12th Annual Mad Hatter's July 4th Waterfront Festival Set for Vallejo

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 of attendees with a mix of food, recreation, and entertainment from daybreak to sundown, followed by a family-friendly Night Market.

Throughout the day, festival-goers can enjoy views of Mare Island's historic maritime ships while interacting with peddlers and merchants offering handmade goods, food trucks, wellness activities, and other family-friendly happenings. Highlights include the popular Annual Maritime Dog Parade, interactive exhibits with the Wholly Wackers sheep, rescued reptiles, a Kids Zone, giant kites, classic cars, cultural performances, and live music.

As dusk falls, the event transitions into a vibrant Night Market with an international food court serving diverse cuisines, shopping opportunities, and live entertainment leading up to the evening Lighted Sky Show with a grand finale fireworks display. The festival coincides with the 250th anniversary of Independence Day, adding historical significance to the celebration.

Hyperion Community Partners LLC also produces The Mad Hatter Holiday Festival, Parade & Tree Lighting on the first Saturday of December each year. For more information, visit the festival's website at HatterVallejo.com or follow updates on their Facebook page at facebook.com/MadHatterHolidayVallejo. A video produced by WhatSF, a San Francisco television program, highlights the festival and has garnered over 100,000 views, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN6MhLHYFrI.

The event underscores Vallejo's community spirit and its waterfront as a hub for regional celebrations, combining traditional Independence Day festivities with unique local attractions like the maritime dog parade and night market. The festival's longevity and growing attendance reflect its importance as a summer tradition in the Bay Area.