Even though foggy fireworks are a Fourth of July hallmark in the Bay Area, take heart: the oft-sunny weather in July offers plenty of other ways to celebrate all month. 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.
June 13–July 6
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 or to the animal area to root for your favorite swine during the piggy races.
July 4
Downtown Pleasant Hill will be booming this Independence Day. The daring among us can start the morning at 8 am with a 5k run (proceeds going to Pleasant Hill schools), while those who prefer to walk can wait till 9:30 am 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 pm.
July 6
Admission to the OMCA is FREE every first Sunday of the month, with special exhibits only costing 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.
July 18 & 19
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 the kids can enjoy a giant bouncy slide, bubbles and more at the Kid Zone all day Saturday.
July 19 & 20
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 era specific artistic heavyweights, like new wave legends Devo decked out in their famous red flowerpot hats, and host John Waters, filmmaker and purveyor of all things vulgar. Hear from even more punk acts like Bratmobile, Shannon and the Clams and many others.
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
