Here in Calaveras, we take Independence Day very seriously. That’s why we start our Independence Day celebrations early—in June to be exact. Read on to find all of the best parades and fireworks in Calaveras for 4th of July celebrations throughout the county.
⚠️PLEASE REMEMBER: Calaveras County is a high fire risk zone. Possession or use of all brands and types of fireworks in the Calaveras County Ebbetts Pass Fire District is illegal. Leave firework displays to the professionals. Play safe and have fun! ⚠️
Where to Find Fireworks in Calaveras County
Independence Day Fireworks start the end of June in Calaveras. New Hogan Lake and Ironstone Vineyards put on the most popular shows in the region. Learn more about these fireworks shows (and other 4th of July fun throughout Calaveras County) below.
- Fireworks over New Hogan Lake – June 29th
When: Last Saturday in June from dusk to 10pm
Where: New Hogan Lake near Valley Springs, CA Explore Valley Springs tri-lakes area here.
Cost: Free
What: Fireworks over New Hogan Lake makes Independence Day celebrations even more magical. Here, you’ll gather on the shore or on a boat to enjoy beautiful fireworks overhead reflected in the lake. This event usually takes place on the Saturday closest to Independence Day and starts at dusk. Consider camping so you don’t have to leave after the fireworks are over. The Observation Point gates will open at 5 PM, and the fireworks show will begin at dusk. For details call 209-606-0332. -
July 4th Fireworks at Ironstone Vineyards - Stars & Stripes Celebration @ Copper Town Square – June 30th
When: Sunday, June 30th, 2024
Where: Copper Town Square Explore Copperopolis here
Cost: Free + Wristbands for the Water Slide are $10 and will be sold the day of.
What: Come celebrate in the Town Square between 11 am – 10 pm with Food, Fireworks, Drinks, Snow Cones, and a Water Slide Obstacle Course! Firework Show starts at 9 pm! - Fireworks at Ironstone Vineyards – July 5th
When: From 2pm to midnight; fireworks at dusk.
Where: Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys, CA. I Explore nearby Murphys & Angels Camp here.
Cost: Cash at the gate and no early tickets are sold. Check Ironstone’s website here for most current pricing.
What: Live music, food, vendors, face painting, rock wall, fire jugglers, bounce house, fireworks at dusk.
Where to Enjoy Independence Day Parades & Celebrations in Calaveras County
- Arnold Independence Day Parade & Sierra Nevada Arts & Crafts Fair – July 6th
- When: July 6th at 10:00 AM
- Where: Highway 4, Center of Arnold, CA Explore Arnold & the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway here.
- Cost: Free
What: The Independence Parade marches down Highway 4 in the center of Arnold, a mountain resort town on the way to Bear Valley Ski Resort on Highway 4, among the pines and redwoods on July 6th this year starting at 10:00 am from the Arnold Byway to the Cedar Center Shopping Plaza. This classic, small-town parade showcases vintage cars and represents local businesses, emergency services, and local school and civic organizations. The festivities continue with the annual Sierra Nevada Arts & Crafts Festival held on the grounds of Bristol’s Ranch House Café. The 4th of July weekend festival will feature high-quality, hand-crafted artisans, specialty food and antiques that will make this a memorable event for many years to come as well as the Ebbetts Pass Fire Department serving beer and other delights! Enjoy the crisp mountain air as you walk among the booths and try the specialty food while enjoying the wonderful mountain environment.
- Mokelumne Hill July 4th Parade
- When: Every July 4th at 10am
- Where: Main Street, Mokelumne Hill, CA Explore Mokelumne Hill here
- Cost: Free
- What: The Moke Hill July 4th Parade is the quintessential small-town-America Independence Day celebration in the charming historic downtown of Mokelumne Hill. Taking place along Main Street in this pretty Gold Rush town makes this parade one of the most picturesque you can imagine. Enjoy food, live music, and vendors plus fun kids activities like a watermelon eating contest and water relay race for a celebration to remember. Festivities begin with a pancake breakfast at the Town Hall from 7:30 am to 11:00 am that supports the Veteran’s Memorial District in its efforts to maintain and improve Moke Hill’s town hall and parks. Join friends and neighbors on Main Street for the parade at 11:00 am. There is plenty of parking at Wendell’s (corner of West Center Street and Highway 49) and a free shuttle to Main Street commencing at 9:30 a.m. on the 4th. Make sure to make a stop in to Posterity Ciderworks just on the other side of Highway 49!
Over shot water wheel from the Angels-Quartz Mine at the Angels Camp Museum - Calaveras Community Band – July 4th Free Concert at the Angels Camp Museum
- When: July 4th at 10:00 AM
- Where: Angels Camp Museum, 753 South Main Street, Angels Camp
- Cost: Concert is free; Museum has an admission and lots of discounts available. Active Duty Military & Police, Fire, & EMT/Paramedics receive free admission
- What: Enjoy free patriotic music performed by the Calaveras Community Band. Bring a blanket, low back-chair, and a picnic lunch to enjoy in the shaded grassy area.
The fairway at La Contenta - The 1st Annual Lucky Lowman Veterans Tournament
- When: Saturday, July 6th 9 AM Shot Gun
- Where: La Contenta Golf Club
- Cost: $102 per person; $408 per team
What: Lucky Lowman received his nickname by being one of only a few individuals who served our country as a prop plane fighter in three wars, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Lucky became a teaching golf pro at La Contenta Golf Club after a career in the Air Force. To honor our veterans, all proceeds for the tournament will be donated to the HOPE Foundation. PGA HOPE introduces golf to active-duty military and military veterans to enhance their physical, social, mental and emotional well-being. Call the pro shop at 209-772-1081 for more information or to become a sponsor!
Looking for a place to cool down?
Looking for places to cool off between the festivities? From lakes to rushing mountain streams to hidden swimming holes, Calaveras has got you covered! And if you can stay a while, click for some great lodging options in Calaveras!