To me, one of my most memorable 4th of July’s was the first time I ever visited Sonoma. That summer, and seeing how this small town celebrates the holiday really inspired me. To this day, this small town is ONE OF MY ALL TIME favorite places to spend the 4th of July (other than the year I spent it in Washington DC.)
Photo Credit: Sonoma Community Center
This year’s theme is “A Century of Community: Celebrating through the Decades” in honor of sponsor Sonoma Community Center’s historic home, the old Sonoma Grammar School, turning 100!
Festivities kick off on the morning of July 4th at 10am. The locals, know to get to the Sonoma Square a little early to line up for the parade which begins at 10am around the Square. Directly after the parade head to the park around City Hall for a slew of fun games put on by various non-profit organizations within the community until 5pm.
The Boy Scouts will be hosting a Climbing Wall, A Dunk Tank will be there on behalf of Sonoma Splash, A Bean Bag Toss by the Hannah Boys Center, and much more (including the famed Salami Toss!) A Patriotic Ceremony will be held on the southeast quadrant of the Plaza at noon, and two bands will perform at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
In between playing games stop off at various Tasting Rooms along the Plaza, Shop at Small Boutiques, and GRAB a meal at one of the extraordinary restaurants along the plaza.
Then prepare for FIREWORKS: Walk 1 block over from the plaza to the BIG field located in front of General Vallejo’s Home for a Fireworks Spectacular. One of the BEST fireworks shows across the county if you ask me.
If you want a more intimate evening join in at The Depot Hotel Fireworks and BBQ Evening:
The Sonoma fireworks explode in the air above the garden of the iconic Depot Hotel, and so the chef has prepared a sumptuous buffet dinner, including a barbecue oyster reception. You can check out the full menu here, but let’s just tempt with porchetta, fried chicken with Tuscan herbs, baked orecchiette pasta with ricotta and Bolognese ragu…
Details: 241 1st St. West, Sonoma. More details here.
Other Fireworks around Sonoma County:
Cloverdale High School Football Field:
Cloverdale Lion’s Pyrospectacular – The Lion’s Club sponsors the annual fireworks show beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4, 2015.
Independence Day Celebration Guerneville- Festivities start at 10 a.m. with a craft fair followed by BBQ, music, kids activities and block party in downtown. Fireworks begin at dusk. Friday, July 3, 2015. For more information please call (707) 869-9000.
Petaluma 4th of July Fireworks – Enjoy live music, food booths and other entertainment with the fireworks show at the Sonoma Fairgrounds. Sonoma plaza parade is from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. After this event, the Petaluma celebration is from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4, 2015.
Healdsburg:
High School Football Field: Fireworks begin at Dusk (9pm)
Red, White and Boom Santa Rosa – Food, live music, kids’ activities and fun for the whole family! The evening will conclude with an amazing fireworks show! Admissions: $10 for ages 12+, $5 for veterans, and $5 for ages 5-11. Veteran’s Memorial Building, 1351 Maple Ave,(across from the fairgrounds) Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Saturday, July 4, 2015. For more information please call (707)545-1414.
Monte Rio: Fireworks over the River (July 3)
Sebastopol: Analy High School
July 3rd Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza and Music Festival – Featuring live music, dancing, games, food, fun and the community coming together to celebrate Independence day. Thursday, July 3, 2014 starting at 5:30pm (fireworks at dusk). 6950 Analy Ave., Sebastopol, CA 95472. (707) 823-1511.
Sonoma State University:
Enjoy a family-friendly concert by Judy Collins followed by a fireworks display across the Sonoma County skies. Tickets start at $20. Saturday, July 4, 2015. 7:30 p.m. 1801 East Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928. For more information call (866)955-6040.
Windsor: Keiser Park
Windsor Kaboom Independence Day – Live concert, food, wine, kid zones and family fun! Tickets for general admission are $5 and the VIP pack is $50. Friday, July 3, 2015.
Bodega Bay: Friday, July 3:
The show starts at dark (approx. 9:30 p.m.), with a spectacular, free firework display over the water. For prime viewing, plan ahead and reserve a dinner table at one of the many bay-front restaurants around Bodega Bay, such as The Boat House, The Tides Wharf, Spud Point Crab Company, Duck Club or Lucas Wharf.
Wishing YOU all a Happy and Safe 4th of July.
