During the annual Independence Day Celebration

Best view of the fireworks in Antioch! DJ and live entertainment

By Monica Barajas

Come Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with us all day long this 4th of July.

Brunch & Lunch until 5pm.

Cucos Tacos & Mexican Hot Dogs 5pm -9pm.

Full bar all day.

DJ starts at 5pm. Live entertainment at 8pm.

Exclusive outdoor seating on the river to view the fireworks at 9:20pm!! Bring a chair! Chairs and tables are limited.

Entry is $10 for adults, $5 for kids (includes a beverage ticket).

Monica’s Riverview is located at 1 “I” (Eye) Street on the pier in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

For menu and reservations go to www.visitmonicas.com.

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Plus, Farenhyte 5150 R&B Funk & Party Band

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

America’s 250th Independence Day Celebration in Antioch on Saturday, July 4th will feature live entertainment in Waldie Plaza, in historic, downtown Rivertown.

Kalimba – 7:30 PM – 9:15 PM     Waldie Plaza Stage

Some music doesn’t just play — it moves you. It pulls you back to the first time you heard it, when a groove locked in and never let go. Kalimba, The Spirit delivers exactly that: a full-scale, fully live tribute to the legendary Earth Wind & Fire that doesn’t just honor the legacy — it resurrects it.

Born from a deep reverence for the late, great Maurice White and the galaxy of sound he built, Kalimba, The Spirit is an internationally touring production that captures everything that made EWF the most electrifying live act of a generation. The soaring falsetto. The thunderous horns. The lush, interlocking harmonies. The bass lines that roll through your chest like a freight train. All of it — live, authentic, and unapologetically powerful.

Talent buyers take note: this is a production, not a cover band. Kalimba, The Spirit brings a full stage and lighting show built to command the largest rooms, with vocal performances that authentically replicate Philip Bailey’s signature high notes, the thick three-part harmonies of Maurice and Ralph Johnson, and Verdine White’s iconic, grooving bass lines driving it all forward.

The credentials speak volumes. Kalimba has graced historic theaters, major music festivals, state fairs, casinos, and premier corporate events across the globe — including a landmark performance alongside the Village People at the 2020 Dubai Expo and sharing the stage with Sister Sledge in Egypt in 2023. Wherever they perform, one thing is guaranteed: the audience leaves on its feet.

Expect to hear the songs that defined an era: September, Boogie Wonderland, Shining Star, Let’s Groove, After the Love Has Gone, That’s the Way of the World, Fantasy, Sing a Song, Getaway, Reasons, Devotion, Can’t Hide Love, Love’s Holiday — and that’s just the beginning of the night.

Kalimba, The Spirit. Feel it all over again.

Boogie Wonderland, Let’s Groove, Shining Star, After the Love Has Gone, and more. This isn’t a cover act — it’s an experience. Feel it all over again.

Farenhyte 5150 – 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM     Waldie Plaza Stage

Entertainment will also include Farenhyte 5150 – a powerhouse ensemble renowned for delivering high-octane performances that capture the raw energy and polished precision of a live concert experience. What sets them apart is their uncanny ability to sound exactly like the original records, a feat made possible by a lineup of elite musicians who have toured and recorded with multi-platinum artists. Their collective pedigree shines through in every note, stunning audiences with a professional sound that is as flawless as it is infectious. Whether they are hitting a complex groove or a soaring anthem, Farenhyte 5150 commands the stage, guaranteed to get the entire room up and dancing.

Fireworks Show

The fireworks show over the river are scheduled to start at 9:20 p.m.

For the full schedule of events visit Antioch to celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day Saturday, July 4th | Antioch Herald. For more information visit www.antiochca.gov/221/Fourth-of-July-Celebration.

By Team Jesus Outreach Ministries

Join Team Jesus Outreach Ministries and Nate Banks for an unforgettable evening of faith, music, and community!

The Walk in the Light Fundraiser Concert brings our community together in worship and hope. Your registration helps Team Jesus Outreach Ministries extend faith-filled support to neighbors facing hunger, hardship, and isolation.

Enjoy live gospel music, heartfelt testimonies, and a welcoming space to celebrate God’s love. Every ticket helps fuel our outreach—from food and basic supplies to encouragement for families in need.

• Friday, June 26
• 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Royal Banquet Halls & Event Center
• 509 W. Second Street, downtown Rivertown, Antioch, CA 94509

Featuring performances by:

• Nate Banks
• JM3
• St. Saconni
• Pastor Keith Smith & Unified Praise Choir
• SB Tone the Berean

Tickets at the Door:

• Adults: $20
• Kids Under 10: $5

Raffle Tickets: 5 for $20

Food & Snacks Included

All proceeds benefit Team Jesus Outreach Ministries. Bring your family and friends for a night of inspiration, worship, and amazing music.

For tickets and more information about the concert visit Walk in the light fundraiser concert.

With parade, live music, Kids Zone, dunk tank fundraiser, food and fireworks show over the river!

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

Join the City of Antioch for a festive day of community pride and patriotic fun in celebrating America’s 250th Independence Day in our historic, downtown Rivertown Saturday, July 4th. Visit Waldie Plaza to experience live entertainment and enjoy food from local restaurants, vendors and trucks. Have an exciting time with friends and family in the Kids Zone located at City Hall, before picking your spot to see the big, unforgettable fireworks show over the river to cap off the celebration!

Schedule of Events 

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM     Parade

4:00 PM – 9:00 PM     Kids Zone

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM     Live Entertainment | Farenhyte 5150

5:00 PM – 9:00 PM     Kids Zone Stage | DJ Melly Mel

                  7:00 PM     Announcement of Parade Winners 

7:30 PM – 9:15 PM     Live Entertainment | Kalimba

9:20 PM – 9:40 PM     Fireworks Show 

* Times subject to change

Sign Up to Take the Plunge!

Dunk Tank Fundraiser Information

What better way to celebrate Independence Day than by making a splash and raising funds for a fantastic cause? By participating in our Dunk Tank event, you’ll not only have a blast but also contribute to providing scholarships for youth and adults to participate in recreational activities they might not otherwise have access to.

Not interested in sitting in the tank? Get involved by donating to the cause! As you attend our Fourth of July Celebration, stop by the Kids Zone to take your turn trying to sink the sitter! Cheer on our throwers and our volunteers as we raise money to continue to provide recreational opportunities for residents, young and young at heart! The deadline to sign up to take the plunge is Friday, June 26th.

Parade Entry Registration

Ready to show off your red, white, and blue spirit? Parade registrations for Antioch’s 4th of July Celebration are now open! Don’t miss out—register today and be part of one of Antioch’s favorite traditions!

Whether you’re young or young at heart, a solo walker or part of a group, this parade is for everyone. From classic cars and colorful floats to decorated bicycles and festive performances, let your creativity shine as we come together as a community to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!

Parade Route

The parade will begin at the intersection of W 2nd St. and E St. Antioch, CA at 4 pm. The Judge’s Station will be located at the center of Waldie Plaza. A second parade performance stop will be on W 3rd St. next to City Hall. We will finish the parade on W 3rd St. at the corner of D St.

Celebration Site

The main celebration site will take place in Waldie Plaza and the parking lot of City Hall, encompassing W 2nd St. to W 3rd St. and G St. to I St. There are many occurrences within the celebration site, including a live entertainment stage, local restaurants, food trucks, vendors, Kids Zone, DJ stage, and much more.

For parade registration and event details, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit: www.antiochca.gov/221/Fourth-of-July-Celebration.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Fourth Annual event features live performances, music, food, activities for kids and adults, and more!

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

Celebrate this Juneteenth with the City of Antioch! This free annual city-sponsored Juneteenth Celebration is where we come together as a city to honor freedom, culture and community. Join us Friday, June 19th for a day of reflection that showcases the richness of African American heritage as we embrace the vibrancy and resiliency of Black culture. This event features live performances, music, food, activities for kids and adults, and so much more!

What Is Juneteenth?

Short for June Nineteenth, Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the 1865 emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States – marking the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure the freedom of all remaining enslaved people. Texas became the first U.S. state to celebrate Juneteenth in 1979. Officially becoming a U.S. federal holiday in June of 2021, the City of Antioch is proud to present our fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration.

Entertainment

The Antioch Juneteenth Celebration music line up is here!

DURTI RYCE Featuring DERON will light up the stage with a tribute to the one and only Frankie Beverly, an icon of soul and R&B!

Oh, we’re not done. We are also excited to welcome powerhouse songstress, MONIQUE RENEE who will grace the stage with a tribute to Lady T, Teena Marie!

Two acts, two unforgettable icons to be honored, one incredible night. Join us for food, games, fun, and memories at this year’s Antioch Juneteenth Celebration.

We’ll see you there!

FRIDAY, JUNE 19th, 2026

4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Williamson Ranch Park, Antioch, CA

For more information visit Juneteenth Celebration | Antioch, CA.

Application Deadline: May 24

By Antioch Recreation Department

Join us for an evening of culture, community, music, food, and celebration at the City of Antioch’s Juneteenth Freedom Celebration!

Friday, June 19

4PM–8PM

Williamson Ranch Park (corner of Lone Tree Way and Hillcrest Avenue)

We’re looking for:

• Local Vendors
• Food Vendors
• Community Organizations

Celebrate freedom, culture, and community with live music, poets, dancers, games, rides, and family fun for all ages.

Apply today by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visit:

www.antiochca.gov/218/Juneteenth-Celebration

Applications close May 24

Space is limited. Don’t miss out!

By Allen D. Payton

After more than 20 years, the rodeo returns to the Contra Costa County Fair, this year, with Bulls and Broncs beginning 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026.

The Silver Bridge Rodeo Company brings the spirit of the West to life with world-class bull riding and broncs events that showcase the grit, skill, and courage of rodeo’s toughest athletes. From thunderous eight-second rides to airborne broncs and charging bulls!

General Admission is $19.00. Does not include Fair admission.

Rodeo Event Tickets sold separately online through Saffire Ticket by clicking, HERE.

For more information about the 2026 Contra Costa County Fair visit www.contracostafair.com.