What's Happening

Mark your calendars – Alameda’s biggest free street event of the year is back and the stage is set. Get ready for two days of continuous live music on three stages (Santa Clara, Clement, plus a local stage) from local legends and fan favorite!

SATURDAY – JULY 25, 2026
SANTA CLARA STAGE

Time	Band	Type of Music
10:00am – 12:00pm	THE LOST CATS	Local Band – Classic Rock & Blues
1:00pm – 3:00pm	SWAMPERS CCR TRIBUTE	Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute
4:00pm – 6:00pm	THE SPAZMATICS	Ultimate 80’s New Wave Show

CLEMENT STAGE

Time	Band	Type of Music
10:00am – 12:00pm	ROCKY MICHAELS	Indie Folk Singer/Songwriter
1:00pm – 3:00pm	ZEBOP!	Santana Tribute Band
4:00pm – 6:00pm	ANTHONY ARYA BAND	Local Band – Indie Folk Artist

SUNDAY – JULY 26, 2026
SANTA CLARA STAGE

Time	Band	Type of Music
10:00am – 12:00pm	DREW HARRISON	Local Singer/Songwriter
1:00pm – 3:00pm	LONG TRAIN RUNNIN’	Doobie Brothers Tribute Band
4:00pm – 6:00pm	OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY	Classic Rock Tribute Band

CLEMENT STAGE

Time	Band	Type of Music
11:30am – 2:30pm	FULL SPECTRUM	Rock & Pop Covers
3:30pm – 5:30pm	LIFE IN THE FASTLANE	Eagles Tribute

Looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate Independence Day? Head to Downtown Alameda for one of the nation’s largest and longest Fourth of July parades!

This year is especially meaningful as America celebrates its 250th birthday and the Alameda Fire Department marks 150 years of service to our community.

The City of Alameda’s Fourth of July Parade begins at 10:00 a.m. at the corner of Park Street and Lincoln Avenue. Stretching 3.3 miles across the Island, the parade features more than 150 entries, over 2,500 participants, and attracts more than 60,000 spectators from throughout the Bay Area. Marching bands, community groups, antique cars, equestrians, dancers, and colorful floats all come together to create one of Alameda’s most beloved traditions.

Since its debut in 1976, the Alameda Fourth of July Parade has grown into a signature community event and one of the premier Independence Day celebrations in Northern California.

The Best Place to Watch the Parade

Every year, people ask where they can find the best view of the parade. Our answer is always the same:

Park Street between Lincoln Avenue and San Jose Avenue.

Why? This first stretch of the route is where parade participants are at their most energetic and excited. Entries are closer together, performances are lively, and the friendly competition for crowd attention makes for a highly entertaining experience. Kids can often expect plenty of candy and giveaways, and there is always lots of excitement in the air.

Another advantage of watching from Downtown Alameda is the convenience. If you’re looking for coffee, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, or a little shopping before or after the parade, you’ll find plenty of local businesses ready to welcome you.

Plan Your Parade Day

Before heading Downtown, be sure to review the City’s parade resources:

• Parade Information: City of Alameda Fourth of July Parade Information
• Parade Program: Parade Program (PDF)
• Parade Route Map: Parade Route Map (PDF)
• Traffic Detour Map: Parade Detour Map (PDF)
• Portable Restroom Locations: Portable Restroom Locations (PDF)

The City also reminds visitors that all vehicles must be removed from the parade route by 4:00 a.m., and streets along the route will begin closing at 7:00 a.m. on July 4.

Tips for Parade Day

For the best viewing experience, arrive early to secure a spot along the curb on Park Street before the 10:00 a.m. start time. If you arrive later, standing-room viewing is usually available along the route.

The parade typically clears the Downtown District between 11:30 a.m. and noon, making it the perfect time to explore, enjoy lunch, and continue celebrating the holiday in Downtown Alameda. 

Celebrate and Support Local

The Fourth of July is a wonderful reminder of what makes Alameda special: community, tradition, and local pride.

As we celebrate our nation’s independence this Fourth of July, let’s also recognize and support the independent businesses that help make Alameda unique. These locally owned shops, restaurants, and services are the heart of our community, contributing to the character, vitality, and entrepreneurial spirit that make Downtown Alameda such a special place. Whether you’re grabbing a meal, shopping for something unique, or simply stopping in to say hello, your support makes a difference. 

So put on your red, white, and blue, gather your family and friends, and join us in Downtown Alameda for a memorable Fourth of July celebration.

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Downtown Alameda offers exceptional dining, unique shopping, delightful experiences, professional services, and year-round community events. To learn more about businesses and upcoming events, visit Downtown Alameda and follow us on social media.

You’re invited to join the celebration of Alameda’s largest outdoor summer street festival! The 39th Anniversary Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire offers something for everyone — more than 250 art and craft vendors, festival foods, craft beer and wine, live music on three stages, and interactive kids’ areas with games and carnival rides.

The festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, July 25 & 26 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and is free to attend.

“We’re excited to welcome the community back for the 39th Anniversary of the Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire,” said Kathy Weber, Executive Director of the Downtown Alameda Business Association. “For nearly four decades, this event has brought residents and visitors together to celebrate the creativity, music, food, and small businesses that make Alameda such a special place. This year we’re especially excited, including our ‘Authentically Alameda!’ area near the Alameda Theatre, highlighting local musicians, artisans, and flavors that truly represent our island community.”

Art & Craft Vendors

Bring your wallet — you won’t want to leave empty-handed after exploring more than 250 booths featuring ceramics, metal art, paintings, photography, handmade clothing, woodcrafts, toys, handbags, and jewelry.

Live Entertainment

Continuous music on three stages features classic rock, bluegrass, funk, jazz, and soul. Performers include ZEBOP! (Santana Tribute), The Spazmatics (Ultimate 80’s New Wave Show), Life in the Fastlane (Eagles), Long Train Running (Doobie Brothers), Swampers CCR Tribute, the Anthony Arya Band (local Indie folk artist), Full Spectrum (Rock & pop covers), Other People’s Money (Classic Rock Tribute), The Lost Cats (local classic rock and blues), Rocky Michaels (Indie folk singer) and Drew Harrison (local crooner and our favorite Sun King).

Festival Foods

Follow your nose to classic festival favorites including Lockeford Sausages, kettle corn, gyros, mini donuts, paella, carne asada tacos, virgin Pina Coladas in a pineapple, curly fries, teriyaki skewers, soft serve ice cream, shave ice, lobster sliders, crab fries, and so much more.

Authenticity Takes Center Stage

With the iconic Alameda Theatre sign as the backdrop, the Authentically Alameda! area expands along Central Avenue between Park and Oak Streets and includes the tree-lined lot and Alameda Avenue. A third music stage programmed by Alameda musician Jim Parodi will highlight both professional and emerging local talent. The area will also feature Alameda artisans, downtown businesses, community organizations, and additional entertainment. Visitors can relax in the expanded outdoor dining space while enjoying local food and drinks.

Craft Beer & Local Premium Wine

Four beverage booths will serve local craft beer from Alameda Brewing and premium wines from Wachira Wines, Urban Legend Winery, Dashe Cellars, and Drawbridge Cellars.

Kids’ Fun Zone

Park Street is the place for carnival rides, games, and face painting for kids and families.

Enjoy All of Downtown Alameda

More than 400 businesses are located in Alameda’s walkable downtown district, offering unique shops, restaurants, and services. Many will feature special promotions during the festival weekend.

“This is one of my favorite events,” said event co-producer Chelley Dallara of Eckerstrom Productions. “When you combine lovely weather, live music, refreshing libations, and your favorite festival food in Alameda’s beautiful island setting, you have a must-attend event.”

Visitors can reach the event via AC Transit, with connections from Fruitvale BART. Free secure bike parking will also be available.

Share your festival photos using #artwinefaire and #downtownalameda.

For more information visit www.DowntownAlameda.com/artandwine or email office@DowntownAlameda.com.

The annual Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire is presented by the Downtown Alameda Business Association and produced by Eckerstrom Productions as a fundraiser for the district. Proceeds help keep Downtown Alameda clean, green, and safe.

Want to help make this year’s Rock & Roll Beer Stroll and Art & Wine Faire fun and engaging for our community!?

Rock & Roll Beer Stroll (Saturday 6/13) – we are specifically looking for help pouring beer at the host locations. Volunteers (21+) will receive a commemorative glass and wristband to enjoy the festivities a bit.

Art & Wine Faire (Saturday 7/25 and Sunday 726) – shifts are 3 hours and all volunteers (21+) receive a 39th Anniversary event t-shirt, a commemorative glass of their choice (wine or beer), and a beverage ticket.

Are you able to volunteer? We couldn’t host these fun community events without the assistance of our wonderful volunteers.

Rock & Roll Beer Stroll – Saturday, June 13th

Art & Wine Faire – Saturday, July 25th and Sunday, July 26th

Please fill out the sign-up forms, in the above links, if you are interested in helping us out. Also, if you know anyone else who might be interested, feel free to pass these forms along to them.