Happy 4th of July! A list of East Bay Independence Day 2012 celebrations
on July 2, 2012
Looking for an Independence Day celebration in the East Bay? Here’s our rundown of some of the events that will be happening on both July 3 and July 4 — be sure to click through to get more information about any events that interest you, because some require tickets or advance registrations, while others are free to the public.
Did we miss any? Please leave us a note in the comments!
Tuesday, July 3
Oakland East Bay Symphony Independence Day Fireworks
6:30 pm
Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond
An evening of live traditional and patriotic music with performances by the Hilltop Community Church Choir and the Oakland East Bay Symphony, followed by fireworks. Bring your own blankets and chairs, seating is first come, first served. Admission is free. More information here.
A’s vs. Red Sox
7:05 pm
Oakland Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland
The Oakland A’s take on the Boston Red Sox, followed by a patriotic fireworks display you can watch from the outfield grass. Ticket prices and more information here.
Wednesday, July 4
July 4th Family Fun Festival
11 am – 4 pm
Jack London Square, 98 Broadway, Oakland
Outdoor activities for the family include arts and crafts, live music, a petting zoo, bounce houses and a giant slide. More information here.
Pardee Patriotic Picnic BBQ
noon – 4 pm
Pardee Home Museum, 672 11th Street, Oakland
Featuring outdoor games like croquet and volleyball, crafts for kids, picnic food and patriotic music by Frederick Hodges and Ann Gibson. Adults $15, kids ages 5-11 $5, kids under age 5 are free. More information here.
Oakland Municipal Band concert
1 -3 pm
Edoff Memorial Band Shell in Lakeside Park on Lake Merritt, 666 Belleview Avenue, Oakland
Oakland’s own municipal band presents traditional music by Aaron Copland, John Philip Souza, George Gershwin and more. Bring a lawn chair and picnic lunch. More information here. (Note: the band’s site appears to be offline; this link directs you to the group’s Facebook page.)
City of Piedmont 4th of July Celebration
11 am – afternoon
A neighborhood parade begins at 11 am on Highland Avenue and Park Way, ending at Piedmont Park for an afternoon celebration. More information here.
4th of July Parade and Jumpin’ & Jivin’ Jubilee
Parade: 10 am, click here for route information
Jubilee: noon – 4 pm, Rittler Park at Otis Drive and Grand Street, Alameda
The day begins with a parade throughout the city featuring floats, dancers, antique cars, music and more. It’s followed by an afternoon celebration at the park for kids and adults with music, food, games, jump houses. Tickets $10 per person for ages 5 and up, includes a wristband good at games and jump houses. More information here.
Fourth of July
2 – 9:30 pm
USS Hornet, 707 W Hornet Ave, Pier 3, Alameda
A celebration on the historic US naval aircraft carrier, including live music on the flight deck, ship tours, games and family activities. More information and ticket prices here.
4th of July at the Berkeley Marina
noon – 10 pm
Berkeley Marina & Cesar Chavez Activity Park,
An all-day event for kids and adults. Live entertainment from noon – 9:30 pm includes samba rock fusion from Bautista, Mal Sharpe’s Big Money in Jazz Band; the Allman Step Brothers Band; Professor Gizmo’s one-man band; Troupe Tangiers and Sharifa’s Habibis belly dancers. Other entertainment includes magicians, comedians, outdoor activities for kids, food booths, dragon boat rowing, giant slides and bubble ball rides, plus see the fireworks over the water at 9:30 pm. More information here.
Fourth of July Cruise on the USS Potomac
7:30 – 10:30 pm
Jack London Square, 98 Broadway, Oakland
A cruise on the historic ship that includes desserts, champagne, tea and coffee. Tickets $125 per person. More information here.
4th of July Dinner Cruise by Celebrations on the Bay
7:30 – 11 pm
Jack London Square, 98 Broadway, Oakland
A cruise on the bay featuring a BBQ dinner, full bar and music. Tickets are $80 for adults and $40 for children ages 3-10, children under ages 2 and are free. Reservations required. More information here.
Fireworks photo by German Laullon via Flickr Creative Commons.
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