San Jose 4th of July Fireworks Celebration

BEST FIREWORKS EXPERIENCE EVER !!!
Better than San Francisco.
Better than Oakland.
Better than Great America.
Better than Cupertino.
Better than the Alameda County Fair.
Better than Shoreline.
Better than San Jose Muni.
Thousands of us were almost directly underneath some of the fireworks. They BOOMed so loud that my ears hurt. The BOOMs bounced off the high rises and echoed — and again — and again !!!
The fireworks completely FILLED the ENTIRE SKY from where I was watching. From one side of my eyeballs to the other like watching a movie from the front row.
Holy Fricking CRAP !!!
Look at the whole sky alight with each burst. .. all falling. .. closer. .. . closer.…(getting nervous now)…Whew they disappeared —
— and it was just an illusion since they’re a lot farther away than they look.
And my clothes smelled like gunpowder after it was all over !!!
If there is a next year, go to the South of Discovery Meadow: Woz Way and San Salvador, to the Bridge over the Creek, then to the 87 – 280 interchange. There’s very few crowds there compared to everywhere else, and lots of room to sit — and the police supervision are super friendly.
Go, and prepared to be WOWed !!!

We had amazing time there yesterday. Fire work was breath taking and crowd really enjoyed it. Place is easily accessible through light train or bus or driving. I would suggest to take your chair or blanket to sit in the park and +1 to reach before few hours to get got spot. Just do tiny picnic in the park before firework happens. IT IS FREE!!!

Discovery Meadows will be the place on 4^th of July that I literally realized my girlfriend at the time now my wife was my other ½. The event is no longer what it used to be with it only a firework show as to an all day festival with booths, vendors, and FOOOOOOOD!
Theirs Mexican hot dogs and that’s about it these days. it’s a free event and they allow food and drinks which is a plus they this year has the boy scouts of America present and they brought tiny bubbles and beach balls of various sizes to entertain the lil ones. I highly recommend arriving early so you can get prime seats and the parking varies all around the area so arrive prepared to either pay or walk that simple. Theirs a parking structure that many we noticed were having a wonderful time across from the area and that looked like a chill spot in the future possibly.
The rotary club had put on another memorable firework show for 2015! I will always have discovery Meadows high on my locations to be for the 4^th and my wife and family will enjoy each year should we venture! HAPPI birthday America and thank you to all who protect this beautiful land we call the UNITED STATES IS AMERICA. HAPPI 4^th, 2015

Thank you security guards, you did a good job. I think you need to have some cardboard signs that tell people how to get onto the lightrail and where the shuttles go. Either that or give better verbal directions. What you want is clear directions, not total chaos after the show. Thank you, the Tamien shuttles were a great idea. Also, great show!

This is for the fireworks show only. We did not venture to the American Festival. I posted this review because we no longer have the Great America Fireworks Show in Santa Clara. So this might be a great alternative for everyone next year in 2009.
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From the San Jose Official Website:
«Discovery Meadow is at the southern end of the park, adjacent to the Children’s Discovery Museum. It features a large expanse of lawn and is used extensively for festivals during the summer months. The Riverwalk trails along Discovery Meadow follow the river closely and are lined with comfortable park benches.»
Thank you to Serbelle for picking the spot! Sheesh! Hella ma-ar-tay!Cindi, Vu, Rachel, and Michael C were already there. This was our 4^th of July firework display hangout in downtown San Jose!
Donna and I drove into downtown at 8:00pm to meet with all the SBC’s. I was quite stressed because of the fact that there’s mad traffic going into downtown for this yearly event. With the powers that be, we lucked out. Traffic was light and we found a parking spot at my regular lot across from Gordon Biersch on E. San Fernando street. Free parking! So sweet! Walked towards the Hilton on Almaden Blvd and found everyone huddled for the evening’s event (right along the palm trees). The show started on time at 9:30pm.
One word: Awesome! I miss fireworks! During the show, I reminisced on the past 4^th of Julys and was taken back when I was a kid with my family. We were surrounding by families and fellow spectators so it filled the emotions of reflections. I do miss my family. Today, we’re all separated and doing our own thing. But sometimes I wish we can reunite and celebrate the 4^th of July like we did in the past. As for 2008, I’m thankful for my freedom. My life. My family and friends. And my new SBC Unilocal family. Thanks guys for putting this together. This will definitely go down as one my Summer 2008 reflections.
And yes afterwards, we all went to 99 Chicken to get our late night grub and drink on! I know. I know. it’s the official SBC late night dinner hangout. Besides… finding a late night dinner place on a holiday is a mad house in downtown.
UYE Event Link:
Notes for Next Year:
Taking Public Transportation: Yes! Just like Monica and Rachel, they had no problems taking the light rail into downtown. This is actually a great idea. Make note that the lines for the return trip home is a mad house. Plan accordingly or wait until the crowds get smaller.
Parking: Get there early. I hella lucked out this year. I suggest planning like Cindi N. Get to downtown in the late afternoon for dinner then walk over to the Hilton on Almaden to claim a great spot. Parking is free for the entire holiday. But do note that parking is a mad house getting out of downtown San Jose.
What to Bring: Snacks, drinks, seating blanket, folding chairs, and dress warm. It may be the summer time, but it does get a little cold at night.
Restrooms: Everyone took advantage of visiting the San Jose Convention Center. Its one hell of a walk, but the closets one available.
Good for Kids: Yes! Bring the family!
MICHAEL C ! ! ! Where’s the pictures!!!

I’m not from around here, i think you can tell. the fireworks display was weak, the grounds were ridiculously small, and most of the vendors were there to sell clothes and crafts and used DVDs (!?) i realize this is America, but can’t there be some more fun activities? the kid section was designed for REALLY LITTLE kids. and it seemed like even the sponsors were out to get a larger chunk of the buck. I’m glad i went with my bestest friends otherwise i wouldn’t have had any fun at all.

I went to the Festival for the first time this year and I had a good time. I’m somewhat of a Festival Hunter. I like to search for local Festivals and go because they always have the cool things to check out like clothing, toys, games, musical performances and more importantly — FOOD!
This 4^th of July Festival had some great music & food. There are booths for everything… dresses, purses, Henna/​Mendhi, Hawaiin vacations, Political parties, toy Marshmallow shooters, stuffed animals, jewelry, etc…
The food booths seem to never end. From hot dogs & lemonade, House of Lumpia (filipino food), Casbah (middle eastern cuisine, hot dogs & BBQ, corn dogs, funnel cakes, mexican food, kettle corn & shave ice!!!
The San Jose Taiko performance was my favorite and the Fireworks show at the end of the night was amazing. Other than the food & awesome performances this festival is great because it’s very «GREEN» Friendly.
All of the vendors at the American Festival will be using beverage cups and utensils made from corn that are 100% compostable.
Recommendation?
YES! Go! Just remember your Sunscreen when you go. I look forward to attending the Festival Next year.