Get your boom on—a Fourth of July event guide

There won’t be a Fourth of July fireworks display over the river (it’s been moved over to Cal Expo for the last few years), but there are still many other places to get your fireworks fix. Additionally, Sacramento celebrates the holiday with Independence Day-themed events such as concerts, parades and foot races—not to mention a handful of community celebrations. Note: Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday this year, so a number of events in the following guide happen on the preceding Tuesday.

Folsom Pro Rodeo’s Stars & Stripes Country Concert

Folsom Pro Rodeo, held annually around the July 4 date, always brings a bit of country flair to its Independence Day celebrations, and this year is no exception. On Tuesday night, it hosts a Stars and Stripes Country Concert featuring Jason Michael Carroll, the Farm, and Zac and Jay. A fireworks exhibition caps off this event, presented by KNCI Radio and the Folsom Chamber of Commerce.

Tuesday, July 3, at 6 p.m. $15 ($5 off with a rodeo ticket). Rodeo Park, 200 Stafford Street in Folsom. For more information, call (916) 985-5555, or visit www.folsomprorodeo.com/countryconcert.html.

River Cats fireworks celebration

Purchase tickets to the Sacramento River Cats game on Tuesday, and you’ll get to witness far more than the Cats whupping the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. You’ll also be treated to an Independence Day celebration presented by the U.S. Army featuring a Fireworks Extravaganza, an American-flag giveaway (for the first 2,500 fans), and yes, even free mohawks. Those not attending the ballgame will still be able to see fireworks over Raley Field after the game is finished.

Tuesday, July 3, at 6:35 p.m. (baseball game). Call for pricing. Raley Field, 400 Ballpark Drive in West Sacramento. Call (916) 376-4676 or visit www.rivercats.com for more information.

Old Sacramento’s Red, White & Brews

Several businesses in Old Sacramento will team up this year to throw an old-fashioned block party. Many of the pubs and bars in Old Sac will have $3 beer specials, and some will host stand-up comedy, live music and guest deejays. Attendees will also have a good vantage point to view the River Cats’ fireworks celebration from across the river.

Tuesday, July 3. Old Sacramento. Free. For more information, visit www.oldsacramentobars.com.

Cal Expo July 4 Pyrospectacular

Cal Expo teams up with the city and county of Sacramento to produce this July 4 Pyrospectacular, the largest fireworks exhibition in the area. The event also features live music from Two Steps Down, Todd Morgan and the Emblems, and Kattywompus. Music begins at 6 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 4, at 6 p.m. Free ($10 reserved seating also available); $10 fee per car to park. Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Boulevard. For more information, call (916) 263-3000 or visit www.calexpo.com/events-by-cal-expo/sacramento-independence-day-celebration.

Folsom Firecracker Family fun Run

Make up for the inevitable calories you’ll consume at all those Fourth of July barbecues by running in the Folsom Firecracker Family Fun Run early in the morning. Choose from a 5K run or walk or a 10K run—all while raising funds for local and international non-profits.

Wednesday, July 4, at 8 a.m. Registration costs $25. Lake Natoma Bike Trails, 145 Parkshore Drive in Folsom. For more information, call (916) 606-3299 or visit www.folsomfirecracker.com.

Other community celebrations:
Rancho Cordova Fourth of July Celebration>

This two-day festival celebrates Independence Day with a parade, live music, food, beer gardens, carnival rides and fireworks shows. Bands include Hip Service, Superlicious, Kymmi and the Diamondback band and the Somebodys.

Tuesday, July 3, from 4 to 11 p.m. and Wednesday, July 4, from noon to 11 p.m. $2 admission, $10 parking. Hagan Park, 2197 Chase Drive in Rancho Cordova. For more information, call (916) 851-8818 or visit www.ranchocordovajuly4th.com.

Carmichael Fourth of July Celebration

Carmichael’s Fourth of July celebration begins with a pancake breakfast (at Carmichael Park, 5750 Grant Avenue), continues with a parade (beginning at the corner of Marconi Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard) and ends with a community celebration and fireworks show (at La Sierra Community Center, 5325 Engle Road).

Wednesday, July 4, from 7 to 11 a.m. (pancake breakfast); 10:30 a.m. (parade); and 7 p.m. (celebration and fireworks show). Free. For more information, visit www.carmichaelpark.com.

Davis Fourth of July Celebration

Davis hosts a day full of fun at its community park. It begins with an annual Fourth of July softball tournament, recreational swimming and food booths, and ends with live music, skydiving, speeches and fireworks. Musical entertainment includes Canyon Crow, 12 Miles Blues, Davis Wakamatsu Taiko Dan, Dave Alvin and the Guilty Ones and Carla Penner Attallah.

Wednesday, July 4, 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Free. Community Park, 1405 F Street in Davis. For more information, call (530) 757-5626 or visit http://cityofdavis.org/cs/events/july4.cfm.

Roseville Fourth of July Celebration

Roseville celebrates Independence Day with a host of activities including a Fun Run (at Royer Park, 190 Park Drive), a parade (beginning at the intersection of Douglas Boulevard and Riverside Avenue), a concert (at Royer Park), and fireworks (at the Placer County Fairgrounds, 800 All American City Boulevard).

Wednesday, July 4, at 7:45 a.m. (Fun Run); 10 a.m. (parade); 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (concert); and 6:30 p.m. (fireworks). $25-$30 for the Fun Run; all other events are free. For more information, call (916) 774-5200 or visit www.roseville.ca.us/communications/4th_of_july_celebration.asp.

Elk Grove Fourth of July Celebration

The City of Elk Grove will host an event called the 16th Annual Salute to the Red, White and Blue, which is a community-wide celebration featuring live music by Innersoul, food, and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 4. Park gates open at 7 a.m.; event starts in the evening. Free. Elk Grove Regional Park, 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road in Elk Grove. For more information, visit www.elkgrovecity.org/rwb.