With the Fourth of July just around the corner, how will you celebrate our country's Independence Day? With so much on tap around the Bay Area, we'd wager you won't have any trouble finding something to do.
Groove alongside 100,000 of your closest friends to the tunes of some of the area's greatest jazz performers on three main stages. Arts, crafts and food vendors will occupy 10 blocks should you get restless and need to exercise your legs. July 4-5, 10am-6pm, free.
Down in Mountain View, sweet sounds will fill the air, as the symphony takes the stage at Shoreline Amphitheatre in this Radio Disney concert, A Look to the Future, featuring the soundtrack from 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Planets, Star Wars and Star Trek. George Takei will even be there in person. It doesn't get much more authentic than that. The evening will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display. July 4, 8pm, tickets $17-$30.
What better way to honor America's birthday than by partaking in one of her favorite pastimes? San Francisco's beloved Giants will go head-to-head with the Houston Astros on their home turf at AT&T throughout the weekend. July 3 at 7:15pm, July 4 and 5 at 1:05pm, tickets start at $25 for bleacher seats.
Fourth of July Waterfront Celebration
If you prefer to go the more traditional route, head to Pier 39 to view the fireworks and rock out to Take 2 and 80's cover band, Tainted Love. July 4, 1-9:30pm, free.
Half Moon Bay Ol' Fashioned Parade and Fireworks
Surprisingly, the biggest Independence Day shindig of all going down in the Bay Area takes place in the tiny seaside community of Half Moon Bay. Beginning with a parade down Main Street at noon (with horses, floats, vintage cars, the works), then followed by a town-wide picnic, the day ends with a fireworks extravaganza launched from Pillar Point Harbor. July 4, noon-9:30pm, free.
