Your ultimate Fourth of July guide
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
San Francisco is preparing for a lively July Fourth as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.
The big picture: Here are our favorite celebrations, travel tips and traffic disruptions to watch out for.
🚗 Getting out of town: Most Americans traveling this holiday (85%) are expected to drive, per AAA.
- Today might feel like you're stuck in traffic with all 72.2 million of them. The transportation data firm INRIX projects Thursday will be the busiest traffic day of the long weekend.
- Roads are also expected to be busy coming back to the city, with peak congestion on Sunday at 4pm along I-80 West from Sacramento to San Francisco.
🎇 If you're staying in the city and plan to see the rare fireworks show from the Golden Gate Bridge, avoid driving, consider a rideshare or take public transit and get there as early as possible.
- The show starts at 9:30pm. Find the best views at Crissy Field, Marina Green, Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. Note: Parking lots in these areas will be closed.
- The Golden Gate Bridge will be closed to all traffic, bikes and pedestrians from 9–10pm. U.S. 101 and connecting ramps will begin closing for bridge security at 8pm.
- Jefferson Street between Hyde Street and The Embarcadero will close from 1–11pm.
- Streets north of Bay Street and Chestnut Street between Fillmore Street and Van Ness Avenue will be restricted to local access only from 8–11pm.
👀 Here are more events for those who'd rather stay away from the crowds of onlookers:
🌈 Queer as Fourth: Didn't get enough of Pride? This block party has you covered, with DJs, go-go dancers and nonstop music.
- Saturday, 3pm at El Rio.
🏖️ 4th of July pool party: This rooftop party includes prepared dishes from a Michelin chef, a matcha and coffee table, DJs, cocktails, poke bar, ice cream and more.
- Tickets are $30. Saturday, 2pm at the Hotel Nikko.
🥁 Parade at Sunset Dunes: The marching band procession begins at Noriega Sunset Lounge. Plus, bounce houses, face painting, live music, bubble entertainment and apple pie afterwards.
- Saturday, 11:30am–2pm at the Judah Performance Space.
🎷 Fillmore Jazz Festival: This free two-day festival features live jazz performances, plus local art and food vendors.
- Saturday and Sunday, 10am–6pm on Fillmore Street between Jackson and Eddy streets.
🎼 4th of July Symphony concert: This free outdoor concert includes music by Joplin, Sousa, Mancini, Cohan, and other composers. Plus, a patriotic dog costume contest.
- Saturday, 1–2:30pm at Golden Gate Park's music concourse.
🎭 UGHmerica the "Beautiful" 4th of July Cabaret: This comedic cabaret performance takes a satirical look at patriotism and contemporary politics for those who aren't quite in a stars-and-stripes state of mind.
- Tickets are $40. Friday and Saturday, 8pm at the Church of Clown.
🍻 Final farewell at Thee Parkside: This closing-day event includes a raffle, a last chance to get branded merch, ladies' arm wrestling and tricycle races.
- Saturday, 12pm–close at 1600 17th St.