Personal fireworks are illegal at Shasta Lake and Shasta County.

4th of July, 2009
FREEDOM FESTIVAL - 2009
REDDING FIREWORKS

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

REDDING CONVENTION CENTER
Redding, California, USA

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

The fireworks start at 10:00 p.m.
Please see more info below

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

CLICK FOR OFFICIAL INFO:
Freedom Festival - Saturday, July 4th, 2009
(reddingrecreation.org)

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 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 "Auditorium Dr. & Park Marina Dr." (exit #1) just after you cross the Sacramento River.

Note: Many online maps 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).

Note: The "Redding Convention Center" was called the "Civic Auditorium" at one time. That's why the street is called "Auditorium Drive".

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

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)

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Freedom Festival 2009
Saturday, July 4th, 2009
in Redding, California

On Saturday, July 4th, the City of Redding will present Freedom Festival 2009 at the Redding Convention Center, 700 Auditorium Drive.

Scheduled entertainment will include:

6:15-6:25 p.m.	Welcome, Introductions & National Anthem
6:30-6:55 p.m.	Kids Unlimited
7:00-8:10 p.m.	WeR1
8:25-8:45 p.m.	Country Gold Dancers
9:00-9:45 p.m.	Shasta College Community Band
10:00 p.m.	Fireworks Display

The fireworks display will be simulcast by North State Public Radio/KFPR Radio 88.9 FM.

Carl and Linda Bott will emcee the event. Funding for the fireworks display is made possible by the McConnell Foundation. The public is encouraged to arrive early and find a seat as parking lots fill up early and when they are filled the Convention Center access area will be blocked and traffic will be diverted to other locations.

Please, NO alcoholic beverages or pets.

"Freedom Festival" - Saturday, July 4th, 2009 (reddingrecreation.org)

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Anderson Explodes - July 3, 2009 (This event is over) There's also another fireworks show in our area on Friday, July 3, 2009 called "Anderson Explodes". The fireworks show is at the Shasta District Fairgrounds in Anderson, California. (just south of Redding, California)
Google map

"Anderson Explodes" - Friday, July 3th, 2009 (andersonvalleypost.com)