Redwood City's 2017 Fourth Of July Guide: Fireworks, Parade, 5k And More!

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Redwood City officials have released the official lineup of this year's July 4 celebration in town. Thousands are expected to flock to town for the festivities which will peak with a gorgeous fireworks display from the port.

"The City's Sesquicentennial festivities continue at this year's Fourth of July celebration with an entire day of events for all ages to enjoy," the city says. "The City expects thousands of visitors and residents to attend the many free activities planned this year, such as the annual parade downtown, a pancake breakfast, a 5k run, Chalk Full of Fun, concerts, and fireworks launched from the Port of Redwood City."

Below is a the official July 4, 2017 events schedule and 'Celebration Guide,' as provided by the city of Redwood City:

• 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Pancake Breakfast with Redwood City Fire Department at 755 Marshall Street
• 8:30 a.m. Parade Run 5k (check-in 6:15-7:45 a.m.)
• 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Chalk Full of Fun on Courthouse Square (Also, Monday 7/3 8-6 p.m.)
• 9 a.m. Car show at Broadway and El Camino
• 10 a.m. July 4th Parade
• Carnival (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) from 12 p.m.-10 p.m. and also directly following the parade on Tuesday to 10 p.m.)
• 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Festival
• 7 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. Concert at the Port with the Tribal Blues Band
• 9:30 p.m. Fireworks Celebration

Celebration Guide

The 79th Annual Fourth of July Parade by the Peninsula Celebration Association begins at 10 a.m. in the heart of Downtown Redwood City. The theme of the 2017 parade is "Celebrate Redwood City 150, 1867-2017, discover our History, honor our Diversity, and explore our Neighborhoods." The route winds its way downtown, starting on Winslow Street at the corner of Brewster, and continuing on Winslow to Marshall Street, Main Street, Middlefield Road, Winslow, to Broadway, and onto Arguello where it ends on the corner of Alden Street. A map of the parade route can be found here.

The 31st Annual Independence Day Festival starts at 9 a.m. offering arts and crafts, food, beverages, a battle of the bands, and kids' activities covering several square city blocks. For a map of the festival, visit: http://www.parade.org/festival-area-map/

The Annual Fourth of July Carnival, coordinated by the Woodside Terrace Kiwanis Club, begins after the parade and goes until midnight. It will be located in the parking lot at Veterans Blvd. and Winslow Street.

Chalk Full of Fun takes place this year over two days starting Monday, July 3rd between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Downtown Redwood City. For the event flyer, visit: http://www.redwoodcity.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=8039

The San Mateo County History Museum will present "An Old-Fashioned Fourth of July" within its museum, the 107-year-old county courthouse in Redwood City. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. children will be invited to hand-crank homemade vanilla ice cream and then take a taste. They will also make traditional Independence Day crafts to take home with them. Beginning at 1 p.m., adults will be invited to view vintage films of the SanFrancisco Peninsula from the Museum's archives. Museum admission will be half-price that day: $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and students and, as always, free for kids five and under. Activities will take place to coincide with the famous Redwood City Independence Day parade. For more information visit, http://www.historysmc.org/events/old-fashioned-fourth

The Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza takes place at the Port of Redwood City and is brought to the community by the City of Redwood City, with Presenting sponsor "Boardwalk Chevrolet"; Supporting Sponsorship by Sares Regis, Sims Metal Management, Recology, W.L. Butler, County Consumer Plumbing Service & Repair Group, Port of Redwood City, and City of Redwood City. There will be food trucks available from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. The Tribal Blues Band will play at the Port's waterfront access area from 7 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. The fireworks show will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. The fireworks can be seen from areas where there is a clear view of the skies above the Port, and can also be seen from high points all over the Peninsula. The Port is providing a public viewing area along the waterfront off of Seaport Court. Portable restrooms and sinks will be available. BBQs are not permitted, alcohol is prohibited on-site at the fireworks show, and personal fireworks are illegal at all times in Redwood City. Pets, especially dogs, should also be left at home, as they can be frightened by loud noises. Also, leave a radio on at home to help keep your pets calm in case illegal fireworks are used in your neighborhood. For more information on the Fireworks Extravaganza go here.

Port Event Parking and Limited Vehicular Access

For those coming to the Port, early arrival is highly recommended, as the area is private property with very limited public parking. Once public parking is filled, Seaport Boulevard will be closed to all vehicle traffic at the intersection of Seaport/Blomquist. Once the intersection has been closed, no vehicle access to the Port area will be available. This traffic control restriction could occur as early as 7:30 p.m.

Downtown Event Parking

Please note that Jefferson Avenue Garage, Box 900 Garage and the San Mateo County Garage will not be accessible during the parade. The parking lot behind the post office will also be blocked off. Parking is free for on-street parking spaces and in the surface parking lots. There is a cost to park in the parking garages. A map of Downtown Redwood City parking is available at http://redwoodcity.org/departments/community-development-department/engineering-transportation/transportation-parking/downtown-parking#map

Fourth of July Parade Chair Policy

Placement of any chairs, barricades, coolers, tape, or other options upon the sidewalk or street for the parade is prohibited prior to 12 a.m. on July 4, 2017. Any chairs, barricades, coolers, tape or other options placed upon the sidewalk or street prior to July 4, 2017 will be removed and stored at the Redwood City Corporation Yard at 1400 Broadway. Confiscated items may be picked up at the City Corporation Yard between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. during normal business hours. The Corporation Yard is closed on July 4.

For more information on Redwood City's Fourth of July celebration events, visit: http://www.redwoodcity.org/residents/redwood-city-events/festivals-holiday-events/july-4th-celebration

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