Parades, fireworks and community celebrations will return across Merced County this July Fourth to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary.
July 4 falls on a Saturday this year, and communities throughout the region are preparing for full days of festivities ranging from small-town traditions to lakeside fireworks displays.
Here’s where you can celebrate:
To celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Merced County Courthouse Museum will open the “America 250 – Merced County” exhibit at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 25.
The exhibit celebrates the country’s journey from 1776-2026 and marks the U.S. bisesquicentennial, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of U.S. history, California’s evolution and Merced County’s story.
The exhibit will spotlight the identities of towns integral to Merced County and how they define us as Americans. Visitors will learn about the rich cultural life, booming business sectors, the evolution of farming, expansion of the education system and the legacy of military history.
On its opening day, a patriotic celebration will take place on the steps of the Courthouse Museum, featuring a brief speech by Merced County Supervisor Daron McDaniel, a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Merced Superior Court Judge Brian McCabe and a performance of patriotic songs by the Bear Creek Ukulele Society.
Atwater’s annual Fourth of July celebration is expected to anchor the holiday in northern Merced County once again.
The day traditionally begins with the Run for Independence at 7:30 a.m., followed by the community parade and festivities at Ralston Park at 9 a.m.
The celebration concludes with a fireworks show at Castle Commerce Center, where thousands of residents gather each year to watch the sky light up above the former air force base from 6-10 p.m. The cost is $20 per car or $5 for walk-ins.
Livingston’s Fourth of July celebration is set for 5-10 p.m. at Max Foster Sports Complex.
The event will feature live music, cultural performances, food vendors, family activities and a fireworks display. Organizers are also planning arts-and-crafts activities, a local art exhibit, a petting zoo, and a waterslide for children.
The Livingston Little Mr. & Miss Firecracker pageant will also be featured this year for boys and girls ages 4-6 and 7-10.
Residents in Los Banos can once again expect a community celebration centered on Independence Day at Henry Miller Plaza from 6-10 p.m.
This free event includes food trucks, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, face painting, giveaways and raffles.
Gustine’s Independence Day celebration kicks off June 28 with a 5K Color Run before continuing July 3 with the annual FFA Tractor Pull at Gustine High School.
On July 4, the city’s annual parade begins at 10:30 a.m. in downtown Gustine, followed by Independence Day in the Park at Henry Miller Park on 2nd Avenue with live entertainment, food, vendors and family activities.
The celebration wraps up with the city’s 116th annual fireworks show at the Gustine High School football field after dark. Gates open at 7:30 p.m., and the show is expected to start around 9 p.m.
For those looking to celebrate outdoors, Lake McClure’s annual Lights on the Lake fireworks show returns on July 4.
Fireworks displays will begin at dusk, around 9 p.m. All other lake activities will be available throughout the day.
Advance vehicle passes are available through the Merced Irrigation District for $25 or $30 at the door, while annual pass holders will get free entry.
Merced Speedway will kick off the holiday weekend July 3 with its annual “Diamonds in the Sky Spectacular.”
Grandstands open at 5 p.m., racing begins at 7 p.m., and a fireworks show will follow the final race. Admission to the grandstands is free.