Looking for things to do with the family on the 4th of July? Spend Independence Day hanging out at one of these kid-friendly events, neighborhood parades and celebratory festivals. The best part about most of these 4th of July events? You can end the evening with a patriotic bang of dazzling fireworks in the night sky!
Arden-Arcade
15th Annual Spirit of Freedom Parade
Parade route – south along Fulton Avenue, west on Cottage Way, ending up in the north parking lot in Howe Park. After the parade, there will be festivities, food, entertainment, and parade awards.
When: Monday, July 4; 10am
Where: Fulton Avenue, Arden-Arcade
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Auburn
4th of July Celebration
Pancake breakfast, old fashioned kids games, and parade.
When: Monday, July 4th
Where: Streets of Old Town Auburn
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Carmichael
4th of July Pancakes & Parade
When: Monday, July 4; 7am – 1:30pm
Where: Parade kicks off at 10:30am. Parade route – Begins at Marconi/Fair Oaks, continues down Fair Oaks Boulevard and ends at Cypress/Manzanita.
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Fireworks Show
Food, music and fun. Activities include arts and crafts, inflatables, face painting and more. Fireworks Show at dark (approximately 9:30pm).
When: Saturday, July 4; 7-10pm
Where: La Sierra Community Center; 5326 Engle Road, Carmichael
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Davis
4th of July Celebration
Food and games, Annual championship softball tournament, parade, live music, and Fireworks.
When: Monday, July 4
Where: Davis
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
El Dorado Hills
Family Blast
Live music, hay maze, inflatables, food, fireworks.
When: Monday, July 4th; 6pm
Where: El Dorado County Fairgrounds
Cost: $3 per person walk-in, kids 6 and under free, OR parking $15 per carload includes admission
More info: Visit website
Elk Grove
20th Annual “A Salute to the Red, White & Blue”
Live entertainment, bike and stroller parade, and more. Fireworks begin at 9:30pm.
When: Monday, July 4; 4-10pm
Where: Elk Grove Regional Park; 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Rd., Elk Grove
Cost: FREE; parking $10 per vehicle
More info: Visit website
Folsom
Folsom Pro Rodeo
One of the biggest annual traditions in Folsom. Community picnic and concert, cattle events, nightly carnival and fireworks.
When: July 2 – 4
Where: Folsom City Park
Cost: Ticket prices here and discount offered here
More info: Visit website
Greenhaven/Pocket
4th of July Parade
Parade Route – Along Windbridge Drive from Lisbon Elementary to Garcia Bend Park. After parade there will be live music, parade awards and food trucks in Garcia Bend Park.
When: Monday, July 4; 10am
Where: Windbridge Drive, Sacramento
More info: Visit website
Rancho Cordova
4th of July Parade
Parade route – Beginning on Coloma Road at Cordova Lane, the parade proceeds west to Chase Drive and left on Rinda Drive.
When: Monday, July 4; 10am
Where: Rancho Cordova
More info: Visit website
4th of July Celebration
Two-day festival celebrating the local community and our American heritage. It is the signature event for the community. Food, Booths, Exhibits, Kids Zone with petting barn, train, pony rides and petting barn. Carnival rides, Fireworks.
When: Sunday, July 3 – Monday, July 4
Where: Hagan Park, 2197 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova
Cost: Admission $2, Kids under 5 FREE, Parking $10
More Info: Visit website
Roseville
4th of July Celebration
Parade along Vernon Street, carnival games, bounce houses, food. Live music from The Capitol Pops Concert Band.
When: Monday, July 4; 9am – 1pm
Where: Royer Park, 190 Park Drive, Roseville
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Roseville Fireworks Show
The fireworks will be launched from Sierra View Country Club but the public viewing area will be from the Grandstands and the lawn at the Placer County Fairgrounds. Food will be available for purchase.
When: Monday, July 4; 9:30 (gates open at 7:00pm)
Where: Placer County Fairgrounds
Cost: FREE, Parking $5
More info: Visit website
Sacramento
Sacramento Independence Day Celebration
Cal Expo annually joins the City and County of Sacramento to produce the largest-scale pyrotechnics display in the area’s history. The Independence Day Celebration is a family oriented collection of activities focused around our Nation’s birthday.
Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Arrive early and bring lawn chairs and blankets.
When: Monday, July 4; Fireworks 9:30pm (Doors open at 5:30)
Where: Cal Expo, East Gate Entrance (located at the intersection of Exposition Blvd. and Challenge Way)
Cost: General admission FREE, reserved seats $10, parking $10
More info: Visit website
Fireworks Show
Find a perfect spot on Front Street in Old Sacramento to view the 9:30 pm firework show from across the river at Raley Field.
When: Monday, July 4
Where: Old Sacramento
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
West Sacramento
Fourth on the Field
Games on the field, food trucks, kids area, live music, fireworks at 9:30.
When: Monday, July 4th; 6pm
Where: Raley Field
Cost: $10.00 Adults, $5.00 Kids 12 and under; parking $5
More info: Visit website
Written by Keilah Woodard
My love for exploring and creating experiences with my three kids led to the founding of SacramentoSidetracks.com in 2009. I realized that Sacramento has so much to offer and I was excited to share my findings with other parents. Besides simply having fun, these are the other positive side effects of taking my kids on outings that I’ve discovered: we have quality time together away from the distractions at home, we cultivate our curiosity, learn new things, conversations are triggered by what we see and do, we connect and bond as a family, and we create new memories. Ready to get sidetracked, too? Let me be your guide!
