How to Celebrate the 4th of July in Sausalito (2023)

If you’re looking for plans in Marin County, come celebrate the 4th of July in Sausalito: there’s a parade, picnic, live music, and fireworks display… what more do you need to celebrate our nation’s founding? After restarting celebrations last year, 2023 promises another year with all the fun and fireworks of years past and incredible memories with family, friends, and the community.

For 2023, Independence Day in Sausalito promises to be one for the books, as the Parade continues, the fireworks are as impressive as ever, and – new this year –, the city has spread out events across the area to help distribute crowds (rather than just being focused on Dunphy Park).

Whether you happen to be visiting Sausalito for Independence Day or call somewhere in the area home, here are your plans for the 4th of July – no questions asked, this is the way to do it!

Sausalito is the traditional lands of the Graton Rancheria, Miwok, and Me-Wuk (Coast Miwok) peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation to the past and present stewards of these lands. To learn more, I invite you to explore Native Land.

This post was originally published in June 2022, and was updated in June 2023.

Parade Down Bridgeway & Caledonia

As in past years, celebrations for the 4th of July in Sausalito kick off with a colorful parade. The city invites everyone to participate, and the parade is different every year, but here are a few staples you can always expect. 

The Sausalito 4th of July parade will start at 10 am and end at noon. Floats, bands, and performers wearing their most patriotic outfits will begin the procession on 2nd and Main St. They then head down Bridgeway and Caledonia. The parade ends at Caledonia and Litho Street at Dunphy Park, where there is more fun for the day. 

Make sure you come early to find a good spot. Also, bring a chair and a blanket to sit and enjoy the parade comfortably.

Picnic & Live Music in Robin Sweeny Park

Put on some sunscreen for the celebrations on Independence Day in Sausalito will continue at Robin Sweeny Park (a short walk from the parade end). The city invites everyone to make the most of the town’s sunny weather and gather in the park for an afternoon picnic, a tradition for the 4th of July in Sausalito – though it’s in a new location this year.

There will be live music by the Jimi James Band, food, dancing, family games, and the famous egg toss (there will be no tug-o-war this year).

As a heads up, the park is smaller than Dunphy Park and will get busy quickly, so you may want to arrive early. You can bring your own food and drinks or take a chance and explore the delicious food vendors.

Fireworks Above Richardson Bay

When the night comes, the party moves to Gabrielson Park for the moment we have all been expecting: fireworks! 

Sausalito’s 4th of July celebrations include a spectacular fireworks show at Gabrielson Park, just north of Sausalito Ferry Pier. The Park is just north of Sausalito Ferry Pier. Since fireworks go off from a barge near this park, you won’t have trouble finding a good spot. Also, Gabrielson Park grants unobstructed views of Richardson Bay. 

Before the fireworks display, there will be food trucks serving meals and beverages for sale. Cap City Band, another local band, will keep the music flowing from 6:30 to 9pm. Fireworks will begin around 9:00pm and last for half an hour. There will be food and drink available for purchase if you’re still hungry after the picnic.

Have you heard of other 4th of July Celebrations in Sausalito? Let me know in the comments!