Bay Area 4th of July fireworks

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Some July 4th festivities across the Bay Area will be returning for the first time in two years since the pandemic began this holiday, celebrating with parades, festivals and fireworks shows.

However, due to continuing COVID concerns and worries about fire danger under current drought conditions, there are certain celebrations that have been canceled for a second year in a row. Below is a rundown of confirmed events:

San Francisco

1. Pier 39

Fisherman’s Wharf is home to a spectacular annual fireworks show over the water that you don’t want to miss. Get a good spot at Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, the Cannery, or anywhere nearby for a show starting at 9:30pm. Check the Pier 39 website for some boat companies and water attractions offering fireworks views from the water.

North Bay

2. Sausalito

Starting with a spirited parade down Bridgeway and Caledonia, the day’s events feature an afternoon picnic with music from Marin locals, The Humdinger Band. Head to Gabrielson Park in the evening for dance music from Neon Velvet and fireworks starting at 9:15pm.

3. Sonoma

The Green Music Center in Rohnert Park will be celebrating with patriotic performances from the Transcendence Theater Company and Santa Rosa Symphony. Performances begin at 7:30pm, followed by fireworks at dusk.

4. Petaluma

The city of Petaluma will put on an exciting fireworks show at dusk from the Sonoma Marin Fairgrounds. Enjoy live music, a beer garden, food vendors and children’s activities throughout the evening.

East Bay

5. Benicia

Hosted at Benicia City Park, this all-day family friendly festival features arts, crafts, food vendors  and live entertainment. The post-festival fireworks display starts at 9pm and is best viewed along Marina Green.

6. Antioch

The city of Antioch is pulling out all the stops for a special Sesquicentennial and Fourth of July celebration. With events scheduled from 8am-10pm, this all-day party features a parade, live music and entertainment, restaurants, food courts, craft vendors, a kids zone and more. Fireworks start at 9:30pm over the San Joaquin River.

7. Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill is celebrating the 4th with all-day events including a 5K run, downtown parade and live entertainment in Pleasant Hill Park. A fireworks viewing party will be held at College Park,  with the show starting at 8:45pm.

South Bay

8. Redwood City

This is one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in Northern California, starting with the Fire Department’s Pancake Breakfast at 8am and ending with an impressive fireworks display at 9:30pm. The parade has been a staple of the celebration since 1939 and attracts thousands of visitors from across the state.

9. Gilroy

Gilroy High School will host a fireworks show around 9:30pm, but there is no on-site viewing available so find a good spot to see them nearby. Follow the city’s Facebook for updates.

10. Morgan Hill

This fireworks show will be a memorable one, as it’s accompanied by live music! See Fireworks on the Green at 9:45pm at 16500 Condit Rd. They have $10 parking for 1000 vehicles and fun activities happening all afternoon. Fun fact: this annual celebration has taken place since 1876!

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5. July 4th Weekend Celebration in Livermore

Spend the day before the big day in the sun with a bottle of wine. On July 3rd, McGrail Vineyards is hosting a party on its front lawn with live music by Lavender Fields Band, fantastic views, BBQ, and of course, wine. Reservations are available for up to 10 people in one group; $10/person and $5 for wine club members. Make sure to bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.

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7. Ol' Fashioned Parade in Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is celebrating its 51st annual 4th of July festivities. The day will kick off with a pancake breakfast in the City Hall parking lot from 8am-12pm. The parade will then start at noon, going down Main Street. The day is largely music-focused, but don't miss the slew of craft beer, wine, cocktail, and food vendors there to keep you refreshed.

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8. San Francisco 4th of July pub crawl

Join CrawlSF for two days of pub hopping on Saturday and Monday. Bar stops include Mayes, El Lopo, Jackalope, Wreck Room, McTeagues and more. Guests will get a selection of discounted cocktails, beers, and shots. Plus there's the hotdog eating competition, if that kind of thing floats your boat. Tickets are available for both days, July 2nd and the 4th. You can check in for the pub crawl anytime from 4pm to 8pm at Mayes Oyster House.

Where to see July 4th fireworks in Bay Area?

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