Bay Meadows

Life on the Peninsula definitely has its benefits, including easy access to parks and acres of natural settings alongside charming towns where tradition and community connections prevail.  San Mateo and its surrounding areas are serving up a number of fun Fourth of July activities this year, ranging from fireworks shows over water and midway games to small town parades and pancake breakfasts. Explore the list of ways to ring-in Independence Day close to home:

The annual Highlands fireworks show overlooks Crystal Springs Reservoir. In past years, the fireworks have started at approximately 9:30 pm. July 3, 9:30pm.

Celebrate Independence Day in San Mateo with a 4th of July parade followed by a festival with midway carnival games. The 2017 theme is “Stars, Stripes and Smiles.” July 4, 10am-3pm.

Foster City Fourth of July Celebration offers games, entertainment, a family parade, carnival rides, a barbecue, and fireworks over the lagoon at 9:30pm at Leo Ryan Park. July 4, 9am-9:45pm.

Watch the Redwood City Parade, then head inside the History Museum and make Fourth of July crafts from the 1880s and homemade churned vanilla ice cream. July 4, 10am-4pm

Add some spice to your Independence Day at the 36th annual Palo Alto Summer Festival & Chili Cook-off on July 4, 12pm.

The Redwood City 4th of July Parade, Festival and Fireworks is the premier holiday parade in downtown. Participate in the 5K run, pancake breakfast and fireworks at 9:30pm.

Half Moon Bay’s beloved Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July Parade takes over Main Street transforming the charming downtown into a pulsating Coastsider take on a mini-Mardi Gras style celebration. July 4, 12pm.

Witness the skies sparkle red, white and blue with San Francisco Fireworks, visitors will be treated to SF’s spectacular fireworks display over the Bay launched from just north of Fisherman’s Wharf. July 4, 9:30pm.

Join the Rotary Club of San Jose in celebrating Independence Day at Discovery Meadow. Fireworks begin July 4 at approximately 9:30pm.

Head down south to the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View for their annual fireworks concert with the SF Symphony. This year marks the 32nd anniversary for this popular event. July 4, 8pm.

The “Red, White & Boom” celebration in Milpitas is on July 4 at the Milpitas Sports Center Complex with an afternoon of fun and fireworks show starting at 7pm. July 4, 1pm.

Enjoy Fourth of July in the Park in San Mateo at the Martin Luther King Park and Pool (Mount Diablo Ave & N. Fremont St). It features music, free swimming, family fun and more. July 4, 11am-2pm.

Grab your red, white, and blue and join the City of Menlo Park for the Annual Fourth of July Parade and Celebration. The parade starts at 11:45am and makes its way through the streets of Menlo Park to Burgess Park. At Burgess Park, the whole family can enjoy music, games, and food until around 2:30pm.

Looking to mix up your fitness routine? Meet your neighbors and enjoy the fresh air with pop-up fitness and yoga classes at Bay Meadows. Is gardening more your speed? Our monthly Dig It! Workshops in Persimmon Park are free and open to the public. Also, keep an eye out for our annual Fame by Frame photo contest and exhibit. Check out our Facebook page for more events.