Alameda’s 4th of July Parade is one of the most popular events held in the city. Hailed as the longest in the nation, the parade covers a 3.3-mile route and this year it will feature 185 registered entries and 2,500 participants, including marching bands, dance groups, community organizations, equestrians, floats, adorable kids, antique cars, and VIPs. 60,000 spectators are expected to line the route to get a view of the entries as they pass by to honor America’s 250th birthday during the 49th annual parade. 2026 marks 51 years since the first parade was held in Alameda, but it is only the 49th actual parade because it was canceled for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020-21.
This year Representative Lateefah Simon will lead the procession as Honorary Grand Marshal. She is the Representative for California’s 12th Congressional District, which includes Alameda, Oakland, Berkeley, Piedmont, Emeryville, Albany, and San Leandro.
Chief Nick Luby and the Alameda Fire Department (AFD) have been tapped to serve as the Grand Marshals. The women and men of the AFD are celebrating 150 years of service to the community, protecting and saving lives and property, and will be featured at the front of the parade just behind Representative Simon.
At 8:30 on Saturday morning, the Alameda 4th of July Run will take place along the route before the parade. The 5K run or walk is to benefit the Midway Shelter. This year, a free shuttle will be available to runners to bring them back from the end of the run to the start of the parade.
The parade will then start at 10 a.m. from the corner of Park Street and Lincoln Avenue and follow a path south along Park Street, then turn west on Otis Drive. After passing the judging stand in front of the Lum School property, the route turns north along Grand Street until heading west again along Encinal Avenue. At Webster Street, the route heads north again until ending at Lincoln Avenue. The last entry is expected to reach the finish line around 1 p.m.
Although there is no defined etiquette about reserving spaces, residents will often put out beach chairs and other items to designate their viewing place for the parade in advance, and many will appear along the route over the next few days. If you haven’t “reserved” a space, you may still be able to find a good viewing spot along Otis Drive or take your chances with other parts of the route…