Fourth of July

Looking for the best local events to make this Independence Day unforgettable? Look no further! This is your ultimate guide to all the amazing Fourth of July festivities happening in Central California. From spectacular fireworks displays to lively parades and family-friendly activities, we’ve got everything you need to plan a perfect celebration.

Shaver Lake Fireworks & Boat Parade  Enjoy this tradition of family fun at the lake with the boat parade at 6 p.m. and fireworks at dusk. Free! Shaver Lake. (559) 841-3350

Caruthers Fair Independence Day Firework Celebration  Gates open at 6 p.m. and fireworks will begin at dusk. There will be parking available at Tahoe Avenue Soccer Field for $20 and food available for purchase. Caruthers Fairgrounds, 13595 S. Raider Avenue, Caruthers. (559) 864-3768

Dinuba Independence Day Celebration  Families will enjoy food, fun, and fireworks starting at 5 p.m. at this free event. Fireworks begin around 9:15 p.m. Ridge Creek Golf Course, 3018 Ridge Creek Drive, Dinuba. (559) 591-5940

Fresno’s The Island Waterpark Firework Show  Enjoy a full weekend of waterpark fun with waterslides during the day, and a firework show in the evening! Call for times and prices. The Island Waterpark, 6099 W. Barstow Avenue, Fresno. (559) 277-6800

Kerman American Spirit Firework Extravaganza  Enjoy food trucks, the play zone, fireworks, and more! Festivities start at 6 p.m. Tickets: $3–$6, kids 3 and under are free. Kerman High School, Football Stadium, 205 S. First Street, Kerman. (559) 846-6343

Kingsburg Independence Day Celebration  Old fashioned All-American patriotic celebration with fireworks, food, and fun! 6 p.m. Bring your chairs and blankets! Call for tickets. Kingsburg High School, 1900 18th Avenue, Kingsburg. (559) 897-1111

Selma Independence Day Celebration  Food booths, fireworks, and more! Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs. Tickets: $2–$5, children 4 and under are free. Selma High School, 3125 Wright Street, Selma. (559) 891-2235

Visalia Independence Spectacular  Families will enjoy food, music, a drone show, and more from 6–10:30 p.m. Free entry. Riverway Sports Park, 3611 N. Dinuba Boulevard, Visalia. (559) 713-4365

Visalia Racing & Fireworks  Join for an evening of racing action, great food, and fireworks! Racing begins at 5:30 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Tickets: $8–$15, kids 5 and under are free. Plaza Park Raceway, 700 S. Plaza Street, Visalia. (559) 890-8814

Atwater 4th of July  The day kicks off with the parade at 9 a.m. at Elm & Winton, the festival runs through 4 p.m. at Ralston Park, and the concert and fireworks show is from 6–10 p.m. at the Castle Commerce Center. Parking: $20, Walk-Ins: $5. 5050 Santa Fe Drive, Atwater. (209) 355-4912

Bass Lake Fireworks & Boat Parade  Light up the sky with the annual, free fireworks show at Bass Lake. Boat parade at 7 p.m. and Fireworks at dusk, but arrive early to claim a spot on the beach or in the water. Bass Lake, 54432 Road 432, Bass Lake. (559) 683-4636

Clovis Freedom Fest  Don’t miss the biggest patriotic party in the Valley from 5–9:30 p.m. Tickets: $5, kids 5 and under are free. Clovis High School, Lamonica Stadium, 1055 Fowler Avenue, Clovis. (559) 225-7228

Fresno Fireworks and Drone Show  Let’s light up the night sky together from 7–10 p.m. Bring your friends, your family, and your patriotic spirit! Security, water, and restrooms provided. Food and drink vendors on-site. Video surveillance throughout event. No alcohol, pets, or personal fireworks allowed. Free entry and parking (no event parking on Cedar side—use Shields or Dakota to enter). 7–10 p.m. Granite Park Retail Complex, Fresno. (559) 497-3000

Fresno Grizzlies Fireworks Extravaganza  This Independence Day show is one of the biggest in Fresno County. Sit back and watch the Fresno Grizzlies take on the Modesto Nuts. The colorful display of fireworks kicks off after the game. Ticket prices start at $25.25. Chukchansi Park, 1800 Tulare Street, Fresno. (559) 320-4487

Fresno’s The Island Waterpark Firework Show  Enjoy a full weekend of waterpark fun with waterslides during the day, and a firework show in the evening! Call for times and prices. The Island Waterpark, 6099 W. Barstow Avenue, Fresno. (559) 277-6800

Madera 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular  Enjoy games, food trucks, and fireworks! Free admission. Fun begins at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. Madera District Fairgrounds, 1850 Cleveland Avenue, Madera. (559) 673-1010

Sanger 4th of July Spectacular  Live music, vendors, kids zone, and fireworks! 5:30–9:30 p.m. Tickets: $5, kids 5 and under are free, $10 for parking. Sanger High School, 1045 N. Bethel Avenue, Sanger. (559) 875-4575

Fowler 5th of July Celebration  Enjoy fun, food, music, kids activities, and more! Bring your lawn chair to watch this spectacular show. Free entry. Gates open at 6 p.m., fireworks begin at dusk. Fowler High School, 128 S. Fifth Street, Fowler. (559) 834-3113

Fresno Grizzlies Fireworks Extravaganza  This Independence Day show is one of the biggest in Fresno County. Sit back and watch the Fresno Grizzlies take on the Modesto Nuts. The colorful display of fireworks kicks off after the game. Ticket prices start at $25.25. Chukchansi Park, 1800 Tulare Street, Fresno. (559) 320-4487

Fresno Independence Day Celebration  Enjoy food, vendors, baseball, and more at 6 p.m. Free entry. Granite Park Sports Complex, 4000 N. Cedar Avenue, Fresno. (559) 375-1003

Orange Cove Independence Day Celebration  This fun event starts at 6 p.m. will be held at the soccer field behind Orange Cove Skate Park and will have waterslides, a foam pit, a car show, food vendors, and more. Lawn chairs and canopies are allowed, no outside food or drink. Fireworks start at dusk. 25998 Parlier Avenue, Orange Cove. (559) 626-4488

If your local Fireworks Shows has been canceled this year, that doesn’t mean you and the family can’t celebrate! Check out the following articles for ways you can celebrate at home. And make sure to stay connected with your local Parks and Recreation Department for any updates that they may have on public shows.

• 7 Explosive Independence Day Traditions

• Fourth of July Flower Pot

• Red, White, and Blue Fruit Skewers

• Fourth of July Pops

• Patriotic Candles

• Fourth of July Windsock

“Bombs bursting in air” is an Independence Day tradition, but unfortunately, many family festivities are ruined when someone becomes seriously injured. It’s estimated that 9,600 people were treated for firework-related injuries in 2004, and a majority of the injuries from the legal “consumer” or family-type fireworks involved misuse rather than malfunction. However, illegal fireworks continue to be a serious problem. Over the past 10 years, 30–33 percent of the injuries associated with fireworks have typically been caused by illegal explosives or homemade fireworks such as M-80s, M-100s, and blockbusters—these are not fireworks, but rather federally banned explosives! To help you celebrate safely this Fourth of July, the National Council on Fireworks Safety offers the following tips:

  • Always read and follow label directions.

  • Have an adult present.

  • Buy from reliable sellers and stay away from illegal explosives.

  • Use outdoors only and always have water handy, like a garden hose and a bucket.

  • Never experiment or make your own fireworks.

  • Light only one firework at a time.

  • Never re-light a “dud” firework. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.

  • Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trash can.

  • Never throw or point fireworks at other people.

  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

  • Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

  • Always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.

Make sure to go over the rules with everyone who is present—even the younger kids. Talk to older kids about leading by example for the younger ones.

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!