Sausalito 4th of July Festivities
Old Town Sausalito, Dunphy Park & Gabrielson Park · Parade / Waterfront / Holiday
Sausalito 4th of July Festivities — A Full-Day Waterfront Celebration From Morning Parade to Nighttime Fireworks
Few places in Marin County do Independence Day quite like Sausalito. The city's annual Fourth of July is a free, all-day community celebration that threads together Old Town, the waterfront, and two of the village's best-loved parks — starting with a classic small-town parade in the morning, rolling into an afternoon picnic with live music and games, and finishing with dancing, bay views, and a fireworks show over Richardson Bay after dark. It is one of the most complete July 4 experiences on the Marin shoreline, and it draws locals and visitors who are happy to make a full day of it.
The whole lineup is produced by the City of Sausalito Parks and Recreation Department. Everything listed below is free to attend unless noted. Confirm final band and food vendor details on the city website as July approaches.
The Parade — 10:00 AM, Old Town to Dunphy Park
The day kicks off at 10:00 AM with the Fourth of July parade in Old Town. The procession starts at the corner of Second and Main Street, follows Bridgeway through downtown, turns onto Caledonia Street, and finishes at Dunphy Park — a route that puts the best of Sausalito's waterfront village on full display.
Expect decorated floats, community groups, classic cars, and the kind of neighborly holiday energy that makes this feel like a real town gathering rather than a staged spectacle. If you want a good viewing spot along Bridgeway or near the park, arrive well before 10:00 AM — crowds build quickly and street closures begin ahead of the parade.
Street closures for the parade typically run from approximately 9:45 AM to 11:45 AM on Main Street, Second Street, Bridgeway, Caledonia Street, and Napa Street. Parking in the parade staging area, along the route, and at Dunphy Park is closed until the parade ends around noon.
Afternoon Picnic — 12:00 to 4:00 PM at Dunphy Park
When the parade wraps, the celebration moves to Dunphy Park for an afternoon picnic from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Live music plays in the gazebo (typically from around 12:30 PM), and the city hosts beloved crowd-pleasers like the annual egg toss and tug-of-war competitions.
Food vendors commonly include the Sausalito Rotary (hot dogs and hamburgers), Galilee Harbor (fish and chips, fries, corn, and watermelon), and The Rec'ers (wine, margaritas, and beer — cash only at their booth). Bring cash for picnic vendors, sunscreen, and a blanket or lawn chairs for the grass.
Evening Celebration & Fireworks — Gabrielson Park from 6:30 PM
The evening program shifts to Gabrielson Park on the waterfront, starting at 6:30 PM with live music that keeps the crowd dancing until fireworks time. Food service is usually available with cash and card accepted — check the city site for the current vendor.
Fireworks are scheduled for approximately 9:15 PM to 9:30 PM over Richardson Bay, with Gabrielson Park and the downtown boardwalk among the best viewing areas. The city also offers reserved fireworks viewing tables (six chairs per table, available from 6:00 PM through the show) — these sell out, so book early if you want a guaranteed spot.
Remember that personal fireworks are illegal in Marin County. Leave pyrotechnics to the city's professional show and celebrate responsibly.
What To Know Before You Go
The entire day is free and open to the public. Plan for heavy foot traffic downtown, limited parking near the waterfront, and a schedule that rewards anyone willing to stay from parade through fireworks. Layer up for the evening — even warm July days cool quickly when the fog rolls in off the bay.
City of Sausalito Parks & Recreation · (415) 289-4152 · recreation@sausalito.gov sausalito.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/events/4th-of-july-festivities
Annual event on July 4 · Parade 10:00 AM (Second & Main → Bridgeway → Caledonia → Dunphy Park) · Picnic 12:00–4:00 PM at Dunphy Park · Evening celebration from 6:30 PM at Gabrielson Park · Fireworks approx. 9:15–9:30 PM · Free admission
Local tip: Treat it as a full-day outing — stake out parade viewing by 9:30 AM, stay for the Dunphy Park picnic if you can, and save Gabrielson Park for the evening show. Arrive early for evening parking or consider the ferry from San Francisco if you want to skip the worst of the holiday traffic. Bring cash for afternoon food booths and check the city website a few days ahead for any schedule or street-closure updates.