Redwood City’s Fourth of July celebration returns with a full downtown-to-waterfront lineup

Redwood City, California – Redwood City will spend Independence Day doing what it has done for generations: filling downtown streets with music, neighbors, old traditions and a few new memories waiting to be made.

On Saturday, July 4, the city is inviting residents and visitors to take part in a full day of Fourth of July events, from an early morning pancake breakfast to a nighttime fireworks show over the Port of Redwood City. The celebration will stretch across downtown and into the waterfront, bringing back several familiar pieces of the city’s holiday calendar, including the parade, Downtown Festival, sidewalk chalk art, car show, food trucks, live music and fireworks.

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This year’s parade will carry the theme “Celebrating America 250,” recognizing the nation’s 250th anniversary. The Redwood City Fourth of July Parade, organized by the Peninsula Celebration Association, has been part of the city’s story since 1939 and is described as the largest Independence Day parade in Northern California. Thousands of spectators are expected to gather along the downtown route as floats, marching bands, community groups, classic cars and other entries move through the heart of the city.

The day starts before the parade steps off. From 8 to 11 a.m., the annual Pancake Breakfast will be held at the Redwood City Fire Department’s main Marshall Street fire station. The breakfast costs $10 and benefits the Redwood City Firefighters Association. For many families, it offers a slower start to a busy day: a plate of pancakes, a chance to support local firefighters and a short walk into the center of the celebration.

Downtown will already be active by then. The Downtown Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., turning parts of Jefferson Avenue and Broadway into a long holiday gathering place. Visitors will find arts and crafts booths, food and beverage vendors, entertainment, face painting, children’s activities and community service booths. The festival also gives nonprofit and community groups a chance to raise money, meet residents and share information about their work.

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Color will arrive underfoot as well. The Chalk Full of Fun Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival will take place July 3 and 4 at Courthouse Square and Chalk Alley. Artists will create sidewalk pieces throughout the downtown area, adding bright, temporary artwork to the holiday scene. The event is free and is presented by the Redwood City Parks & Arts Foundation.

After the parade, another tradition rolls into view. The car show will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Pizza and Pipes parking lot, giving visitors a chance to see classic and specialty vehicles after the morning crowds move through downtown.

By evening, attention shifts toward the Port of Redwood City. Food trucks will begin serving at 5:30 p.m., followed by a concert featuring Vital Sign from 7 to 9:15 p.m. The fireworks show, hosted by the Port of Redwood City, is scheduled to begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.

City officials note that the fireworks can be viewed from many locations in Redwood City and around the Peninsula, as long as there is a clear view of the sky above the Port. Those planning to watch from the Port should arrive early because public parking is very limited and much of the surrounding area is private property.

Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time for parking and travel, and follow posted traffic and safety instructions throughout the day. Street parking will be available around the parade route, but attendees should not park in the Kaiser Permanente Emergency Department parking lot.

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More details, including fireworks information, parking guidance, chair policy, parade routes, public transportation links and the full festival schedule, are available at RedwoodCity.org/July4.