July 4 Golden Gate Bridge Fireworks

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, a special fireworks display celebrating America's 250th birthday will be launched from the Golden Gate Bridge. The event is expected to attract large crowds to both San Francisco and Marin County and will result in significant traffic congestion throughout the region.

Residents, visitors, and travelers should plan ahead and expect delays on major roadways, particularly near the Golden Gate Bridge, southern Marin, and popular waterfront destinations.

What Marin Residents Need to Know

• Significant traffic congestion is expected beginning in the late afternoon and continuing through the evening.
• The Golden Gate Bridge will be fully closed to vehicle traffic from 8:00 PM to 11:00PM on Saturday, July 4 to host the fireworks show.
• The fireworks display is scheduled to occur from approximately 9:30 p.m. to 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Fireworks will launch from the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge and from locations along the bridge span.
• Long delays are expected both before and after the bridge closure. Traffic conditions may resemble those experienced during major regional events, with extended travel times throughout southern Marin.
• Parking will be extremely limited in most areas and will fill early.
• Travelers should avoid travel in/around southern Marin County on July 4, and consider transit, rideshare, walking, biking, or adjusting travel plans to avoid peak congestion periods.

Vehicle Traffic

The Golden Gate Bridge will be fully closed to vehicle traffic shortly before the fireworks display begins and will reopen about an hour after the conclusion of the show.

Closure Time: 8:00 PM

Expected Reopening Time: 11:00 PM

Please note that closure and reopening times may change based on public safety and operational needs. Motorists should anticipate significant delays before and after the closure period.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Access

East Sidewalk

• Closed between the two bridge towers from Friday, July 3 at 5:00 a.m. through Sunday, July 5 at 5:00 a.m. for event staging.
• Pedestrians and bicyclists will not be able to travel continuously across the bridge using the east sidewalk during this period.

Both Sidewalks

• Closed to pedestrians and bicyclists from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on July 4.
• West sidewalk expected to reopen to bicyclists at 10:00 p.m.

Please verify access restrictions before traveling.

Travelers should expect substantial congestion in:

• U.S. Highway 101 corridor
• Southern Marin communities
  • Sausalito
  • Marin Headlands
  • Spencer Avenue area
  • Alexander Avenue corridor
  • Conzelman Road area

Traffic delays are expected to begin in the afternoon and may continue well after the fireworks display ends. Travel times may be significantly longer than normal.

Large crowds and increased traffic volumes are expected throughout the region.

Please:

• Allow extra travel time.
• Follow all traffic control measures and law enforcement directions.
• Use designated parking areas only.
• Stay aware of changing traffic conditions.
• Keep emergency access routes clear.
• Plan for limited cell service in crowded areas.

Personal fireworks are prohibited across Marin County.

For your safety:

• Leave fireworks to trained professionals.
• Follow local laws regarding fireworks use.
• Report unsafe activity to local authorities.