The summer is heating up! Check out these family fun activities and Fourth of July events happening around the North Bay.

Marin County Fair | Wednesday - Sunday, July 1st - 5th, 2026
Art exhibits, fireworks, exciting rides and good ol’ summer fun. Along with the usual funnel cakes and pig races, this year’s fair also features a multitude of competitive exhibits and concerts by The Family Stone, Lupita Infante and more great acts.
Location: 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, CA 94903
Time: 11:00am - 11:00pm Daily
Ultimate Seasonal Farm Cookout - Saturday, July 11th, 2026
Seated at communal tables, you’ll enjoy a seasonal, locally-sourced menu that includes award-winning cheeses and house-made baked goods to three courses of rustic California comfort food. Tickets are $142.48/ person. Can’t make the cookout? They have a free marketplace that’s open daily where you can sample all your cheesy needs.
Location: Point Reyes Farmstead Creamery, Tomales Bay, 14700 CA Hwy. 1 Point Reyes Station, CA US 94965
Time: 11:30am - 2:00pm
Independence Day BBQ- Saturday, July 4th, 2026
Few places are better positioned to mark America’s 250th birthday than Cavallo Point. The festivities begin in the late afternoon and carry well into the evening, with good eats and activities for the kids. Parking is first come first serve. Tickets are $85 for adults, $30 for children, and kids under 3 are free.
Location: Cavallo Point, 601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker, Sausalito, California 94965
Time: 3:00 - 8:00pm

Circus in the Parks - All of July, 2026
For 19 years, Circus Bella has brought high-quality circus to the Bay Area, with their FREE (donations are encouraged) summer Circus in the Parks tour. Performances run approximately 60 minutes, and Circus Bella does not provide audience seating at events, so feel free to bring picnic blankets and small folding chairs to all locations. You can find the full list of dates and times on their website.
Location: parks throughout San Francisco
Time: Varies
Fourth of July Celebration at The Pier - Saturday, July 4th, 2026
From delicious chowder in sourdough bread bowls to a fun ride on the iconic San Francisco Carousel, there is something for everyone at The PIER this Fourth of July. With over 100+ unique shops, restaurants, attractions, and Free Entertainment on two Levels — there’s plenty of fun for the whole family. Parking is limited so plan accordingly!
Location: PIER 39, The Embarcadero & Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
Time: Fireworks 9:30pm
Free Programs in Union Square Plaza - All July, 2026
Every week, you can enjoy a variety of free activities in the middle of Union Square. From chess lessons and live music to crafting activities and juggling demonstrations, these programs are perfect for visitors of all ages! Be sure to stop by every second Saturday for special cultural activities, showcasing the diversity of San Francisco.
Location: Union Square, 291 Geary St., Ste. 200, San Francisco, CA 94102

Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic - Saturday & Sunday, July 18 & 19th, 2026
Rise and shine, then rise again, for Sonoma County’s yearly hot air balloon classic. The day begins early with a 4 a.m. morning glow show, then continues through the morning with balloon rides, food trucks and fun. Ticket price ranges from $22.48 to $57.86, and parking at the event is included!
Location: Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 2751 4th St #195 Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Time: 4:00am - *10:30am

Petaluma’s High Elevation Fireworks Display - Saturday, July 4th, 2026
Get ready to celebrate America’s 250th and California’s 175th birthdays! The City of Petaluma is once again hosting a high-elevation professional fireworks display. Limited paid parking will be available this year at the Petaluma Fairgrounds parking lot, but community members are encouraged to forego the crowds and gather with friends, family, and neighbors closer to home at neighborhoods and parks across the city.
Location: Petaluma Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma, CA 94952
Time: 9:30 - 10:30pm
NASCAR and NHRA Race Weekends - Wednesday-Thursday, July 15th-16th, Friday-Sunday, 17th-18th, & Saturday the 25th, 2026
Speed fiends can look forward to several races happening at Sonoma Raceway this month, with three different NASCAR series and a whole weekend for the lightning fast NHRA Sonoma Nationals.
Location: Sanoma Raceway, 29355 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA 95476

July Events and Activities for North Bay Families

August Events and Activities for North Bay Families