What To Do on the Fourth of July in the Sacramento Area

The Fourth of July is an exciting holiday the entire family looks forward to each summer. This year, we listed various events that are happening leading up to the Fourth, as well as events happening on the actual holiday so you can get your plans set well in advance.

Mark your calendars now so you don’t suffer from FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) this Fourth of July!

Sacramento Beer Train

Saturday, July 2

Photos courtesy of the Sacramento Beer Train

While this event may not have a “Fourth of July” stamp on it, it’s a great way to kick off the weekend leading up to the holiday. The Sacramento Beer Train departs from 400 North Harbor Boulevard in West Sacramento at 6 p.m. on July 2, taking its guests on an exciting craft beer adventure. The trip features live music from Bob Woods Swampbilly Band, and four Northern California breweries pouring two freshly tapped selections. Sample brews from Device Brewing Company, Sactown Union Brewery, Blue Note Brewing, and Wildcard Brewing Co.

Each regular ticket costs $45, which includes a three-hour train ride, a souvenir tasting glass, eight tasting selections, and live music. Upgrade to the $65 premium ticket to receive priority boarding 30 minutes before general admission begins, two bonus beer tasting selections, and an item from their grill menu.

Folsom Pro Rodeo

Saturday, July 2 – Monday, July 4

Photo courtesy of Folsom Pro Rodeo

Folsom Pro Rodeo has been a family tradition in Folsom for 56 years! Each year, the community gathers for this weekend-long series of patriotic events, and this year is no different.

Head to the Dan Russell Rodeo Arena for family fun, including non-stop rodeo action, outstanding nightly fireworks, mutton busting, and an American flag arriving to the grounds by skydiver! This is the perfect way to celebrate the Fourth as a family. Get your tickets in advance for specific seating areas for your desired date.

Old Sacramento Raley Field Fireworks

Sunday, July 3 – Monday, July 4

Old Sacramento has a couple of special events planned this year for the Fourth.

Whether or not you attend the Sacramento River Cats game on July 3, you can enjoy a spectacular fireworks show visible from Front Street in Old Sacramento. Participating bars in the area will be offering select American beers for just $3! This Red, White & Brews party in Old Sacramento is something you won’t want to miss.

The party continues on the Fourth with another spectacular fireworks show at Raley Field, perfectly visible from Old Sacramento along the river. The best part about all of this? You have a wonderful view of the show at no cost!

Rancho Cordova Fourth of July Celebration

Sunday, July 3 – Monday, July 4

Photo courtesy of the Cordova Community Council

Rancho Cordova hosts a major Fourth of July Celebration every year, drawing crowds from all over. This two-day festival celebrates the local community and American heritage with live concerts, a carnival, festival food, a kids’ zone, a BMX show, a beer garden, exhibits, a parade, and a 5K run/walk. And of course, there is a spectacular fireworks show each night!

Check out the schedule of events to plan your visit to the Rancho Cordova Fourth of July Celebration!

4th of July 5K Color Run

Monday, July 4

Photo courtesy of the Cordova Community Council

Included in the Rancho Cordova Fourth of July activities is a 5K color run/walk! The 4th of July 5K Color Run begins at 9 a.m. on July 4 at Mills Middle School. Registration includes color packets, two free passes to the 4th of July Festival and Fireworks Show, a free parking pass, a t-shirt, a bib, and a finisher coin. A portion of the proceeds support Blue Heart International, a non-profit organization focused on the betterment of human trafficking survivor’s lives. This 5K is a fun, flat, and family-oriented event, taking you through Hagan Park and along the 4th of July parade route, where people will line up to cheer you on!

El Dorado County Fairgrounds Fourth of July Family Blast

Monday, July 4

Photos courtesy of Suzanne Wright via El Dorado County Fair

The El Dorado County Fairgrounds is throwing a huge Fourth of July party this year that you won’t want to miss. The gates open at 4 p.m. for their Fourth of July Family Blast, featuring kids’ activities (hay mazes, contests, and games), an inflatable bounce house and water slides, live music, and food and beverages available for purchase.

Bring your propane BBQs, footballs, yard games, and coolers (with no outside alcohol) to the fairgrounds for a night of carefree family fun! Top off the experience with the fireworks show once it gets dark.

Parking costs $15 per carload, including parking on the grounds and gate admission for up to 6 people. You may also pay $45 to park an RV on the grounds overnight, including gate admission for up to 6 people. If you would rather walk into the fairgrounds, admission is $3 per person. Parking in the tiers costs $6 for parking plus $3 per person.

Spirit of Freedom Fourth of July Parade in Arden-Arcade

Monday, July 4

Photo courtesy of Fulton-El Camino Recreation and Park District

Don’t miss the 15th Annual Spirit of Freedom Fourth of July Parade on Fulton Avenue in Arden-Arcade. Line the streets to admire the patriotic floats traveling along the 1.4-mile route.

After the parade, witness the special awards ceremony at Howe Community Park and stop by the various information booths, participate in family activities, and enjoy the delicious food! All floats will be judged at the ceremony and awarded trophies for the most creative youth, best decorated bicycle, best of show, most spirited, best of show youth, best automobile/motorcycle, and best community group.

Fourth of July Gala, Parade + Fireworks Show in Carmichael

Monday, July 4

Photo courtesy of Carmichael Recreation & Park District

Head to Carmichael for an action-packed day at the Fourth of July Gala, Parade, and Fireworks Show hosted by the Carmichael Recreation & Park District.

Start the Fourth on the right foot with a delicious Pancake Breakfast at the Carmichael Park Clubhouse from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. The meal costs $5 for adults and just $3 for children 12 and under! This will also provide some energy for cheering on the floats in the parade…

The 58th Annual Elks Club Parade starts on the intersection of Marconi Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard and continues down Fair Oaks, ending on the intersection of Cypress and Manzanita Avenues. Admire the wonderful community floats, marching bands, equestrian entries, antique cars and more! The parade starts at 10:30 a.m.

Stick around for an incredible fireworks show at La Sierra Community Center at approximately 9:30 p.m. Show up at 7 p.m. for food, music, and activities, including arts and crafts, inflatables, face painting, a balloon artist, and more!

Fireworks Show at Cal Expo’s Miller Lite Racetrack Grandstand

Monday, July 4

If you’ve visited the California State Fair in past years, you may be familiar with the massive Cal Expo’s Miller Lite Racetrack Grandstand, where much of the activity takes place. This Fourth of July, head to the stadium for the July 4th Sacramento Independence Day Fireworks Celebration. Your $10 ticket guarantees you reserved seating in this massive arena, but is not refundable! This is the perfect way to celebrate the Fourth as you anticipate the return of the California State Fair on the 8th!

Happy Fourth of July, Sacramento!