The Fourth of July holiday returns this year with mid-week celebrations throughout the South Bay. Here’s a selection of some of the best events in the South Bay and beyond.

San Jose

San Jose Giants Fireworks Show
The San Jose Giants hit the field against the Modesto Nuts with special Stars & Stripes jerseys and caps followed by a fireworks show after the game. The game is sold out but several locations surrounding Memorial Stadium offer a chance to see San Jose’s only holiday fireworks show.

Santana Row
The Summer Block Party at Santana Row includes a sidewalk sale, discounts and food and drink tasting. At noon, The Counter will host its second annual barbeque with live music at Park Valencia.

Cupertino Fourth of July
Cupertino hosts a variety of Fourth of July activities, starting at Memorial Park with a pancake breakfast, flag raising, parade and concert. At night, Blackberry Farm hosts free swimming, a BBQ, and live music.

July 7, Rocky Horror Picture Show
The theatrical classic gets an Independence Day revamp at Camera 3.

Mountain View

San Francisco Symphony at Shoreline Ampitheatre
The San Francisco Symphony will perform at the Shoreline Amphitheatre for the annual concert and fireworks show, which will be accompanied by a gymnastics performance.

Palo Alto

Summer Festival and Chili Cook-off
Twenty chefs will compete at the Summer Festival and Chili Cook-off for the chili championship. Live music and entertainment, along with face painting and other activities for children, is planned.

Redwood City

Fourth of July Parade and Festival
Redwood City hosts its 74th annual July Parade with the theme “Salute to Agriculture.”  The parade is scheduled with the 26th annual Independence Day Festival that covers several blocks in downtown Redwood City. The block party will have entertainment for all ages including arts and crafts, food and a carnival. The Port of Redwood City is the location for the fireworks show.

Saratoga

Hakone Gardens
Hakone Gardens hosts a summer festival with food, games, and live entertainment. The Gardens are one of the oldest Asian estates in the Western Hempisphere and offer a unique way to spend the 4th of July among hills, waterfalls, and koi ponds.

Los Gatos

Los Gatos Celebrates the 4th of July
A celebration will take place at the Civic Center, featuring a picnic lunch and performance from the San Jose Wind Symphony. There will also be games and family-friendly activities.

Morgan Hill

Freedom Fest 2012
Freedom Fest 2012 kicks off with a 5k run with awards given to top finishers and those who participate in costume. For those that would rather bike on Independence Day, the Bike Classic features multiple routes that begin in the morning. Freedom Fest also includes a Cruise and Car Show with cars that will open the parade, which made its debut in 1876. In two hours, spectators of the parade will experience floats, live music and performances. A firework show is planned for Community Park.

Gilroy

Fireworks at Gilroy HS
Gilroy High School will host its annual fireworks show at 9:15pm.

Milpitas

Red, White & Boom
Red, White & Boom at the Milpitas Sports Center will begin with a pool party, games and lunch. A concert and fireworks follow in the evening with music by The Houserockers. Attendees can bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the fireworks display.

Felton

Roaring Camp
Roaring Camp is hosting an All-American style celebration. With a 50s inspired theme, the festivities include hula-hoop contests, games, live entertainment and a barbeque. Both railways will be operating this day with a surprise at each departure.

Aptos

World’s Shortest Parade
Aptos is hosting their “World’s Shortest Parade” that spans 0.6 miles. The day is filled with celebrations for the fourth of July with a pancake breakfast in the morning, a short parade, and party in the park.

East Bay

Alameda

Jumpin’ Jivin’ Jubilee
The Jumpin’ Jivin’ Jubilee in Alameda is full of music, games, jump houses and other activities and a three-mile parade route.

Fremont

4th of July Parade
The Fremont 4th of July Parade starts in downtown Fremont in the morning with creative floats, live music and marching and guest celebrities. The parade starts with a fly-over from the “Beech Boys” airplanes.

Ardenwood
The Independence Day Celebration at Ardenwood Historic Park is a 1900-style festival with live patriotic music from a brass band and fiddle music in the farmyard. There will also be games and contests such as watermelon seed spitting, egg toss, and tug-of-war.