From dazzling fireworks over the Bay to small-town parades, live music, and family-friendly daytime festivals, there’s a celebration waiting for you around San Carlos this Independence Day. This guide highlights the nearest 4th of July events happening around our city in 2025, sorted by distance to make planning your perfect day easy. Each listing includes drive times, event times, and where to watch fireworks near San Carlos (when applicable):
Foster City
Location: Leo Ryan Park, 6–7 miles (7-10 min drive) from San Carlos
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Event Description: While fireworks are canceled due to construction, Foster City still kicks off with a pancake breakfast, followed by a family and dog parade, live music, and fun games at Leo Ryan Park. Perfect for families with younger kids and no loud booms.
Fireworks: None
Half Moon Bay
Location: Main Street, 13-15 mi (20-25 min drive) from San Carlos
Time: Pancakes at 8 a.m.; Parade from 12:00–1:30 p.m.; Festival ends at 4:00 p.m.
Event Description: Celebrate with an “Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July Parade” through downtown, featuring vintage cars, floats, live music, food and drinks, and community groups: arts and crafts vendors, and fun activities for kids. It starts with a hearty pancake breakfast and ends with cheering crowds on Main Street.
Fireworks: None
Redwood City
Location: Port of Redwood City, 16 mi (~20 min drive) from San Carlos
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Event Description: Celebrate Independence Day in Redwood City with a full day of family-friendly festivities, including a pancake breakfast, parade, classic car show, live music, and colorful chalk art. This year’s celebration ends with a dazzling **drone light show** over the Port of Redwood City.
Drone Show: 9:30 p.m.
San Francisco
Location: Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf, 24-26 mi (31–39 minutes drive) from San Carlos
Time: Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. | Cruise boards at 7:15 p.m.
Event Description: A classic SF celebration with waterfront views, bustling crowds, and music. Optional fireworks cruise for stunning views from the Bay. Arrive early or use public transit.
Fireworks: 9:30 p.m. (Cruise and land viewing)
Sunnyvale
Location: Downtown near Murphy Avenue, 18 mi (20–30 min drive) from San Carlos
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Event Description: Sunnyvale’s 4th of July Festival is back with a fun-filled day of free family activities, including carnival games, a creative playground, live performances by Choo Choo Soul and The Peelers Band, and a photo booth. Admission is free, and a complimentary bike valet is available on Washington Avenue for those arriving on two wheels.
Fireworks: None
Mountain View
Location: Shoreline Amphitheatre, 34 mi (~40 min) from San Carlos
Time: 8:00 p.m. concert, fireworks after
Event Description: A grand symphony concert with The San Francisco Symphony and ukulele virtuoso Taimane, capped with a beautiful fireworks show. Great acoustics and atmosphere! Bring a picnic or enjoy from nearby park areas.
Fireworks: Post-concert
Sausalito
Location: Bridgeway to Gabrielson Park, 34 mi (42 min drive) from San Carlos
Time: Parade at 10 a.m.; Picnic noon to 4:00 p.m.; Party at 6:15 p.m.; Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Event Description: Sausalito offers a small-town celebration: a full day of free public events, including a morning parade through Old Town, a lively picnic with games and music at Dunphy Park, and an evening party with food, dancing, and fireworks at Gabrielson Park. Highlights include live performances, family-friendly contests, and the opportunity to reserve premium fireworks viewing tables.
Fireworks: 9:15 p.m.
Santa Clara
Location: Great America, 19–20 miles (21–22 min drive) from San Carlos
Time: Evening to 9:40 p.m. (July 4 & 5)
Event Description: 4th of July happens at California’s Great America with Star-Spangled Nights presented by M&M’S®, featuring thrilling rides, festive entertainment, and a dazzling fireworks show set to patriotic music on July 4 and 5 at 9:40 p.m. On July 4 only, upgrade your experience with an All-You-Can-Eat Backyard BBQ in the Pavilion, offering premium fireworks viewing, BBQ meats, sides, desserts, and drinks. Park admission is separate, and BBQ tickets are priced at $59.99 for adults and $39.99 for kids ages 3–11. The park offers military members free admission.
Fireworks: 9:40 p.m. July 4 & 5
San Jose
Location: Lake Cunningham Park & PayPal Park (July 5), 40 mi (45–55 min drive) from San Carlos
Time: Dusk
Event Description: Although the central city fireworks were canceled, Lake Cunningham will host a replacement show on the 4th, with post-game fireworks at PayPal Park on July 5. Post-game fireworks follow the San Jose Earthquakes match. A great option for sports fans wanting to catch a show one day after the 4th.
Fireworks: July 4 at dusk, July 5 post-game
Cupertino
Location: Hyde Middle School, 20–21 mi (23 min drive) from San Carlos
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Event Description: Celebrate the 4th of July in Cupertino with a full day of family-friendly fun, starting with a pancake breakfast, a children’s parade, live music, and games at Memorial Park. The festivities conclude with a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m., viewable from several nearby locations.
Fireworks: 9:30 p.m
Be sure to plan ahead, check traffic, and consider noise sensitivity for pets and loved ones! For more fireworks displays and 4th of July celebrations around the whole Bay Area, you may visit the following websites:
- “2025 Fourth of July Fireworks in the Bay Area: The Official Shows, Plus Advice on Safety, PTSD and Pets”, KQED.org
- “July 4th fireworks in the San Francisco Bay Area: What you need to know in 2025”, Fox 2 KTVU
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About San Carlos Life
Mark Martinho and Vivienne Kelvin are the hosts of San Carlos Life and have been residents of San Carlos for years. While running San Carlos Life together with an awesome team, Mark and Viv are also in the business of real estate. They are the co-owners of Vabrato, a real estate brokerage with over 30 years of combined experience, serving the City of Good Living and the whole of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
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