AP Photo/The Detroit News/Steve Perez
What would the Fourth of July be without fireworks? Despite the Bay Area’s notoriously fickle and foggy summer weather, the skies will be bursting with red (and multi-colored) glare on Saturday. Here are a few options and venues to consider for the holiday:
The main event in San Francisco begins at 1pm at Pier 39 with live entertainment, food and fun, followed by the Firework’s Spectacular beginning around 9:30p. Organizers moved the pyrotechnics from the wide open space of Crissy Field to The City’s east side a few years ago, in an attempt to stay ahead of the fog belt. Depending on the whims of Mother Nature, it can still be a losing battle, but even in the fog, the light show is thrilling.
Fireworks fans around the Bay can also catch the show from the water. Two different Alcatraz Cruises--the Liberty Fireworks Cruise and the Patriotic Fireworks Cruise (with a special “Fourth of July” snack buffet and patriotic cocktails)—will be providing prime views of the light shows from the waters of the Bay. Red and White Fleet's vessels are reportedly filling up fast, but if you get onboard, they’ll treat you to a complimentary cruise if rain or fog impacts visibility of the Fireworks Show.
For an historic view of the fireworks, visit the USS Hornet Museum in Alameda. The naval vessel will have live music, interactive games, a bounce house for kids, and tours of the ship throughout the day. In the evening take in panoramic views of numerous Bay Area fireworks shows (clear skies permitting) from the flight deck.
The San Francisco Symphony will celebrate the Fourth at the Shoreline Amphitheatre, with guest artists songstress Stephanie Harwood, 15-year-old cello prodigy Nathan Chan and Star Trek’s George Takei. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display set to patriotic songs and marches played by the world-class orchestra.
The East Bay will add to the mix when the City of Oakland and the Port of Oakland set off a 20 minute fireworks show beginning at 9:15p on the evening of the 4th. (Jack London Square is a recommended viewing area.) Berkeley has its own unique variety of events planned for the 4th at the scenic Berkeley Marina, including music, dancers, jugglers, free sailboat rides, and an Adventure Playground. Live music includes MotorDude Zydeco, Suhaila Bellydance Company, Tropical Sounds Steel Drums, UCA Capoeira, and Afro Cuban Rumba Drumming. And, of course, the grand finale: fireworks off the end of the Berkeley Pier begin at 9:30p.
Fourth of July festivities and fireworks displays in other Bay Area locales include:
- Red, White, and BOOM! at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds from 4-10p;
- Vallejo’s Six Flags Discovery Kingdom from 10:30a-10p;
- A parade and celebration down Martinez’s Main Street begins at 10a, with fireworks in the evening;
- Fireworks viewing from the campus of Cañada College down the Penninsula in Redwood City;
- The Preservation Hall Jazz Band swings at The Robert Mondavi Winery Summer Concert Series in Oakville beginning at 7p, with fireworks to follow.
Many of the listed events are free of charge. Wherever you are on the 4th, enjoy the show, and may clear skies prevail!
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