IMPORTANT: Personal fireworks are illegal
at Shasta Lake, Redding and Shasta County, California.

IMPORTANT: Please make sure your pets are well secured or inside the house. Animals can become frightened by the fireworks and run off.

4th of July, 2011
FREEDOM FESTIVAL
REDDING FIREWORKS

REDDING CONVENTION CENTER
Redding, California, USA

(Independence Day - Fourth of July
Fireworks Show - July 4th - 4th of July)

The fireworks start
at 10:00 p.m.

TUNE TO THIS RADIO STATION: The fireworks display will be simulcast by North State Public Radio / KFPR Radio 88.9 FM

Please see more info below

Redding Fireworks info (ReddingRecreation.org)


Redding Fireworks info (ReddingConventionCenter.com) (.PDF file)


GOOGLE MAP: The fireworks show will be at the Redding Convention Center - Redding, California


Funding for the fireworks made possible by the McConnell Foundation
Thank you to the McConnell Foundation!




As far as I know, there aren't any Independence Day, 4th of July events at Shasta Lake itself such as fireworks or festivals. There is, however, a massive 4th of July Independence Day event in the City of Redding, California called the "Freedom Festival". And yes, it's FREE!

The Freedom Festival is a huge celebration which focuses on the fact that our country totally rocks. The festival is held on the lawn of the Redding Convention Center. It's an all-day event with live music and vendors that ends with a huge, spectacular fireworks display at dark (10:00 p.m.).

Those who attend the Freedom Festival will also have a great opportunity to visit the Sundial Bridge that crosses over the Sacramento River. This glass-decked pedestrian bridge was opened to the public on July 4th, 2004 and is just a short walk from the Redding Convention Center.

Redding is about 10 miles south of Shasta Lake. It's about 25 miles if you're driving down from the town of Lakehead (upper Sacramento River arm of Shasta Lake).

The Freedom Festival can be fun if you get there early in the day and stake out your spot with a sun-shade and some blankets. It can be very hectic getting to the event by car if you come in the afternoon or evening however. Traffic is pretty bad and there probably won't be any parking at the event.

If you go to the festival early in the day, be prepared for very hot weather. Hats, sunglasses, light-colored clothing and sunscreen are strongly recommended. There will be many food and drink vendors at the event but you can bring your own ice chest, too. No alcoholic beverages are allowed at the event.

I usually just park somewhere in downtown Redding and ride my bike to the festival. You could also park somewhere in the general area and walk in if you were traveling light. Another option would be to take a taxi or have someone drop you off nearby. Once you get to the festival you shouldn't have a problem finding a spot to view the fireworks.

To reach the Redding Convention Center from the Interstate 5 freeway (i-5) take the "44 west" exit and head west on Highway 44 for one mile. You'll see the exit for "Sundial Bridge Drive" just after you cross the Sacramento River. (exit #1) (Formerly known as the "Auditorium Drive & Park Marina Drive" exit)

Note: Some maps may still have the small stretch of freeway between i-5 and the Redding Convention Center listed as Highway 299. This section of road is now part of Highway 44. Highway 299 was re-routed through Redding using Market Street (Highway 273).

Google Map: Location of the Redding Convention Center - Redding, California

Route to the 4th of July Fireworks in Redding, California from southbound Interstate 5 (i-5) (If you're coming down from Oregon) View Larger Map Click for driving directions and larger map

Route to the 4th of July Fireworks in Redding, California from northbound Interstate 5 (i-5) (If you're coming up from Sacramento or San Francisco) View Larger Map Click for driving directions and larger map

If you want to see the fireworks, but can't make it to the convention center, you can watch them from other parts of Redding. Head into the general area at 10:00 p.m. and watch for the first fireworks. After you see where they're going up just cruise the main streets until you find a good viewing place.

If you're a local with pets please be sure to get them indoors before the fireworks start. They may get scared by the sound and run off. No pets are allowed at the Freedom Festival.

Independence Day "Freedom Festival" photos from July 4th, 2005


Here's a photo of the Redding fireworks being prepared for
the 2004 "Fourth of July Freedom Festival". The photo was taken on July 3, 2004. (Click the photo for a larger version)

Have a great 4th of July!
Happy Independence Day!