America’s birthday, time to celebrate with parades, barbecues, picnics, festivals, and fireworks!

Events are free; however, at some locations there will be food for purchase, some activities may have a fee, and there may be parking fees. Plan early.

Here are some places to view fireworks and/or enjoy a day of celebrations:

San Jose

The City of San Jose, Happy Hollow, History San Jose and Kelley Park will also participate in the new July 4th Fireworks celebration at Municipal Stadium and San Jose State University.

There will be free fireworks viewing in San Jose following the San Jose Giants game on the San Jose State University East Field next to Spartan Stadium or at Kelley Park. Note that no coolers are allowed on University property; in addition, tailgating will be restricted from parking lots and no alcohol allowed. Parking is $8.00 in all lots.

A map showing parking and viewing areas along with hours here ^[1] (PDF).

Event Information ^[2]

San Jose America Festival at Guadalupe River Park’s Discovery Meadow canceled because of budget constraints.

Santa Clara

Picnic and Fireworks Extravaganza ^[3]
Central Park, 909 Kiely Boulevard ^[4]

Pancake Breakfast at 8 am, followed by games and entertainment throughout the day at the Pavilion along with a carnival area, petting zoo, face painting, and swimming at the International Swim Center. Bring a picnic lunch or purchase foods at the event.

Fireworks at 9:30 pm; Pre-fireworks entertainment will be provided from 7:00 pm on the lawn area near Millikin School.

408-615-3140

Great America will have fireworks Saturdays in August.

Los Gatos

Civic Center, 110 E. Main Street ^[5]

Los Gatos Celebrates the 4th of July for the whole family, all day 11:00 am – 5:30 pm. Beginning in the morning will be games and activities at the Civic Center. BBQ and cold drinks will be available for purchase at the food court all day.

The San Jose Wind Symphony ^[6] will perform on the front lawn of Los Gatos High School beginning 1:30 pm.

Back over at the Civic Center there will be free cookies and a performance by the Peninsula Banjo Band, 3:30 pm.

Then at 4:45 pm, it is free bingo and lemonade!

Event Schedule ^[7] (PDF)

408-354-6820

Milpitas

Independence Day Festivities ^[8]
Milpitas Sports Center, 1325 E. Calaveras Boulevard ^[9]

Water activities at Milpitas Sports Center Pools during the day; pool party 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Barbecue, at the pool party 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm; nominal fee.

Concert & Fireworks at Milpitas Sports Center Football Field; 8:00 pm (gates open at 7:30 pm); bring a picnic dinner.

408-586-3228

Morgan Hill

Morgan Hill Community Park, 100 Edes Steet ^[10]

Along the parade route ^[11] at 9:00 am Car Cruise & Entertainment and then the Official Santa Clara County Parade at 10:00 am (with bands, horses, and floats).

During the day in downtown is the family festival with live entertainment and car show from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.

In the evening from 6:00 pm is pre-fireworks entertainment with the fireworks scheduled for approximately 9:15 pm.

Redwood City

Activities will include arts & crafts, food, kids area, parade, and yes, fireworks.

The best way to get to the parade site is to take Caltrain to the Redwood City station. The parade is literally on the other side of the tracks.

Fireworks viewing at the Port of Redwood City have very limited access; they can be seen from downtown and anywhere west of Highway 101 where there is a clear view of the skies above the Port.

Festival ^[12] – 9:00 am

Fireworks ^[13], Port of Redwood City – 9:30 pm

Maps ^[14] – Parade, Festival, and Restrooms

Berkeley Marina

The 4th of July on the South Shore of the Berkeley Marina ^[15] from noon to 10:00 pm, there will be music, dancers, and jugglers all for free! Adventure Playground, is open 11:00 am – 8:00 pm. Sign up for an old-fashioned sack race, create a nature sculpture with environmental artist Zach Pine, or get your face painted. Try the giant slide or splash in the water at the beach. In addition, art & craft booths, massages, free sailboat rides from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

Fireworks will be off the end of the Berkeley Pier at 9:30 pm.

Ride your bike over the Berkeley Bicycle Overpass and park free near Adventure Playground. Free admission, alcohol-free event, no cars after 7:00 pm.

Event Information ^[16]


Other Posts ^[17]