Fourth Of July Fireworks And Other Celebrations In and Around Silicon Valley And The Bay Area
In San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, only Pacifica, San Bruno and Gilroy allow people to buy and enjoy “safe and sane” fireworks. For most of us, our only option to view fireworks is to seek out the professional firework shows. Below is a list of local firework shows and helpful tips on viewing. But first, if you want an interesting read on the history of the Fourth of July and it’s celebrations, read Jim Heintze’s web site devoted to the subject.
The four largest professional firework shows are (in no order):
Mountain View: Radio Disney presents a 4th of July concert and fireworks show. The San Francisco Symphony will perform for the 22nd time at Mountain View’s Shoreline Amphitheatre. If you wish to attend the event, tickets can be purchased at livenation. Hint: You can also drive to the backside of the Shoreline golf course (park in one of the business park parking lots…Google) and watch the fireworks for free. Families usually bring picnics, flashlights and blankets to establish their viewing spot. Note: getting out after the show will be slooow.
Redwood City: The Peninsula Celebration Association presents its fireworks program in the sky above the Port of Redwood City. The program begins at 9:30. For the best viewing areas and street closures, click here.
San Francisco: Pier 39 will be holding its annual 4th of July fireworks display beginning at 9:30 pm. Fireworks will be shot off from a barge just off Pier 39 and from the municipal pier. There will be a music simulcast of KISS-FM
San Jose: Beginning at noon, San Jose’s America Festival will be held at Discovery Meadow in Downtown San Jose. The event will conclude with a fireworks display at 9:30. The event organizers recommend taking public transportation.
Other Local Fireworks Shows:
San Jose: The San Jose Giants baseball team take on the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in class “A” baseball at 6:30. A fireworks extravaganza will occur approximately 20 minutes after the game. Tickets can be purchased over the phone at 408 297-1435 x 15 or online at sjgiants.com
Cupertino: The city of Cupertino will have several events taking place on the 4th of July. The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 and be held at Cupertino high school. Note: the fireworks are being shot from the Cupertino High campus and there will be no public access to the school. Viewing can be done from Creekside Park, Hyde or Sedgwick Schools (see map).
Santa Clara: All City Picnic and Fireworks Spectacular begins at 8:00 am with the pancake breakfast and concludes with a fireworks display at 9:30pm. For a complete schedule click here!
Other Local 4th Of July events:
Los Altos and Los Altos Hills: 4th of July celebration begins at 11:00 am at Shoup park.
Sunnyvale: Star Spangled Sunnyvale Community Picnic at Baylands Park from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm which is located at 999 Caribbean Drive.
Woodside: 58th annual Woodside Jr. Rodeo will take place from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Menlo Park: The City of Menlo Park’s annual 4th of July celebration will take place from 11:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m at Burgess Park, 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park.
Los Gatos: July 4th celebration to be held at the Los Gatos Civic Center from 11:30 am – 7:30 pm.
Saratoga: Will hold a small hometown event honoring the sacrifices that local war veterans have made with speeches and patriotic songs played by the McCartysville Volunteer Band . The events kicks off at 10:00 am at Azule Park.
