Celebrate Independence Day with an evening of family fun as the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors hosts the 30th Annual Fireworks Celebration at Woodward Reservoir on Saturday, July 4, 2026. This longtime community tradition will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display beginning at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to make a day of it at Woodward Reservoir – along 26-Mile Road off Highway 120 north of Oakdale – by enjoying the park’s many recreational opportunities before the fireworks light up the night sky. Day-use admission is $40 per vehicle. Guests may enjoy the park throughout the day before the evening concludes with the fireworks show. Day-use visitors must exit the park by 10 p.m.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early, as entry is available on a first-come, first-served basis and the park typically reaches capacity on Independence Day. To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, there are no in-and-out privileges on July 4, walk-in access is not permitted, and parking along the perimeter of the park is prohibited. These restrictions will be strictly enforced by the California Highway Patrol and the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office.
This year’s celebration will feature an expanded selection of on-site food vendors, including Taquerias Las Palmas, Yogurt Mill, and Okey Dokey Donuts. Crescent Supply will also operate both the General Store at the Marina and the Outdoor Store at Mountain View Point, offering cold treats, hot dogs, nachos, snacks, beverages, and essential items such as ice, water, firewood, shade hats, sunscreen, and water toys.
Visitors planning to enjoy the water are encouraged to wear a life jacket during all water activities, regardless of age or swimming ability. Free loaner life jackets are available at the Marina through a grant from the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways. Those utilizing them are asked to return loaner life jackets before leaving so they remain available for future visitors.
To help manage traffic, road closures will begin at 6 a.m. on July 4. Dodds, Hinds, Dorsey, and Eastman roads will be closed, and access to Woodward Reservoir will be available only through the 26-Mile Road South entrance. The North entrance will be closed. Road closures will be lifted following the conclusion of the fireworks celebration.
For everyone’s safety, personal fireworks are prohibited at Stanislaus County Regional Parks.
Event details, current park information, recreational opportunities, and admission information are available at StanCountyParks.com.
