This year, the City of Richmond continues its longstanding tradition of celebrating Independence Day on July 3, giving community members a chance to jump start their 4^th of July celebration one night early.

The centerpiece of the evening is fireworks at the Richmond Marina, with neighboring parks, restaurants, and event venues providing a variety of ways to relax, eat, and explore while taking in the show.  Two major events anchor these festivities: the classic City of Richmond celebration at Marina Bay Park and the Sixth Annual Target Independence Day Celebration at the Craneway Pavilion.  Both events are free and open to the public.

What: Independence Day Celebrations

Where: Marina Bay Park, the Craneway Pavilion, Assemble, and the Rosie the Riveter National Park

When: July 3, 2014, 5pm to 10pm (times very by event)

For more information: 

City of Richmond 3^rd of July

Target Independence Day Celebration

At Marina Bay Park, guests can enjoy a prime view of the fireworks show along with fun activities for the whole family.  The Kids Fun Zone and food vendors open at 6pm.  Live blues and DJ music will carry on throughout the evening, and fireworks begin at 9:15pm.  Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs.  There will be fees for interactive games.

At the Craneway Pavilion, Target presents an evening of great music featuring the Oakland East Bay Symphony.  The Oaktown Jazz Workshops and Hilltop Community Church Choir open the show at 6:30pm, and the Oakland East Bay Symphony takes the stage at 8:00.  The Symphony will play a range of patriotic and celebratory music, from marches by John Philip Sousa to a Disney medley and the title suite from Netflix’s hit series House of Cards.  Independence Day themed concessions will be served.

Further opportunities to celebrate extend throughout the wharf, which opens to the public at 5pm.  Assemble will serve its full dinner menu from 5pm until 10pm, giving guests the chance to dine on classic American cuisine throughout the night – from fresh local fish to Frito pie.  Reservations are recommended. 

Just as guests are welcome to set up blankets and chairs throughout the wharf, picnicking outside Assemble is also allowed.  Beer, wine, and other beverages will be available; outside liquor is not permitted. 

Right next to Assemble and the Craneway is the brand-new Rosie the Riveter National Park Visitor Education Center, which will stay open until 8pm.  Visitors can wander through exhibits and speak to the park’s “Rosie” docents to ground their Independence Day celebration in a sense of Richmond’s patriotic history.

Parking at the wharf opens at 5pm.  Curious about the view or the venue?  Check out this video of the July 3 fireworks from 2011’s celebration at the Craneway.