Independence Day July 4th 2011 Fireworks Shows: San Francisco

The San Francisco Bay Area marks July 4 with fireworks, picnics, concerts and family fun.

Here is a list of all the things to do in the San Francisco Bay Area to celebrate Independence Day:

• July 4 Aboard the USS Hornet
  11 am-10 pm
  The World War II aircraft carrier, now a museum, offers games, live bands, a jump house, and a flight simulator to entertain you, plus its decks, captain's bridge, sick bay, officers' quarters and exhibits on the Apollo moon mission and on historic to modern aircraft to explore. Then watch fireworks around the Bay Area from the flight deck. Food, beer and wine available aboard.
  At 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda. Visitors may not bring aboard any food, sodas, alcohol, fireworks, coolers or large bags. Admission: $20, $25 for adults; $10 for ages 5-17.

• Pier 39's Fourth of July Celebration
  12-9:30 pm
  Music from beach pop and '80s and '90s cover bands, followed by fireworks viewing.
  At Pier 39, Beach St. and The Embarcadero. Free.

• 2012 - The Musical!
  2 pm
  San Francisco Mime Troupe's new season production satirizes corporate funding and the art of mass distraction. A starving political theater company gets a tempting offer: A green corporation will commission it to produce a musical. But of course appearances can be deceiving.
  At Dolores Park. Free.

• July 4th Fireworks Cruises
  7:45 pm and 8:15 pm
  Red and White Fleet's trips cruise along the waterfront, stop to watch the San Francisco fireworks and return around 10-10:30 pm.
  Depart from Pier 43 ½. Tickets: $66 (includes one free beverage).

• July 4th Fireworks Cruises
  8, 8:15, 8:30 & 8:45 pm
  Blue & Gold Fleet boats stay out in the bay for the San Francisco fireworks show. A non-alcoholic cruise departs at 8:15 pm from Pier 39. Snacks and drinks available on board for purchase. No outside beverages or alcohol allowed.
  Depart from Pier 41. Tickets: Online or in advance, $59 adults and $49 ages 5-11; day-of, $65 and $55.

NORTH BAY

• Sausalito July 4th
  10 am-9:30 pm
  July 4 in three parts. Parade (10 am-noon) of floats, bands, animals, classic cars, marching ensembles, and local officials and organizations starts at Second and Main streets and ends at Dunphy Park. Picnic (12-5 pm) at Dunphy Park includes a flag raising ceremony, entertainment, raffle prizes, tug-of-war and other games. Celebration (6-9:30 pm) at Gabrielson Park has live music, entertainment and the city's own fireworks show.
  In Sausalito. Free. Table seating at Gabrielson Park celebration: $100 for six seats.

• Marin County Fair
  June 30-July 4, at 11 am-11 pm
  This year features a special exhibit to jump-start the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge (in 2012); Chinese acrobats; and http://sanfrancisco.about.com/od/sfevents/p/At-The-Exploratorium-Scott-Weavers-Amazing-Toothpick-Art.htm Scott Wheeler's mind-boggling San Francisco toothpick tableau-maze structure. New Orleans' Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Three Dog Night and the Pointer Sisters are among the concert headliners. Carnival rides, animals, demos, contests and food galore. Fireworks at 9:30 pm nightly.
  At 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. Admission: Free-$15.

EAST BAY

• Alameda Fourth of July Parade and Jubilee
  10 am-4 pm
  With a 3.3 mile route, this claims to be the longest Independence Day parade in the U.S. Horses, marching bands, floats, scooters, dancers and cool cars pass spectators and front-yard barbecues starting at 10 am. Followed by the city's Jumpin' & Jivin' Jubilee
  of games, arts and crafts to make, music, a giant slide, bouncy house and other play structures, tattoos, music and other fun.
  Parade starts at Lincoln and Park and ends at Lincoln and Webster; free. Jubilee at Rittler Park (Otis Dr. & Grand St.); admission $7-15.

• July 4th Festival of Family Fun
  11 am-4 pm
  Music, entertainment, food.
  At Jack London Square, Franklin and Water streets, Oakland. Free.

• Fourth of July at Berkeley Marina
  12-10 pm
  Berkeley's bash includes live bands with music for adults and kids, circus performers, pony rides, Afro-Cuban drumming, comedy, a dunk tank and giant slide, free dragon boat rides, arts & crafts, food. Fireworks from the end of Berkeley Pier at 9:30 pm.
  At the south shore of Berkeley Marina (at the bottom of University Ave). No alcohol. Free.