4th of July Events in the Bay Area

July 4th is here and it’s time to celebrate!  There is lot’s going on today, and we want to make sure you’re in the know of the best Bay Area Events.  Look no further, ABCey has 5 exciting 4th of July events you definitely don’t want to miss!

1. Alameda: Mayor’s 4th of July Parade & South Shore Center’s 4th of July Festival

Mayor’s Parade: 10am | Free | Starts at Lincoln & Park St. (route map and directions here) | *No Fireworks

South Shore Center’s Festival: 3pm-5pm | Free | Alameda South Shore Center | *No Fireworks

Here are two events in one with a huge parade and a somewhat “official” after-party at the South Shore Center. With about 140 floats, 2,500 participants, horses, and dancers, Alameda Mayor’s Forth Parade is one of the largest and longest Independence Day parades in the entire United States!  After this spectacle, keep the party going at the South Shore Center. There will be live music, pet animals, get henna tattoos, face paint, play games, participate in raffles and jump in the bouncy house!  There are also plenty of stores to shop at and places to eat, so come on out and enjoy this exciting parade and then head  on over to the post-parade party!

2. San Francisco: Pier 39 

Starting at 11am | Free | *Fireworks at 9:30pm for about 20min

Want to have a full day of celebration and be at a prime fireworks spot? Then go to SF Pier 39!  Spend the day at the pier shopping, eating, and going to the aquarium.  From 11am-5pm, you can check out exhibits west of the Entrance Plaza, then hear the band Tainted Love play your favorite 80’s tunes.  Last, but not least, watch the extremely popular City and County of San Francisco’s Fireworks Show at 9:30pm with the best 180 degree view from Pier 39.  

3. Berkeley: 4th of July Fireworks & All Day Festival

Noon – 10pm | Free, $15 vehicle parking | 201 University Ave, Berkeley | *Fireworks @ 9:35pm | info here

This festival will fill all your 4th of July celebration needs!  There is a main stage with music from noon until the fireworks show at 9:35pm and music at the food court from 2pm-8pm.  The Shorebird Park is part of this festival and has an Adventure Playground with Waterballs, a Bungee Trampoline, and another stage with magicians, jugglers, and more! If that isn’t enough, throughout the marina there are great food trucks and booths as well as: carnival rides, kite flying, a giant slide, train rides, drumming sessions, dragon boat rowing rides, sumo soccer, nerf tag, a photo booth, face painting, crafts, pony rides, a petting zoo, AND their huge fireworks show!  With everything here, why wouldn’t you come and enjoy the fun?

4. Jack London Square: July 4th Festival of Family Fun

11 am-4pm | Free | Jack London Square | *No Fireworks 

Spend your July 4th afternoon at Jack London Square for loads of family fun! This festival offers musical performances, clowns and puppets, interactive activities, a petting zoo, face painting, fun crafts and delicious treats.  If you couldn’t tell by the name, this event is also great for kids.  Although there aren’t any fireworks, this festival ends early enough for you to go wherever you want after!

5. San Francisco: 5th Annual July 4th Pub Crawl

4pm – 11:59 pm | $7-$15; order early: $12; groups either $9 or $7 depending on size | info here |*No Fireworks

If you’re in the patriotic celebratory mood and 21+, join in on this pub crawl.  Order tickets ahead of time, receive a discount with larger groups, check-in early, and get a discount on all of the pub crawl bars from 4pm – 12am.  There will also be an after party, so get yourself and your friends right on over for drinks and to celebrate Independence Day!

How are you celebrating this 4th of July?  Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and  Twitter.