STOCKTON, Calif. — Food, music, shopping, fireworks and more are in store for anyone heading to Stockton's annual 4th of July Parade and Festival 2024.
The festival takes place on July 4, and the festivities carry on through the day until the fireworks show, which is just after 9:30 p.m.
Here's what to know for the big day.
Fourth of July in Stockton, 2024
On Independence Day, the festivities start with the parade, hosted by the United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County. The parade starts at 11 a.m. at the corner of Weber and El Dorado. It will go north on El Dorado to Oak, left on Oak to Center, left on Center and south to Weber Avenue.
Notably, Stockton farmer worker turned astronaut Jose Hernandez will be the parade's Grand Marshal. Hernandez's story was turned into a movie in 2023, "A Million Miles Away." It was the #1 movie in the U.S. on Amazon Prime for a time after it debuted.
At 12 p.m., the festival opens at Weber Point Events Center. This is where guests will be able to shop and eat courtesy of artisanal vendors and food trucks. It's a family friendly place, meaning there'll plenty to do for the kids, some special guests, live music and entertainment. The entertainment includes performances by Ballet Folklorico Dance and the Latin Magic Band.
The main event takes place after 9:30 p.m. The Stockton Ports will have a 20-minute fireworks show following their clash with the San Jose Giants at Banner Island Ballpark. If tickets runout for seating at the ballpark, people can still watch the show from downtown waterfront.
Fourth of July fireworks safety
If you choose to celebrate Independence Day at home and bypass the parades and public events, you should read up on any ordinances in your city or county before buying any fireworks. Fireworks are illegal in certain areas of the state due to serious injuries and millions in property loss from fireworks-sparked wildfires.
According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, an average of 18,000 fires are started every year by fireworks, both illegal ones and “safe and sane” fireworks” used improperly.
To celebrate the Fourth of July safely, the Office of the State Fire Marshal says you should only use fireworks outdoors, and never near dry grass or other flammable materials. It’s also recommended to keep a bucket of water and a hose nearby when using fireworks.
Regardless of where you go in California, using fireworks that explode, leave the ground or move about the ground uncontrollably is illegal. These fireworks include skyrockets, bottle rockets and Roman candles. Anyone caught with illegal fireworks could face fines or even arrest.
All legal fireworks include the “Safe and Sane” logo from the California State Fire Marshal on them. If you are not sure if your fireworks are legal, you can contact your nearest Cal Fire facility or local fire station.
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