Stockton’s Fourth of July celebration is already taking shape, and local groups, businesses, performers and vendors are invited to be part of the holiday tradition.
The City of Stockton announced that parade entries and festival vendor applications are now open for the annual Independence Day celebration, set for Saturday, July 4, 2026. This year’s event carries extra significance as communities across the country prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The annual Fourth of July Parade, hosted by American Legion Karl Ross Post 16, will begin at 10 a.m. The route starts at Weber Avenue, travels up El Dorado Street to Oak Street, and returns down Center Street. A grandstand will be located in front of the Civic Auditorium.
Community groups, marching bands, businesses, nonprofits, classic car owners and performers are encouraged to participate.
Later in the day, the City of Stockton will host the Fourth of July Festival at Weber Point Events Center, 221 N. Center St. Gates open at 5 p.m. The festival will feature food vendors, artisan booths, live entertainment, family-friendly activities and free fireworks viewing along the downtown waterfront.
This year’s festival will also include a performance by the Stockton Symphony, adding a musical tribute to the historic national milestone.
“We are proud to partner with the American Legion Karl Ross Post 16 to bring this cherished community tradition to life each year,” said Tina McCarty, Stockton’s director of economic development. “Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States makes this year’s event even more special, and we look forward to a memorable day of patriotism, music, and community celebration.”
Festival vendor applications are open to businesses, food vendors, nonprofits and craft vendors. The city is encouraging interested vendors to apply early because space is limited.
Parade entry forms and vendor applications are available at stocktonca.gov/4thofJuly. Completed vendor applications must be emailed to [email protected] by 10 a.m. Friday, June 19, 2026.