Fourth of July: Picnics, Parades, Fireworks

Looking for something fun to do to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend? Patch has put together a roundup of Independence Day-focused outings in the Bay Area.

PRE-HOLIDAY FIREWORKS

Where: Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton

What: See the sky light up with this annual firework display

When: Friday, July 1, at 9:15 p.m.

Cost: Fee with fair admission ($10 for ages 13 and up, $8 for seniors,
$6 for ages 6-12, free for kids younger than 6.

For more info: Click here.

FOURTH OF JULY AT MEEK PARK

Where: 17365 Boston Rd., Hayward

What: Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy old-fashioned games, a History Hunt and live music provided by the Banjo Racketeers.

When: July 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost: Free

For more info: Call (510) 581-0223

FIREHOUSE PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Where: Alameda County Fire Station #27; 39039 Cherry St., Newark

What: Treat yourself to a stack of pancakes and support the Alameda
County Firefighters Local 55 Charity Fund, which facilitates involvement in community organizations and projects.

When: July 4, 8 a.m. to noon

Cost: $5

For more info: Call (510) 667-3148

BERKELEY MARINA FIREWORKS

Where: 201 University Ave., Berkeley

What: All-day live entertainment includes face painting, arts and
crafts, dragon boat rowing, and of course plenty of food vendors to fill you up. The Adventure Playground is always a hit with the kids as well.

When: July 4, noon-10 p.m.

Cost: Free

For more info: Call (510) 548-5335 or click here.

JACK LONDON SQUARE

Where: Broadway and First Street, Oakland

What: Enjoy entertainment from Kinetic Arts: stilt walkers, acrobats,
jugglers, balloon artists, clowns and face painters—you'll feel as if you're at the circus! Though there won't be any fireworks at this event, you can still find plenty to do—including a petting zoo!

When: July 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: Free

For more info: Call (510)627-1670 or click here.

LIONS WAYSIDE PARK

Where: First Street and Neal Street, Pleasanton

What: Celebrate the 13th Annual Forth of July Concert and Celebration. Bring your own lunch or dine on “a dog and a drink for a
dollar”: the popular hot dog lunch served by the Lions Club. Last year, over 1,000 people attended.

When: July 4, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

For more info: Call (925) 484-3064 or click here.

USS HORNET MUSEUM

Where: 707 West Hornet Ave., Alameda

What: View fireworks (beginning at 9:15 p.m.) from the historic USS Hornet. Throughout the day, listen to live music and entertainment featuring Eddie & the Boppers on the flight deck. Kids can play carnival games, try out the flight simulator, jump houses, interactive games, and partake in ship exploration.

When: July 4, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Cost: $20 for adults ($25 at door), $10 for kids (ages 5-17)

For more info: Call (510)8448 x282 or click here.

SAN FRANCISCO: PIER 39

Where: Pier 39 entrance plaza, San Francisco

What: Fourth of July waterfront entertainment, fun for the whole family, including dancing, live entertainment, and fireworks.

When: July 4, noon-9:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

For more info: Call (415) 989-7437 or click here.

CRUISES, LUXURY STYLE

Where: San Francisco/Alcatraz

What: Cruise along the Bay on the California for a night
filled with dancing, fine dining, and of course, dazzling fireworks that will light up the sky.

When: July 4, 6:30 p.m.-11p.m.

Cost: $247.45 per adult via phone, $239.95 per adult via Internet,
$149.95 per child

For more info: Call 1(800)-410-8233 or click here.

CRUISES, ECONOMY STYLE

Where: Blue and Gold Fleet at Piers 39 and 4, San Francisco

What: Set sail aboard the Blue and Gold Fleet and watch San Francisco's fireworks display from the best seats in the house!

When: July 4, boarding between 8 to 8:45 p.m.

Cost: For box office pre-sale: $59 adults, $49 children (ages 5-11), $185 family pack (two adults, two children). For box office days: $65 adults, $55 children

For more info: Call (415) 705-8200 or click here.