This must be a good year for local budgets because it seems firework shows are plentiful. No matter where you are in the Bay Area, there will be a fireworks show nearby, but for those who want to have the most fun on July 4th, this is where to be:
Redwood City! Redwood City hosts one of the country’s top hometown Fourth of July celebrations, kicking off with a pancake breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and ending with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. the highlights include a run, the largest Independence Day parade in Northern California, a carnival, an Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration at the History Museum, a car show, battle of the bands, and more. The fireworks are over the port, but can be seen from nearly everywhere in Redwood City. It’s the best on the Peninsula!
Chili Cookoff and Ice Cream Taste Off! Ever wondered if the best ice cream comes from Tin Pot Creamery, Cream, or Green Girl Bakery? Well taste them all to find out after sampling some various chili recipes during Palo Alto’s third annual event. There will be live music, dancing, children’s activities, and streaming of the World Cup game. Admission is free and tasting kits cost $5.
Fireworks at Shoreline! These are the best fireworks, and while you can buy a ticket to watch and listen to the show at Shoreline – the San Francisco Symphony performs beginning at 8 p.m. – you can see the show from the surrounding area. Get there early to park around the Google campus (even better is to go with a Google friend who has access to parking) and walk to the Shoreline area. Bring a flashlight for the walk. It’s a great show, all for free!
San Jose! Fireworks are back in San Jose with a free show provided by the Rotary Club beginning at 9:30 p.m. over Discovery Meadow. Crowds are expected and the VTA will be providing special service to encourage public transportation. The event is to help mark the Rotary Club’s Centennial in San Jose.
