Things to Do for the Fourth of July in Sacramento

When July 4 rolls around, communities all over the greater Sacramento area get together for a patriotic celebration. From races to carnivals, parades, and, of course, grand firework spectacles, there are many ways to celebrate America's birthday in and around the California capital. Many of these events have been altered or canceled in 2020, so check the websites of the organizers for more information.

01 of 08

Elk Grove Parade

Address

9950 Elk Grove Florin Rd, Elk Grove, CA 95624, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 916-405-5600

Web Visit website

The parade has been canceled for 2020, but the firework show is still on and Elk Grove residents are invited to enjoy the show from home.

Elk Grove's annual Salute to Red, White, and Blue event is usually more than just a nighttime fireworks show. For one, the event kick off with a bike and stroller parade and you'll also find food trucks, local vendors, live entertainment, a pie-eating contest.

02 of 08

Matsuyama Fun Run

Address

7680 Windbridge Dr, Sacramento, CA 95831-4171, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 916-395-4650

Web Visit website

This event has not been rescheduled for 2020.

The Matsuyama Fun Run is a great way to spend July 4 and raise money for a good cause at the same time. Proceeds for the annual 4th of July Fun Run/Walk at Matsuyama Elementary will be used for incoming sixth graders to participate at the Sly Park Environmental Science Camp in the Pollak Pines area.

03 of 08

5-Miler Run

Address

5415 Sandburg Dr, Sacramento, CA 95819, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 916-808-5200

Web Visit website

This event has been canceled for 2020.

One and all can participate in the annual Fourth of July 5-Miler, the oldest running event in Sacramento, which is organized by the Buffalo Chips Running Club. There is no cost to join in and there is usually a half-mile kids race schedule before the five-mile adult race.

04 of 08

Carmichael

Address

3779, 5750 Grant Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608-3779, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 916-485-5322

Web Visit website

This event has been canceled for 2020.

Not just your average patriotic party, the Carmichael Gala 4th of July Celebration always stands out thanks to its family-friendly pancake breakfast. You can dig into some homemade flapjacks in the morning, usually starting at 7 a.m. at the Clubhouse at Carmichael Park then watch the parade of cars and colorful floats make their way down Fairbanks Boulevard at 10:30 a.m. Following breakfast, there will be festivities throughout the afternoon and evening and fireworks typically start at 9:30.

Continue to 5 of 8 below.

05 of 08

Davis

Address

1405 F St, Davis, CA 95616, USA

Get directions

Web Visit website

This event has been canceled for 2020.

The City of Davis Fourth of July celebration usually includes a wide variety of family activities, followed by a festival in Community Park (on 14th and F street) featuring music, food, and a fireworks show. The free festival starts at 4 p.m. and features live entertainment. Make sure you arrive before the fireworks go off at 9:30 p.m.

06 of 08

Rancho Cordova

This event has been canceled for 2020.

You can usually celebrate Independence Day for two days at the annual Rancho Cordova event that takes place on July 3 and 4. The festivities begin with a two-day carnival featuring thrill rides, games, food, crafts, and a beer garden. The kids zone has a bunch of free activities like laser tag, a petting zoo, a rock wall, and more to keep the young ones entertained. At night, things finish up with a concert followed by a fireworks show. On July 4, there will be a bonus parade down Coloma Road in the morning.

07 of 08

Pocket-Greenhaven Parade

Address

7654 Pocket Rd, Sacramento, CA 95831, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 916-808-5200

Web Visit website

This event has not been rescheduled for 2020.

The Pocket/Greenhaven community always goes all out for its Independence Day celebrations. The town usually hosts a parade in the morning on July 4 that travels along Windbridge Drive to Garcia Bend Park. Each year, a panel of judges gives prices to top parade participants at an outdoor awards ceremony. Following the ceremony, locals and visitors can enjoy live music and entertainment at the business community fair, which also includes a hot dog-eating contest and local food trucks. The parade and events are free to watch and attend.

08 of 08

California State Fair

Address

Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA 95815, USA

Get directions

This event has been canceled for 2020.

Revelers file into the Cal Expo ever year for the live music and rides of the California State Fair—not to mention the deliciously unhealthy fair food. The gates at the Miller Lite Racetrack Grandstand usually open at 4:30 p.m. to start the celebration. There will be The State Fair Star Talent Auditions and a performance from the U.S. Air Force, followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free, but you will have to pay for parking.