4th of July in Truckee 2025 Guide

There's no shortage of excitement and scenic beauty for Truckee's 4th of July celebrations. If you're attending the festivities, this guide will help you plan ahead and enjoy your holiday to the fullest.

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Featured Events

4th of July Parade in Downtown Truckee

Friday, July 4 from 10am-1pm | Downtown Truckee

Celebrate Independence Day in true mountain town style at Truckee’s beloved 4th of July Parade. Starting at 10am, this festive event marches through historic Downtown Truckee with colorful floats, local performers, fire trucks, horses, and patriotic fun for all ages.

Pancake Breakfast at the Fire Station

Friday, July 4 from 7am-10m | Truckee Fire Station 92

Fuel up for the festivities with a hearty (and free!) pancake breakfast served by Truckee’s own firefighters. This beloved community tradition brings locals and visitors together to enjoy breakfast, coffee, and camaraderie — all in support of the Truckee Firefighters Charitable Fund.

Firecracker Mile

Friday, July 4 from 9:45–10am | Starts at Truckee Fire Station 92

Lace up and join the excitement as runners of all ages sprint, jog, or stroll the one-mile course down the 4th of July parade route. Whether you're racing for a personal best or just in it for the cheers, this high-energy tradition kicks off the morning in true Truckee style.

Donner Lake Fireworks

Friday, July 4 at Dusk | West End Beach

Wrap up your 4th of July with a bang at the iconic fireworks show over Donner Lake. Visible from various public vantage points around the lake, this dazzling display lights up the Sierra night sky in a breathtaking finale to the day’s festivities.

July 4th is one of Truckee-Tahoe's busiest times of the year. If you're looking for peace and solitude in the mountains, spring and fall is the perfect time for an uncrowded experience. If you're joining us for the holiday celebrations, remember to pack some patience in your pocket. You're on mountain time, so slow down, appreciate the view, and have a plan B if plan A doesn't pan out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a campfire or use charcoal BBQs? No, Truckee's annual Fire Ban (June-Nov) normally begins in late June. Residential campfires and BBQ’s that burn solid fuel like charcoal briquettes, wood or lump charcoal including the Big Green Egg type are NOT allowed. (Exemption for state and federal campgrounds). View the Visitor's Guide to Wildfire Season to learn more.
How will we know if the Truckee fireworks are cancelled? Truckee-Donner Recreation and Parks District will update their website (view alert bar at top of site) and social media, Instagram & Facebook, in the event that fireworks are cancelled.

Can we buy tickets for the West End Beach fireworks and celebration on July 4th? No, tickets must be purchased ahead of time at the Community Recreation Center main office, located at 10981 Truckee Way. LAST DAY to purchase is July 3rd during office hours. Tickets are $20 per person and are only available for Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District Residents & Homeowners. Learn more.‍
I am a Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District Resident or Homeowner - Can I purchase tickets for the West End Beach fireworks and celebration and bring non-residents? Yes. Adult residents may purchase a maximum of 8 tickets and bring non-residents.
Can I bring food and drinks to the West End Beach fireworks and celebration? Yes, however, NO GLASS ALLOWED. There will be a gate check at the entrance to ensure glass is not brought into the park.
Can I park along the highway I-80 and watch the fireworks? No, CHP and Truckee Police will be monitoring the highway to ensure public safety.
Can I have fireworks in Truckee? No - NO BACKYARD FIREWORKS. Town of Truckee Municipal Code 9.15.010 prohibits the use and possession of fireworks. If you see dangerous backyard fireworks, call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies, call Police Dispatch at 530-550-2320. Fireworks are illegal any time of year in Truckee and are a misdemeanor crime. Thanks for helping to prevent wildfires, and keep our mountain town safe.
Are fireworks allowed in the Tahoe National Forest? No, fireworks and pyrotechnics are prohibited on public lands - every forest, every campsite, every day. More than 90% of fires are human caused. Help prevent wildfires - call 911 if you see illegal fireworks.
Is Tahoe Donner running shuttles to the Beach Club Marina on July 4th? No, however TART Connect (Truckee's free, on-demand shuttle) is available as a transportation option from 6:30am - midnight.
Can I take the 4th of July shuttle from Truckee High School to the Donner Lake docks or Donner Memorial State Park? No, the Truckee High School shuttle is an express route from Truckee High School to West End Beach and will not make additional stops along the way. For transportation within the Donner Lake area, please use Truckee BCycle.

BOOK LODGING

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Find your flow on epic mountain bike trails, explore dirt roads on a gravel bike or take a ride on Truckee-Tahoe's scenic paved paths.

Biking

Find the perfect trail for a hike or run, from rugged and rockly treks up mountain peaks to mellow meadow strolls.

Hiking & Trail Running

Find the perfect spot to relax on over 85 miles of lakefront shoreline between Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake.
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Fly Fishing

Explore fun activities for kids of all ages! Parks, swimming pools, easy bike paths & more.

family fun

From bird watching to glamping to nature photography, there are endless ways to enjoy the outdoors!

way more outdoors

Climb on world-class California granite, go on a guided adventure, and visit our state of the art new indoor climbing gym.

rock climbing

Find your flow on epic mountain bike trails, explore dirt roads on a gravel bike or take a ride on Truckee-Tahoe's scenic paved paths.

Biking

Find the perfect trail for a hike or run, from rugged and rockly treks up mountain peaks to mellow meadow strolls.

Hiking & Trail Running

Explore fun activities for kids of all ages! Parks, swimming pools, easy bike paths & more.

family fun

From bird watching to glamping to nature photography, there are endless ways to enjoy the outdoors!

way more outdoors

Summer Adventure Ideas

Discover the wide range of outdoor activities that Truckee-Tahoe has to offer this 4th of July. From rock climbing to bird watching, there's something for everyone. Spend a fun-filled day with the family, take a hike on scenic trails, or enjoy the thrill of mountain biking.

Featured Experience

Hiking & Trail Running

Truckee-Tahoe is home to hundreds of miles of scenic dirt trails and access couldn’t be easier with the Tahoe National Forest, Donner Memorial State Park, Desolation Wilderness, and other nearby public lands right in our backyard.

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