kids’ activities such as crafts and inflatables at the city of Palo Alto’s annual Fourth of July celebration. The cook-off includes a corporate division and an open division, with cash prizes of up to $1,000. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, picnic blankets and reusable water bottles. Parking is limited, so walking or biking is advised.
July 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Mitchell Park, 600 E. Meadow Drive, Palo Alto. cityofpaloalto.org.
Woodside
Woodside Junior Rodeo
The 73rd annual event features rodeo events such as barrel racing and pole-bending, plus pony rides, a petting zoo, a mechanical bull, vendors and a barbecue. A pre-rodeo dinner dance takes place July 3, with tickets sold at the door.
July 3, 6 p.m. pre-rodeo dinner; tickets will be sold at the door. Rodeo is July 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children under 18 and free for kids under 5. Both the dinner and rodeo take place at Mounted Patrol of San Mateo County, 521 Kings Mountain Road, Woodside. mpsmc.org/rodeo.
Menlo Park
4th of July Community Parade, Picnic and Circus
The city of Menlo Park has a full slate of activities planned for July 4. Meet at the Arrillaga Family Gymnasium parking lot (600 Alma St.) at 10:45 a.m. for photo opportunities and a parade lineup, with the parade starting at 11 a.m. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bike or wagon for the parade down Alma Street to a picnic and circus at Burgess Park.
After the parade, Circus Bella Company will host two all-ages, 60-minute circus performances at noon and 2 p.m. featuring acrobats, jugglers, aerialists and clowns as they perform to the music of Rob Reich and the six-piece Circus Bella All-Star Band. (Read our interview with Circus Bella director Abigail Munn.) The community picnic will be held at 1 p.m., with food trucks on-site starting at 11:30 a.m. Complimentary dessert will be provided while supplies last.
July 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Burgess Park, 501 Laurel St., Menlo Park (parade starts at the Arrillaga Family Gymnasium parking lot, 600 Alma St.) menlopark.gov/Citywide-calendar/Community-events/20250704-4th-of-July.
Redwood City
Independence Day Parade, Festival and Drone Show
The traditional fireworks display at the Port of Redwood City is being replaced with a drone light show this year. Before the 9:30 p.m. show, come out for a full day of activities, including a pancake breakfast with the Redwood City Fire Department; a classic car show; a parade with floats and bands celebrating California’s 175th anniversary; a Fourth of July festival featuring family activities, arts and crafts booths, food and drink vendors and live entertainment; and Concert at the Port with live music and food.
All events take place on July 4. Parade begins at 10 a.m. at Brewster Avenue and Winslow Street, Redwood City. Pancake breakfast 7:30-10:30 a.m. at Fire Station 9, 755 Marshall St., Redwood City. Breakfast is $10. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. Drone show at 9:30 p.m. at the Port of Redwood City, 675 Seaport Blvd., Redwood City. parade.org.
Chalk Full of Fun
Courthouse Square will be transformed into a canvas for 21 professional chalk artists to showcase their work July 3-4. This year’s event theme is “Celebrate California!” in honor of the state’s 175th anniversary of statehood. There are also 100 spaces available for preregistration for attendees who want to get in on the chalk artistry; chalking supplies, shade umbrellas and refreshments provided. All skill levels welcome; children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
July 3-4, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., at Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. rwcpaf.org/chalk-full-of-fun.
An Old-Fashioned Fourth
The San Mateo County History Museum hosts holiday crafts from the 1880s, including pinwheels, banners and paper flags. At 1 p.m., the museum will play summertime films from the archives, including a 1915 baseball game in which the “Single Men” of Santa Clara University played against Redwood City’s “Married Men.”
July 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (films at 1 p.m.), at the San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. $2-$3, free admission for kids 5 and under. historysmc.org.
Foster City
Foster City Fourth of July Celebration
While Foster City’s annual fireworks show is not being held this year, Leo J. Ryan Park will still host a day of entertainment, activities and food. Festivities kick off with the Foster City Rotary Club pancake breakfast from 8:30 to 11 a.m., followed by the family and dog parade (11:05 a.m.), an opening ceremony with the national anthem (11:15 a.m.) and an afternoon featuring event vendors, family games, a kids’ play zone, food trucks and live music from Nathan Owens (Motown, noon to 1:30 p.m.) and Township (country, 2:30-4 p.m.).
July 4, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Leo J. Ryan Park, Foster City. Pancake breakfast is $15 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under; mimosas are an additional $10 each. fostercity.org/parksrec/page/2025-fourth-july-celebration-0.
San Mateo
4th of July in the Park 2025
Celebrate the holiday with a concert featuring Club 90 (dance music) at Central Park’s Fitzgerald Field. There will also be a raising of the flag and performance of the national anthem, plus family-friendly activities, crafts and games.
July 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (flag raising is at 11:45 a.m., concert starts at noon), at Central Park (Fitzgerald Field), 50 E. 5th Ave., San Mateo. cityofsanmateo.org/3239/4th-of-July.
Millbrae
Beats, Brews & Vines
The city of Millbrae’s summer concert series kicks off July 4 at Millbrae Central Park with A Cut Above performing classic rock hits from noon to 1:30 p.m., followed by Pure Ecstasy (soul, Motown, R&B and jazz) from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The afternoon will also include food trucks, free carnival games for kids and a beer garden. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and your dancing shoes.
July 4, noon-3:30 p.m., at Millbrae Central Park, 477 Lincoln Circle, Millbrae. ci.millbrae.ca.us/354/Beats-Brews-Vines.
Coastside
Pacifica
Rocket Run
Start off Independence Day with a 5-mile race for all ages and skill levels. Medals will be awarded for the top six participants in each division and all registered participants who finish the race will receive participation ribbons. Free Rocket Run T-shirts are available for the first 75 registered participants (sizes are only guaranteed for those who register by June 30.) The run will be held “rain, fog or shine.”
July 4, check in 8-8:45 a.m., run starts at 9 a.m. at the Pacifica Community Center, 540 Crespi Drive, Pacifica. $25 each for early registration (ends July 3 at 8 a.m.), $30 for race day registration. Register in person at 540 Crespi Drive or online at anc.apm.activecommunities.com/pacifica/activity/search/detail/17020?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true.
Fourth of July at Frontierland Park
The city of Pacifica will celebrate the holiday with live music, games, rides, food and drinks.
July 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Frontierland Park, 900 Yosemite Drive, Pacifica. facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1129505992550417&set=a.228308622670163.
Half Moon Bay
Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July Parade & Festival
The Coastside city will kick off its Fourth of July festivities with a pancake breakfast, followed by a parade featuring marching bands, horses, floats, cars and more. The I.D.E.S. Society will also host an all-day festival with food and drinks, local artisans, live music and kids’ activities, plus a mural ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2:15 p.m.
All events take place July 4. Pancake breakfast is from 8 to 11:30 a.m. in the parking lot behind the Portuguese Culture Center, 724 Kelly Ave., Half Moon Bay. Suggested $12 donation per plate. Parade is from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Main Street. Festival is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the I.D.E.S. Hall, 735 Main St., Half Moon Bay. hmbfourthofjuly.com.
South Bay
Sunnyvale
4th of July Festival
Families are invited to a day of carnival games, an imagination playground, a photo booth and live entertainment featuring performances by Choo Choo Soul with Genevieve and the Peelers Band.
July 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in downtown Sunnyvale (S. Murphy Avenue between E. Washington Avenue and W. McKinley Ave.). sunnyvaledowntown.org/events/sunnyvale-downtown-association-4th-of-july-festival.
Star-Spangled Cook-out
The new Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley’s beer garden will offer burger and bratwurst specials paired with local beers, plus live entertainment from 2 to 8 p.m.
July 4, reservations available from 2 to 8 p.m. at Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley, 1100 N. Mathilda Ave., Sunnyvale. Food and drink prices vary. eventbrite.com.
Cupertino
Fourth of July Festivities and Fireworks
A pancake breakfast starts the day at Quinlan Community Center, followed by a flag-raising ceremony and children’s parade at neighboring Memorial Park. The Billy Martini Band will play a mix of funk, R&B, soul and rock hits from the ‘70s to the ‘90s between 10:30 a.m. and noon. Lawn games and kids’ activities will also be available during the concert. Cap off the day with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
July 4, pancake breakfast 8-11 a.m.; ceremony and parade at 10 a.m.; concert 10:30 a.m.-noon at Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Road, Cupertino and Memorial Park, 21121 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino. Fireworks launching from Hyde Middle School at 9:30 p.m., 19325 Bollinger Road, Cupertino (Hyde Middle School will be closed to spectators.) cupertino.gov/Parks-Recreation/Events/Fourth-of-July.
Santa Clara
Star-Spangled Nights
California’s Great America will hold nightly fireworks shows July 4-5, plus an all-you-can-eat barbecue July 4 featuring meats, sides, desserts and beverages.
July 4-5, fireworks shows at 9:40 p.m. at 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara. Single-day admission starts at $57. The All-You-Can-Eat Backyard BBQ is an additional $59.99 for adults, $39.99 for kids ages 3-11; additional taxes apply. cagreatamerica.com.
4th of July Celebration
The city of Santa Clara hosts a family-friendly Fourth of July at Mission College with lawn games, live entertainment and food trucks. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display courtesy of California’s Great America. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, coolers and picnic blankets.
July 4, 5-10 p.m., at Mission College, 3000 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara. santaclaraca.gov.
Saratoga
Independence Day Celebration
Saratoga hosts an old-fashioned Fourth of July with patriotic music by the McCartysville Band, a children’s parade, group singing and a Liberty Bell ringing by costumed historical figures. Free popsicles and U.S. flags will be handed out for kids. There is limited shade and chairs for seniors and attendees with disabilities, so attendees are encouraged to bring blankets for lawn seating.
July 4, 9:30-11 a.m., at Kevin Moran Park, 12415 Scully Ave., Saratoga. saratoga.ca.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=177.
Los Gatos
4th of July Symphony in the Park
The town of Los Gatos will host its annual Fourth of July performance with the San Jose Wind Symphony at 11 a.m. Arrive early for a flag ceremony and the national anthem, plus a children’s bike and stroller parade. The event will also include food from Chula Puebla, The Waffle Roost and Billy Jones Snack Shack and BBQ, plus a wine and beer garden, the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, a carousel and inflatables.
July 4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at Oak Meadow Park, 233 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos. losgatosca.gov/339/4th-of-July-Symphony-in-the-Park.
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