Take BART to these local 4th of July celebrations

Last Updated On Jun. 27, 2023

Image courtesy of Concord 4th of July.

It's never a bad idea to avoid driving on the Fourth of July, especially when BART can take you to many of the parades and firework displays across the Bay Area.

The basics of BART on July 4th

On July 4th this year, BART will be running a Sunday schedule (8am to midnight). We will have extra event trains to assist riders in getting home from the fireworks. The full schedule can be found here

Parking will be free at all BART stations, except Milpitas and Beryessa/North San Jose stations, which are operated by the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA).

BART will have our ambassadors riding trains and walking platforms to provide a welcoming experience.

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

Daytime events

Image courtesy of the Orinda Association.

Orinda's Fourth of July Celebration | Orinda

Orinda's Fourth of July celebration is an all-day affair. The day starts at 7:30am with the Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary's pancake breakfast at the Library Plaza, followed by a flag raising at 7:55am in front of the Orinda Community Center (28 Orinda Way). At 8am, the Fun Run for a Reason begins with a two- or five-mile walk or run. And finally, the parade begins at 10am in Orinda's Theatre District, culminating at the community center. Music in the park will follow. Travel 0.5 miles from Orinda Station to reach the 28 Orinda Way.

Photo courtesy of the San Francisco Peninsula.

Beats, Brews & Vines | Millbrae

The City of Millbrae will host a special Fourth of July iteration of Beats, Brews and Vines, a free concert series held on the 300 block of Broadway between Hillcrest and La Cruz. As Is Band plays at 11am before Big Daddy Sunshine takes up the stage at 1pm. Food and drink will be available for purchase and admission is free. Travel 0.4 miles from Millbrae Station to the 300 block of Broadway.

Image courtesy of Stars and Stripes Run.

Celebrate Concord Fourth of July Celebration | Concord

The day starts at 8am in Todos Santos Plaza with a kids fun run and a Rotary pancake breakfast. The 32nd Annual Independence Day Parade begins at 10am and is themed "Celebrating our Strong Foundations," as a "tribute to all those in our community that make it possible for all of us to thrive." The parade begins at Mt. Diablo High School, travel one mile to 2450 Grant st from Concord Station.

Image courtesy of the City of Fremont.

Fremont 4th of July Parade | Fremont

The Fremont 4th of July Parade kicks off at 10am sharp and winds from the Fremont Main Library to Liberty Street. The theme this year is "Happiness Is..." and members of the community are invited to reflect on and share what happiness means to them. Christopher "CJ" Cammack, Fremont Unified School District Superintendent, will serve as the 2023 Grand Marshal. From Fremont Station, travel 0.7 miles to 2400 Stevenson Blvd.

Image courtesy of Bay City News.

City of El Cerrito and worldONE 4th of July Festival | El Cerrito Plaza

The City of El Cerrito's Parks and Recs Department has been partnering with worldOne since 1998 for a free annual Fourth of July Festival. The festivities start at 11am at Cerrito Vista Park and run until 5pm. Expect live music, rides and bounce houses, foods, and more. Travel 1 mile to 950 Pomona Ave from El Cerrito Plaza.

Evening events

Photo courtesy of San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf.

4th of July at Fisherman's Wharf | Embarcadero

San Francisco shoots off the Bay Area's biggest fireworks display from two locations: Aquatic Park and several barges in front of Pier 39. Make your way to San Francisco early to find your spot on the waterfront between Aquatic Park and Pier 39 for the best viewing. The show starts at 9:30pm. Fingers crossed Karl the Fog stays away for the night. To get to Pier 39 from Embarcadero Station, take the Muni F train, exit at Jefferson and Powell Streets and enjoy the show!

Image courtesy of Rochelle Douglass McEathron and Rochellez Photography.

Concord’s 4th of July Fireworks | Concord

Stick around Concord if you attend the parade for a fireworks spectacular at Mt Diablo High School. Around 15,000 people are expected to attend the festivities, which start at 9pm. Gates open at 6pm and arriving early is advised to secure a seat on the grass. To get to the show, debark at Concord Station and travel 1 mile to 2450 Grant St.

Let's be social.

How are you spending your July 4th? Let us know via social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook and Instagram to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and have fun around the Bay.