Upcoming Vallejo Events – July 4 in Vallejo

VALLEJO —  Celebrate Independence Day all day this Friday! Festivities will begin with a parade to the waterfront, and will continue at the Mad Hatter Celebration into the night. In the evening, the Spirit Ship Celebration drone show will take place on the Mare Island Promenade in front of the Coal Shed Brewery .

The parade will begin at Tennessee and El Dorado streets at 10 a.m., with former City Councilmember Tom Bartee as grand marshall, and Bud’s Burgers as honorary grand marshall.  The parade of local non-profits, social clubs, and car enthusiasts will proceed down Sonoma Boulevard, then head through the downtown on Georgia Street and join the free Mad Hatter Celebration at the Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Green.

The Mad Hatter festivities will kick off at noon, with two international food courts, a dog parade, giant kites, kids’ activities, cultural performances, craft vendors, and nonstop live music from 1 to 10 p.m.

The Spirit Ship Celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. and will feature a lighted drone show, multiple food trucks, a kid zone, music by DJ Turn Up, and three magic shows by Perry Yan. Beer and wine will be available. The event is free for kids under 10, $5 for ages 11 to 17, and $10 for adults. 

Also this weekend, you’ll have a chance to unleash your inner artist in a new series of free workshops at Mare Island Art Studios every Sunday afternoon in July. The Letting Go Art Experience led by artist Priscila Soares can  help you if perfectionism is keeping you stuck, and you’ve become more focused on the result than the joy of being creative. No talent required, no judgment allowed, no experience needed — just curiosity.

 If you’d like to go deeper, Soars is also offering more intimate paid workshops this month. The first, “Deep Dive, Painting from Not Knowing,”  is on Saturday afternoon. This is not your typical art class. There are no step-by-step instructions, no pressure to produce a masterpiece, just a space to let go and paint from “no-thing.”

Or if you like to dance, the first Sunday of the month is Salsa Sunday at Vino Godfather. Enjoy an afternoon of Latin music from México, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Peru, and Afro-Cuban style rhythms with Calito Franco Y Su Tumbáo Añejo!  The gate opens at noon, and salsa dance lessons are available before the show from noon to 1 p.m. 

Nature lovers can venture a little farther afield on Saturday morning to attend the monthly nature hike at Vallejo Swett Ranches. Solano Land Trust docents will share insights about the birds, butterflies, and other wildlife that call the Swett Ranches home, and you will get a vigorous workout! This open space park is located in the hills between Fairfield, Benicia, and Vallejo, with the trailhead meeting place at the Red Top Road Park and Ride in Fairfield.    

These are just some highlights of upcoming events in Vallejo. Scroll down the list below for more live music, recreation and community events, and be sure to check our events page for late-breaking updates, artist workshops and kids’ activities.

Wednesday, July 2

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 p.m.
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Marquee Club 3rd Anniversary with Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra

Join us for our 3-year anniversary celebration of music in the Empress Marquee Club with Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra featuring Willy Jordan. Inspired by authentic Soul and Blues recordings of the ‘60s and ‘70s, this dramatic, horn-driven extravagant act took shape. Known for having great, authentic singers, APSO invites the newest member, the incomparable vocalist Willy Jordan, into the organization. Having worked with Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio (which garnered him two Grammy Award nominations), John Lee Hooker among others, Willy holds court from a throne previously occupied by Wee Willie Walker, Frank Bey, and Terrie Odabi. Jordan’s commanding vocals and unpretentious stage presence give audiences an honest, fresh, heartfelt experience.

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

Wednesday Night Open Mic

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

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

Thursday, July 3

English Conversation Club

Practice your English conversation skills with other adult learners in an informal and friendly setting. No registration required!

• Thu, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Comic Book Club

We will be meeting in the Teen Zone in the library.

• Thu, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Friday, July 4

Vallejo Independence Day Parade 2025

Join us for the City of Vallejo's iconic Independence Day Parade, a cherished 170-year tradition. This event brings together local non-profits, social clubs, and car enthusiasts to celebrate our diverse community. The parade starts at Tennessee St. and Broadway and takes the traditional route west to Sonoma Blvd.,then south on Sonoma, then west again on Georgina Street through the beautiful Downtown to end on Georgia and Santa Clara Streets. Grand Marshall Tom Bartee, Honorary Grand Marshall Bud's Burgers.

• Fri, 10 a.m. to noon
• Parade Route - Broadway & Tennessee Streets to Georgia Street & Santa Clara Avenue

Mad Hatter Fourth of July Celebration

The Mad Hatter’s July 4th Waterfront Celebration in Vallejo, CA will attract thousands of attendees to celebrate July 4th at Vallejo’s Waterfront by the Ferry Terminal. Giant Kites will dominate the sky by international festival kite flyer: Tony, the Kite Man of Martinez from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. The popular Maritime Dog Parade led by Wonderland Characters will lead the colorfully costumed dogs in the parade to a host of attendance prizes at 2:00 p.m.  Live continual music from 1:00 to 10:00 p.m. Drone and Fireworks Displays end a night filled with two international food courts, train rides, baseball pitching coaching for children, bouncy houses, a rescue reptile interactive display, Firefighters Academy’s interactive learning experience, cultural performances, craft vendors and so much more – classic cars, parade entry displays – a whole new Alice in Wonderland’s experience!

• Fri, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Green
• 301 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

The Spirit Ship Celebration

The magic is back this July 4th! The sky will be dazzling over Mare Island for our Spirit Ship Celebration. Head to Mare Island for a family-friendly evening, including magic shows by Perry Yan, the Magician. Bring your lawn chair, blankets, and layers and settle down for an evening of food, fun, magic, and a dynamic drone light show! Multiple food trucks, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages, music from DJ Turn Up, a kid zone, a drone light show. Ages 10 & under are free. Ages 11-17 $5, Adults $10.

• Fri, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Mare Island Coal Sheds/Waterfront Promenade
• 860 Nimitz Ave, Vallejo

Saturday, July 5

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, Vallejo

Farmers’ Market

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

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

Nature Hike at Vallejo Swett-Ranches

Explore the hills between Fairfield, Benicia, and Vallejo. Solano Land Trust docents will share insights about the birds, butterflies, and other wildlife that call the Swett Ranches home, and you will get a vigorous workout! Hike level: Moderate to Moderately Strenuous

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Park and Ride (meeting place near trailhead)
• 104 Red Top Road, Fairfield

Kitty Meet and Greet – Pet Adoptions

Come meet your next best friend! Evening appointments also available. All cats and kittens who are adopted out through Community Cat Advocates have been dewormed, treated for fleas, tested for Felv and FIV, vaccinated to age appropriate levels, microchipped and spayed or neutered.

• Sat, 1noon to 3 p.m.
• PetSmart
• 952 Admiral Callaghan Lane, Vallejo

The Letting Go Art Experience - Deep Dive, Painting from Not Knowing

Unleash your inner creative. No talent required. No judgment allowed. These paid sessions offer a more intimate, guided experience for adults (18+), designed to help you explore your creative depths in unique ways. Surrender control and let your brush guide you. A journey into trust and intuition. Materials included.

• Sat, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St., Vallejo

Sunday, July 6

Pilates for the Community with David El

Join David El for Pilates with the community at the Integrity Arts Collective. $20 Suggested donation

• Sun, 11 a.m. to noon
• 717 Integrity Project
• 717 Marin St., Vallejo

The Letting Go Art Experience

Unleash your inner creative every Sunday afternoon in July. No talent required. No judgment allowed. Letting Go: An Art Experience invites people of all ages and backgrounds to drop expectations, embrace the unknown, and create from the heart. Come as you are and make art freely in this relaxing, music-infused space. You’ll be guided by gentle prompts and ambient, immersive music to help you let go and express without pressure. Add your mark to large community pieces, work solo, or join in the evolving collaborative artworks that grow each week. No experience needed—just curiosity.

• Sun, noon to 4 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St., Vallejo

Salsa Sundays - Calito Franco Y Su Tumbáo Añejo

Come enjoy an afternoon of Latin music from, México, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Peru, Afro-Cuban style rhythms & melodic vocals with, Calito Franco Y Su Tumbáo Añejo! Gate opens at noon – salsa dance lessons available from noon to 1 p.m.

• Sun, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Vino Godfather
• 1005 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

Sabroso Sundays

Latin Music Party Every Sunday! Fiesta Latina Todos Los Domingos! Dj Mobeezy and guest DJs bring you the best Top Latin Hits, salsa, bachata, reggaeton, hip-hop y mas! Salsa & bachata lessons by Cuban Rhythm and Rumba Dance Studio from 8 to 9 p.m. Party begins at 9 p.m. Dress to impress - dress code enforced: no baggy clothing, tank tops, hoodies, beanies, flip-flops, or backpacks allowed. 21+ event.

• Sun, 8 to 9 p.m.
• H Lounge
• 472 Benicia Rd., Vallejo

Monday, July 7

Family Storytime

Our family storytimes are great for the whole family. Have children of different ages? Bring them all! These stories and activities are for everyone.

• Mon, 10 to 10:35 a.m.
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Vallejo Senior Roundtable

Come join us at the Vallejo Senior Roundtable, District 1 Solano County Supervisor Cassandra James will give an update on social services available in Solano County. The Vallejo Senior Roundtable meets the first Monday of each month.

• Mon, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
• Florence Douglass Center
• 333 Amador St., Vallejo

Movement with Mary Jane

Movement with Mary Jane is a guided movement flow to enhance the mind, body, spirit connection. Inhale 6 to 7 p.m. is the "Inhale Session", where we vaporize our herbal allies and unwind over freshly brewed tea. 7-8 p.m. is the "Exhale Flow", where we center in our breath and find balance in our bodies through soft stretches, moving into gentle, breath-informed dance. This is an infused experience for people 21 and over, exceptions made if you have a doctor’s recommendation.

• Mon, 6 to 8 p.m.
• 717 Integrity Project
• 717 Marin St., Vallejo

Townhouse Ramblers

Acoustic Evening of Americana, folk, country, and blues featuring Don Bassey, Erin Bakke, Pato Milo, Rich Flynn, CommonUnion59: Laura Malasig and Steve McKenzie, Jeff Campitelli, Cole Panther, Bake Baker, Dan Gabel, and Rich Adams, plus some very special guests – now 1st & 3rd Mondays

• Mon, 7 to 10 p.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St, Vallejo

Tuesday, July 8

Summer Storytime

Summer storytime for children ages 0-5. Join us in the Joseph Room at 11:30 for stories, songs, and movement!

• Tue, 11:30 a.m. to noon
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Comic Book Club

We will be meeting in the Teen Zone in the library.

• Tue, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

CreativiTea & Craft Club Every Tuesday

Vallejo CreativiTea Club (AKA Doodle & Draw) is now every Tuesday night from 6-8, though we frequently stay later. Open to all ages and skill levels.Get together with your downtown arts community to work side by side on art projects while sipping tea and listening to music. Bring a project you're working on, or get inspired to start something fresh. We will have some art supplies available.

• Tue, 6 to 8 p.m.
• 717 Integrity Project
• 717 Marin St., Vallejo

Cardio Dance Fitness

Want to relieve stress and get fit at the same time? Come boogie with me at the library for an upbeat workout, jamming to some Hip Hop, R&B, Latin, and Bollywood tunes. This workout involves a combination of dancing and other cardio-aerobic, non-weight training.

• Tue, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Make Fellows

Draw, paint, stitch, knit and make. All are welcome!

• Tue, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Odd Fellows Hall
• 342 Georgia St., Vallejo

City Council Regular Meeting

City Council meetings are now hybrid in-person and on Zoom. Agendas can be viewed on the City Agendas & Videos webpage at www.cityofvallejo.net and are posted a minimum of 72 hours in advance for regular meetings and 24 hours in advance for special meetings. There will be a video link at the left of the agenda page once the meeting begins. This will also serve as a future archive of the meeting. To participate remotely, use the direct Zoom link found in the first paragraph of the agenda window, on the second tab.

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

Weekdays at the Library

Lunch @ the Library

Children 0-18 can receive a free lunch every weekday.

• Weekdays, noon to 1 p.m. (No lunch on July 4)
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Editor's note: This article was updated to correct the beginning location of the July 4 parade.