The Fourth of July is synonymous with fireworks, but there are fewer professional fireworks displays planned in Silicon Valley this year. Foster City canceled its show for 2025 due to the community center construction work, and Redwood City is opting for a drone show this year.
But both cities are still among several locally that are hosting a full slate of events to celebrate the holiday, including parades, pancake breakfasts and live music. Events include longtime traditions — like the San Francisco Symphony’s concert and accompanying fireworks finale at Shoreline — and new happenings, including free circus performances. Find our complete guide to local Fourth of July festivities below.
Staking out a lawn seat at Shoreline,
Julia Brown
Six Fifty Editor
editor@thesixfifty.com
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The first person to reply to this email with the correct place where the below photo was taken will win a prize from The Six Fifty and a shoutout in our next newsletter!
Cactus & Succulent Fair: June 27-29 The Cactus and Succulent Society of San Jose hosts its summer plant show and sale in Sunnyvale. Vendors will be selling rare species you can’t buy in stores, plus handcrafted pottery and assorted accessories.
The Literature & Movie Quiz Game Show: June 27 Test your knowledge of all-things cinematic, including film adaptations of classic films and plays, at this trivia event, which features prizes and complimentary refreshments.
Barks & Brews: June 27 Bring your four-legged friend to The Glade Dog Park at Springline in Menlo Park for a pet vendor pop-up, a live DJ and an off-leash dog play area. Food and drinks available for purchase.
Boyz II Men: June 27 The R&B group brings its hits and harmonies to the Mountain Winery.
HOOPLA!: June 28 and July 4 Circus Bella brings its acrobatics, jugglers, clowns, aerialists and live band to public parks for free summer performances.
Lake Street Dive: June 29 The eclectic pop group comes to Stanford’s Frost Amphitheater for the first time.
Earthquake Walk: July 6 Take a leisurely paced, naturalist-led hike along the San Andreas Fault and learn about plate tectonics and remnants of past earthquakes.
Jessa Crispin with Ruth Whippman: July 8 In “What Is Wrong with Men,” author Jessa Crispin uses the iconic roles of actor Michael Douglas to explore today’s “crisis of masculinity.” She’ll be at Kepler’s in conversation with author Ruth Whippman.
Plan Ahead:
BraveMaker Film Festival: July 10-13 Redwood City’s annual film festival celebrating independent cinema returns with screenings and special events.
Los Altos Art & Wine Festival: July 12-13 The annual Los Altos Art & Wine Festival offers live entertainment, food and drinks and the work of hundreds of artists from California and beyond.
Canoes in Sloughs: July 12 Explore the Bair Island wetlands by canoe, guided by naturalists from the Marin Science Institute.
ACGA Clay & Glass Festival: July 12-13 The annual festival features more than 100 California clay and glass artists, plus hands-on activities, food trucks and more.
Bay Area Fit Fest: July 19 Fitness studios and wellness brands come together for a day of pop-up workouts and classes, products and more in Central Park.
July Meadow Dance: July 19 The HomePie String Band and caller Nina Berry lead an evening of joyful folk dance at Pie Ranch.
Summer Nights at Filoli: Through Sept. 18 On Wednesday and Thursday nights during the summer, Filoli is open late for sunset strolls, acoustic music, food trucks and sweet treats.
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