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July 4th - and USA's 250th - on the Peninsula

1 Jul 2026 10:23 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

Marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Fourth of July this year is extra special, and communities across the Peninsula are pulling out all the stops with patriotic parades, family festivals, live music, and spectacular evening shows. Check out some of the family-friendly events happening up and down the Peninsula on July 4.

Half Moon Bay Ol’‑Fashioned Fourth of July Parade & Festival

Time: 8 am – 4 pm (parade at noon)
Where: Downtown Half Moon Bay
What: One of the Peninsula's most beloved Independence Day traditions returns with a pancake breakfast, Main Street parade, community festival, and family activities. New this year, families can also stop by the World Cup Fun Zone in Carter Park before the parade as part of the city's summer celebrations.

South San Francisco America 250 Parade & Picnic

Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Where: Grand Avenue between Spruce and Maple
What: Created especially for the nation's 250th birthday, this community celebration features a patriotic parade, downtown picnic, entertainment, family activities, and local businesses joining in the festivities.

Millbrae July 4th Beats, Brews, and Vines

Time: 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
Where: Millbrae Central Park
What: Enjoy live music, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival games, and plenty of lawn space for a family picnic. Bring blankets and chairs for an easy afternoon outdoors.

Foster City Fourth of July Celebration & Dog Parade

Time: 8:30 am – 4 pm (parade at 11:05 am)
Where: Leo J. Ryan Park
What: Enjoy a pancake breakfast, family and dog parade, kids play zone, food trucks, live music, and one of the Peninsula's most family-friendly Independence Day celebrations.

San Mateo – 4th in the Park

Time: 11 am – 2 pm
Where: Central Park
What: Live concert (Vybe Society), family-friendly activities, and food trucks in the heart of San Mateo

Redwood City's 4th of July Parade, Festival, Concert, & Fireworks

Time: 8 am – 10 pm (parade at 10 am; fireworks at 9:30 pm)
Where: Downtown Redwood City and the Port of Redwood City
What: This year's theme is "Celebrating America 250." The day includes a pancake breakfast, Northern California's largest Independence Day parade, a festival with arts & crafts and entertainment, classic car show, evening concert at the Port, and a fireworks show over the harbor at approximately 9:30 p.m.

An Old-Fashioned Fourth at the San Mateo County History Museum

Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Where: San Mateo County History Museum, Redwood City
What: Celebrate America's 250th birthday with Victorian-era crafts, historic demonstrations, family activities, and special programming that complements the downtown parade. A wonderful stop for history-loving families or anyone looking for an air-conditioned break. Admission is $4-$6.

Menlo Park Fourth of July Community Parade, Picnic & Circus

Time: 11 am – 3 pm (parade lineup begins at 10:45 am)
Where: Burgess Park and Arrillaga Family Gymnasium
What: Decorate your bike, scooter, or wagon and join the People Parade to Burgess Park, where you'll find food trucks, a community picnic, and two free performances by Circus Bella. This year's event also celebrates California's 175th birthday alongside the nation's 250th anniversary, making it an especially festive stop for families with young children.

Palo Alto 4th of July Chili Cook Off and Summer Festival

Time: 11 am – 3 pm
Where: Mitchell Park
What: Free chili tasting, live music, food trucks, inflatables, crafts, games, and a sensory-friendly space make this a perennial favorite for families with young children.

Mountain View Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular

Time: 5 pm – after dark
Where: Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View
What: The San Francisco Symphony returns for its annual outdoor concert, featuring “Summer of 1969: The Soundtrack of a Generation.” Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with family-friendly activities, children’s entertainment, American food favorites and frozen treats. The evening culminates in one of the Peninsula's premier fireworks displays.

For even more events and details, see: https://www.rwcpulse.com/ae/2026/06/25/americas-250th-birthday-a-guide-to-fourth-of-july-events-on-the-peninsula-and-beyond/

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