A Spectacular Fourth of July Celebration on San Diego’s Waterfront
Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:45 PM
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at the Maritime Museum of San Diego during an expanded waterfront Fourth of July celebration unlike anything we’ve offered before.
For 2026, guests will have access to multiple historic ships, waterfront venues, live entertainment areas, food stations, bars, and some of the most unique fireworks viewing locations on San Diego Bay.
This year’s celebration transforms the Maritime Museum campus into a waterfront festival experience leading up to San Diego’s spectacular Big Bay Boom fireworks display.
Live Entertainment Throughout the Evening
Your ticket includes access to multiple entertainment experiences across the celebration.
- The MoonRays All-American Doo Wop Experience bringing classic favorites and a lively celebration atmosphere to the waterfront.
- The Hemmens Brothers Dueling Pianos aboard the historic Steam Ferry Berkeley, featuring an interactive, all-request sing-along show.
- Live DJ Entertainment keeping the energy going throughout the evening.
4th of July Event Admission
Event Admission provides access to an expanded waterfront Fourth of July celebration spanning multiple historic ships and event venues throughout the Maritime Museum campus.
Guests are free to move between participating locations all evening, enjoying live music, dueling pianos, DJ entertainment, food stations, bars, and a variety of unique waterfront vantage points for San Diego’s Big Bay Boom fireworks display.
Explore the upper deck of the historic Steam Ferry Berkeley, the Star of India, San Salvador, and the Waterfront Barge throughout the evening.
Event Admission Includes:
- Access to multiple historic ships and waterfront venues
- Freedom to move between participating venues throughout the evening
- Live entertainment including The MoonRays, Hemmens Brothers Dueling Pianos, and a live DJ
- Food stations and bars located throughout the celebration
- Indoor seating and bar service aboard Berkeley’s McKinney Deck
- Flexible viewing locations for the Big Bay Boom fireworks display
Enjoy the full waterfront festival experience.
Event Admission is ideal for guests who want to explore the celebration at their own pace, move between participating ships and venues, enjoy live entertainment, and choose from multiple fireworks viewing areas around the Museum campus.
The McKinney Deck aboard Berkeley will offer seating, bar service, and space to relax while enjoying refreshments or a meal before heading to outdoor viewing areas for the fireworks display.
- Perfect for guests who want the full waterfront festival atmosphere
- Seating and bar service available aboard Berkeley’s McKinney Deck
- Advance booking is recommended
- Fireworks are visible from multiple outdoor viewing locations throughout the event
Event Admission Pricing:
Adult – $85
Members/Military – $70
Youth (3–12) – $42
Ages 2 & Under – Free
Guests are encouraged to pre-order food before the deadline, as day-of quantities may be limited. Food stations and multiple bars will be available throughout the celebration. All food and beverage purchases on-site will be credit card only.
Event Menu
Food will be available at multiple stations throughout the Waterfront Barge food court area.
- Classic Hot Dog Basket – Hot Dog w/ Potato Salad & Cookie
- Cheeseburger Basket – Cheeseburger w/ Kettle Chips & Cookie
- BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich – BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich w/ Coleslaw & Cookie
Event Schedule
- Gates Open: 6:00 PM
- Check-in Ends: 8:00 PM
- Event Hours: 6:00 PM – end of fireworks
- Fireworks: Typically begin around 9:15 PM and lasts ~30 minutes.
- Event ends following the fireworks display.
Please Note: General museum admission during daytime operating hours (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) is not included with this evening event ticket. Your Event Admission ticket includes access to multiple historic ships, waterfront venues, entertainment areas, food stations, bars, and fireworks viewing locations throughout the celebration.
Why It Matters
All proceeds support the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Your ticket helps fund year-round ship preservation, educational programs, and community outreach—while you enjoy one of San Diego’s most spectacular nights on the bay.