Your Guide to 4th of July in San Francisco & Marin

There's nothing quite like the 4th of July in Marin County. From parades to pancake breakfasts, live music to fireworks — with an extra reason to celebrate this year: America's 250th birthday. Here's your full guide to the holiday on both sides of the bridge.

SAN FRANCISCO

Golden Gate Bridge Fireworks
San Francisco's annual fireworks show moves from Fisherman's Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge this year, only the third time in the bridge's nearly 90-year history. Fireworks launch from the towers at 9:30pm. The best viewing spots in San Francisco: Crissy Field, Marina Green, and Pier 39. Best viewing spots in Marin: East Fort Baker in Sausalito, the Tiburon waterfront, and Angel Island. Note: the bridge closes to vehicles shortly before the show so plan accordingly. Event details

Outer Sunset Parade at Sunset Dunes Park
A beloved neighborhood tradition on the newly car-free Great Highway. Marchers gather at 11:30am at the Noriega Sunset Lounge and parade through Sunset Dunes Park with marching bands, fire truck fanfare, and plenty of neighborhood spirit. All floats are people and pedal-powered. Event details

Fillmore Jazz Festival
Two free days of live jazz across multiple stages in San Francisco's historic Fillmore District, plus art booths and food from local vendors. Saturday and Sunday, July 4–5, 10am–6pm. Event details

"Happy 250th America!" with the Golden Gate Park Band
A patriotic concert featuring classic American songs and marching band favorites. 1–2 pm at the Golden Gate Bandshell, 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. Event details

Fireworks Cruises on the Bay
The best seat in the house for the Golden Gate Bridge show. Blue and Gold Fleet departs Pier 41 at 8:25pm and 8:30pm. Tickets and details

SOUTHERN MARIN

Sausalito 4th of July Parade, Picnic & Fireworks
Sausalito's parade begins at 10am at the corner of Second and Main, followed by a picnic at Dunphy Park with food and entertainment. Then head to Gabrielson Park for live music from 6:30–9pm and fireworks around 9:15pm. Bring your blankets, low back beach chairs, or reserve a table. Note: Bridgeway closes to traffic from 10am–1pm so plan to get there early. Event details

Tiburon & Angel Island Ferry
Skip the crowds and take the ferry. The Angel Island–Tiburon Ferry departs from the Tiburon ferry dock off Main Street at 8:30 pm (boarding at 8pm) and returns around 10:30pm — unbeatable views of the Golden Gate Bridge fireworks from the water and the island. Tickets required; kids under 6 are free. Bring your own picnic dinner and enjoy the cash bar on board. Event details and tickets

Angel Island State Park is also hosting special America 250th anniversary activities all weekend long — live music, food, living history, and descendants with personal connections to the island's history. Accessible by bike, hike, or paid shuttle along a paved 5-mile road. Event details

Homestead Valley 4th of July Parade & Picnic
A classic, family-focused neighborhood celebration. The day starts with a parade at 11am from Volunteer Park — decorate your bikes, scooters, and strollers and join along. A picnic with food, drinks, and entertainment follows at Stolte Grove at 11:30am. Event details

Corte Madera - Larkspur 4th of July Parade & Festival
One of the most beloved 4th of July events in Marin. The parade starts at 10:30am at Redwood High School, winding through downtown Larkspur and into Corte Madera. Entertainment by The Lucky Devils, food booths, and free children’s activities at Corte Madera Town Park from 1–4:30pm. Event details

Start your day at the American Legion Pancake Breakfast & Gin Fizz Booth at 500 Magnolia Ave — opening flag ceremony at 7:45am, breakfast from 8–11 am with pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee. Proceeds benefit American Legion Post 313 and Boy Scouts Troop 43.

CENTRAL MARIN

Ross 4th of July Parade & Celebration
A classic small-town celebration. The parade kicks off at 10am and a community picnic on Ross Common follows from 11:30am–2:30pm with live music, lawn games, face painting, and an inaugural pie baking contest. Free hot dogs and popcorn from the Ross Police Officers Association. Event details

Marin County Fair in San Rafael
Marin's signature fireworks tradition. Fair admission includes free carnival rides, exhibits, live music, and more. This year's theme is "Stars, Stripes & Stories." Fireworks light up the sky at 9:30pm every night from July 1–5th. Fair hours are 11am–11pm (with last entry at 10pm). Event details

Novato 4th of July Parade
One of the largest 4th of July parades in the Bay Area, with over 100 entries — classic cars, vintage military vehicles, Irish bagpipers, a Chinese drum and bell corps, and more. Parade kicks off at 10am on Grant Avenue in Old Town. Event details

Start the morning at the 72nd Annual Buckaroo Breakfast at the Redwood Credit Union parking lot (1010 Grant Avenue) from 7–10 am with eggs, pancakes, sausage, OJ, and coffee. Proceeds benefit Homeward Bound.

WEST MARIN

Woodacre & San Geronimo Valley
Start the morning with a pancake breakfast at the Woodacre Fire Station from 7–11 am, including a bounce house and fire engine rides for the kids. The San Geronimo Valley parade begins at noon from the Woodacre Improvement Club, following Railroad Avenue to Dickson Ranch. Stick around for the San Geronimo Valley Lions BBQ from 12:30–4pm with horse and pony rides, lawn games, a flea market, and live music. Event details

Rancho Nicasio
End the day at one of West Marin's most beloved venues. BBQ on the Lawn features live Americana music, food, and open skies — a perfect cap to the holiday weekend. Tickets and details

Bolinas 4th of July Celebration
The day kicks off at 9am with the legendary tug-of-war between Bolinas and Stinson Beach on the channel. The Lions Club BBQ fires up at 10am in the downtown park, followed by the parade at 11am. At 1pm, the BOLYMPICS begin: beach games, pickleball tournament, and pie baking contest. Note: downtown roads close 8am–5pm. Park at Mesa Park and take the shuttle — it runs every 15 minutes. Event details

Inverness 4th of July Festivities
A low-key West Marin tradition. Annual foot races for the whole family (toddlers to adults) from 9am–1pm on Inverness Way near the fire station. Event details

Events may change without notice, so be sure to confirm the details before attending.

Wishing you a Happy 4th of July!