The Mad Hatter's July 4th Waterfront Festival in Vallejo, California, will celebrate its 12th year on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Park. The event, produced by Hyperion Community Partners LLC in partnership with the City of Vallejo, is expected to draw thousands of attendees with a full day of activities leading into an evening Night Market and fireworks display.
From daybreak to sundown, the festival offers a variety of attractions including the 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. Attendees can browse an array of peddlers and merchants offering handmade goods, food trucks, and wellness activities. The waterfront setting provides views of Mare Island's historic maritime ships docked at the island's shipbuilding facilities.
As dusk falls, the event transitions into a family-friendly Night Market featuring an international food court with diverse cuisines, shopping, and live entertainment. The evening culminates in a Lighted Sky Show with a grand finale, commemorating the 250th anniversary of Independence Day.
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 on Facebook at facebook.com/MadHatterHolidayVallejo. A video produced by WhatSF, a San Francisco television program, has garnered over 100,000 views and is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN6MhLHYFrI.
The festival highlights Vallejo's community spirit and waterfront revitalization, offering a unique blend of daytime recreation and nighttime entertainment for all ages.
