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.

Mendota Fireworks Spectacular  The City of Mendota and Mendota Community Corporation are excited to invite the community to an evening of family fun, food vendors, recognition of our Armed Forces service members, and more, along with an unforgettable fireworks show! Event begins at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and patriotic spirit! Free Admission. Rojas-Pierce Park, 350 Sorensen Avenue, Mendota. (559) 655-3291

Fresno’s Celebrate America  Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with fireworks, food, vendors, a car show, and more at 8 p.m. Free entry. Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 S. Chance Avenue, Fresno. (559) 650-3247

Fresno’s America Fest 250 Drone Light Show  Hundreds of synchronized drones light up the night sky over River Park to close out America Fest 250. The show starts at 9 p.m., so come early to eat, shop the Farmers Market, and catch John Pemberton and the Shotgun Riders live first. River Park, Fresno. info@cffma.com

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

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

Reedley’s Celebrate America  Join for an evening of food, fun, and live entertainment as the community celebrates America’s 250th birthday. 6–9:30 p.m. Featureing food vendors, craft and retail vendors, community booths, train rides, and fun for all ages. After the event, find a good view, grab your chair, look up to the sky, and enjoy the City of Reedley’s aerial fireworks display, scheduled to begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. Pioneer Park, Reedley. (559) 638-3548

Caruthers Fair Independence Day Firework Celebration  Enjoy free fireworks that begin at dusk. Call for more information. Caruthers Fairgrounds, 13595 S. Raider Avenue, Caruthers. (559) 864-3768

Fresno Independence Day Celebration  Enjoy food, vendors, and more at 6 p.m. Free entry. Granite Park Sports Complex, 4000 N. Cedar Avenue, Fresno. (559) 497-3000

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, water slides, toddler play, 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 Third of July Fireworks Show  Old fashioned All-American patriotic celebration with fireworks, food, and fun! Bring your chairs and blankets! 6 p.m. $5. Kingsburg High School, 1900 18th Avenue, Kingsburg. (559) 732-6676

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, food vendors, music, and more. Lawn chairs and canopies are allowed, no outside food or drink. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. 25998 Parlier Avenue, Orange Cove. (559) 626-4488

Porterville Freedom Fest  The community comes together for this celebration with music, vendors, a spray zone, skydivers, drone show, and fireworks. Event begins at 5 p.m. Drone show and fireworks begin at 9 p.m. $20 parking. Porterville Sports Complex, 2701 W. Scranton Avenue, Porterville. (559) 791-7695

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 kids zone, and more from 6–10 p.m. Free entry. Riverway Sports Park, 3611 N. Dinuba Boulevard, Visalia. (559) 713-4300

Visalia Racing & Fireworks  Join for an evening of racing action, great food, and fireworks! Racing begins at 6 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. from Foster’s Freeze to Elm & Winton, the festival runs through 4 p.m. at Ralston Park (1550 Third Street, Atwater), and the concert and fireworks show is from 6–10 p.m. at the Castle Commerce Center. Parking: $20, Walk-Ins: $5. 1900 Airdrome Entry, 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) 642-3676

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 Grizzlies Fireworks Extravaganza  This Independence Day show is one of the biggest in Fresno County. 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 Fourth of July Downtown Celebration  The biggest Fourth of July celebration that downtown has ever seen—and it’s free to attend! Mariposa Plaza will feature live music and performances from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Kern Plaza will feature live music, vendors, and giveaways from 6–9 p.m. Find even more fun in the Brewery District from 4–10 p.m. (call locations for age requirements). Downtown Fresno. fresno.gov/america250

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

Hanford Freedom Fest & Fireworks Show  Enjoy live music, food, drinks, a Kidz Zone, and much more! 6–10 p.m., fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Adults $5, youth and seniors free. Hanford Softball Complex, 1226 Centennial Drive, Hanford. (559) 585-2525

Lemoore 4th of July Block Party  Celebrate America with live music, performances, vendors, and a free kids zone! 4–10 p.m. Designated area for safe fireworks from 9–10 p.m. E Street, between Fox & Follett, Lemoore. (559) 924-6744

Madera 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular  Enjoy games, food, and fireworks! Free admission. Fun begins at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. Madera District Fairgrounds, 1850 Cleveland Avenue, Madera. (559) 661-5495

Sanger 4th of July Spectacular  Don’t miss this annual event! Call for times and more information. Tickets: $5, $10 for parking. Sanger High School, 1045 N. Bethel Avenue, Sanger. (559) 876-6300

Fowler 5th of July Celebration  Enjoy fun, food, music, kids activities, bounce houses, 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, 701 E. Main Street, Fowler. (559) 834-3113

If you are skipping your local Fireworks Show, 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!