Upcoming Vallejo Events — July 4 Celebrations

VALLEJO — American Independence Day will be celebrated across Vallejo with a parade, a downtown festival, a free barbecue, and a lighted drone show over Mare Island.

Also, two new art shows open at Mare Island Art Studios this weekend, On the Fringe opens a new play at the Vallejo Museum on Friday, and Reflection Goth Night will try out a new venue at Moschetti Coffee Roasters on Sunday night.

July 4 festivities will kick off with the 169th Vallejo Fourth of July Parade. Third-generation automobile businessman Avery Greene is this year’s Grand Marshall and Mare Island Heritage Trust president Myrna Hayes is Honorary Grand Marshall. The parade entries include giant puppets, horses, cars, costumed characters, musical performers, city officials and many more.

The July 4 parade will begin on Tennessee Street at Broadway Avenue at 10 a.m., then head south on Sonoma Boulevard and west down Georgia Street, where the participants and parade floats will join the Mad Hatter celebration at the waterfront. A beer and wine garden, live music, cultural performances, giant kites, dog parade, adult and children’s rides and interactive activities, and a classic car show will offer entertainment for all.

The festivities on the waterfront will wind down when the lighted drone show begins across the water over the Spirit Ship Celebration at the Mare Island Waterfront Promenade. DJ TurnUp and magician Jade will provide entertainment there before the drone show.

Whether you choose to watch the drone show from the Spirit Ship celebration on Mare Island, or for free from the waterfront park, bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on and dress for a cool evening breeze.

Also at a midday event on July 4 at Richardson Park, The House of Soul will sponsor a free Community BBQ with live music by Matt Applin, Silk-E and The Midnight Band, Bob Jones and The Chosen Few, comedians and a kids' play area.

The opening reception of the “Form and Flow” art show at Mare Island Art Studios will take place on Saturday afternoon, with mid-century inspired ceramic functional ware and sculptures, drawings, paintings, and fiber art by Lony Maya Neubauer, Melissa Taylor, and Susan Lane. The “Coalshed3” photography exhibit will be displayed in the studio’s little gallery and feature the work of three Bay Area photographers, Philip Krayna, Tim Passaro and Desi Baytan. Both shows will be open on Saturdays and Sundays through August 4.

On The Fringe Visual and Performing Arts' production of “The Drowning Girls,” will begin Friday evening at the Vallejo Museum and run through July 13. The play has won a number of international awards, earning kudos for its energetic exploration of violence against women, as seen through the eyes of its victims.

Reflection Goth Night with try out a new nighttime venue at Moschetti's Coffee Roaster on Sunday, with DJ Owen Owington Owensford playing classic goth, industrial, EBM, cyber punk, new wave, and more under the new moon sky. Vendors curated by the Bizarre Bazaar Talent Society will offer curiosities for sale.

These are just some of the highlights of this week’s events. Be sure to check the list below for more live music, baseball, literature, art and recreational activities.

Wednesday, July 3

Lawyers in the Library

The Vallejo JFK Library offers the Lawyers in the Library program on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. Each meeting is 15 minutes. Space is limited and slots fill up on a first come, first serve basis. Please call (866) 572-7587 or come in-person at 9am on the day of the program to reserve a spot.

• Wed, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Vallejo Run Club

Join the Vallejo Run Club on our weekly Saturday morning and Wednesday evening runs. Our group meets, rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. We run 1-3 easy miles. Beginners to ultra marathoners welcome.

• Wed, 6:20 to 7:20 pm
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way

Annie Simpson

Annie Simpson is a blues singer whose music includes rock, country and western, and folk. Her songs include "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue," "Black Nights," and "I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love". Sampson has recorded with Elvin Bishop, Buddy Miles, Maria Muldaur, and others, and has performed with Bonnie Raitt, Boz Scaggs, and Jerry Garcia.

• Wed, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre Lounge
• 324 Virginia St.

Wednesday Night Open Mic

A friendly space for both beginning performers and seasoned professionals. Comedians and poets also welcome.

• Wed, 8 to 11 p.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St.

Thursday, July 4

4th of July Parade

The theme of the 169th Vallejo Fourth of July Parade is “Deep Roots & High Hopes.” Parade Marshals this year are Avery Greene and Myrna Hayes. The parade will begin at Tennessee Street at Broadway Avenue, march south on Sonoma Boulevard, then head west Georgia Street to the Mad Hatter Festival at Santa Clara Street.

• Thurs, 10:00 am to noon
• Parade Route
• Tennessee Street at Broadway Avenue through downtown

Fourth of July at Six Flags

This event features a newly curated lighted drone show, live music, specialty food booths, and summertime games. Join in the fun, enjoy exhilarating rides, and bask in the blend of summer delights and American cuisines.

• Thu, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
• 1001 Fairgrounds Drive

Fourth of July Mad Hatter Celebration

This all-day celebration will have activities for the entire family. Enjoy food, the Maritime Dog Parade, live music, cultural performances, giant kites, a craft beer and wine garden, classic cars, parade floats, children’s rides and activities. The lighted drone show from the Spirit Ship celebration across the water will be visible from the waterfront parks. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and layer up to enjoy the show for free.

• Thurs, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Park
• 301 Mare Island Way

Free 4th of July BBQ with live music

Free 4th of July BBQ event in Vallejo CA. Live music from Matt Applin, Silk-E and The Midnight Band, Bob Jones and The Chosen Few, kids' play area and comedians. Donations accepted. Free food and drinks.

• Thurs, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Richardson Park
• 325 Richardson Drive

Mare Island July 4th Spirit Ship Celebration

Celebrate the 4th of July with an unforgettable evening on Mare Island, featuring a dazzling drone show illuminating the sky, a tempting array of food trucks offering delicious bites and refreshing beverages including a craft cocktail and mocktail lounge, a fun kid's zone, energizing music by DJ TurnUp, and spellbinding magic by the renowned illusionist Jade. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and layers and settle in for a fun evening for all ages.

• Thurs, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Mare Island Promenade
• 850 Nimitz Ave.

Friday, July 5

Fourth of July at Six Flags

This event features a newly curated lighted drone show, live music, specialty food booths, and summertime games. Join in the fun, enjoy exhilarating rides, and bask in the blend of summer delights and American cuisines.

• Fri, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
• 1001 Fairgrounds Drive

The Makery: Open Use Hours & Make it Fridays!

The Makery! Equipment includes: 3D printer, vinyl cutter, digital production equipment, and much more! Drop-in and discover what we have, or make an appointment to use specific equipment. Don't know what to make? Check out 'Make it Fridays!' we will have a special activity to get your creative muscles working.

• Fri, 2 to 4:45 pm
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Live Music Friday with David Bustamante

David Bustamente is a long time Bay Area singer, songwriter,multi-instrumentalist and producer. He is the band leader for the legendary S.F. FilAm Rock band, DAKILA. David enjoys performing his favorite songs as a duo with percussionist, Bobby Santos. His favorite childhood instrument is the ukulele which is a featured instrument on many of David's songs. David recently released his single, "Mama Ko" by Dakila which is available on all streaming platforms

• Fri, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Co. – Coal Shed Brewery
• 860 Nimitz Ave.

The Drowning Girls

A haunting play about three brides who share two things in common: they all married the same man, and they are all dead. Grim and disquietingly funny, The Drowning Girls is as much a cypher for women’s plight in our own day as it is a look back to an era when many women were dependent on men for everything from money to social standing. It was a situation ripe for abuse–physical, emotional, economic, social. 

• Fri, 7 to 10 p.m.
• Vallejo Museum
• 734 Marin St.

Alice by Heart

A new musical from the composers of “Spring Awakening!” Alice by Heart - A New Musical! Tony® and Grammy® award-winning creators of Spring Awakening, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, reunite for their new musical Alice by Heart, inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and co-written by Jessie Nelson (waitress).

• Fri, 8 to 10 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St

Reflection Goth Night

A Unique Goth night with DJ Owen Owington Owensford curating the music and setting the mood for the night under the new moon sky at Moschetti's Coffee Roaster. Classic goth, nu goth – industrial, goth metal, EBM, synth pop, cyber punk, dark wave, new wave, post punk, 80s, 90s and more. The Bizarre Bazaar Talent Society will be curating the Bizarre Bazaar outdoor event vendors.

• Fri, 9 p.m. to midnight
• Moschetti Coffee
• 11 Sixth St. (Curtola Pkwy. & Solano Ave.)

Saturday, July 6

Vallejo Run Club

Join the Vallejo Run Club on our weekly Saturday morning and Wednesday evening runs. Our group meets, rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. We run 1-3 easy miles. Beginners to ultra marathoners welcome!

• Sat, 8 to 9 a.m.
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way

Community Coffee Tasting with live music by Duo Gadjo

Celebrate French Independence Day here with the French jazz band Duo Gadjo. Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes while listening to live music.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Moschetti Coffee
• 11 Sixth St. (Curtola Pkwy. & Solano Ave.)

Farmers' Market

Shop here for a great selection of California-grown greens, fruits & veggies, ethnic varieties, as well as some nice specialty booths with baked goods and such at  down-to-earth prices.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin Streets

Fourth of July at Six Flags

This event features a newly curated lighted drone show, live music, specialty food booths, and summertime games. Join in the fun, enjoy exhilarating rides, and bask in the blend of summer delights and American cuisines.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
• 1001 Fairgrounds Drive

First Saturdays Fitnes - Yoga

Yoga is a great way to de-stress, build up strength, and increase flexibility. Instructor Amy Raupach will guide the group through a beginner/intermediate-friendly session. No yoga mat? No problem! We have one you can borrow!

• Sat, 11 a.m. to noon
• JFK Library – Joseph Room
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Form & Flow - Art Show - Opening Reception

Experience a captivating collection by talented artists Lony Maya Neubauer, Melissa Taylor, and Susan Lane. Dive into a realm of mid-century vibes and abstract creativity, featuring ceramic functional ware and sculptures, drawings evolving into paintings, and fiber art.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

CoalShed3 Photography Exhibit

The group exhibit CoalShed3 in the Little Galley features the work of three Bay Area photographers: Philip Krayna, Tim Passaro and Desi Baytan. Their images explore color and the unexpected in our urban environment.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Youth Poetry Writing Workshop

Facilitated by Vallejo’s Co-Poets Laureate Kathleen Herrmann and Jacalyn Eyvonne, this workshop offers a unique opportunity for young poets to explore the beauty and wonder of the environment and the world around us.

• Sat, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St.

"I'm Tired of Being Toxic" Book Signing by Fatimah Hanif

Author, Fatimah Hanif will discuss and sign her book, "I'm Tired of Being Toxic: A Self Journey & Transformation". Join us for an inspiring afternoon.

• Sat, 2 to 4 p.m.
• Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery & Multicultural Bookstore
• 930 Marin St.

The Drowning Girls

A haunting play about three brides who share two things in common: they all married the same man, and they are all dead. Grim and disquietingly funny, The Drowning Girls is as much a cypher for women’s plight in our own day as it is a look back to an era when many women were dependent on men for everything from money to social standing. It was a situation ripe for abuse–physical, emotional, economic, social. 

• Sat, 2 to 5 p.m.
• Vallejo Museum
• 734 Marin St.

Tradewinds

Enjoy dinner, drinks and dancing. Tradewinds will be on stage playing your favorite classics from the 50's, 60's and 70's!

• Sat, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Bambino’s
• 301 Georgia St. #122

The Drowning Girls

A haunting play about three brides who share two things in common: they all married the same man, and they are all dead. Grim and disquietingly funny, The Drowning Girls is as much a cypher for women’s plight in our own day as it is a look back to an era when many women were dependent on men for everything from money to social standing. It was a situation ripe for abuse–physical, emotional, economic, social. 

• Sat, 7 to 10 p.m.
• Vallejo Museum
• 734 Marin St.

Live Music Saturday TBA

The Taproom usually has live music on Saturday evenings, but no performer was announced by press time. Check the Mare Island Brewery event page for updates.

• Sat, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Co. Ferry Taproom
• 289 Mare Island Way

Vallejo Seaweed VS Dublin Leprechauns

The Vallejo Seaweed square off against the Dublin Leprechauns.

• Sat, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
• Wilson Park
• 1007 Solano Ave.

Alice by Heart

A new musical from the composers of “Spring Awakening!” Alice by Heart - A New Musical! Tony® and Grammy® award-winning creators of Spring Awakening, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, reunite for their new musical Alice by Heart, inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and co-written by Jessie Nelson (waitress).

• Sat, 8 to 10 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

Sunday, July 7

Kayak Practice and Fun

Paddle around Lake Chabot, weather permitting. Kayak provided if you don’t have one. $10 suggested donation. Check the Facebook Kayaking Biking group for updates. Dates and times may change because of weather or volunteer availability. Bring your kayak, PFD, and gear, or we will provide you with what you need free of charge to help you decide what is best for you.

• Sun, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Lake Chabot
• Dan Foley Park,
• 1461 N Camino Alto

CoalShed3 Photography Exhibit

The group exhibit CoalShed3 in the Little Galley features the work of three Bay Area photographers: Philip Krayna, Tim Passaro and Desi Baytan. Their images explore color and the unexpected in our urban environment.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Form & Flow - Art Show

Experience a captivating collection by talented artists Lony Maya Neubauer, Melissa Taylor, and Susan Lane. Dive into a realm of Mid-Century vibes and abstract creativity, featuring ceramic functional ware and sculptures, drawings evolving into paintings, and fiber art.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Fourth of July at Six Flags

This event features a newly curated lighted drone show, live music, specialty food booths, and summertime games. Join in the fun, enjoy exhilarating rides, and bask in the blend of summer delights and American cuisines.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
• 1001 Fairgrounds Drive

Vallejo Seaweed VS Dublin Leprechauns

The Vallejo Seaweed battle the Dublin Leprechauns.

• Sun, 2 to 5 p.m.
• Wilson Park
• 1007 Solano Ave.

Alice by Heart

A new musical from the composers of “Spring Awakening!” Alice by Heart - A New Musical! Tony® and Grammy® award-winning creators of Spring Awakening, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, reunite for their new musical Alice by Heart, inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and co-written by Jessie Nelson (waitress).

• Sun, 3 to 5 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

Monday, July 8

Movement with Mary Jane

We are excited to welcome you to Movement with Mary Jane, a guided movement flow to enhance the mind, body, spirit connection. Let’s conspire to inspire. This is an infused experience for people 21 and over, unless you have a doctor’s recommendation.

• Mon, 6 to 9 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St.

Tuesday, July 9

"I Need A Mic" writing workshop

Ray Davis @poetdavis hosts the I Need a Mic Writing Workshop at the JFK Library. Writers of all genres welcome.

• Tues, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

The Flavor Town Tuesday's

Join us on Tuesday evenings at Children’s Wonderland Park throughout the summer for dinner. Let the kids play while you enjoy food, desserts, cocktails and more from local businesses.

• Tues, 4 to 8 p.m.
• Children’s Wonderland
• 360 Glenn St.

Vallejo Doodle and Draw Night

Open to all ages and skill levels. Donations accepted to help keep the doors of this essential community space open.

• Tues, 6 to 8 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St.

City Council Regular Meeting

City Council meetings are hybrid in-person and on Zoom. The agenda will be posted on the City Agendas & Videos web page a minimum of 72 hours in advance of the meeting.

• Tues, 7 to 11 p.m.
• Vallejo City Hall
• 555 Santa Clara St.

‌A more detailed list of upcoming events can be found here.

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