Mayor Lurie To Light Up Golden Gate Bridge For United States' 250th Anniversary

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today announced that San Francisco will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding with a historic fireworks display launched directly from the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge on Saturday, July 4, 2026—only the third time in the bridge’s nearly 90-year history that fireworks have been deployed from the iconic span. The free, public display will begin at approximately 9:30 PM and will be visible from vantage points across San Francisco and the Bay Area. Attendees are encouraged to use the city’s Shop Dine SF Waterfront guide to find local businesses, events, and other destinations along the city’s waterfront.

The historic fireworks display builds on the Lurie administration’s work to welcome visitors to San Francisco, with tourism on track to break records in 2026 following San Francisco International Airport’s busiest-ever Memorial Day. The San Francisco Bay Area is currently a host of the FIFA World Cup, after successfully hosting the Super Bowl in February and NBA All-Star Weekend last year—collectively driving a projected $1.4 billion in economic activity and supporting the city’s economic recovery.

“The Golden Gate Bridge is as iconic as any landmark in the United States, so it’s an ideal place to launch fireworks for our country’s 250th anniversary,” said Mayor Lurie. “If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate July Fourth, there’s nowhere better than the city with the most beautiful parks, the best restaurants, and the most dynamic arts and culture. Whether you live here or you’re just visiting, we encourage you to ride Muni, explore our incredible neighborhoods, and look out for one another.”

The July Fourth display will mark only the third time pyrotechnics have launched from the Golden Gate Bridge and the first time that the bridge has marked a national milestone. Previous fireworks displays celebrated the bridge’s 50th and 75th anniversaries in 1987 and 2012, respectively.

The display is the city’s only official fireworks show this year, with pyrotechnics launching from the east side of the bridge between its two towers, accompanied by two barges in the bay below—one just off the bridge and a second near Pier 39.

“We are proud to join the City of San Francisco and regional partners in welcoming this Fourth of July celebration to the Golden Gate Bridge,” said Denis Mulligan, General Manager of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District. “As stewards of this iconic structure and symbol of our community, we are honored to help celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary and look forward to a festive, safe, and memorable night for all.”

WHERE TO WATCH

Because this year’s fireworks will launch from the east side of the Golden Gate Bridge between its two towers, the best viewing areas are those with a clear northwest sightline toward the bridge. Attendees are encouraged to arrive well before 9:30 PM given the potential for significant crowds.

Recommended viewing locations include Crissy Field, Marina Green, and Pier 39 and the northern Embarcadero—in Fisherman’s Wharf along Pier 39 or the block bounded by The Embarcadero, Jefferson Street and Taylor Street.

The Ferry Building and Embarcadero waterfront will not offer views of this year’s display. Attendees who typically gather along the Embarcadero for Fourth of July fireworks should plan to travel to one of the recommended northwest viewing areas listed above.

Ocean Beach is also not a recommended viewing location. Because fireworks are launching from the east side of the bridge, the angle from Ocean Beach will be poor.

Food and amenities will be available onsite in the Presidio. Food trucks will be located on the Presidio Main Parade lawn between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM. Presidio park rangers and park police will be on patrol, with designated viewing areas established to manage crowd flow.

Earlier in the day, the Sunset Dunes Community Parade will take place at 12:00 PM. The parade begins at Noriega Street and ends at Judah Street, where there will be a community event featuring live music and activities for kids until 2:00 PM.

“The Port is thrilled to be part of this historic July Fourth celebration,” said Michael Martin, Port of San Francisco Acting Executive Director. “There is no better place to celebrate than our iconic waterfront. We encourage residents and visitors to come before the fireworks to shop, dine, and relax in Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, both of which will offer views of the spectacular fireworks display over the bay.”

“We’re grateful that the City of San Francisco has created this historic moment marking the 250th anniversary of our nation and of the Presidio,” said Linda Butler, Presidio Trust Director of Marketing and Communications. “This promises to be an unforgettable celebration in one of San Francisco’s most iconic settings, and we hope people will come enjoy this special moment together.”

“This is shaping up to be one of the most spectacular Fourth of July celebrations San Francisco has ever seen," Sarah Madland, Recreation and Parks Department General Manager. "If you’re planning to watch from Marina Green, we encourage you to arrive early, bring everything you’ll need for the day, and do your part to help keep the park clean by properly disposing of any trash. We want everyone to enjoy a safe, memorable celebration and leave with lasting memories of an incredible day on the waterfront.”

HOW TO GET THERE

Attendees are strongly encouraged to use public transit for travel to and from viewing areas and other events around July Fourth. After supporting nearly 3.5 million trips during Super Bowl week and millions more already during the FIFA World Cup, Muni will provide safe, reliable, and affordable service throughout the holiday, with extended service to help attendees travel home after the 9:30 PM show. And now with tap to pay, riding transit has never been easier.

The Presidio is accessible by public transit, including the free Presidio GO shuttle, with additional service to be added to support the event. Additional service will be added to support the event. Schedules are available online.

Traffic exiting the Presidio and surrounding neighborhoods, or entering the city, is likely to be significant. Parking lots at Marina Green and Crissy Field will be closed to the general public from 6:00 AM on July 4 until 6:00 AM on July 5.

Visitors driving into the Presidio should expect parking lots to fill up early and close when full, paid parking with special event parking fees to be in effect and enforced, and exit times to be delayed after the show ends.

Drivers planning to travel between San Francisco and Marin County are advised to seek alternative routes through the East Bay or adjust their travel times. Visitors, residents, and workers should expect additional congestion in the Marina, Aquatic Park, and Fisherman's Wharf areas, and parking will be limited.

Drivers should also expect slow traffic driving northbound U.S 101 to the Central Freeway and Golden Gate Bridge exit approaching the Golden Gate Bridge. Drivers should prepare for extended travel times and follow California Highway Patrol instructions as traffic control points are activated.

Heavy congestion is also expected on Highway 1 through the Presidio and Richmond District as visitors use local roads to reach Crissy Field, Fort Point, and Marina viewing areas. Limited parking and event related closures will increase local delays.

No Caltrans highway work-related closures are planned for the holiday weekend, but heavy traffic will create delays throughout the corridor. Caltrans recommends using QuickMap and 511.org for real-time traffic updates.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) and San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) will have staff controlling traffic and parking enforcement, and some streets may be restricted to local traffic only during peak times (for residents or local deliveries). Information on additional transit modifications during the fireworks display and information related to traffic and transit will be available online.

“We strongly advise public transportation for a safer and more affordable choice to get around on Fourth of July,” said Julie Kirschbaum, SFMTA Director of Transportation. “Our staff will be working hard to keep people moving whether they're walking, biking, driving, or taking transit. This is an exciting moment for our city, and we are committed to working with city and regional partners to ensure coordinated efforts for people to safely enjoy Fourth of July celebrations.”

PUBLIC SAFETY

Residents and visitors can receive real-time public safety updates by signing up for AlertSF, the city’s official alert and warning system. People can sign up online or text their zip code to 888-777. The Department of Emergency Management is also managing a WhatsApp channel for emergency alerts. WhatsApp offers managed one-way platform widely used by international travelers, including the many visitors still in San Francisco following the FIFA World Cup, providing emergency alerts and timely public safety updates in June and July. More visitor safety information is available online.

City departments and regional partners have coordinated extensively in the months leading up to July Fourth this event, building on preparation strategies developed for the Super Bowl and World Cup, to ensure San Francisco streets are safe and clean. The San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) and SFPD will have enhanced staffing and resources in place throughout the event corridor. San Francisco Public Works will deploy extra street cleaning crews in the afternoon and overnight, particularly in areas with the largest crowds.
SFPD will be fully staffed for July Fourth, coordinating closely with regional partners. Staffing will be elevated not only for the fireworks event but for activity in neighborhoods across the city.

SFFD will be fully staffed for the holiday and is deploying enhanced resources citywide. Anyone who sees an illegal fireworks threat to life or property is encouraged to call 911 with a specific address or intersection. If someone can hear fireworks but cannot see them, they are encouraged to call 311.

This year's official display—launched by licensed pyrotechnic professionals from the Golden Gate Bridge and surrounding barges under strict safety protocols—is the only sanctioned fireworks show in San Francisco on July Fourth.

Private fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks, are illegal in San Francisco. Fireworks-caused fires have resulted in nearly $591,000 in property losses in San Francisco between 2018 and 2023, and veterans, children, elderly residents, people with PTSD and autism, and pets can also be affected.

“The San Francisco Fire Department looks forward to this safe and spectacular fireworks demonstration,” said SFFD Chief Dean Crispen. “Our dedicated team is always here to protect the community, keep you safe, and respond swiftly to any emergencies. We encourage the community to enjoy the experience responsibly and to refrain from using any fireworks. Please report any illegal firework activity to 311 and any emergency to 911. If you see something, say something. Happy Fourth of July!”

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE CLOSURE AND ACCESS

The Golden Gate Bridge will be fully closed to all traffic during the fireworks show on the evening of July 4, and the east sidewalk will be partially closed in the days leading up to the display. Closure details are as follows:

• East Sidewalk Closure (between the two towers only): From Friday, July 3 at 5:00 AM until Sunday, July 5 at 5:00 AM to allow for pyrotechnic staging and removal. Pedestrians and bicyclists using the east sidewalk will be turned around at each tower. The west sidewalk will remain open for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross the Bridge during regular hours on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 from 5:00 AM until 8:00pm.
• Bridge South End Parking Lot Closures: On Saturday, July 4 from 11:00 AM until 10:00 PM all parking lots at the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge will be closed until the conclusion of the fireworks display.
• Vehicular Traffic Closure: CHP and the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District will coordinate a full closure of the bridge to vehicular traffic from approximately 8:30 PM until shortly after the conclusion of the fireworks display. Closure duration is subject to change based on operational needs.
• East and West Sidewalk Closures: On Saturday, July 4 from 8:00 PM until 10:00 PM, the east and west sidewalks will be closed to bicyclists and pedestrians. The west sidewalk will reopen for bicyclists only at 10:00 PM.

Motorists are encouraged to use alternate Bay Area crossings. To bypass the bridge entirely, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (I-80) is available to the east.

• Northbound travelers (San Francisco to Marin) can take I-80 East across the Bay Bridge, merge onto I-580 West toward Richmond/San Rafael, and cross the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge to reconnect with U.S. Highway 101.
• Southbound travelers (Marin to San Francisco) can take I-580 East across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, merge onto I-80 West across the Bay Bridge, and enter San Francisco.
• The Golden Gate Bridge is expected to reopen to vehicular traffic shortly after the conclusion of the fireworks display. Motorists should allow additional time for clearance.