Where to see fireworks in the Bay Area this July 4th

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Enjoy fireworks in San Francisco this Fourth of July. Photo courtesy of CrawlSF.

The Fourth of July is almost here, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate in the Bay Area. Head to San Francisco to catch the iconic waterfront fireworks show or enjoy a small-town parade and live music at an outdoor festival in the East Bay. Whatever you decide to do, we hope you enjoy Independence Day this year. Don't forget your Clipper card!

Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

The Bay Area's best 4th of July fireworks 

The show at Fisherman's Wharf is the largest fireworks display in the Bay Area. Photo courtesy of Pier 39.

The show at Fisherman's Wharf is the largest fireworks display in the Bay Area. Photo courtesy of Pier 39. 

Fireworks at Fisherman’s Wharf | Embarcadero

San Francisco’s biggest Independence Day event is back this year, with fireworks launching from barges near Pier 39 and Aquatic Park. The show starts around 9:30 p.m., but plan to arrive early to enjoy more July 4th festivities on Pier 39. Take BART to Embarcadero. Hop on the Muni F train and exit at Jefferson St. and Powell St. to join the biggest celebration in the Bay.

To see fireworks from a unique vantage point on the San Francisco Bay, hop on a boat cruise, like the Red and White San Francisco Bay Cruises. You can also head to one of San Francisco's many rooftop bars, like the Top of the Mark at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins (0.6 miles from Powell St). Here, you can catch a DJ Set from 8 p.m. to midnight and savor festive bites like pigs in a blanket with honey mustard and Independence Day mini cupcakes — all with panoramic views of the city and its fantastic fireworks show. 

See BART and more parade participants at the Alameda Fourth of July Parade. Photo courtesy of the Alameda Post (Maurice Ramirez).

See BART and more parade participants at the Alameda Fourth of July Parade. Photo courtesy of the Alameda Post (Maurice Ramirez).

Alameda 4th of July Parade | Fruitvale

There's a lot to see at Alameda’s 4th of July Parade, including BART! Stretching 3.3 miles through the city, Alameda's Independence Day parade is the longest in the nation and draws over 60,000 spectators each year. From the sidelines, you'll see a whopping 2,500 participants, including equestrian units, dancers, school bands, antique cars and creative floats. 

While you can start your Fourth of July with a 5K run at 8:30 a.m., the parade officially begins at Park St. and Lincoln Ave. at 10 a.m.  Arrive early, claim your spot and enjoy one of the Bay Area’s most beloved summer traditions. The parade ends at Lincoln Ave. and Webster St. Take BART to Fruitvale and walk 1.3 miles or hop on AC Transit bus route 20 or 21 to join the festivities. 

Spending the day in Concord is the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day in the East Bay. Photo courtesy of CrawlSF.

Spending the day in Concord is the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day in the East Bay. Photo courtesy of CrawlSF.

Concord's Fourth of July Celebration | Concord Station

Concord’s annual Fourth of July celebration begins in Todos Santos Plaza with a Stars & Stripes Kids Fun Run, Rotary Pancake Breakfast, and a 5K Run & Walk, followed by the Independence Day Parade at 10 a.m.  Exit BART at Concord Station for a full morning of fun, just 0.4 miles away at 2175 Willow Pass Rd.

After Concord's morning festivities, head to Mt. Diablo High School for a Fourth of July festival and fireworks display. The gates open at 4 p.m. where music, art and a kids' carnival will entertain all ages. Live tunes from The 925 Band start at 7:30 p.m. and you can enjoy fireworks over Concord at 9 p.m. Take BART to Concord Station for evening entertainment 1.1 miles away at 2450 Grant St.

Join the race, watch the parade and marvel at fireworks in Pleasant Hill.  Photo courtesy of phjuly4.com.

Join the race, watch the parade and marvel at fireworks in Pleasant Hill.  Photo courtesy of phjuly4.com.

Pleasant Hill 4th of July Celebration | Pleasant Hill

Start your Fourth of July with the Firecracker 5K Race or the kids' 100-yard dash! At 9:30 a.m., check out the Downtown Parade as floats move through the streets of Pleasant Hill before ending at Boyd Rd. and Cleaveland Rd. (1.4 miles from Pleasant Hill Station). Next, head to Pleasant Hill Park at 10:30 a.m., where you'll find live music, BBQ from Back 40 Texas BBQ, shaved ice to cool down on a hot summer day, kids' activities and a watermelon eating contest. At 8:45 p.m., look up. The fireworks show at College Park High School will paint the sky this Fourth of July in Pleasant Hill. 

Head to Orinda to watch the Fourth of July parade this year. Photo courtesy of The Orinda Association.

Head to Orinda to watch the Fourth of July parade this year. Photo courtesy of The Orinda Association. 

4th of July Parade | Orinda Station

Orinda’s annual Fourth of July celebration, organized by The Orinda Association, kicks off early with a burrito breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and a flag‑raising ceremony at 7:55 a.m. If you want to start your day with a run, join the Fun Run at 8 a.m., but the highlight of the day is the 10  a.m. parade, which begins in the Theatre District, continues to the Village District and ends near Community Center Park. At 11:30 a.m. the park comes alive with a carnival, live music, food trucks, beer booths, local vendors and activities for all ages. Take BART to Orinda Station to join the Independence Day festivities 0.5 miles away at Orinda Community Park, 28 Orinda Way.

Don't miss El Cerrito's July festivities. Photo courtesy of 510 Families.

Don't miss El Cerrito's July festivities. Photo courtesy of 510 Families. 

WorldONE 4th of July Festival | El Cerrito Plaza

The City of El Cerrito and worldOne’s annual festival returns to Cerrito Vista Park on Friday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free community celebration features world-class music, local groups, a classic car showcase and fun attractions like rides, bounce houses, yummy food and cool vendors. A $30 wristband gets you unlimited rides and bounce houses. You can also opt for individual tickets for rides and activities. Take BART to El Cerrito Plaza to celebrate the July holiday, 0.9 miles away at 950 Pomona Ave.

How will you celebrate July Fourth in 2025?

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