CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (June 23, 2025) — From morning fun runs and walks and parades and afternoon old fashioned picnics in central parks, culminating mid evening with the rockets red glare of fireworks extravaganzas, there are events happening from morning to dusk in Concord, Pleasant Hill, and Clayton on the 4th of July.

Concord

Runs and walks begin at 8 a.m. with the Kids Fun Run. Following the National Anthem at 8:10 a.m., the 5K run and Walk will kick off. All participants on the course must have a race bib visible on the front of their body at all times.

There will be 2 water stops/aid stations on the course (at miles 1 and 2) and a ton of delicious and refreshing post-race goodies and bottled water. No bikes, scooters, skates or skateboards will be allowed on the course.

Photo ops with Stomper the Oakland A’s mascot and Uncle Sam will be available too.

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Afterwards, tuck into a hearty $5 pancake breakfast served by the Concord/Diablo Rotary Club that is available from 8 to 11 a.m.
Concord’s famous and fantastic 4th of July Parade rolls off at 10 a.m., complete with bands including the Blue Devils Marching Band, classic cars, unique floats, equestrian and dance teams, community groups and a whole lot more.

The theme for this year’s 34th annual Independence Day parade Is “Rockin’ Red, White, and Blue!” in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Concord Pavilion.

The funs continues in the afternoon and evening with the gates opening at 4 p.m. for the 11 annual 4th of July festivities at Mt. Diablo High School, 2450 Grant St.

The alcohol free event will include a bag check upon entry by security. Also, no dogs are allowed nor is smoking permitted. The public is advised that the gates to MDHS do not open early to save spots on the grass.

The free festivities will feature live music on stage, a kids’ carnival, food and vendor booths, and local artist exhibits. Live entertainment on stage will begin at 5:30 PM by local favorite Brooks Lundy, leading up to a special performance by The 925 Band at 7:30 PM.

Finally, at 9:15 PM, the day will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display.

Pleasant Hill

The Firecracker 5K kicks off the community’s day along schedule at 7:45 a.m. for a spirited race through the town that will conclude by 9:30 a.m. Dogs and strollers are allowed. For the pint-sized runners (7 years and younger), they can show off their speed and agility in the free 100-yard dash. Prizes await the top finishers of both races.

Next up is the community’s annual parade that will wind through the downtown corridor beginning at 9:30 a.m.

After the parade ends at 10:30 a.m, walk over to Pleasant Hill Park for live music, food, and fun for the kids.  The Party in the Park begins at noon with Boy Scout Troop 282 providing the Flag Detail and Pleasant Hill resident Alejandra Quezada Sermeno singing the National Anthem, followed at 12:15 p.m. with a watermelon eating contest.

The fun continues til 1:30 p.m. with music by Inner-State 80’s, BBQ from Back 40 Texas BBQ, Kettle Corn, Shaves Ice, kids games, and inflatables.

The day’s festivities wrap up fireworks set to light up the evening skies at 8:45 p.m. at College Park High School. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with music, food, and dessert trucks on site.  Access is $4 per person (suggested donation). Dogs are not allowed for the fireworks. So grab a blanket and your loved ones and enjoy the show.

Note that Viking Drive will be closed to traffic between Norse Drive and Ruth Drive prior to and after the fireworks display
For parking, the North Parking Lot along Golf Club Rd at DVC, Parking lot at Valley View Middle School, PH Community Center Parking Lot are recommended for those driving into the area.

Clayton

A pancake breakfast by the Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise Rotary at the Endeavor Hall, $10 for adults, and $8 for children 12 years and younger, kick off the day’s festivities.

Then the Clayton 4th of July Parade begins at 10 a.m., proceeding along Oak Street. The parade’s theme is “Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future.”