Fireworks and the Fourth of July go together like apple pie and ice cream-which also happens to be a pretty nice treat for the mid-summer holiday.
Photo by GPS/flickr creative commons
By BC Staff
Published: July, 2016
Fireworks and the Fourth of July go together like apple pie and ice cream—which also happens to be a pretty nice treat for the mid-summer holiday. One thing that makes an already spectacular experience even more outstanding in the Bay Area is the addition of, well, the Bay itself! Watching a waterfront fireworks display from a boat, the shoreline or hillside overlooking the water is always a unique and special treat for Bay Area residents.
Several locations provide spectators with views of more than one—if not more than two—fireworks displays at the same time. This is especially true with the many Bay cruises that offer views of displays from San Francisco, Berkeley, Sausalito and even Marin. With that in mind, the following is a list of waterfront fireworks displays (or those that can be viewed from the water) in the Bay Area to help you plan your holiday, along with some of the activities leading up to the evening pyrotechnics.
Fourth of July Waterfront Fireworks Displays and Activities
San Francisco
PIER 39 celebrates Independence Day with fun for the whole family. Check out special exhibits from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. before rocking out to the Bay Area’s favorite 80’s cover band, Tainted Love, from 5-8 p.m. At 9:30 p.m., look to the sky for the spectacular fireworks display.
Berkeley
At the Berkeley Marina, there will be live entertainment all day on July 4, with face painting, arts and crafts, an adventure playground, and food from noon to 10 p.m. The day culminates with the grand fireworks over the water near the end of the Berkeley Pier at 9:35 p.m. Viewing is best along Frontage Drive south of the Pier or from HS Lordship’s parking lot.
Sausalito
In Sausalito, there will be a parade at 10 a.m. followed by a picnic at Dunphy Park from noon to 4 p.m. with live music plus food and games. The celebration continues at Gabrielson Park (next to the Ferry Pier) from 6 to 9:30 p.m. featuring more live entertainment and ending with a spectacular show of fireworks on San Francisco Bay starting at 9:20 p.m. This year’s fireworks show is set to music! You can listen on Radio Sausalito 1610AM or with your television on Comcast Cable Channel 30.
San Rafael
At the Marin County Fair, there will be fireworks every evening June 30 through July 4 at 9:30 p.m. Also enjoy concerts, educational/interactive exhibits, carnival rides, arts and crafts, contests and plenty of food. The fair takes place at 10 Avenue of the Flags in San Rafael.
Vallejo
In Vallejo, the 163rd Annual Vallejo July Forth Parade starts at Broadway and Tennessee at 10 a.m. Then, the waterfront will be the venue for live music, food and drink until the waterfront fireworks display begins around 9:30 p.m.
At Six Flags in Vallejo, roller coasters, rides, animal stars and picnic in the park will happen during the day. The fireworks begin after dark. The park is open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 1001 Fairgrounds Drive in Vallejo.
Benicia
From noon to 7 p.m., City Park (First Street at Military West) in Benicia will be bustling with arts and crafts, delicious hot foods, live entertainment, children’s activities and more. Around 9 p.m., fireworks will blaze the sky at the foot of First Street.
Napa
The City of Napa is having a festival downtown on July 4. The festivities begin with a parade at 10 a.m. followed by more fun at Oxbow Commons with food and beverage vendors and a children’s play area. There will also be live music performances at Veteran’s Park next to the Napa River from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., and the fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
Suisun City
Suisun City will host an Independence Day Spectacular from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Enjoy free live music, craft vendors, family entertainment and a huge fireworks display over the waterfront at 9:15 p.m. The festivities take place at Harbor Plaza, 558 Solano Street.
Redwood City
4th of July celebration with fireworks over the Port of Redwood City. The fireworks extravaganza will start at approximately 9:30 p.m. and can be seen from all over the mid-Peninsula.
Fourth of July Pregame Show
On Sunday, July 3 the City of Richmond will hold an admission free “Third of July Fireworks” celebration in Marina Bay Park at Marina Way Parkway and Regatta Boulevard. From 6- 10 p.m. there will be music, dancing, food and a Kids Fun Zone. The Oakland Symphony will also perform at the Independence Eve Celebration at the Craneway Pavilion at 8 p.m. culminating with a fireworks display over the Bay at 9:15 p.m.
Photo by GPS/flickr creative commons
