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.

LOS BANOS 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION  Enjoy vendors, live music, crafts, and fireworks from 5–10 p.m. Henry Miller Plaza, 600 H Street, Los Banos. 209-710-9022

PORTERVILLE FREEDOM FEST  This festival showcases an array of local food vendors, a spray zone, and more. The finale to the evening is the spectacular display of fireworks! Gates open from 3–8:45 p.m. $20 per carload, cash only, no re-entry. Porterville Sports Complex, 2701 W. Scranton Avenue, Porterville. 782-7499

EXETER INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION: FIREWORKS & DRONE SHOW  Enjoy music, food, and vendors starting at 5:30 p.m. at this annual event. Fireworks and drone show begins at 9 p.m. Dobson Field, E. Rocky Hill Drive, Exeter. 592-2919

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION–DINUBA  Families will enjoy food, music, 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. 591-5900

INDEPENDENCE SPECTACULAR IN VISALIA  Families will enjoy games, food, live music, a drone show, and more from 6–10:30 p.m. Riverway Sports Park, 3611 N. Dinuba Boulevard, Visalia. 713-4365

KINGSBURG INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION  Old fashioned All-American patriotic celebration with fireworks, food, and fun! 6–9:30 p.m. Bring your chairs and blankets! Call for tickets. Kingsburg High School, 1900 18th Avenue, Kingsburg. 897-1111

SELMA INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION  Food booths, fireworks, and more! Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs. Tickets: $2–$5. Parking subject to a fee. Selma High School, 3125 Wright Street, Selma. 891-2235

THE AMERICAN SPIRIT FIREWORKS SHOW IN KERMAN  Enjoy food trucks, music, and fireworks! Gates open at 6 p.m. Tickets: $2–$5. Kerman High School, Football Stadium, 205 S. First Street, Kerman. 846-6343

TULARE FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA  Enjoy entertainment for all ages at this 57th annual event! Admission is $5 and kids 5 and under are free, cash only. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tulare County Fairgrounds, 620 S. K Street, Tulare. 686-4707

WOODLAKE JULY 3RD BLAST  Join for a free kids parade, kids zone, food vendors, fireworks, and more starting at 5 p.m. Woodlake City Park, N. Magnolia Street and W. Lakeview Avenue, Woodlake. 308-0632

4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR IN MADERA  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. 673-1010

4TH OF JULY IN ATWATER  Entertainment, food, and fun! 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: $15, Walk-Ins: $5. 5050 Santa Fe Drive, Atwater. 209-355-4912

4TH OF JULY SPECTACULAR IN SANGER  Live music, food, family fun, and fireworks! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. 5:30–9:30 p.m. Contact the Sanger Chamber for tickets. $3 per person, $5 for parking. Sanger High School, 1045 Bethel Avenue, Sanger. 875-4575

BASS LAKE FIREWORKS & BOAT PARADE  Light up the sky with the annual, free fireworks show at Bass Lake. Boat parade at 7 p.m. Fireworks begin around 9 p.m., but arrive early to claim a spot on the beach or in the water. Bass Lake. 642-3676

FOWLER’S FABULOUS 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION  Enjoy crafts, food, live music, a kids zone, and more! Bring your lawn chair to watch this spectacular show. Free entry. Kids zone access $15. Gates open at 6 p.m., fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Fowler High School, 701 E. Main Street, Fowler. 834-3113

FREEDOM FEST IN CLOVIS  Don’t miss the biggest patriotic party in the Valley from 5–9:30 p.m. Tickets: $5. Clovis High School, Lamonica Stadium, 1055 Fowler Avenue, Clovis. 575-4311

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!