Celebrate America’s 250th and City’s 150th anniversaries
By Eve Kearney, Martinez City Manager’s Office
Martinez, CA – The City of Martinez is pleased to announce its 2026 Independence Day Celebration, featuring a full day of events for residents, families, and visitors. This year’s festivities honor two important milestones: the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 150th anniversary of the City of Martinez. The community is invited to celebrate with a series of events taking place on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Parade – 10:00am
Hosted by Downtown Martinez & Co., the annual Independence Day Parade will take place on historic downtown Main Street and feature local organizations, civic groups, marching units, classic vehicles, and community representatives.
Martinez Sturgeons Baseball Game – 12:30pm
Join us for the great American pastime, with a special Independence Day home game featuring the Martinez Sturgeons, playing at Joe DiMaggio Field in Waterfront Park. Concessions will be available.
Fun Fest at Waterfront Park – 5:00 pm
The afternoon continues at Waterfront Park with a family-friendly Fun Fest featuring activities, food trucks, and entertainment. Highlights include Bubble Fun from 5:00–6:0pm, a professional kite show from 6:00–7:00pm, and music from DJ Rhythm Masters beginning at 6:30pm. This event is designed to offer residents of all ages a safe, welcoming space to enjoy the holiday together.
Fireworks Finale – 9:30 pm
The City of Martinez will conclude the day with its annual fireworks display over the Martinez Waterfront. This professionally produced show will begin at 9:30pm and promises to be an outstanding display of dazzling colors and community spirit!
The City of Martinez looks forward to celebrating Independence Day with the community and thanks its partners and public safety personnel for their efforts in coordinating this year’s events. The City would also like to thank the East Bay Regional Park District for their continued support and partnership with the City’s annual Fireworks Show.
Please note that general vehicle access to the Marina will be closed off starting at 6:00am and parking will be by permit only as City staff and contractors prepare for the event. Free parking for the day’s events is available in the surrounding Downtown area.
As a reminder, the use of personal fireworks is prohibited in both the City of Martinez and throughout Contra Costa County, to protect our community from the significant risks associated with fireworks, including fires, injuries, and disruptive noise impacts. We appreciate our community’s continued cooperation in helping to maintain a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all residents, visitors, and pets.
We look forward to marking history together, celebrating 250 years of America and 150 years of Martinez, on an unforgettable day of community pride!
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