Where should I go for the 4th of July in the Bay Area?

No city does Independence Day quite like San Francisco, where non-traditional events abound alongside classic fireworks displays and parades.

Festivities were still at half-strength last year, but thankfully 2022 looks like a return to near normal. San Francisco fireworks are officially on, as are the annual events along the waterfront. Various Bay Area cities are holding parades and concerts. And, of course, restaurants and bars are open to full capacity once again.

To make sure you make the most of it, we've rounded up the best 4th of July events in San Francisco. Whether you're joining the crowds with our guide to Fisherman's Wharf, staking out a spot at one of the best places to watch fireworks in the Bay Area, or making a tour of the best ice cream in San Francisco — there's something for everyone. 

Summer is upon us, and you know what that means... it's time for our yearly roundup of Fourth of July events taking place around the San Francisco Bay Area. Below is what we've compiled so far, listed in alphabetical order by city. If you have others you'd like to see on this list, tweet us at @nbcbayarea your suggestions.

Concord: 4th of July Concord Festivities

• 10 a.m. - "Welcome Back Concord" parade begins at Mt. Diablo High School
• 9 p.m. - Fireworks on the green over the skies of Concord. Gates open at 6 p.m. 2450 Grant Street, three blocks from Todos Santos Plaza.
• concordjuly4th.com

Danville: Kiwanis-Danville 4th of July Parade

• 9 a.m. to Noon
• Along Hartz Avenue and San Ramon Valley Boulevard.
• 2022 theme: honoring local Olympians
• srvkiwanis.org/parade

Foster City: Fourth of July Celebration

• 9 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
• Games, food, entertainment, a dog and family parade, all culminating in an evening of firework at Leo J. Ryan Park.
• fostercity.org

Fremont: 4th of July Parade

• 10 a.m.
• The live parade returns after a 2-year hiatus. This year's theme is "Moving Forward."
• Parade begins near intersection of Paseo Padre Parkway and Stevenson.
• fremont4th.org

Gilroy: Fireworks Display

• Fireworks begin at dusk at approximately 9:30 p.m.
• Fireworks display originates from Gilroy High School (750 W. 10th St.) and can be viewed from nearby neighborhoods and at Christmas Hill Park.
• cityofgilroy.org

Healdsburg: 4th of July Kids Parade and Duck Dash

• 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Live music, lawn games, Duck Dash Races, face painting, and a parade around the plaza.
• Event takes place in downtown Healdsburg Plaza
• healdsburg.gov

Healdsburg: Independence Day Fireworks

• 9 p.m. fireworks
• Spectator viewing at Fitch Mountain Elementary (565 Sanns Lane)
• healdsburg.gov

Livermore: "United We Shine" Community Fireworks Night

• 4 p.m. street closures begin
• 9:30 p.m. fireworks display
• Fireworks from the parking garage located at 2350 Railroad Ave.
• livermoredowntown.org

Los Altos: Independence Day Caravan

• 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
• Parade of cars will start at Town Hall from Fremont Road and concluding at Gardner Bullis School.
• losalthoshills.ca.gov

Moraga: 4th of July Celebration

• 11 a.m. dog parade
• Afternoon family activities, community booths, food and drink, and inflatable jumpies
• 9:30 p.m. fireworks at Moraga Commons Park
• moraga.ca.us

Morgan Hill: Freedom Fest

• Events throughout the day and fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
• Events include Patriotic Sing, Downtown Family Street Dance, Freedom Run, Parade, Car Cruise n’ Show and a spectacular Fireworks and entertainment show.
• Fireworks are launched from the Outdoor Sports Complex (OSC) located at 16500 Condit Rd. located between Tennant and East Dunne Ave. Gates open at 3 p.m. and live music starts at 3 p.m. There is a cost for parking.
• morganhillfreedomfest.com

Mountain View: 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular with the San Francisco Symphony

• Parking lots open at 4 p.m., doors at 5 p.m.
• Free and discounted tickets available to Mountain View residents.
• Parking is $20
• mountainview.gov

Napa: 4th of July Parade

• 10 a.m. parade
• Parade begins at Second and School streets.
• Family-friendly event celebrating the City of Napa's 175th birthday.
• napa4thofjulyparade.com

Orinda: 'Keep on Truckin' 4th of July Parade

• 10 a.m. parade
• Parade followed by music in the park at 11:30 a.m.
• orindaassociation.org

Petaluma: 4th of July Celebration

• Fireworks at dusk
• Live music, food vendors and a beer garden, children's activities, and a fireworks display at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds and Event Center.
• cityofpetaluma.org

Pleasant Hill: Celebrating the 4th of July

• Events throughout the day; 9:30 a.m. parade, 8:45 p.m. fireworks show
• The viewing party for fireworks returns to College Park and fields open at 6:30 p.m.
• $4 per person suggested donation
• phjuly4.com

San Francisco: 4th of July Fireworks

• 9:30 p.m.
• The fireworks display will be launched from two barges on the bay. Head to Fisherman's Wharf for some great viewing.
• fishermanswharf.org

San Jose: Discovery Meadow Fireworks

• 9:30 p.m. fireworks
• The annual fireworks show from the San Jose Rotary returns this year to Discovery Meadow.
• sjrotary.org

San Jose: Rose, White and Blue Parade

• 9:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Parade, entertainment, food and more. Historic celebration of diversity, public spirit, and the community's floral/agricultural heritage.
• rwbsj.org

San Rafael: Virtual Marin County Fair

• 9:30 p.m. fireworks
• Fireworks display over the lagoon every night during the fair which runs June 30 - July 4.
• marinfair.org

Santa Clara: Great America 4th of July Celebration

• 9:45 p.m. fireworks
• Fireworks display over the Flight Deck rollercoaster. Best viewing spots are on the midway plaza in front of Flight Deck or in the Redwood Amphitheater. 
• cagreatamerica.com

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