4th of July Events & Activities in Berkeley

Experience 4th of July fun around Berkeley, from breathtaking fireworks displays to wine tastings and live music.

Berkeley is brimming with spectacular 4th of July fun. Every year, Independence Day is celebrated with fireworks, music, community cheer, and more! Enjoy your 4th of July weekend in Berkeley with our guide on the top ways to celebrate America’s birthday. Family-friendly activities abound for all ages, from colorful light displays to delectable cruise dinners. Soak in the summer sunshine while joining the Berkeley community in Independence Day activities.

Marvel at Dazzling Fireworks During the Berkeley 4th of July Dinner Cruise

There’s nothing more extraordinary than fireworks during the 4th of July, but did you know that you can elevate this experience? Treat you and your loved ones to a Berkeley 4th of July Signature Dinner Cruise from City Experience. The Independence Day-themed dinner cruise combines red, white, and blue fireworks with a decadent buffet selection. Take in illuminated views of popular Bay Area landmarks like Alcatraz Island. Enjoy games, DJ beats, and Instagram-worthy sights from open-air decks. The cruise launches from Berkeley Marina and travels along the scenic San Francisco Bay. Purchase your tickets here.

Date & Times - July 4, 2025 | 7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Location - Berkeley Marina | 200 Marina Blvd

Berkeley City Cruise on the water at sunset by the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge

Relish Wine Tastings & Music During 4th of July

Join fellow wine connoisseurs during 4th of July at the Gilman Wine Block and prepare your taste buds for an array of sumptuous drinks. On the first Friday of every month, Gilman Wine Block features a diverse array of natural wines from Donkey & Goat Winery, Broc Cellars, and more. Don’t miss dancing to live music, biting into flavorsome bites from food pop-ups, and tasting the journey of vineyard grapes in every sip of wine. This event is free for all visitors and welcomes both pets and children!

Date & Times - July 4, 2025 | 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location - Donkey & Goat Winery | 1340 Fifth St

Crowd of people walk around Berkeley's Wine Block at the First Friday Block Party

Plan a BBQ Cookout at Codornices Park

Host your own BBQ picnic with family and friends at the gorgeous Codornices Park, where a gorgeous hillside landscape sets the perfect backdrop for pulled brisket, hot dogs, hamburgers, and lemonade. Have the little ones venture through the playground or descend a winding 40-foot cement hill slide! Nothing screams red, white, and blue more than a game of old fashioned baseball by the onsite field at the park. If you’re looking for more adventure around this green area, take the tunnel under Euclid Avenue, discovering the serene and breathtaking Berkeley Rose Garden.

Know before you go: Reservations are required for the BBQ facilities.

Hours - 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Location - Codornices Park | 1201 Euclid Ave

A lush green, mountainous landscape with rose bushes at the Berkeley Rose Garden

Cool Down at Lake Anza

Your 4th of July weekend won’t be complete without a trip to the refreshing Lake Anza. Located in the sprawling Tilden Regional Park, Lake Anza is a fresh-water oasis, where beachy fun meets wooded surroundings. Because of the nearby forest, the lake is protected from the wind, providing a peaceful setting for sandy picnics and leisurely swims. Journey across the natural, glimmering waters of the lake, or sit back and relax on the sand. Admission ranges from $3 to $5, but children under 2 years of age get in for free.

Hours - 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location - Lake Anza at Tilden Regional Park | 2501 Grizzly Peak Blvd

Families swim in Lake Anza in Berkeley, CA

For more things to do during this 4th of July weekend, find upcoming celebrations with our events calendar. Dress in your most patriotic attire and join in the Independence Day excitement across Berkeley!