4th of July community parade, picnic and circus

Next date: Saturday, July 04, 2026 | 11:00 AM to 03:00 PM

Bring your picnic basket and blanket, come dressed in red, white, and blue, and get ready to celebrate the 4th of July and California 175/America 250 with a people parade, community picnic, and free, all-new shows by Circus Bella.

California is celebrating 175 years of statehood through summer 2026 as the United States celebrates the most important milestone in our country's history, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, on July 4, 2026!

People parade

Meet outside the Arrillaga Family Gymnasium parking lot, 600 Alma St. at 10:45 a.m. for photo opportunities and parade line-up along Alma Street with departure at 11 a.m. Decorate your bike or wagon and participate in this fun-filled people parade as we march down Alma escorted by Menlo Park Police, Nutty the Squirrel and more to Burgess Park!

Community picnic

Grab your picnic baskets and ice chests! Join a community picnic in the park at 1 p.m. after the first circus performance or grab a spot for the second show beginning at 2 p.m.!

A variety of food trucks will be on-site with food and treats for purchase starting at 11:30 a.m.

Circus

Back by popular demand! Set up your blankets and watch in awe the vibrantly colorful and ALL NEW performance by the Circus Bella Company (all ages show)

Step into the splendid silliness of AH HA! A high-spirited romp bursting with hijinks, hilarity, and heart. This fast-paced, 60-minute performance puts a fresh spin on the classic one-ring circus, blending daring feats with playful mischief and Circus Bella’s signature sparkle. Audiences of all ages will be swept up in the magic as a vibrant troupe of acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, and clowns take the ring. Underscored by the LIVE music of the Circus Bella All-Star Band, AH HA! is a joyful, high-flying celebration of community, connection, and pure circus delight.

Two FREE 60 minute performances on Burgess Park lawn at Noon and at 2 p.m.

Register in advance here for either or both shows to receive important event information and a chance to win Menlo Park prizes!

Schedule of activities

Time	Activity
10:45 am	Parade line-up on Alma outside of the Arrillaga Family Gymnasium at 600 Alma St.
11:00 am	Parade begins! Scroll down to view the event map and parade route into Burgess Park
11:30 am	Food trucks open with food and treats for purchase
Noon	Circus performance! Set up your blankets and watch Circus Bella present AH HA! (show for all ages)
1:00 pm	Community Picnic on Burgess Park Lawn
2:00 pm	Circus performance! Set up your blankets and watch Circus Bella present AH HA! (show for all ages)
3:00 pm	Event ends

Event Map

Transportation and parking

Walk, bike, or take public transportation (subject to holiday scheduling) to the event! For those driving, you may wish to arrive early to allow time for parking and not miss any of the fun! Please see the map above for the available parking lots surrounding Burgess Park and street closure locations on Alma Street and Burgess Drive.