Guide to 4th of July Events in Kern County

Kern County is set to celebrate Independence Day with a variety of events across the region from Thursday, July 2, through Sunday, July 5. Communities including Bakersfield, Wasco, Delano, McFarland, Shafter, Buttonwillow, Taft, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, and Ridgecrest have planned festivities featuring fireworks, parades, live music, food, and family-friendly activities.

In Bakersfield, the annual Independence Day Celebration takes place Friday, July 3, at The Park at River Walk, starting at 10 a.m. The event is joined by the U.S.

250 Tour and includes music, food, and family-friendly activities. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m.

Wasco hosts its Annual Car Show & Shine on Saturday, July 4, at Barker Park. Delano’s Annual Family Fun Day is Friday, July 3, at 5 p.m.

at Memorial Park, featuring a car show, food, games, music, vendors, and a petting zoo.

McFarland celebrates at Blanco Park on Thursday, July 2, with food trucks and fireworks at 9 p.m. or dusk.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Shafter’s “Celebrating America’s 250th Year of Independence Fireworks Show” is Friday, July 3, with gates opening at 7 p.m.

at the grass field area of Sequoia Elementary School and Shafter Recreation and Parks District. No vendors or alcohol are permitted on site; fireworks begin at dusk.

Buttonwillow’s 19th Annual Fireworks Show is Thursday, July 2, at Buttonwillow Park, with vendors, games, swimming, and free swim at 6 p.m. Lawn seating is available, and fireworks start at dusk.

Taft holds a Hometown Celebration Cruise Night on Friday, July 3, downtown, featuring a classic car display, music, food and shopping vendors, and family-friendly activities. A Patriotic Parade follows Saturday, July 4, starting at 9 a.m.

Tehachapi’s All-American 4th of July Festival spans Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4. Friday includes a concert at 6 p.m.

and a movie at 8 p.m. Saturday begins with a 7 a.m.

Independence Day Parade, followed by live music, food, and vendors at 10 a.m., the Bad Bulls Rodeo at 6 p.m., and fireworks at 9 p.m. Sunday, July 5, features Freedom Fest at West Park.

Lake Isabella’s 2026 Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza is Saturday, July 4, with fireworks launched from Engineer’s Point shortly after dark. Ridgecrest holds Fourth of July in Freedom Park on Saturday, July 4, from 5 p.m., including a splash pad, music, food, competitions, and a drone patriotic show at 9 p.m.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to check local event details for any updates or changes. Many events recommend bringing lawn chairs, blankets, and sunscreen.

Fireworks displays will take place rain or shine unless weather conditions pose a safety risk.