Independence Day fireworks, parades, more set. Where to find them in the Modesto region

Pat Clark

June 24, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.·4 min read

With Independence Day falling on a Thursday this year, you can celebrate on the weekends prior to and after across the Modesto region. And there’s plenty to do on the holiday itself.

A new drone show at the Stanislaus County Fair marks the holiday with a Patriotic Spectacular. A drone show also is planned as part of Turlock’s community celebration.

Woodward Reservoir will be set aglow with a fireworks show on Saturday, June 29. You can bookend that over-the-water celebration with another at Lake Don Pedro on Saturday, July 6.

Not all communities will offer fireworks, but there will be plenty of pyrotechnics to view throughout the region, along with a host of other patriotic events.

Here’s a look at some of what’s planned:

Turlock

June 28-29: The Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association event features a car show, parade and drone show. The parade begins Friday at 6:30 p.m. and the drone show at 9 p.m. On Saturday, there will be a car show, farmers market and a makers market from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Downtown Turlock. www.turlockdowntown.com/event.

July 5-6: The Patriotic Sky Spectacular at the Stanislaus County Fair features a drone show with choreographed lights and music, creating aerial formations and visual displays. 10 p.m. Visible from across the fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. stancofair.com.

Oakdale

June 29: Woodward Reservoir’s Fireworks Celebration is Saturday. The show is set to begin around 9:30 p.m. 14528 26 Mile Road. Cost is $30 per carload. stancountyparks.com/firework.

Modesto

July 3: The Modesto Nuts fireworks show will follow the evening home game against the Fresno Grizzlies. Game time is 7:05 p.m. at John Thurman Field, 601 Neece Drive, Modesto. Admission $8-$15. www.modestonuts.com.

July 4: The city of Modesto and the Modesto Kiwanis Club present the Red, White and Bloom! parade. Prior and afterward, there will be a street fair with food, beverages, crafts and entertainment from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on I Street between 10th and 11th streets, in front of the Gallo Center for the Arts. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. from 10th and F streets to J Street, then back to 11th Street to I Street, ending at 17th Street. modestojulyparade.com.

Columbia

July 4: Columbia State Historic Park’s annual Glorious 4th of July Celebration begins with a ceremonial flag raising and black powder musket salute at 11 a.m. A parade on Main Street begins at noon. The day’s activities include music by the Great Mother Lode Brass and Reed Band, greased pole climbing, a bucket brigade, contests and a tug-of-war. www.visitcolumbiacalifornia.com.

Atwater

July 4: The day begins with a Run for Independence at 7:30 a.m. A parade downtown begins at 9 a.m. A festival at Ralston Park is set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. A concert and fireworks show will be held 6-10 p.m. at Castle Commerce Center, with admission at $15 per car, $5 per walk-in. www.atwater4thofjuly.org.

Gustine

July 4: Festivities include a parade at 10:30 a.m. on Fifth Street. Afterward, there will be activities, food and more at Henry Miller Park beginning at noon. Later, there will be fireworks at the Gustine High football field. www.members.tripod.com/gustinecofc.

Manteca

July 4: Manteca also celebrates with fireworks over Big League Dreams sports park. Gates to the park open at 7 p.m. with the fireworks display beginning at 9:30 p.m. 1077 Milo Candini Drive. $2 ages 12 and up. 209-456-8000.

Murphys

July 5: Ironstone Vineyards’ Independence Day Celebration features live music by the Shane Dwight Band. There will be wine, beer food and more vendors available, along with kids activities. A fireworks display is planned for the evening. Gates open at 5 p.m. Adults $20, children ages 6-12 $10, age 5 and under free. 1894 6 Mile Road, Murphys. ironstonevineyards.com.

Lake Don Pedro

July 6: The Fireworks-on-the-Water celebration will be held at Lake Don Pedro. Parking is limited, so spectators should arrive early for the 9:30 p.m. show. 10201 Bonds Flat Road, La Grange. $40 per vehicle, $20 per vessel. www.donpedrolake.com/recreation-area/fireworks-show.

A look at the 2019 Fourth of July Parade in downtown Modesto.

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