Where to see July 4th fireworks and parades near BART

Kids smiling at the Orinda 4th of July Parade. Photo courtesy of Orinda Association. 

Expect plenty of fireworks, festivities and fun this Fourth of July in the Bay Area. From San Francisco’s iconic annual show at Fisherman’s Wharf to parades, festivals, a block party, a running race and even a baseball game — the Bay Area is bursting with Independence Day activities. Luckily, many of these exciting events are BARTable. Skip the holiday weekend traffic and hop on BART to celebrate July 4^th this year!

BART will run a Sunday schedule on 4th of July. Find more information here or use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

Fireworks at Fisherman’s Wharf | Embarcadero

San Francisco’s annual show is one of the best in the Bay. Fireworks are launched from two barges — one on Pier 39 and another at Aquatic Park. While it starts at 9:30 p.m., you might want to get there early to reserve a spot or simply enjoy the neighborhood restaurants, shops and holiday festivities. For an additional Fourth of July adventure, hop on a boat cruise to watch the fireworks show from the water. There are a few cruises taking off just in time to catch the action, like the Blue & Gold Fleet, the Red & White Fleet and the Empress Yacht. Take BART to Embarcadero. Hop on the Muni F train and exit at Jefferson and Powell Streets to witness the biggest fireworks display in the Bay. 

July 4th Block Party: “Downtown First Thursdays” | Montgomery St

"Downtown First Thursdays," the monthly free and family-friendly street party happens to fall on the Fourth of July. Throw on your red, whites and blues and celebrate the holiday with outdoor beer gardens, live bands on Jessie St., an outdoor dance party on Minna St. and so much more. Stick around in the city for the epic firework display at the waterfront later that night. Take BART to Montgomery St for a fun holiday block party 56 feet away at Market St. and 2^nd St.

4th of July Parade | Orinda 

A community tradition since the early 1980s, the Orinda Association’s Fourth of July Parade grows year after year with activities for all ages, live music, delicious food and refreshing drinks. Start celebrating early with a Fun Run at 8 a.m., a book sale at 9 a.m., a parade at 10 a.m. and Music in the Park at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy food trucks and beer booths on site too. This year’s tasty eats include Golden Gate Gyro, El Gran Taco Loco, Ike’s Grill and Ceviche & Co. Take BART to Orinda to partake in Independence Day festivities 0.5 miles away at Orinda Community Park, 28 Orinda Way.

Independence Day Parade and 5K Race | Concord

Runners and walkers are welcome to participate in Concord’s Fourth of July 5K race. Join the pack at 8:15 a.m. and maybe take a breather to snap a photo with Stomper (the Oakland A’s mascot) or Uncle Sam. After the race, enjoy the friendship-themed parade at Mt. Diablo High School. At 10 a.m. the crowd will head south to Willow Pass Rd. before wrapping around Todos Santos Plaza and making their way back to the high school. Expect classic cars, fun floats, dancing, horses and marching bands. Take BART to Concord Station and the fun begins 0.4 miles away at Todos Santos Plaza. Stick around and cheer on the parade.

Festival and Fireworks | Concord

Concord’s free Fourth of July festival and fireworks begins at 4 p.m. at Mt. Diablo High School. Before the show, enjoy live music by The Purple Ones, an Insatiable Tribute to Prince, local artist exhibits, food and vendor booths and a kid’s carnival. The evening culminates with fireworks over Concord at 9:15 p.m. Take BART to Concord Station for live music and a fireworks celebration 1.1 miles away at 2450 Grant St.

4th of July Parade | Fremont

This year’s Fourth of July Parade theme is "Peace, Love and Fremont." The festivities begin at 10 a.m. sharp near the Fremont Library and end at the corner of Capitol Ave. Get there early to stake a spot to watch the entertainment pass by! Take BART to Fremont Station for an epic parade 0.7 miles away at 2400 Stevenson Blvd.

WorldONE 4th of July Festival | El Cerrito Plaza

The City of El Cerrito and WorldOne’s annual July 4th Festival takes place at Cerrito Vista Park. Expect a family fun zone, a car showcase, live music, food trucks, rides, face painting, bouncy houses, vendors and more. This free, BARTable event is a fantastic way to celebrate the Fourth of July! Take BART to El Cerrito Plaza to celebrate the holiday 0.9 miles away at 950 Pomona Ave.

Patriotic Fireworks Show at the Oakland Coliseum | Coliseum

Celebrate Independence Day a little early this year. On July 3, the Oakland A’s will face the Los Angeles Angels in a showdown only made better by the post-game fireworks and drone show. Fans will be invited to sit in the outfield and take in the sparkly sights. July 3 is also Military Appreciation Night to honor those who have served our country. Take BART to Coliseum for baseball and fireworks 0.2 miles away at 7000 S Coliseum Way.

What is Your Favorite BARTable Fourth of July Festivity?

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