Fourth of July Celebration
A Good Old-Fashioned Fourth – with a New Spark!
Join us for a full day of family fun, food, music, and community spirit as Redwood City celebrates Independence Day in classic style—with a fresh twist! This year, we're ending the evening with a spectacular drone light show over the Port of Redwood City in place of traditional fireworks.
This innovative, environmentally friendly show will light up the sky with synchronized aerial choreography, offering all the magic of fireworks—without the loud booms, smoke, or fire risk.
Whether you're a long-time local or visiting for the day, we’ve got something for everyone.
Event Schedule – Friday, July 4, 2025
7:30 – 10:30 a.m. 🥞 Pancake Breakfast with the Redwood City Fire Department, 755 Marshall Street; Start your day right with a hot breakfast and a side of community connection.
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 🎨 Chalk Full of Fun on Courthouse Square (Also happening Thursday, July 3, from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.); Watch local artists bring the sidewalks to life with colorful creations! Brought to you by RWCPAF
9:00 a.m. 🚗 Classic Car Show in the Winslow Lot (Pizza and Pipes) Stay tuned for more details
10:00 a.m. Parade; Our beloved tradition marches on with floats, bands, and hometown pride. More...
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 🎡 Fourth of July Festival; Enjoy family activities, vendors, live entertainment, and more! More...
7:00 – 9:15 p.m. 🎶 Concert at the Port of Redwood City; Live music by the ABC Band, Funked up Classic Rock. Plus food trucks down by the water (Los Tolucas, Sam's Chowder House, Grillzillas, Curry Up Now, Sunrise Deli & Humphrey Slocombe).
9:30 p.m. 🌌 Drone Light Show at the Port of Redwood City. Head to the lawn area for the best viewing experience! The show is only visible from the lawn area, so be sure to grab a spot there. This synchronized aerial performance is choreographed to music and designed to wow all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why a Drone Show?
This year, Redwood City is taking a bold step into the future while keeping the heart of our celebration firmly rooted in community values. Instead of traditional fireworks, we're closing out the Fourth of July with a high-tech, high-impact drone light show that offers all the “wow” without the worry.
We’re proud to offer a sky show that is:
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🌍 Environmentally Friendly
No smoke, no debris, and no fire risk. Our drone show protects local air quality, marine life, and open space while still dazzling the crowd. It’s a celebration that respects our planet.
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🐾 Pet-Safe
Fireworks can cause distress for our furry family members. The drone show is gentle on pets—no sudden bangs or ear-shattering explosions—so more of the community can safely enjoy the night.
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🧠 Inclusive & Considerate
For veterans with PTSD, individuals with sensory sensitivities, and neurodiverse community members, loud fireworks can be overwhelming. This alternative offers a more welcoming and accessible experience for all.
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🌟 Innovative & Memorable
Hundreds of drones will dance above the Port, choreographed to music and forming spectacular images in the night sky. It’s something you have to see to believe.
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🦺 Safer for the Public and First Responders
Drone shows eliminate the risk of injury and fire hazards associated with traditional fireworks, which means a safer experience for spectators, firefighters, and emergency personnel alike.
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📸 Instagrammable & Family-Friendly
Beautiful to watch, easy to photograph, and totally unique. This is the kind of Fourth that makes memories (and epic social posts).
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✨ Still Feels Like the Fourth
From pancakes and parades to car shows and concerts, we’re keeping all the beloved traditions. The drone show is just the final, fantastic update to a classic day.