Family-Friendly 4th of July Events in Marin & Sonoma Counties – Parades, Fireworks, Festivals & More!

Family-Friendly 4th of July Events in Marin & Sonoma Counties – Parades, Fireworks, Festivals & More!

Celebrate Independence Day with your family in Marin and Sonoma Counties, where tradition meets community spirit! Our guide covers every major event—from pancake breakfasts and small-town parades to fairground fireworks and live concerts. Plan your perfect July 4 celebration with times, locations, admission details, and helpful tips.

🌟 Marin County Highlights (Friday, July 4, 2025)

1. Marin County Fair (San Rafael, July 2–6)

The Marin County Fair runs daily from 11 am–11 pm, with free admission for kids ≤ 12 on July 2. Expect carnival rides, live music (tribute bands to Duran Duran, Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty), and fireworks nightly at 9:30 pm.

2. Sausalito 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

Starts at 10:00 am on Second & Main Street, followed by a 12 pm picnic at Dunphy Park and evening music at Gabrielson Park. Fireworks begin around 9:15 pm.

3. Angel Island–Tiburon Fireworks Cruise

Board in Tiburon around 8:00 pm for an 8:30 pm departure, returning by 10:30 pm. Tickets (~$100/adult) include picnic privileges onboard.

4. Novato Buckaroo Breakfast & Parade

Start your day at 7:00 am for a pancake breakfast in Redwood Credit Union lot, followed by a 10:00 am parade down Grant Avenue .

5. Corte Madera / Larkspur Parade & Festival

Join the 10:30 am parade and post-parade festival with food, live entertainment, and kids’ activities at Town Park.

6. Mill Valley Parade & Picnic

The Homestead Valley community hosts a morning parade, followed by a family-friendly picnic in Mill Valley .

7. Rancho Nicasio BBQ

Enjoy a Zydeco Flames BBQ afternoon on Rancho Nicasio’s lawn—great for families seeking local charm .

🎇 Sonoma County Events (Friday, July 4, 2025)

8. Cloverdale 4th of July Parade & Downtown Street Faire

Parade runs 10 am–1 pm, followed by a Street Faire from 4:00–8:30 pm with live music by Wonder Bread 5, artisan vendors, games, and food.

9. Healdsburg Kids Parade & Duck Dash

Family-friendly parade starts at 10:00 am, complete with a quirky duck dash event downtown.

10. Sonoma Plaza Parade & Fireworks Celebration

Parade begins at 10:00 am, followed by festival booths into the afternoon. A fireworks show lights up General Vallejo Field at dusk (~9 pm) .

11. Kenwood July 4 Shindig & Night Hike

Join the 1–3 pm Shindig in Plaza Park (music, wine, food), then a 7–10 pm guided night hike at Sugarloaf Park with fireworks views.

12. “Fired Up Freedom” at Sonoma County Fairgrounds (Santa Rosa)

From 1:00–10:00 pm, enjoy music, food, pillow fights, and ending with the county’s largest fireworks extravaganza at 9:30 pm—$10 general admission, kids ≤ 6 free .

13. Rohnert Park Fireworks Spectacular (Green Music Center)

Concert from 4:30 pm by Santa Rosa Symphony & Transcendence Theatre, leading into fireworks from 7:30–10:00 pm. Ticketed event ($46–76; kids half-price).

14. Petaluma Floathouse Paddle & Fireworks

Board at 8:45 pm for a riverside paddle; enjoy fireworks at 9:30 pm from the Sonoma‑Marin Fairgrounds—$60/person.

15. Petaluma High‑Elevation Fireworks

Watch neighborhood-launched fireworks around 9:30 pm, visible citywide—no formal event .

16. Cotati & Santa Rosa Live Music

From 6:00–9:00 pm, enjoy Blue 7 Jazz Band at Redwood Café (Cotati), plus jazz, rock tributes, comedy, and more across Santa Rosa venues.

17. Forestville Farmers Market BBQ & Music (July 5)

Saturday evening event, 4:30–7:30 pm, featuring local foods, live music, wine, and crafts .

✅ Pro Tips for Families & Visitors

• Arrive early (by 9:00 am) for prime parade viewing and festival access.

• Bring low-back chairs or blankets—no pop-ups at Sonoma Plaza parade.

• Tickets sell fast for Marin Fair and “Fired Up Freedom”—reserve early!

• Weather-wise, expect mild temperatures in the 60s–70s with coastal breeze