America's 250th Birthday, Peninsula-Style
Independence Day Weekend • July 4–5, 2026
Hi parents,
Every town on the Peninsula seems to be throwing its own parade this weekend, and honestly, that’s the best kind of problem to have.
With America’s 250th birthday, there’s a little more excitement than usual. Parades, festivals, fireworks, and community celebrations are happening everywhere. Whether your crew wants pancakes before a parade in Half Moon Bay, Circus Bella in Menlo Park, or a quiet Sunday farmers market after all the festivities, there’s a version of this weekend that fits.
You definitely don’t have to do it all. Pick one adventure, pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and enjoy the long weekend together.
Happening All Weekend
Fillmore Jazz Festival
10:00 am–6:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday | 📍 Fillmore Street, San Francisco
The West Coast’s largest free jazz festival takes over 12 blocks with five stages, live music, neighborhood food, and plenty of space to wander. The Curtis Family C-Notes, a talented family band with kid musicians, perform Saturday afternoon and are always a crowd favorite.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Free National Parks Weekend
Friday–Sunday, July 3–5 | 📍 Muir Woods, Point Reyes National Seashore & participating National Parks
National park entrance fees are waived for the holiday weekend, making it a great excuse to trade the crowds for redwoods, beaches, or tide pools. Muir Woods still requires a parking or shuttle reservation.
All ages | Free entry (parking/shuttle reservations may apply) | Learn more
Saturday, July 4
Redwood City 4th of July Parade, Festival & Fireworks
8:00 am–9:30 pm | 📍 Downtown & Port of Redwood City
Start with a pancake breakfast, watch one of Northern California’s largest Independence Day parades, spend the afternoon enjoying festival booths and food trucks, then stay for fireworks over the Port.
All ages | Free (pancake breakfast $10) | Learn more
Foster City Festival & Family/Dog Parade
8:30 am–4:00 pm | 📍 Leo Ryan Park, Foster City
A Rotary pancake breakfast kicks off the day before families, decorated bikes, wagons, and dogs parade through the park. Expect live music, a kids’ play zone, and plenty of community spirit.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Woodside Junior Rodeo
9:00 am–5:00 pm (Grand Entry 1:00 pm) | 📍 Mounted Patrol of San Mateo County, Woodside
Young cowboys and cowgirls compete in barrel racing, roping, and more while families enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, and a mechanical bull.
All ages | $20 adults, $15 kids under 18, free under 5 | Get tickets
An Old-Fashioned Fourth: Victorian Crafts
10:00 am–4:00 pm | 📍 San Mateo County History Museum, Redwood City
Celebrate Independence Day the Victorian way by making paper flags and spinning pinwheels while exploring the museum.
All ages | $4–6 (free for members) | Learn more
Menlo Park Parade, Picnic & Circus
10:45 am–3:00 pm | 📍 Burgess Park, Menlo Park
Decorate a bike or wagon for the neighborhood parade, then enjoy two free Circus Bella performances, food trucks, and a relaxed community picnic.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Palo Alto Chili Cook-Off & Summer Festival
11:00 am–3:00 pm | 📍 Mitchell Park, Palo Alto
Free chili tasting, inflatables, live music, food trucks, and a sensory-friendly tent with lower stimulation and calming activities for kids who need a quieter break.
All ages | Free | Learn more
South San Francisco Parade & Picnic
Morning–Afternoon | 📍 Orange Memorial Park to Grand Avenue, South San Francisco
Watch the community parade before heading to the picnic featuring free hot dogs, a classic car show, and a pet costume contest.
All ages | Free | Get details
Half Moon Bay Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July Parade & Festival
8:00 am–4:00 pm | 📍 Main Street, Half Moon Bay
A Coastside tradition featuring a pancake breakfast, a noon parade, live music, and local vendors throughout downtown.
All ages | Free (breakfast extra) | Learn more
Fireworks Watch
Not planning to spend the whole day at a Fourth of July celebration? Here are two great spots to end the evening with fireworks.
Redwood City Fireworks
9:30 pm | 📍 Port of Redwood City
Part of Redwood City’s all-day Fourth of July celebration, the fireworks launch over the Port and are easy to pair with the afternoon festival. Arrive early if you plan to park nearby.
All ages | Free | Get details
Golden Gate Bridge Fireworks
9:30 pm | 📍 Best viewed from Crissy Field, Marina Green or Pier 39, San Francisco
A rare fireworks show launching directly from the Golden Gate Bridge. Expect large crowds, road closures, and limited parking. Taking public transit and arriving before sunset will make for a much smoother evening.
All ages | Free | Get details
Sunday, July 5
Menlo Park Farmers Market
9:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 Chestnut Street, Menlo Park
Fresh produce, pastries, flowers, local vendors, and live music make this an easy, low-key Sunday outing.
All ages | Free to browse | Learn more
San Carlos Farmers Market
9:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 Laurel Street, San Carlos
Downtown San Carlos fills with fresh produce, specialty foods, and local vendors every Sunday. Easy to stroll with little ones and grab breakfast along the way.
All ages | Free to browse | Learn more
Asian Art Museum: Free First Sunday
10:00 am–5:00 pm | 📍 Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
Explore more than 18,000 works of Asian art with free general admission on the first Sunday of the month. Reserve tickets online ahead of time.
All ages | Free | Get details
Golden Gate Park Band: Symphony in the Park
1:00 pm–2:45 pm | 📍 Spreckels Temple of Music, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Pack a blanket and enjoy an afternoon of live orchestral music in one of San Francisco’s most beautiful parks.
All ages | Free | Learn more
This is one of those weekends where there’s more happening than any family could possibly fit in, and that’s part of the fun. Whether you spend it at a neighborhood parade, wandering a festival, or simply enjoying a slower Sunday together, I hope you find a little time to make summer memories.
Have a wonderful holiday weekend, and I’ll see you next week.