The Mad Hatter's July 4th Waterfront Festival will celebrate its 12th year on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Park in Vallejo, California. The event, produced by Hyperion Community Partners LLC in partnership with the City of Vallejo, attracts thousands with a full day of food, recreation, and entertainment, culminating in a family-friendly Night Market and a fireworks display marking the 250th anniversary of Independence Day.
The day begins with a range of activities, including the popular Annual Maritime Dog Parade, interactive exhibits featuring the Wholly Wackers (sheep), rescued reptiles, a Kids Zone, Giant Kites, Classic Cars, cultural performances, and live music. Attendees can explore offerings from peddlers and merchants, including makers, food trucks, and wellness activities. The waterfront setting provides views of Mare Island's historic ships docked at the island's shipbuilding facilities.
As dusk approaches, the festival transitions into a Night Market, where an international food court serves a variety of cuisines, and shopping continues alongside live entertainment. The evening culminates in a Lighted Sky Show with a grand finale. The festival is one of two major holiday events produced by Hyperion Community Partners LLC, the other being The Mad Hatter Holiday Festival, Parade & Tree Lighting on the first Saturday of December.
For more information, visit the festival's website at HatterVallejo.com or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/MadHatterHolidayVallejo. A video produced by WhatSF, a weekly television program in San Francisco, provides a preview and has garnered over 100,000 views on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN6MhLHYFrI.
