Best Things to Do in the San Francisco Bay Area This July

Foggy fireworks are a hallmark of the Fourth of July in the City by the Bay. Never mind, one can always find sunshine somewhere in the Bay Area — and plenty of wonderful events to enjoy. From Mendocino to Monterey, we’ve got a taste of what’s happening in San Francisco and the Bay Area this July.

Featured Photo: Courtesy of Alameda County Fair

San Francisco

SF Marathon

San Francisco Marathon

July 22-23

The San Francisco Marathon The San Francisco Marathon is an annual USATF-certified road running event held in San Francisco, California that includes a full marathon, two half marathons, an ultramarathon, a 10k, and a 5K. The marathon starts and finishes on the Embarcadero near the Ferry Building and crosses the Golden Gate Bridge.

Fillmore Jazz Festival

Fillmore Jazz Festival

July 1

Blending art and soul in one of the country’s most unique neighborhoods, the San Francisco Fillmore Jazz Festival is the largest free Jazz festival on the West Coast, drawing over 100,000 visitors over the Independence Day weekend.

From sunup to sundown, visitors can groove to the sounds of live music from multiple stages, browse the offerings of over 12 blocks of fine art and crafts and enjoy gourmet food and beverages.

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Fireworks

July 4

What would Independence Day be without the famous foggy Fourth of July fireworks display over the bay? Thousands flock to the waterfront in hopes of clear skies after spending the day at Pier 39 and surrounding neighborhoods. The first boom begins at about 9pm. Pro tip: Don’t drive.

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San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus

July 13

The legendary singing group joins forces with the San Francisco Symphony to mark the season’s last performance at Davis Symphony Hall and Dr. Timothy Seelig’s final season as Artistic Director. A one-night-only concert of inspiring choral favorites.

More info: sfsymphony.org

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Paula West | Feinstein’s at the Nikko

July 14, 15, 16

Jazz nights in the city in an intimate setting are back. Paula West, San Francisco’s own legendary jazz artist, returns to Feinstein’s with her stellar band: Adam Shulman on piano, Aaron Germain on on bass and Leon Joyce on drums.

More info: feinsteinssf.com

East Bay

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Photo: Courtesy of Oakland Museum of California

Oakland Museum of California

July 3

Free first Sundays at OMCA, bringing together collections of art, history and natural science under one roof to tell the extraordinary stories of California and its people. Hours: 11am to 5pm.

More info: museumca.org

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Photo: Courtesy of Alameda County Fair

Alameda County Fair

Through July 10

This year, there are new events, new rides and new food experiences. A full line-up of concerts, carnival, movies on the lawn, and live horse racing along with fair favorites, plus drone shows and fireworks.

More info: annual.alamedacountyfair.com

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Photo: Courtesy of Comedy Tickets Live

Chris Rock Ego Death World Tour 2022

July 7 - 9

Performing at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, Chris Rock’s comedy act is in the spotlight following that infamous slap in the face from Will Smith during this year’s Oscar ceremony.

More info: chrisrock.com

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Photo: Courtesy of Oakland Athletics

Oakland Athletics

July 4

The Oakland A’s have a busy at-home schedule this month with 13 home games, taking on the Blue Jays, Astros, Tigers, and Rangers. Be there for the post-game Fireworks Show at Oakland Arena when the A’s are looking for a win over the Blue Jays.

More info: mlb.com

North Bay

Jazz and Blues by the Bay-Do-Bay Area-North Bay-July-credit Bruce Forrester facebook-800x450
Photo: Courtesy of Bruce Forrester

Jazz and Blues by the Bay

July 1, 8, 15, 21, and 29

The City of Sausalito Park and Recreation Department presents a Friday evening outdoor concert series on the lawn in Gabrielson Park. Bring a low chair and enjoy the music. 6:30pm.

More info: sausalito.gov

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Photo: Courtesy of Robert Tong

Parade and Festival | Corte Madera and Larkspur

July 4

“We’re Back” parade starts at 10:30am at Redwood High School in Larkspur and ends at Corte Madera Town Center. Famous Corte Madera Town Band, McIntosh Pipe Band, and the Freedom Band. Entertainment, marketplace, food booths, children’s activities.

More info: visitmarin.org

Destination Sausalito Festivities-Do-Bay Area-North Bay-July-credit Edgar Chen facebook-800x450
Photo: Courtesy of Edgar Chen

Destination Sausalito Festivities

July 4

Parade starts at 10am down Bridgeway and Caledonia before an afternoon picnic at Dunphy Park where Marin locals, The Humdinger Band performs from the gazebo. In the evening at Gabrielson Park, dance to Neon Velvet from 6:30pm before fireworks begin. Free.

More info: destinationsausalito.com

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Photo: Courtesy of Mendocino Music Festival

Mendocino Music Festival

July 9 - 23

The renowned festival is back this month. Venues include Preston Hall in Mendocino and Cotton Auditorium in nearby Fort Bragg. Go to VisitMendocino.com for more details on performers.

More info: visitmendocino.com

Petaluma's Art & Garden Festival-Do-Bay Area-North Bay-July-credit Petaluma's Art & Garden Festival facebook-800x450
Photo: Courtesy of Petaluma Art & Garden Festival

Petaluma Art & Garden Festival

July 10

One of Petaluma’s favorite events with 145 booths by local crafters, artisans, gardeners. Live music. Kids Zone with hands-on arts and crafts, face painting, and a bouncy house. Bring your own washable chalk for the Chalk Art Competition. 11am to 5pm, free admission.

More info: petalumadowntown.com

South Bay

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Photo: Courtesy of Dianne Reeves

Stanford Jazz

Through July 30

For its 50th anniversary, the lineup features a tribute to Bobby Hutcherson and Eddie Marshall, a tribute to Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderley, saxophonist Charles McPherson, Patrice Rushen, Dianne Reeves (closing act on July 30) and many other talented acts.

More info: stanfordjazz.org

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Photo: Courtesy of Mountain View Voice

Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular

July 4

San Francisco Symphony’s annual outdoor event is led by conductor Edwin Outwater ending with fireworks at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View. 8pm start.

More info: sfsymphony.org

Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts-Do-Bay Area-South Bay-July-credit Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts facebook-800x450
Photo: Courtesy of Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts

Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts

July 14 - 17

Peninsula Youth Theatre presents Frozen JR., a story of sibling love and acceptance. “Frozen JR.” explores the emotional journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. Faced with danger, they discover the powerful bond of sisterhood.

More info: tickets.mvcpa.com

Red Hot Chili Peppers-Do-Bay Area-South Bay-July-credit Red Hot Chili Peppers facebook-800x450
Photo: Courtesy of Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers | Levi’s Stadium

July 29

Hear songs like “Give It Away,” “Californication,” and “Under the Bridge” performed by the four men who made them classics. Red Chili Peppers With Beck and Thundercat at 7:30pm in Santa Clara.

More info: redhotchilipepperssanfrancisco.com

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Photo: Courtesy of Filoli Historic House & Garden

Art Walk at Filoli Historic House & Garden

July 30 - 31

Showcasing hand-picked local artists selling their work throughout Filoli’s lovely landscaped 16 acres in Woodside. Stroll the beautiful garden while browsing original paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and more.

More info: filoli.org

Looking for more things to do in the area?

Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!

More Activities in Northern California

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