Here is a look at July 4 celebrations across Contra Costa County — which includes firework shows, parades, music and more.
As a reminder, The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District reminds the public that all fireworks – even “Safe and Sane” ones – are illegal in Contra Costa County. This 4th of July, let’s work together to prevent fires and injuries by leaving the shows to the pros! Check out these approved fireworks shows happening around the District:
- Contra Costa Country Club
- Martinez – Waterfront Park
- Antioch – Historic Rivertown District
- Pittsburg – Marina
- Pleasant Hill – College Park High School
- Concord – Mt. Diablo High School
- Hercules – Bayfront Blvd
In 2024, CONFIRE reported a 30% increase in activity on the July 4 holiday when compared to last year. The District brought in 2-3 extra dispatchers and answered 1,104 calls between 10:00 am to 3:00 am. On a normal day, the call volume is around a couple hundred calls—July 4 was nearly 4x the norm.
Thursday, July 3
Richmond Annual 3rd of July Fireworks
Start your Independence Day festivities early with an evening full of energy, excitement, and community spirit. Join us on Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Marina Bay Park for Pre-Fourth Fun & Fireworks—a family-friendly celebration featuring:
- Live music to keep the crowd dancing
- Games and festive activities for all ages
- A wide variety of food vendors serving sweet and savory favorites
- A grand fireworks display at 9:15 PM lighting up the Richmond sky
For more information, click here
Benicia Torchlight Parade
Celebrate Benicia heritage with a special Torchlight Parade celebration as they honor the City’s rich history and founding traditions! Benicia’s Founders Day Torchlight Parade will illuminate the streets with a dazzling display of community spirit and historical remembrance. The parade stretches along First Street from B Street to the judging area at Benicia City Park on First and Military Streets. Event begins at 6:30 pm — more info
Friday, July 4
5K Runs
- 7:00 am: Liberty Bell 5k Fun Run (Brentwood)
- 7:30 am: San Ramon 5k/10k (San Ramon)
- 7:45 am: Pleasant Hill Firecracker 5k Run
- 8:00 am: Concord Stars & Stripes Kids Run
- 8:00 am: Orinda Fun Run
- 8:15 pm: Concord Stars & Stripes 5k Run/Walk
- 9:00 am: HRC Rotary 5k Run (Rodeo)
Parades
- 9:00 am: Danville 4th of July Parade
- 9:30 am: Brentwood Classic 4th of July Parade
- 9:30 am: Pleasant Hill Downtown Parade
- 10:00 am: Concord July 4 Parade
- 10:00 am: Martinez Downtown July 4 Parade
- 10:00 am: Orinda July 4 Parade, Carnival & Music in the Park
- 4:00 pm: Antioch July 4 Parade
Celebrations
City of Antioch
Join the City of Antioch in celebrating Independence Day in our historic Rivertown. Visit Waldie Plaza to experience live entertainment and enjoy local food vendors and trucks. Have an exciting time with friends and family in the Games Zone located at City Hall, before picking your spot to see the big firework show. Event is from 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm — more info
- 4:00 pm – Parade + Kids Zone
- 5:00 pm: Music by Ariel Marin
- 7:15 pm: Music by The Purple Ones
- 9:20 pm: Fireworks
City of Concord
Events at Todos Santos Plaza
- 8:00 am : Stars & Stripes Kids Fun Run – sign up
- 8:00 am : Rotary Pancake Breakfast
- 8:15 am : Stars & Stripes 5k Run & Walk – sign up
- 10:00 am : Independence Day Parade
Events at Mt. Diablo High School
- 4:00 PM : Festival Gates Open
- 7:30 PM : The 925 Band
- 9:00 PM : Fireworks over Concord
For more information: https://www.concordjuly4th.com/
City of El Cerrito
The annual City of El Cerrito/worldOne July 4th Festival provides the chance to celebrate amongst high-flying banners, world-class music, friends, community groups, classic car showcase, and more. Join us on Friday, 7/4 to celebrate this renowned El Cerrito Tradition at Cerrito Vista Park (950 Pomona Ave, El Cerrito)! The event is free to the public, with pay-as-you-go options for attractions such as food & beverage booths, rides, bounce houses, vendor booths and more! More information will be added as it becomes available. More info
City of Orinda
City of Pinole
The City of Pinole will be hosting a 4th of July Celebration at Pinole Valley High School. From 6:30 – 9:30 pm, we will be featuring a drone show, food trucks, children’s activities, and so much more! More info: Click Here
City of Pleasant Hill
Join the City of Pleasant Hill for a day of activities on the July 4 Holiday that includes a 5k run, parade, park event and concludes with a fireworks show. Here is a schedule of the events:
- 7:45 am: Firecracker 5k & Kids 100-Yard Dash (downtown) – We invite you to participate in our Firecracker 5K Race or kids 100-yard dash! Prizes for the top finishers.
- 9:30 am: Parade – Come to Downtown Pleasant Hill and see the World Famous Pleasant Hill Parade!
- 10:30 am to 1:30 pm: Park Event – After the parade ends, walk over to Pleasant Hill Park for live music, food, and fun for the kids
- 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm: Fireworks – Enjoy an evening of fireworks with a viewing party at College Park High School. There will be music, food, and dessert trucks on site. Access is $4 per person (suggested donation).
More info: https://phjuly4.com/
City of San Pablo
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening at the San Pablo Community Center for the Multicultural Celebration + Drone Show on Friday, July 4th, from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM! (2450 Road 20 San Pablo, CA). Here is a look at what to expect at the event:
- Live Entertainment & Community Performances
- Food Trucks & Vendors (Serving food until 8:45 PM)
- Carnival Games for the whole family
- Drone Show at 9:00 PM to end the night with a bang!
City of San Ramon
Fireworks + Drone Shows
- 9:00 pm: Benicia Fireworks Show
- 9:00 pm: Pittsburg Fireworks Show
- 9:00 pm: Hercules Fireworks Show
- 9:00 pm: Pinole Drone Show
- 9:00 pm: San Pablo Drone Show
- 9:20 pm: Antioch Fireworks Show
- 9:30 pm: Martinez Fireworks Show
For more upcoming events around Contra Costa County, visit our events calendar.
