Foggy fireworks are a hallmark of the Fourth of July in the Bay Area, but rest assured there’s always sunshine somewhere in the Bay. If you’re wondering what to do in the East Bay this July, we’ve got you covered with the best museums, cultural events, food tours, athletic events, hikes and more. Speaking of food, we also have an extensive list of our best restaurants in the East Bay, and if you’re planning a weekend, the best places to stay.
The sunny and warm East Bay weather continues this month, with average temperatures from high 60s to high 70s.
Featured Photo: Courtesy of Alameda County Fair.
Dates TBD
Experience thrilling new events, rides and food at this year’s Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton. You can expect a full lineup of concerts and movies on the lawn, along with the typical carnival rides, games, fireworks and drone shows. Loop through the Ring of Fire or whirl around in the Cyclone before making your way to the Grandstand for classic horse racing.
July 4
Downtown Pleasant Hill is booming this Independence Day. The daring among us can start the morning at 8 a.m. with a 5k run (proceeds going to Pleasant Hill schools), while those who prefer to walk can wait till 9:30am to see the downtown parade. After a day filled with live music, local food and fun for the kids, the fireworks spectacular begins at 9 p.m.
Dates TBD
At once an ’80s punk throwback and totally fresh music festival, Mosswood Meltdown is a ten-years-running party at Oakland’s Mosswood Park. The weekend of music celebrates artistic heavyweights, like headliners slash new wave legends The B-52s (“Rock Lobster,” “Love Shack”) and host John Waters, filmmaker and purveyor of all things vulgar. Hear from even more punk acts like the Mummies, the SF-based group Hunx and his Punx, rapper Big Freedia and many others.
Dates TBD
Admission to the OMCA is FREE every first Sunday of the month, with special exhibits only being an additional $6. Experience the extraordinary stories of California and its people through the museum’s collections of art, history, and natural science all under one roof. Visit anytime Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
Dates TBD
Calling all young fans! This summer, kids 14 and under are invited to Sunday home games at the Oakland Coliseum for free. Put on your green and gold, cheer away and stay afterwards for an energetic Race Around the Bases. With every purchase of an adult ticket, two free kids tickets are included. Kids’ tickets are free but do need to be reserved in advance, so don’t wait till game day.
Dates TBD
This free party in the charming community of Pleasant Hill puts together all the crucial elements of a successful summer bash: good music, good beer and good company. You can get unlimited beer tasting with a ticket to the Beer Tent, and families will enjoy Saturday’s Kid Zone.
Event Venues
Looking to see what’s happening right now in the East Bay? Our comprehensive list of venues below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
More Activities in Northern California
