Hi neighbor,

This summer is flying by! Can you believe it’s already the last day of June?

That means Independence Day is right around the corner. Pleasant Hill packs a lot of fun into our 4th of July festivities so I want to make sure you have all the details!

Start your day with a run around downtown Pleasant Hill while the weather is cooler. You’re welcome to run with your dog or a jogging stroller. All proceeds go to Pleasant Hill schools!

Price: $50.14 for the 5k and free for the Kids 100-Yard Dash

Time: Kids 100-Yard Dash is at 7:50am, followed by the Firecracker 5K at 8am

Location: Check in at Jack’s (60 Crescent Drive, Pleasant Hill), and start the race on Gregory Lane near Trelany Road

Parking tips: Park in the structure across from the movie theater (access off Contra Costa Blvd). Street parking is also available up Gregory Lane and further down Cleveland Road, outside the closed-off route.

Expect road closures and heavy foot and car traffic downtown.

The parade kicks off at 9:30am, beginning on Cleveland Road and traveling down Trelany Road, before turning onto Contra Costa Boulevard and Crescent Drive. We typically bring our own chairs and watch from either the grassy area near City Hall (on Trelany Road) or the shaded side of the street on Crescent Drive.

Time: 9:30–10:30am

Location: Downtown Pleasant Hill (Trelany Road and Crescent Drive)

Parking tips: Park in the structure across from the movie theater (access off Contra Costa Blvd). Street parking is also available up Gregory Lane and further down Cleveland Road, outside the closed-off route.

Expect road closures and heavy foot and car traffic downtown.

Walk over to Pleasant Hill Park for even more fun once the parade wraps. They’ll have live music from Inner State 80's, BBQ from Back 40 Texas BBQ, kettle corn, snow cones, a watermelon eating contest, inflatables, and games for the kids.

Time: 10:30am–1:30pm; watermelon eating contest at 12:15pm

Location: Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill

Parking tips: Walk over after the parade, or head to Party in the Park after 11am to avoid traffic and snag parking spots as they open up.

Cap off the day with food trucks, music, and a fireworks show at College Park High School. Suggested donation is $4/person. Fireworks begin at 9:15pm.

Time: 6:30–9:30pm

Location: College Park High School, 201 Viking Drive, Pleasant Hill

Parking tips: Park in the DVC North Parking Lot along Golf Club Rd, Valley View Middle School, or Pleasant Hill Community Center. Arrive early to for the best chance to get a close parking spot.

We’ve also parked and watched the firework show from the Sun Valley Mall parking structure, and we had the added bonus of being able to see the Contra Costa Country Club firework show from there as well.

Expect heavy traffic and delays around Diablo Valley College and College Park High School, and along Taylor Blvd between Contra Costa Blvd and Morello Ave, for at least 30 minutes before and after the fireworks show. Road closures will occur along Norse Drive, Viking Drive and Ruth Drive.

What's your 4th of July tradition in Pleasant Hill? Reply back and let me know — I love hearing how other families spend the day.

See you around town,

Jen