fourth of july

All events take place July 4 unless otherwise indicated.

San Francisco

'Doing Good' Dolores Park, Dolores between 18th and 20th Sts; 285-1717, www.sfmt.org. Sat/2-Mon/4, 1:30 pm, free. Show continues in Bay Area through Oct. The San Francisco Mime Troupe opens its 2005 season with a historical political satire based on John Perkins's Confessions of an Economic Hitman. The play features live music, hilarious comedy, and provocative dialogue, all while chronicling the post-WWII US campaign for free-market economic development in the third world.

Fillmore Jazz Festival Fillmore between Jackson and Eddy; 1-800-731-0003, www.fillmorejazzfestival.com. Sat/2-Sun/3, 10am-6pm, free. See 8 Days a Week.

Fourth of July BBQ Parkside, 1600 17th St; 503-3093. 1-6pm, $10. This Independence Day party features Hicks with Sticks performing tracks off their new album, and the Bellyscrapers hosting a display of hot rod cars and art.

Golden Gate Park Band Strybing Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Golden Gate Park, Ninth Ave and Lincoln; 831-5500, www.goldengateparkband.org. 1pm, free. Join the Golden Gate Park Band to celebrate the country's birthday.

'Ives and Our America' Community Music Center, 544 Capp; 647-6015. Sat/2, 8pm, $6-10. Experimental musicians – including Jorge Boehringer, Kyle Bruckmann, Phil Gelb, Phillip Greenlief, Dan Plonsey, Karen Stackpole, and Theresa Wong – perform music by and inspi by Charles Ives.

'Kayak to Independence Day Fireworks' City Kayak, Pier 39, Slip A21; 357-1010, www.citykayak.com. 6-10pm, $80 (Reservations required). Take a moonlit cruise on the bay and take in the fireworks while floating along the water in your very own kayak. Pizza dinner and champagne included.

Pier 39's Fourth of July festival Pier 39, Embarcadero and Beach; 705-5500, www.pier39.com. 1:30pm-9:15pm, free. This year's entertainment includes Double Funk Crunch and Tainted Love, followed by a spectacular fireworks show.

'Salute to the Military Day' SBC Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza; 972-2298, www. sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com. 1:05pm, $22-38. The San Francisco Giants and uniformed members of the military hold a special day of festivities in honor of America's independence.

San Francisco Symphony Sigmund Stern Grove, 19th Ave at Sloat; 252-6252, www.sterngrove.org. Sun/3, 2pm, free. Bring a blanket and picnic lunch to enjoy program highlights: Shostakovich's Festive Overture and Saint-Saëns's Piano Concerto No. 2 with pianist Adam Neiman; Edwin Outwater conducts.

'Star Spangled Cadaver!' 540 Club, 540 Clement; www.540-club.com. Sat/2, 10pm-2am, free. Relapse Records and Metal Maniacs present this heavy metal night featuring drink specials, a light show, fog machines, and DJ Metal Mark spinning badass metal tunes.

'We Are Family Picnic' Yerba Buena Gardens, Rooftop Gardens, Howard at Fourth St; 543-1718, www.ybgf.org. 11am-4pm, free. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender couples, families, and friends gather for this unique annual event filled with wild performers, wacky prizes, and tons of fun for everyone. The Foghorns, Dixieland Dykes+3, Jackie Jones and Her Tap Dancing Cat, and Derique the Electric Clown perform. See 8 Days a Week.

Bay Area

'AK Press Fuck the 4th Sale' AK Press Warehouse, 674A 23rd St., Oakl; (510) 208-1700, www.akpress.org. Fri/1, 4-10pm, free. Dissidents dissatisfied with the course of the country can shop away their miseries with at least a 25 percent markdown on all merchandise, including anarchist books, videos, music, magazines, pamphlets, and accessories.

'California Dreaming: A Summer Celebration and Salute to California' Shoreline Amphitheatre, 1 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mtn View; (415) 421-TIXS. 8pm, $15.50-28.50. Radio Disney and KGO-AM present the San Francisco Symphony's annual July Fourth celebration, featuring special guest conductor Edwin Outwater.

'East Bay Grease' People's Park, Telegraph at Dwight, Berk; (510) 693-2653, www.otisgoodnight.com. Sat/2, noon-5 p.m., free. Join East Bay rock, funk, and hip-hop band Otis Goodnight for an afternoon concert benefiting the Berkeley High School music program.

Fourth of July at the Berkeley Marina Berkeley Marina (south shore at bottom of University Ave), Berk; (510) 548-5335, www.ci.berkeley.ca.us. Noon-9:30pm, free. Berkeley's annual Independence Day celebration includes international food, live music by Pat Ryan's Celtic Junket, dancing, and special attractions for the kids. The exciting fireworks display launches over the Marina at 9:30pm.

Fourth of July celebration Jack London Square, Embarcadero at Broadway, Oakl; 1-866-295-9853, www.jacklondonsquare.com. 1-9:30pm, free. Oakland's biggest celebration features live music, international food, arts and crafts, fun for kids, and more. To top it off, the evening explodes with a spectacular fireworks show.

Fourth of July festival and parade Todos Santos Plaza, Willow Pass at Grant, Concord; (925) 229-2710, www.communityconcerts.com. 8am-2:30pm, free. Kick off the Fourth with a pancake breakfast; live boogie, blues, and jazz performances; a parade; and plenty more food and fun for all. The festivities are followed by a fireworks show beginning at 7pm at the Concord Boulevard Neighborhood Park.

Fourth of July town picnic 470 Capistrano Rd, Princeton-by-the-Sea; (650) 563-9209, (650) 726-7403. 2pm, free. The American Legion Coastside Post 474 presents this patriotic afternoon event featuring a marching band, a barbecue, children's activities, and more. Bring your own chairs and blankets.

'Guitars and Sax' Ritz-Carlton, 1 Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay; 1-877-468-5299, www.concertsonthecoast.com. 4pm, $85. Smooth jazz musicians Waymon Tisdale, Mindi Abair, Warren Hill, and Jeff Golub perform a concert focusing on the guitar and saxophone in scenic Half Moon Bay.

'Independence Day on the Green' Sonoma State University Festival Lawn, 1801 E Cotati, Rohnert Park; 1-877-778-3378, www.sonoma.edu/greenmusicfestival. 4-10pm, $10-55. Guest conductor Jeff Tyzik leads the Santa Rosa Symphony through Independence Day favorites including works by march master John Sousa and Aaron Copland.

'Last Originals Car Show' Sea Bowl, 4625 Highway 1, Pacifica; (650) 271-1784, lastoriginals.20megsfree.com. Sun/3, 10am-4pm, free ($10 to display a vehicle). The Last Originals Car Club celebrates Independence Day with a hearty helping of food, cars, and music.

Point Arena's Independence Weekend celebration Arena Cove, Point Arena; (707) 882-2122. 4pm, free, but donations accepted. This street fair features food, arts and crafts booths, children's activities, and a fireworks show.

'Pre-4th of July Red-White-Blue Celebration' San Ramon Marriott Hotel, 2600 Bishop Dr, San Ramon; (916) 937-4744, www.pguild.com. Fri/1, 8pm-midnight, $25. Looking for a sweetheart with whom to celebrate the Fourth of July long weekend? Well, you're in luck – you can meet 400 singles at this dance party.

USS Hornet Fourth of July party USS Hornet, 707 W Hornet, Pier 3, Alameda; (510) 521-8448, www.hornetevents.com. 3m-10pm, $5-15. The legendary ship that fought in battles and recovered the first men to walk on the moon hosts a celebration featuring food, drinks, tours, pro skateboarding performances, clowns, music, and three dazzling fireworks displays.

'worldOne Festival' Cerrito Vista Park, Moeser Lane at Pomona, El Cerrito; (510) 233-0611, www.worldoneradio.org. Sun/3, 10am-7pm, free. The world culture celebration returns with an assortment of musical acts and food.

'Zydeco Americana' Eagles Hall, 2305 Alameda, Alameda; (916) 962-6415. Fri/1-Sat/2, 8pm, $13-15; Sun/3, 4:30pm, $15; Mon/4, 1-4pm, free. Experience authentic Louisiana zydeco music at these four days of dance lessons, live music, and tasty treats.