Independence Day fireworks shows, parades, more. Where to find them in Modesto region
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
The biggest celebration of the summer promises fireworks, parades and community events across the Modesto and Mother Lode regions.
Independence Day falls on a weekday this year, so festivities are split, happening either Saturday, July 1, or Tuesday, July 4.
Returning after being canceled in 2022 because of drought are fireworks over Lake Don Pedro.
Waterside pyrotechnics also can be viewed over Oakdale’s Woodward Reservoir, where for the first time the Stanislaus County Parks and Recreation Department is offering an advance day-use ticket purchase option.
Here’s a look at some of the community celebrations:
Oakdale
July 1: Woodward Reservoir’s Fireworks Celebration is on Saturday this year. The show is set to begin around 9:30 p.m. 14528 26 Mile Road. Cost is $25 per carload. A limited number of advance tickets are available at stancountyparks.com/fireworks, or tickets can be purchased at the event.
Lake Don Pedro
July 1: The sky over Lake Don Pedro will be aglow again Saturday. Parking is limited, so spectators should arrive early for the 9:30 p.m. show. Fireworks will be shot off from the Blue Oaks launch ramp in La Grange. $40 per vehicle, $20 per vessel. 209-852-2396.
Turlock
July 1: The Saturday event in Turlock features a parade at 10 a.m. on Main Street, with a car show following until 2 p.m. There will be vendors and a street fair. 209-634-6459.
Murphys
July 1: Ironstone Vineyards’ Independence Day Celebration also is Saturday. The event features live music by Shane Dwight, The Poison Oakies and Justice Ramos. There will be food, wine and beer, kids activities and more. A fireworks display is planned for the evening. Gates open at 2 p.m. Adults $20, children ages 6-12 $10, age 5 and under free; cash only. 1894 6 Mile Road, Murphys. ironstonevineyards.com.
Modesto
July 4: The city of Modesto and the Modesto Kiwanis Club present the “Sun, Stars & Stripes” parade. Prior and after, there will be a street fair with food, beverages, crafts and entertainment from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., on I Street between 10th and 11th streets. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. from 10th and F streets to J Street, then back to 11th Street to I Street, ending at 17th Street. This year’s event introduces a new hometown hero feature on stage at the Courthouse Plaza on I Street between 11th and 12th streets, where Dallas Cowboys player and former Modestan DaRon Bland will be honored for his accomplishments. modestojulyparade.com.
July 4: A fireworks show will follow the evening Modesto Nuts home game against the Stockton Ports. Game time is 7:05 p.m. at John Thurman Field, 601 Neece Drive, Modesto. Admission $8-$14. www.modestonuts.com.
Columbia
July 4: Columbia State Historic Park’s annual Glorious 4th of July Celebration begins with a ceremonial flag raising and black powder musket salute at 11 a.m. The day’s activities include greased pole climbing, a bucket brigade, contests and a tug-of-war. www.visitcolumbiacalifornia.com.
Atwater
July 4: The day begins with a Run for Independence at 7:30 a.m. A parade downtown begins at 9 a.m. A festival at Ralston Park is set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. A concert and fireworks show will be held 6-10 p.m. at Castle Commerce Center. Admission $15 per car, $5 per walk-in. www.atwater4thofjuly.org.
Gustine
July 4: Festivities include a parade at 10:30 a.m. on Fifth Street. Afterward, there will be activities at Henry Miller Park, noon-5 p.m. Later, there will be fireworks at the Gustine High football field. www.members.tripod.com/gustinecofc.
Manteca
July 4: A parade starts at 10 a.m. at Jason and North Main streets and ends at Library Park. Manteca also celebrates with fireworks over Big League Dreams sports park. Gates to the park open at 7 p.m. with the fireworks display beginning at 9:30 p.m. 1077 Milo Candini Drive. $2 ages 12 and older. 209-456-8000.
