Stars, Stripes and Summer Nights
Planning a Fourth of July getaway? The Tri-Valley offers everything from hometown parades and community celebrations to spectacular fireworks and family-friendly activities. Here are a few July Fourth highlights to add to your itinerary:
- Alameda County Fair Fireworks Spectacular (Pleasanton) – Celebrate America's 250th birthday at the Alameda County Fair on Saturday, July 4. The Fair will be open from noon until the conclusion of the 9:30 p.m. Fireworks Spectacular, with carnival rides, live entertainment, shopping, fair food and Blues Fest activities throughout the day. Parking lots close at 5:30 p.m., and admission gates close at 6 p.m., so arrive early for the best experience. Check their website for event details and tickets:
- Livermore Fourth of July Celebration – Start your Independence Day at the 3rd Annual Fourth of July Celebration at the Livermore Municipal Airport from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The family-friendly event features patriotic activities before the city lights up the evening sky with its annual fireworks celebration.
- Danville Fourth of July Parade – A longtime East Bay tradition, the Kiwanis Fourth of July Parade steps off at 9 a.m. along Hartz Avenue, bringing together marching bands, community organizations, floats and plenty of patriotic spirit.
- San Ramon Community Celebration – Pack a picnic and head to Central Park, where families gather for an evening of live music and community celebration beginning around 5 p.m.
- Dublin Family Fun – Families can celebrate close to home with Safe and Sane fireworks at designated city parks, including Shannon Park, Dublin Sports Grounds, Alamo Creek Park and Emerald Glen Park, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Whether your ideal Independence Day includes fireworks, parades, concerts or simply spending time together with family and friends, the Tri-Valley offers countless ways to celebrate one of the biggest holidays of the summer. But the fun doesn’t end there! Here are some great things to do while visiting the Tri-Valley.
Downtown delights
Summer weekends in downtown Pleasanton are made for slowing down. Start your morning browsing the Pleasanton Farmers Market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Main Street and West Angela Street, where local growers, bakers and artisans create one of the East Bay's favorite open-air markets.
Just a short stroll away, the Harrington Art Gallery inside the Firehouse Arts Center showcases rotating exhibitions by regional artists, making it an easy addition to a leisurely afternoon downtown.
If you're visiting on Sunday, July 12, don't miss Downtown Pleasanton's Totally Mimosa Crawl, one of the city's signature summer traditions. This year's Totally '80s theme adds plenty of neon flair, while participating businesses offer creative mimosa tastings, shopping specials and festive surprises throughout downtown. The evening wraps up with a massive silent disco, turning Main Street into one unforgettable dance floor. Tickets and event information are available at Eventbrite.
Raise the Curtain
Pleasanton's Firehouse Arts Center keeps the spotlight shining all summer with performances for audiences of every age.
Families can cheer on the cast of Junie B. Jones Jr., opening Friday, July 10, followed by Cinderella (Youth Edition) beginning Friday, July 17. Later in the summer, the stage comes alive with Mean Girls (High School Edition), running July 31 through Aug. 8, followed by the nationally acclaimed Desi Comedy Fest on Friday, Aug. 21. Jazz lovers can close out the month with a special tribute celebrating the 125th birthday of Louis Armstrong on Friday, Aug. 28, featuring renowned trumpeter Jeff Bordes and vocalist Jackie Gage.
Performance schedules and tickets are available at the Firehouse Arts Center.
Long Live Summer Nights
The Alameda County Fair may wrap up on July 12, but not before delivering one final weekend packed with entertainment. National acts including Flo Rida and Cheat Codes headline the closing concert series, while visitors can still enjoy carnival rides, fair food, shopping and family attractions before another successful season comes to a close. Concert schedules and tickets are available at the fair’s website.
Friday nights remain lively in downtown Pleasanton as Concerts in the Park continue at Lions Wayside Park. On Friday, July 10, Honky Tonk Heroes brings classic country favorites beginning at 7 p.m. Pack a blanket, grab takeout from one of downtown's restaurants and enjoy a relaxed evening under the stars.
Cruise Into August
Few events capture the spirit of summer quite like the Goodguys West Coast Nationals, returning to the Alameda County Fairgrounds Aug. 21-23. More than 3,000 hot rods, customs, muscle cars and trick trucks fill the grounds for one of Northern California's largest automotive celebrations, complete with live music, autocross competitions, vendors and family-friendly entertainment.
Looking for something with a different rhythm? Dublin's popular summer concert series welcomes the high-energy '80s tribute band Tainted Love on Thursday, Aug. 6, transforming Emerald Glen Park into a giant outdoor dance party complete with food vendors, local beer and regional wines.
Whether your perfect getaway includes theater, classic cars, live music, art galleries or leisurely afternoons in wine country, summer continues to offer new reasons to explore Pleasanton and the Tri-Valley long after the fireworks fade.