There are many events planned for the Fourth of July holiday weekend and the events are not just celebrating Independence Day, they are celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States.
On Saturday, July 4th, from 1- 9 PM at Rocca Park in Jamestown enjoy a block party with food, vendors, family fun and from 5 – 8 PM live music by The Penetrators Groove Band. Bring the whole family down to Rocca Park to support locals and celebrate together.
This Friday Bar Jay Bar will play at the Angels Camp Farmers’ Market from 4:30 to 7:30 PM at Utica Park.
Friday is also Movie Night at the Tuolumne Branch Library hosted by the Tuolumne Parks and Recreation District. This Friday the movie shown is National Treasure with the concession stand open, free admission, bench seating available, or bring your beach chairs and blankets for the grass seating area. Details on the other movies this season are in the event listing here.
Start your 4th of July early with an excursion train ride at Railtown 1897 the day before the huge Star-Spangled Steam event celebrating our Nations 250th Birthday detailed here. Trains on the 3rd will depart at 4:00pm and 5:30pm. On July 4th celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park with Sierra Railway No. 3. The family-friendly celebration will include free lemonade and popcorn, glow-stick accessories to help you shine for the 45-minute train ride through the scenic and historic Mother Lode Gold Country. The music will carry a patriotic spirit, and the atmosphere promises to be lively and festive. Doors open at 7:30 pm. Train leaves at 8:30 pm.
Saturday morning the Sonora Farmers Market will be held on 4th of July from 7:30 – 11 AM with music by Dan Applegate, all the vendors and a kids craft hosted by Sonora the Farmers Market staff.
The Twain Harte 4th of July Parade will close roads from 9 to 11 AM. Event organizers invite the whole community to line the streets, decked out in red, white, and blue, cheer on the parade, and enjoy some small-town magic. Bring friends, family and lawn chairs. Park early and after the parade, enjoy the local food and shops, to help keep the celebration going.
Mi Wuk/Sugar Pine Fire Protection District Auxiliary is celebrating the USA’s 250th birthday with a Pancake Breakfast as detailed here.
The Twain Harte Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 2026 Summer Concert Series at Eproson Park, every Saturday night from 6 – 8 PM. This Saturday The Snarky Cats will perform, view the event listing here for the list of musicians featured this season. The concerts are free, bring your chairs and picnics, but blankets are not allowed on the lawn. Later in the evening at 8 PM nearby at Local Press, Ticket to Ride will perform. The summer season list is here.
Columbia State Historic Park will celebrate in its unique style with the Glorious 4th of July and America’s 250th Birthday beginning with raise the flag at 11 AM, a Brass Band at 11:15 AM, the classic Needle in the Haystack game, the Parade at 1 PM, and the Tug of War followed by Grease Pole, a Papeete Demo at 2 PM, Nail Pounding Contest at 2:30 PM, Water Balloon Toss at 3:15 PM, Soggy Bottom Race at 3:30 PM, Watermelon Eating Contest at 4 PM, a cake walk every hour, and raffles.
At Black Oak Casino Resort on Friday, listen to The Mixtape, a Rock and grunge cover band from Modesto. July 4th and 5th is the Freedom Fun Fair with three different carnival rides located in front of the Hotel Pool, fire breathing shows by Phoenix Fire Family at 8 and 9 PM on both days and festive fair food. At 8 PM inside on stage is AC Myles and Band playing the best of Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Rory Gallagher.
Don Pedro Recreation Agency is hosting Fourth of July Fireworks on the Water on Saturday. Parking is available at either Blue Oak Campground or Fleming Meadows. Fireworks begin at 9:30 PM, but arrive early as detailed here.
There will be three different Fourth of July Parades in Calaveras County this Saturday. The Greater Arnold Business Association presents an Independence Day Parade starting at 10 AM. Additionally, Mokelumne Hill’s celebration will small-town festivities all day long including the Parade that begins at 11 AM. Murphys will also have a walking parade beginning at Noon.
As detailed here the Mother Lode Fair continues. The Destruction Derby will be held Sunday at 6 PM. All the arena events are included with fair admission. Main gate opens at 9 AM daily, the exhibit buildings are open from 9 AM – 10 PM the Tribal Building is open 1 PM – 10 PM and carnival rides are from 1 PM – 11 PM.
In Copperopolis the Stars & Stripes 4th of July Celebration will be held all day at The Town Square at Copper Valley. The event will include music, water slides, vendors and more.
Vets Helping Vets and Harvest Ministries will host an Independence Day Flea Market at Westside Memorial Park in Tuolumne City. The event is this Friday, Saturday and Sunday with vintage vendors, antiques, peanut brittle and hot dogs.
American Legion Smyth Bolter Post 58 will be serving breakfast on Sunday morning from 8 to 11 AM at the Sonora Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Sonora. All Veterans will be honored with a free breakfast and everyone else will save one dollar from the normal price.
Murphys Creek Theatre is performing Henry V and a blog about the experience is here. The play runs through July 5 as detailed here.
Sierra Reparatory Theater is performing “Don’t Touch That Dial!” a musical comedy with TV theme songs and mayhem at the Fallon House location in Columbia through July 19.
Public pools are open up for summer. Recreation swim times, family pool nights, and the link to sign up for all swim classes at the Sonora, Twain Harte, Tuolumne, and Bret Harte pools are in our recreation guide here.
The restaurant of the month in our dining guide is Verona 18. Check out movie times in Angels Camp, Riverbank and Pinecrest. All passes are open with highway traffic notices posted here.
