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.
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 Fourth of July, The Lemon Tree will have a 9:00 AM workout class open to both men and women. Payment details are included on the flyer.
At 11am we’re also hosting a kids’ event designed with neurodivergent and children on the spectrum in mind. It is open to all kids but created with extra care for families who benefit from a calmer, more supportive space.
Laptops and electronic equipment were stolen from the RRTH Learning Center last week. Photo: RRTH Learning Center
Police investigating, public asked for help
Fundraisers Sunday, June 28th and online
By RRTH Learning Center & RR Ministries
Our organization, RR Transitional Housing Learning Center, helps more than 250 students in Contra Costa County and we have been recently burglarized. They stole 40 Chromebooks from our kids.
Between Thursday, June 18, 2026, after 4:00 PM and Friday, June 19, before 6:00 PM, our location at 512 W. 2nd Street in Antioch was broken into. During the burglary, all of the Chromebooks donated by the Antioch Rotary Club were stolen.
These Chromebooks were used daily in our free tutoring program, youth job readiness program, homework support services, reading intervention activities, and educational workshops. Every service we provide is offered at no cost, making these resources vital for the children, youth, and families we serve.
In addition to the Chromebooks, our livestream equipment, personal laptops, and other devices were also taken.
We are also addressing attempts to access our financial and communication platforms, including Venmo, PayPal, email and banking-related accounts. We have taken immediate steps to secure our systems, filed a police report, and are working with law enforcement.
Our hearts are heavy. These resources helped children learn, complete homework, build confidence, and prepare for their futures.
We are asking for the community’s help. If you were near 512 W. 2nd Street in Antioch between June 18 and June 19 and saw anything suspicious, have information about this incident, or notice someone attempting to sell multiple Chromebooks or other electronic equipment, please contact us or local law enforcement.
According to Antioch Police Lt. Mike Mellone, a report was taken and the burglary is under investigation.
While this is heartbreaking, it will not stop our mission. We remain committed to serving our community and providing free programs to the children, youth and families who depend on them.
As we prepare for our summer programs, we urgently need your help replacing these essential resources so we can continue providing free services to the hundreds of students and families who rely on us each year.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps us move one step closer to restoring these vital programs. If you are unable to donate, sharing our story with others is equally appreciated.
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
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!
Source: City of Antioch
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.
Winners of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch 2026 Writing Contest are (Left to Right) Natalia Saucedo (5th grade/Kimball) 3rd place; Marcus Hamilton (4th grade/Orchard Park) 2nd place; Aissatu Diallo (5th grade/Mno Grant) 2nd place; Madeline Cortes (4th grade/Fremont) 1st place; Hayley Corado (4th grade/Marsh) 3rd place and Alyssa Bennett (5th grade/Mno Grant) 1st place. Photo: GFWC WCA
Theme: Antioch Through My Eyes
By Terri Hamilton, GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch
The GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch hosted an award ceremony and ice cream social on May 7, 2026, recognizing the winners of the “Antioch Through My Eyes” writing contest.
The district-wide contest invited all fourth and fifth grade students in Antioch Unified School District to share their perspectives, creativity, and voices through writing. The program was designed to support local schools while giving students a meaningful opportunity to express themselves and write with purpose.
Winners were selected in each grade level, with first ($100), second ($50), and third ($25) place awards presented to top essays. In addition, one student from each participating class was recognized with a special “Top of the Class” ($10) award.
The ceremony was held at the Woman’s Clubhouse and brought together students, their families, teachers, principals, board members to celebrate the young writers’ achievements. The event concluded with an ice cream social in honor of all participants.
In 1902, 11 of the 15 ladies founded the Woman’s Club of Antioch and pledged: “To improve and beautify the town, to do any business which shall promote the educational industrial benevolent, social or political welfare of its members or the community at large.” For m ore information visit www.gfwcwomansclubofantioch.org.
Just a gentle reminder that the next Downtown Antioch Association meeting is this Wednesday, May 20th at The Lemon Tree! Thank you to Nicole Holmes for hosting this month! Come to hear what our next steps are for the DAA! We would love to hear your input and feedback on things to come!
The Antioch Farmers’ Market in the Rivertown district brings together 25 truckloads of fresh produce and prepared foods from local family farms and artisans on Sundays, 9am to 1pm. Featuring the famous super sweet white corn from Brentwood, tree-ripened apricots from Patterson, peaches and nectarines from Hughson, vine-ripe strawberries and organic vegetables from Hollister. Farm fresh eggs, Asian vegetables, freshly baked breads and pastries! The Antioch Farmers’ Market is hosted by the City of Antioch and sponsored by the Celebrate Antioch Foundation.
