The
Fourth of July in Sausalito is an all-day party, with a morning parade, afternoon picnic, and an evening of music and fireworks. This year, we'll also have the added attraction of a demonstration flight by a single-seat electric aircraft from Pivotal Aeronautics.
If you are planning to attend one or more of the events this Thursday, the tips below can help you maximize the fun and minimize the possibility that you'll need to return home because you forgot something.
Fourth of July Parade
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Follows a
parade route from Old Town to City Hall
- Walk, bike, or take public transportation if you can.
- If you must drive, arrive early to find a parking spot on the street or in one of the City's public lots. The flat rate for Fourth of July parking in the lots is $25 unless you have a 94965 Resident Parking Passcard, which will give you free all-day parking.
- Lock your car and don't leave any valuables visible.
- Remember that from 9:45 a.m. to noon, the Bridgeway corridor will be closed from 2nd and Main streets to Caledonia Street, and all of Caledonia Street will be closed except for the short block between Bee and Napa streets.
- Bring cushions so you can sit comfortably on the curb while you watch the parade.
- Bring layers of clothes; it can be cold and foggy in the morning.
- Sit close to the judges' stand in front of City Hall if you want to see special performances by floats and marching groups.
Demonstration Flight
12:15 p.m.
Launches from a
fenced-off area south of Dunphy Park
- Arrive early to the picnic to watch a demonstration flight by the Helix, a new drone-like single-seater aircraft from Pivotal Aeronautics.
- The 20-minute flight will take the Helix out over Richardson Bay, along the shoreline to the Golden Gate Bridge, and back to Sausalito.
- Pivotal is also planning to conduct test flights at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on July 4 and at 9:00 a.m. on July 5.
Fourth of July Picnic
12:30 to 4:00 p.m.
Dunphy Park
- Arrive early at the park to claim a place on the lawn for a blanket or folding chairs.
- Set up your chairs or blanket near the gazebo to be close to the band — or farther back on the grassy hummocks for a panoramic view of all the action.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen.
- Bring a picnic basket and cooler unless you are planning to purchase all your food and drink at the event.
- Bring cash or a credit card to purchase food options that include hot dogs, hamburgers, fish and chips, French fries, corn on the cob, and snow cones. Beverage options include wine, margaritas, and beer.
- Wear athletic shoes and jeans or shorts if you plan to compete in the tug-of-war or the egg toss at approximately 2:00 p.m.
- If you bring a dog with you, make sure it is leashed at all times.
Live Music and Fireworks
6:30 to 9:45 p.m.
Gabrielson Park
Fireworks begin at approximately 9:15 p.m.
- Make a reservation at a downtown restaurant for dinner before the evening festivities. Big Jim's BBQ will also be selling food at Gabrielson Park before and during the performance by the R&B Allstars.
- Arrive early and bring a blanket to stake out a spot on the lawn.
- Bring a cooler or plan to purchase beverages at the event.
- Make sure you have warm clothes; Gabrielson Park cools off quickly in the evening.
- Don't bring your own fireworks.
- Have a designated driver in your party if you plan to drink alcohol.
- Don't forget where you parked your car.
You can help show your support for the Fourth of July in Sausalito by purchasing
this year's t-shirt at one of the day's events or by donating to the
fireworks fund.
