How To Celebrate The Fourth Of July In Or Near Yosemite

To set the record straight, the July 4^th weekend in Yosemite National Park can be a bit crowded. With that said, if you do visit, be sure to have a plan & head out early for some outdoor fun. Better yet, visit the park at a less busy period & check out one of these amazing Fourth of July festivities happening near Yosemite instead.

Nothing resonates as strongly as BBQ to celebrate the Fourth. Instead of having yourself do all the work & clean up afterwards, why not let someone take care of it for you. There are a few places near Yosemite that offer this opportunity. First, the Tenaya at Yosemite is featuring all your barbecue favorites: tri-tip, chicken, burgers, salads, corn on the cob, assorted pies & brownies, beverages, live music and a giant dose of fresh Sierra air. Another option is to head over to Wawona Hotel for their summer BBQ. They give you the opportunity to choose a deliciously grilled barbecue item alongside all the fixins & dessert you could eat.

BBQ at Tenaya at Yosemite

Can’t make it on the 4^th? Not a problem. On Saturday, June 29^th, The Wawona Hotel will commemorate being built on America’s centennial (1876), just eight years after John Muir visited Yosemite for his first time, with a good old-fashioned symphonic concert on their lawn.

Big Trees Lodge Summer BBQ

They say life at the lake is better and we happen to agree especially on this long weekend. Is that a bird? A plane? No, it’s the fireworks extravaganza happening at Bass Lake! Madera County’s LARGEST display will make sure this Independence Day is one to remember. The evening's patriotic themed events kick off with the Bass Lake Boat Parade where people dress up their boats to see who wins the ultimate bragging rights of winning the America’s Cup Trophy – Bass Lake Edition. 

Fourth of July Fireworks Over Bass Lake

Bass Lake Boat ParadeFor those looking to step up their experience, don’t miss Gatsby’s 4^th of July Fire show at the Marina Grill. Featuring an all you can eat tri-tip dinner with a roaring 20’s theme, a fire dancing show will finish off the festivities with a front row view of the fireworks display.

Mana Fire Dancers

For those looking for more of a natural light show, consider taking part in the Yosemite Conservancy’s Overnight Under the Milky Way. Starting from the Ostrander Trailhead on Glacier Point, you’ll be guided to the perfect spot where you can literally sleep under a canopy of stars without needing a tent. A truly otherworldly and unique way to experience some celestial fireworks and sidestep the daytime crowds in Yosemite.

Camping out under Yosemite's Starry Skies with the Yosemite Conservancy

If camping out isn't part of your plans, check out star watching "parties" at Glacier Point. Throughout the summer, various regional amateur astronomy clubs host Stars Over Yosemite weekend events at the amphitheater in cooperation with the National Park Service.  It's a great way to view and learn more about the amazing night sky!

Star Party at Glacier Point

Of course, you can stay home & do nothing but why? Instead, make it a memorable one!