Fourth of July Activities in and Around Los Altos and Los Altos Hills

Written by L.A. Chung

1. Fourth of July Parade, 9:30 a.m., Town Hall, Los Altos Hills
The fifth annual Los Altos Hills 4th of July Parade gathers at Town Hall at 9:30 a.m. and steps off at 10:00 am. This short parade goes down Fremont Road to  at Gardner Bullis School where a beverage and a juicy watermelon treat await. Organizers ask that no fossil-fueled vehicles or horses be brought for the parade.

2. A Glorious Fourth! 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Shoup Park, Los Altos
The annual Independence Day celebration that immediately follows the Los Altos Hills parade boasts kids' activities, a bouncy house and slide, "a reptile farm," and live entertainment by Ye Olde Towne Band and Unicorn. Mayors Jarrett Fishpaw and Gary Waldeck will greet residents. Bring a picnic or purchased from Quick Dog, Paradise Shave Ice and Baskin Robbins ice cream.

3. Fireworks
Most Los Altans head out to Mountain View, Redwood City, Cupertino or San Jose for their fireworks show. See

For those staying close by, we have two tips. Those who want to watch the fireworks at Shoreline Amphitheater without tickes—and sans the musical accompaniment— head to the Costco parking lot, watching from across U.S. Highway 101.

Cupertino's fireworks show is considerably more commodious. It will take place at 9:30 p.m. from three viewing sites: Creekside Park, Sedgewick Elementary School and Hyde Middle School. All three locations will have live music and activities for kids beginning at 6:45 p.m.