4th of July Celebration

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Celebrate the 4th in Redwood City

Saturday, July 4, 2026
Downtown Redwood City & The Port of Redwood City

Jump to: Schedule | Parade Route | Fireworks FAQs | Parking & Transit | Festival | Chalk Full of Fun | Parade Chair Policy

Join us in Redwood City for a full day of Independence Day fun as we celebrate America 250, marking our nation's 250th anniversary. Since 1939, Redwood City has hosted the largest Independence Day Parade in Northern California, bringing our community together to celebrate the people, traditions, and shared experiences that make our country and city strong.

Enjoy a day packed with festivities, including the Pancake Breakfast, Chalk Full of Fun Chalk Festival, the Fourth of July Parade, the Downtown Festival, live music and food trucks at the Port, and the exciting return of the fireworks show to cap off the celebration.

There's no better place to celebrate the Fourth of July than Redwood City!

Know Before You Go

✔ Fireworks launch from the Port of Redwood City at approximately 9:30 p.m.

✔ Fireworks are visible from many locations throughout the Mid-Peninsula with clear views of the Port.

✔ Public parking at the Port is very limited. Arrive early if you plan to watch from the waterfront.

✔ Take Caltrain to Downtown Redwood City for easy access to parade and festival activities.

Event Schedule

Information is subject to change

Time	Event
8:00–11:00 a.m.	Pancake Breakfast - Redwood City Fire Department
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.	Chalk Full of Fun - Courthouse Square (also Friday, July 3)
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.	Downtown Festival - Festival Schedule
10:00 a.m.	Fourth of July Parade - Parade Route
10:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.	Car Show
5:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.	Food Trucks Open - Port of Redwood City
7:00–9:15 p.m.	Pre-Fireworks Concert - Vital Sign – Classic & Southern Rock Tribute Port of Redwood City
9:30 p.m.	Fireworks Celebration - Launched from the Port of Redwood City.

Event Information

Pancake Breakfast

with Redwood City Fire Department at Fire Station 9 (755 Marshall Street). Breakfast is $10 and benefits the Redwood City Firefighters Association.

Chalk Full of Fun

Chalk Full of Fun on Courthouse Square (Also Friday, July 3) Reserve a Chalk Square here.

Downtown Festival Activities

Support local organizations and artists at the annual Festival. There will be arts and craft booths, food, and entertainment for the thousands of people that attend the festival immediately after the parade. Click for a schedule.

Fourth of July Parade

Come be a part of the largest Independence Day parade in Northern California. Parade route.

This year's Grand Marshal is Brigadier General Stephen McLaughlin. Come see the General and many other special guests as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary!

Car Show

After the parade in the "Pizza and Pipes" Winslow Parking lot. More info: click here

Pre-Fireworks Concert at the Port of Redwood City

with Vital Sign, Classic & Southern Rock Tribute Band

Plus Food Trucks @ the Port

PB&J Off the Grill, Los Tolucas, Grillzillas, Sunrise Deli, Sam's Chowder House, Humphry Slocombe

Fireworks Celebration

The fireworks show, sponsored by the Port of Redwood City, will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. The fireworks can be enjoyed from many locations throughout Redwood City and the Peninsula where there is a clear view of the skies above the Port of Redwood City. Those planning to watch from the Port should arrive early, as public parking is very limited and much of the area is private property. More details below.

Downtown Parking

Expect road closures and parking restrictions due to the parade. Plan ahead and arrive early.

Several downtown parking garages will be closed during the parade, including the Jefferson Avenue Garage, Box 900 Garage, and the Marshall Street Garage.
The parking lot behind the Post Office will also be closed.
Free parking is available at on-street meters and in City surface lots (where accessible).
Parking garages that remain open are paid parking.
Consider taking Caltrain, which is just a short walk from the parade route and festival.
View the Downtown Parking Map.

Parade Chair Policy

Please do not place chairs or other personal items along the parade route before 12:00 a.m. on July 4.

When can I place my chair or other personal items along the parade route?

What happens if I place my items out too early?

How do I retrieve items that have been removed?

Is the City responsible for lost or damaged items?

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Fireworks Information

The 4th of July fireworks return and will once again be launched from the Port of Redwood City! This wonderful show is brought to the community by the Port of Redwood City.

Are personal fireworks allowed in Redwood City?

DON'T TAKE THE RISK!

Fireworks are illegal in Redwood City
Up to $50,000 fines and jail time.
Keep your family and our community safe.

The use of ALL fireworks by people unlicensed to display fireworks is ILLEGAL in the City of Redwood City, as it is in most communities on the peninsula. Fireworks are dangerous and can result in fires and injuries that are easily preventable. In addition, fireworks cause unnecessary anxiety and fear in our community. Be a good neighbor and don't risk it! Let's keep each other safe and sane.

HOW TO REPORT ILLEGAL FIREWORKS

When reporting illegal fireworks use, please call the Redwood City Police Department non-emergency line at (650) 780-7118 at the time of the incident and provide specific addresses or identifying information to assist responding officers. This helps our officers enforce the City’s Social Host Ordinance by tying a specific property to the illegal activity.

More information

What time does the concert begin?

Will there be food available?

What time do the fireworks begin?

Where can I watch the fireworks?

Is there parking at the Port?

Public parking at the Port is extremely limited this year with overflow parking reduced to approximately one-quarter of the previous years' capacity. Overflow parking is expected to fill quickly, and signage will direct visitors to available parking areas. The Port will provide a public viewing area along the waterfront off Seaport Court. Designated ADA parking is available in the Marina parking lot on a first-come, first-served basis.

Once parking is full, Seaport Boulevard will close to vehicle traffic at the intersection of Seaport Boulevard and Blomquist Street, which could occur as early as 7:30 p.m. After the closure, no vehicle access to the Port area will be available. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early or consider using public transportation or a rideshare service.

Where should I meet my rideshare after the fireworks?

Can I watch the fireworks from my boat?

What items are prohibited?

Will restrooms be available?

Can I bring my pet?

Please leave pets at home if you plan to attend the fireworks show. Fireworks can be extremely stressful for animals, particularly dogs, due to their sensitive hearing. The loud booms and bright flashes can cause fear, anxiety, and unpredictable behavior. If your pet will be home alone, consider leaving a radio or TV on to help mask the sound of neighborhood fireworks and create a more calming environment.

What should I bring?