4th of July Celebration and Fireworks in Davis CA

by Stewart Savage | Aug 9, 2022 | Community

Do you enjoy fireworks on the Fourth of July? Well, nothing beats a warm summer night with live music, food, drink, and a fantastic fireworks show right in the heart of Davis, CA. The Fourth of July celebration at Community Park is truly a fantastic tradition. People from throughout Yolo County come to Davis to enjoy fireworks and the festivities.

Overview of 4th of July Events in Davis

The 4th of July Celebration in Davis is chock full of events all day long. Plenty of things to do to keep the family entertained. Plus, if you are hosting an event at your home, you can take a break and head to the event location to participate in the festivities.

Kiwanis Kiddie Parade

The day starts with the Kiwanis Kiddie Parade in Downtown Davis. This is a fantastic community tradition.Since 1960, hundreds of children and their families decorate their bicycles, scooters, wagons, strollers and the like in red, white and blue and have participated in what is likely the shortest parade in Davis. Only two blocks in length, the parade is on C Street at 2nd Street and heads north to Central Park. No registration is required.

Community Park Celebration

The focal point for the 4th of July celebration in Davis is Community Park. Here you will find plenty of things to do before the fantastic pyrotechnics show in the sky.

Community Organization Fundraisers

Snacks and treats available for purchase from local non-profit groups. In previous years, organizations such as Boy Scout Troop #111, Davis Musical Theatre Company, Davis Phoenix Coalition, Davis Youth Softball Association, and the Tese Foundation have sold a variety of treats at the event. These are great fundraisers for our local organizations.

Live Music

Live Music to keep the masses entertained will be available from about 6:00 pm up to the fireworks show. Coordinated by the Davis Live Music Collective, this free public concert brings a variety of regional bands to the stage. A diverse selection of music makes it the perfect place to experience different types of music.

Headliner: The Coffis Brothers performing live at the City of Davis 4th of July Celebration.

Fireworks Show

The event ends with a 15-minute fireworks display. I would say that the show lasts a bit longer than 15 minutes. But, when you are watching a fireworks show of this caliber, you have a tendency to lose track of time. Regardless, this is one FANTASTIC fireworks display. It is something you will be talking about for days to come.

Remember, this display is the only safe and legal use of fireworks that is allowed in Davis. For public safety, a City ordinance prohibits the use or discharge of fireworks or any substances designed for pyrotechnic display. The sale of any type of fireworks within the City of Davis boundaries is also prohibited.

Where can I watch fireworks in Davis CA?

The best spot in Davis to watch the fireworks is at Community Park. The large fields right next to the fireworks launching area is perfect for viewing the fireworks almost right overhead. In addition to the explosions overhead, music can be heard; a nice accompaniment to our Country’s birthday celebration.

Right next to Community Park is North Davis Elementary School. This is another great spot to watch the fireworks. Only a couple hundred yards further away, families can gather and watch the show and participate in the festivities.

Another great location in Davis is the Greenbelt just north of Davis Senior High School. Many families prefer this location to watch the show as it is a little bit quieter than watching the show from Community Park, lighter crowds, and easier parking. In the years that I have been attending the fireworks show, I like to find a nice spot in the Greenbelt.

If you are lucky enough to live near Community Park, your backyard or front yard could be the best place to watch the “rocket’s red glare.”

Custom Event Product Portrait Photography

Enhance your website or personal portfolio with custom photography from Stewart Savage Photography

Two people playing catch with a softball

Davis Youth Softball Association 4th of July Booth

Two people tossing a football at Community Park in Davis, CA

Are fireworks illegal in Davis CA?

Davis Municipal Code prohibits the use of fireworks within the City limits. The Municipal Code is as follows:

13.02.010 Fireworks — Defined.

The term “fireworks” as used in this chapter shall be held to mean firecrackers, rockets, torpedoes, roman candles, toy pistols, toy cannons, detonating canes, blank cartridges, sparklers, squibs and other devices designed and intended for pyrotechnic display. (Ord. 2303 § 2, 2007)

So if you plan on heading to Woodland or Sacramento to pick up some “safe and sane” fireworks and bring them to Davis, it is probably not a good idea to do so.

Here is the full code related to fireworks in Davis, CA.

https://library.qcode.us/lib/davis_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/chapter_13-article_13_02?view=all

Full 4th of July Fireworks Schedule 2022

Kiwanis Kiddie Parade

Kiwanis Kiddie Parade at 10:00 a.m.: The Kiwanis Club of Davis has planned and organized the 4th of July Kiddie Parade since 1960. Children and families are invited to bring creatively decorated bicycles, strollers, wagons and scooters and roll or walk in this festive holiday tradition. The parade begins on C Street between 1st and 2nd Streets and proceeds north to Central Park. Participants should gather at 9:30 a.m. and the parade will start promptly at 10:00 a.m. Pre-registration is not required.

Kiwanis Kiddie Parade Map

Here is a direct link to the map.

Community Park

4:00 p.m.: Snacks and treats available for purchase from local non-profit groups
4:00 p.m.: A free game zone coordinated by Discovery Christian Church
6:30 p.m.: Live music, coordinated by the Davis Live Music Collective, featuring AJ Lee and Blue Summit and The Coffis Brothers
9:35 p.m.: A 15-minute fireworks display (This display is the only safe and legal use of fireworks that is allowed in Davis. For public safety, a City ordinance prohibits the use or discharge of fireworks or any substances designed for pyrotechnic display. The sale of any type of fireworks within the City of Davis boundaries is also prohibited.)

Fundraisers

Snacks and treats are available for sale from some of our local non-profit organizations. This is a great venue for learning more about our local organization and what they do in our community. Be sure to stop by and support them during the 4th of July celebration. Note: vendors and food items are subject to change without notice.

Boy Scout Troop #111: Pizza, candy and snacks.
Davis Musical Theatre Company: Popcorn and cotton candy.
Davis Phoenix Coalition: Churros, hotdogs and hamburgers.
Davis Youth Softball Association: Sno-cones, beer.
Tese Foundation: Grilled chicken, grilled pork chops, and Boereowors (sausage) rolls, along with rice, salad and specialty juices.

Be sure to stay hydrated. It can get hot on the Fourth of July. Vendors will be selling water and other beverages. Attendees are encouraged to support our local organization or bring their own water or drinks.