Celebrate Independence Day the Marin County way! Communities across the Marin observe the 4th of July in their own unique ways. Here’s what’s going on in your community on Thursday, July 4.
Corte Madera and Larkspur 4th of July Parade & Festival
- The Corte Madera-Larkspur 4th of July Parade and Festival is one of the biggest 4th of July events in Marin. The parade starts at 10:30 am. The parade leaves Redwood High School and winds through downtown Larkspur from Magnolia Avenue and into Corte Madera by way of Tamalpais Drive until it reaches Corte Madera Town Center. Accompanying festivities take place at Corte Madera's Town Park from 10:30 am–4:30 pm. Info: (415) 924-0441 or www.cortemadera.org
- American Legion's 70th annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast & Gin Fizz Booth can be found in downtown Larkspur at 500 Magnolia Avenue. Proceeds benefit the American Legion Post, 313 and Boy Scouts Troop 43. It's a great place to come before the Larkspur/Corte Madera 4th of July Parade. The opening flag ceremony is at 7:45 am. Breakfast is served from 8–11 am, and includes pancakes, sausages, juice and coffee. Tickets: $15 adults, $10 children. Delicious gin fizzes, using the traditional 1928 recipe, cost $5 each.
Mill Valley — Homestead Valley 4th of July Picnic & Parade
- Homestead Valley's 4th of July picnic and parade is a fun, family-focused event that celebrates our nation's independence. The day starts with a community parade at 11 am from Volunteer Park to Stolte Grove, led by a bright red fire truck. Then enjoy an all-American BBQ picnic with food, drink, entertainment, and more. For more info, visit their website.
Novato 4th of July Parade
- The 70th annual Buckaroo Breakfast is a traditional part of the 4th of July festivities in Novato. Breakfast is served from 7–10 am at the Redwood Credit Union parking lot at 1010 Grant Avenue in downtown Novato. Come enjoy eggs, pancakes, sausage, orange juice, and coffee. Suggested donation: $10 for adults, $5 for kids. All our net proceeds benefit Homeward Bound. Event details
- Novato’s 4th of July Parade is one of the largest in the Bay Area and takes place from 10 am to noon in downtown Novato at Grant and Railroad Avenues. Pre-parade entertainment from 9 to 9:45 am. Every year Novato hosts 15,000 to 20,000 spectators and over 100 parade entries ranging from classic cars and vintage military vehicles to Irish bagpipers and a Chinese drum and bell corps. For more info, visit their website.
San Rafael — 2024 Marin County Fair
- The 2024 Marin County Fair in San Rafael offers what is pretty much Marin County's official fireworks display. Fair admission includes free carnival rides, exhibits, music, and more. This year's fair theme is "Make a Splash!" Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm every night July 3–7. Fair hours are 11 am–11 pm; last entry at 10 pm. Location: Marin County Fairgrounds, Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. Info: (415) 499-6400 or www.marinfair.org.
Sausalito 4th of July Parade & Fireworks Extravaganza
- Sausalito’s 4th of July parade will commence at 10 am down 2nd and Main Streets. Everyone is invited to gather for an afternoon picnic at Dunphy Park with food, entertainment, and more. Come and enjoy a good old-fashioned 4th of July celebration! Visit their website.
- Sausalito's Fireworks Extravaganza takes place at Gabrielson Park.The evening events will take place at Gabrielson Park. Elena Keating and The R&B Allstars is sure to keep you dancing from 6:30-9pm. Fireworks will begin around 9:15pm and last for half an hour. Big Jim's BBQ will be serving food. Bring your blankets, beach chairs (low to the ground and no high backs), or reserve a table. Visit their website.
San Francisco 4th of July Festivities
- Pier 39 is a great place to see the fireworks in the city — they're set off on a barge moored just off the pier. Head there early to get a spot on the deck or a coveted table in one of the Pier's restaurants. Info: www.pier39.com
- Take a 4th of July Fireworks Cruise with the Blue and Gold Fleet and see the San Francisco fireworks display from the Bay! Fireworks cruises depart at 8:20 and 8:30 pm from Pier 41. The 8:30 pm cruise is alcohol free. Tickets: $109 adults, $99 juniors ages 12–11, $79 children 5–11, free for and kids 5 and under. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure time. More info and tickets: www.blueandgoldfleet.com
Bay Area Independence Day Celebrations & Fireworks Displays
If you and your family finds itself elsewhere in the Bay Area this 4th of July, here are some celebrations and fireworks displays farther afield:
- Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View: Celebrate Independence Day with a 4th of July fireworks spectacular and the San Francisco Symphony, led by Edwin Outwater and featuring vocalist Jessica Vosk, at Shoreline Amphitheater. The evening begins at 7 pm and features a crowd-pleasing selection of American classics as well as a tribute to heroes and a selection of songs from Wicked. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks show set to stirring patriotic songs and marches. Info: www.sfsymphony.org
- 4th of July on the USS Hornet, Alameda: The USS Hornet will be having their annual summer celebration on the flight deck on the 4th of July, featuring food, drink, music by Nashville Honeymoon, and fun! The museum will also be open for visitors to explore. 10 am–5 pm. uss-hornet.org
- Half Moon Bay's Ol' Fashioned 4th of July Parade & Block Party: Half Moon's Bay's parade starts at noon on Main Street and celebrates Independence Day in small town America. Stick around for the Red, White & Blue Block Party afterwards. july4th.miramarevents.com
Source: marinmommies.com
