Events across the Peninsula will be taking place in person this year to mark Independence Day. From concerts to fireworks, there are a variety of ways to enjoy Fourth of July festivities over the course of the holiday weekend, with some events returning after a two-year absence due to the pandemic.
Check out our guide to Independence Day weekend in the Midpeninsula, organized by city.
Mountain View
Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
July 4, 8-11 p.m. Shoreline Amphitheatre, One Amphitheatre Parkway; sfsymphony.org.
Revelers can cap off their Fourth of July celebrations at Shoreline Amphitheatre with a concert and a fireworks spectacular, presented by the San Francisco Symphony. The program will include pieces from children’s movies, such as “Coco” and “Frozen” and, of course, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Portola Valley
Ice Cream and Brass Band Celebration
July 3, 7-8 p.m. Ladera Community Church UCC, 3300 Alpine Road.; laderaucc.churchcenter.com.
Ladera Community Church hosts a brass band celebration. The event, open to everyone, will also feature an ice cream social. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite ice cream topping to share. Before the event, the church will host an outdoor worship service at 6 p.m. for those interested.
Woodside
cTypeface:Bold>70th Annual Woodside Junior Rodeo
July 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mounted Patrol of San Mateo County, 521 Kings Mountain Road; mpsmc.org/rodeo.
Celebrating 70 years, this Woodside tradition will feature events such as barrel racing and pole-bending. For non-competitors, there will be pony rides, a petting zoo and a mechanical bull.
Redwood City
Chalk Full of Fun 2022
July 3-4, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Courthouse Square, Hamilton Street; rwcpaf.org/chalk-full-of-fun.
Visitors can stop by Courthouse Square to check out — or make — some chalk art. Whether professional or amateur, everyone is welcome to draw on the square and on the street, as long as space is available. Those who wish to pre-register can reserve their spot on the website.
Pancake Breakfast
July 4, 8-11 a.m. Marshall Street fire station, 755 Marshall St.; parade.org.
The first of many events in Redwood City, the pancake breakfast at the Marshall Street fire station will benefit the Redwood City Firefighters Association. Breakfast is $10.
Fourth of July Festival
July 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Downtown Redwood City; parade.org/festival.
Visitors to the Redwood City Fourth of July Festival can browse arts and crafts vendor booths for paintings, fine jewelry and pottery and more. On Broadway, families can enjoy face painting and a kids’ stage, featuring performances from Phil Ackerly the Magician.
Annual Independence Day Parade
July 4, 10 a.m. Downtown Redwood City, at Brewster Avenue and Winslow Street; parade.org/parade.
The parade, which bills itself as the biggest in Northern California, will get underway at the corner of Brewster Avenue and Winslow Street at 10 a.m. The parade route winds downtown Redwood City and participants will include floats, bands, drill teams and baton corps.
Fireworks Extravaganza
July 4, 9:30 p.m. Port of Redwood City, 675 Seaport Blvd.; parade.org.
Redwood City will finish its day of festivities with a fireworks display at the Port of Redwood City — a show that’s visible around the Midpeninsula.
Palo Alto
July 4th Celebration
July 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mitchell Park, 600 E. Meadow Drive.; cityofpaloalto.org
The city of Palo Alto hosts a free festival in the park. Attendees can enjoy music from Radio the City All-Stars and DJ Verz. The city isn’t hosting its annual Chili Cook-off this year, but there will still be plenty of food, with food trucks on hand that include Twister Food Truck, The Cookout 650 and The Waffle Roost. The event also offers games and activities for kids.
Los Altos Hills
Fourth of July Parade
July 4, 9:30-11 a.m. Los Altos Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Ave.; losaltoschamber.org.
The city of Los Altos Hills presents its 11th annual Fourth of July Parade, starting at the Town Hall on Fremont Avenue. The parade will finish at Gardner Bullis Elementary School, where guests will be treated to watermelon. Parade-goers are asked to leave their fossil-fueled vehicles and horses at home.
Email Editorial Intern Miles Breen at mbreen@almanacnews.com.
