Celebrate Independence Day at these 8 Fourth of July events around the region
From the nightly pyrotechnic shows and colorful parades to rodeo clowns and live concerts, here are eight fun ways to show your patriotism during this year’s Independence Day.
Cal Expo
July 4 Although the California State Fair doesn’t start until July 13, Cal Expo will host one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the region. When the gates open at 4:30 p.m., attendees can nosh on classic fair foods like corn dogs and hamburgers from local establishments like Milo's and Baja Grill, groove to the funky beats of Sacramento-based Bruno Mars tribute band 24K Magic Live and the Bruno Mars Boys Dance Team or sing along to local country musician Rachel Steele and pop-rock quintet National Lines. At 9:30 p.m., the sky will explode with color for 22 minutes as music from radio station 106.5 FM plays in the background. Free ($10 reserved seating). 4:30-9:52 p.m. Cal Expo. 1600 Exposition Blvd. 916-263-3000. calexpo.com
Raley Field
July 4 Dust off your picnic blankets and head to Raley Field, home of the Sacramento River Cats, for its Fourth on the Field celebration, where there's plenty to do before the fireworks show begins at 9:30 p.m. Dance to Sacramento's rockabilly outfit Dyana and the Cherry Kings and acoustic duo Tattered and Tied, and fuel up with fare from the 23 food trucks, which include Homestylin', Cecil's Taste, Flavor Face and more. Kiddos can take reins on the playground, get a portrait from a caricature artist or attend one of the three science shows from Mad Science of Sacramento. $10-$12 ($5-$7 for ages 12 and under; $20 for 21+ Suite). 6-10 p.m. Raley Field. 400 Ballpark Dr. West Sacramento. 916-376-4722. raleyfield.com
Carmichael
July 4 The city's Fourth of July festivities begin bright and early at 7 a.m. with the Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast at the Carmichael Park Clubhouse and the 60th annual Elk's Club parade down Fair Oaks Boulevard, featuring colorful vintage cars, marching bands and decked-out horses. Afterward, take a break before joining the crowds at the La Sierra Community Center at 7 p.m. for snacks like tacos from Azteca Street Tacos, Hawaiian barbecue at 808 Island Grill, milk tea from Wandering Boba and frozen desserts from Ronnie's Italian Ice. Local Tom Petty tribute band Great Wide Open will take the stage throughout the night as the pyrotechnic spectacular lights up the sky at approximately 9:30 p.m. Prices, times and locations vary by event. 916-485-5322. carmichaelpark.com
Davis
July 4 Celebrate America's birthday in style with the city of Davis at Community Park, where festivalgoers can play classic games like ring toss, bean bag toss and giant Connect Four, and fill up on nachos, churros, watermelon slices and other treats from the nonprofit Davis Phoenix Coalition. Local rock band The Five Thirty and San Francisco-based Baroque pop group The Family Crest will perform, while the Davis Chorale will sing the National Anthem at 9:25 p.m. before fireworks erupt for 18 minutes. Free. 4-9:58 p.m. Community Park. 1405 F St. Davis. 530-757-5602. cityofdavis.org
Elk Grove
July 4 At Elk Grove's 22nd Salute to the Red, White and Blue celebration at the city's Regional Park, attendees can partake in a pie-eating contest, marvel at a stilt-walking Uncle Sam, or get crafty and decorate their own bikes and strollers to parade through the park alongside the city's police department at 5:30 p.m. Then, grab a lobster roll from Cousins Maine Lobster or scoop up a cone or cup of your favorite ice cream flavors from Snowboard Ice Cream while catching a live performance from the funky cover band The Cheeseballs. Finally, find a perfect spot on the grass and relish in the pyrotechnic show, set to last for 20 minutes beginning at 9:40 p.m. Free. 4-10 p.m. Elk Grove Regional Park. 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Rd. Elk Grove. 916-691-2489. elkgrovecity.org
Folsom
June 30-July 1 & 3. The three-day Folsom Pro Rodeo is coming back to the Folsom City Lions Park for its 58th year, celebrating Independence Day with a variety of honky-tonk action like a visit from the mischievous rodeo clown Matt Merritt; a parachutist descending from the sky with a 35-foot American flag before the national anthem each night; BMX bike stunts from the Flying Cowboys; a performance by the Painted Ladies drill team; as well as the ever-popular Mutton Busting—a crowd favorite where kids can channel their inner bull riders by climbing atop small sheep. The Cool Down Corral and Smitty's Cantina food areas will serve carnival fare like bacon-wrapped mac and cheese and funnel cakes. After the fireworks show that begins nightly at 9:30 p.m., local country-western band Branded will perform in the Saloon Under the Stars. $21.50. 6 p.m.-midnight. Folsom City Lions Park. 200 Wool St. Folsom. 916-985-2698. folsomprorodeo.com
Placerville
July 4. The El Dorado County Fairgrounds will host an outdoor barbecue during Placerville's annual Fourth of July Family Blast. You can BYOG (bring your own grill) or there will be plenty of grilled burgers and hot dogs for sale, or cool down with cherry limeade, craft brews or wine from the various purveyors. Kids can make their way through the nearly 50-square-foot maze, glide down the giant slide or try to escape a room of mirrors before settling back down for the fireworks spectacular just after sundown. $3 (Free for ages 3 and under). Gates open at 4 p.m.. El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Dr. Placerville. 530-621-5860. eldoradocountyfair.org
Rancho Cordova
July 3-4. Those looking to double down on Fourth festivities can head to Hagan Park in Rancho Cordova for the city’s two-day Fourth of July festival. Elton John tribute band The Early Years (July 3) and L.A.-based Bruno Mars tribute group Uptown Funk (July 4) will take the stage, and attendees can partake in the corn hole tournament or watch the extreme trampoline team Aerial Assault perform gravity-defying stunts. Kids can ride ponies or explore Crocker Art Museum's mobile exhibit, the Art Ark. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. each night. $2. Tues. 4-11 p.m. Wed. noon-11 p.m. Hagan Park. 2197 Chase Dr. Rancho Cordova. 916-273-5701. cordovacouncil.org
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