Independence Day, Fireworks, and More 4th of July Fun

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 I 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.
• 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, Copperopolis and Arnold 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.
• Stars and Stripes in the Square – July 3rd
  When: First Sunday in July from 11 am to 10 pm; fireworks at dusk.
  Where: Copper Towne Square, Copperopolis, CA. I Explore nearby Murphys, Angels Camp, Copperopolis and Arnold here.
  Cost: Free/ $10 Water slide
  What: Come celebrate in the Town Square on Sunday, July 3rd with Food, Fireworks, Drinks, Snow Cones, and a Water Slide Obstacle Course! Wristbands for the Water Slide are $10 and will be sold the day of. Firework Show starts at 9 pm!  See you all there to celebrate!

Where to Enjoy Independence Day Parades & Celebrations in Calaveras County

• Arnold Independence Day Parade & Sierra Nevada Arts & Crafts Fair – 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 – 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!
• The Gold Club @ Copper Valley – 4th of July Golf Fore Freedom
  When: Monday July 4th from 9am to 3pm
  Where: The Gold Club @ Copper Valley, Copperopolis, CA.  Explore nearby Murphys, Angels Camp, Copperopolis and Arnold here.
  Cost: Free for members, members’ guests – $90, non-members $115
  What: Come celebrate the 4th of July  This is a family fun play day – all players welcome. 9AM Shotgun Start. There are no handicaps or format, closest to the pin on all par 3’s. Place an American Flag wherever you take your 72nd shot and cover the course in American pride. There are raffles and prizes as well! Includes a cart, range, snacks, and a BBQ lunch! Sign up at the Golf Shop or call (209)-783-9300.
• Calaveras Community Band – July 4th Free Concert at the Angels Camp Museum
  When: July 4th at 10am
  Where: Angels Camp Museum, 753 South Main Street, Angels Camp
  Cost: Concert is free; Museum has an admission and lots of discounts available.  Veterans and Active Duty Military, Police, and Fire 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.

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!