Where to Watch Fireworks This Fourth

NORTHERN SIERRA — Looking for fireworks this Fourth of July weekend? A number of public shows, along with parades and daytime celebrations, are planned across the region, from Grass Valley and Truckee to Lake Almanor, Graeagle, Susanville, and Marysville. Sierra County, despite having no fireworks, has its own fun traditions.

In western Nevada County, the holiday begins in Nevada City, with the Fourth of July parade through the historic downtown scheduled for 11 AM. A free fireworks show is scheduled for 9:30 PM near the Dorsey Drive interchange in Grass Valley.

Truckee also has a full day of events planned before the evening fireworks. A pancake breakfast is scheduled from 7 to 10 AM at Truckee Fire Station 92, followed by the Firecracker Mile from 9:40 to 10 AM. The town’s parade is scheduled from 10 AM to 1 PM along Donner Pass Road through downtown, and the fireworks show is scheduled from 9:30 to 10 PM at West End Beach on Donner Lake.

In northern Plumas County, the annual Chester Fourth of July Parade starts at 11 AM, with fireworks over Lake Almanor scheduled around 9 PM. The fireworks are shot from the tip of the lake’s peninsula, with excellent viewing from boats and the shoreline.

Graeagle offers another Plumas County fireworks option, centered around the Mill Pond. Live music is scheduled there from 6 to 9 PM on July 4, followed by fireworks at dusk, around 9:30 PM. The town’s Independence Day celebration continues July 5 with a downtown parade scheduled from 1 to 2 PM.

In Lassen County, Susanville’s fireworks display comes one night early. The Lassen County Fairgrounds lists a two-day Fourth of July celebration on July 3 and 4, with races, vendors, games, and fireworks about 9:30 PM on July 3. July 4 events at the fairgrounds begin at 3 PM and include activities, music, vendors, and live music by Rummy starting about 9 PM.

The Yuba-Sutter area also has a July 3 fireworks show. The Heart of America 250 Birthday event at Beckwourth Riverfront Park in Marysville runs from 5 to 10 PM, with fireworks listed for 9:45 PM. On July 4, Yuba City’s Children’s Parade begins at 10 AM at Plumas and Center streets, followed by a concert at the Town Center Fountain. A drone show is scheduled for 9:45 PM at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds.

Sierra County has parade and Main Street celebration options, but no pyrotechnic fireworks shows. In Loyalton, the Rotary Club’s July 4 celebration will take place on Main Street, featuring a community parade at 10 AM.

Downieville offers one of the most unique Fourth of July finales. The town’s annual Main Street parade and celebration begins at noon, with “Fireless Fireworks” replacing pyrotechnics with bubble wrap on Main Street. The day continues with foot races and live music by “City Section” starting at 8 PM.

The focus on public shows is especially important in a region where personal fireworks are widely restricted. Sierra County code prohibits manufacturing, selling, possessing, or discharging fireworks. Nevada County and Plumas County also prohibit all personal fireworks, including fireworks labeled Safe and Sane.

California allows only State Fire Marshal-approved Safe and Sane fireworks in communities where local rules permit them. Fireworks are also prohibited on public lands and national forests.

Lassen County has a limited exception within Susanville city limits, where Safe and Sane fireworks are allowed under city rules. Outside Susanville, fireworks are prohibited.

Yuba County is the main regional exception for the home use of Safe and Sane fireworks, though residents still need to follow local limits and fire safety rules. State fire officials list Linda, Marysville, Olivehurst, Plumas Lake, and Wheatland as communities where state-approved fireworks are permitted.