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3w ago

Golden Gate Bridge Used to Launch Fourth of July Fireworks for 250th Celebration

Organizers relied on computer‑timed charges and layered launch heights to fight fog as officials enforced tight safety and access rules

The Golden Gate Bridge is shrouded in fog as, from left, Amy Kaur, Schnia Anand, Bobby Anand and Dylan Lee set up their viewing spot in the Marin Headlands ahead of Fourth of July fireworks lauched from the Golden Gate Bridge. 
A sign in the Marina alerts people to transit changes happening on the 4th of July. July 2, 2026. NBC Bay Area Photo/ Alyssa Goard.
San Francisco police responding to illegal fireworks broke up crowds in the Mission District late Saturday. 
Spectators gather at Torpedo Wharf in the Presidio in preparation for fireworks launched from the Golden Gate Bridge to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

Overview

  • The fireworks show, which launched Saturday night, fired from the Golden Gate Bridge towers and from two barges and ran roughly 15 minutes.
  • Thousands of spectators gathered along the northern waterfront as CalTrans closed the bridge from 9 to 10 p.m., began lane reductions at 8 p.m., and shut nearby streets and parking areas.
  • Fog rolled in by evening that partially hid lower barge effects while higher shells from the bridge pierced the marine layer, leaving variable sightlines for viewers.
  • Pyro Spectaculars produced the display under Pat Dyas’s direction using computerized firing; crews said the barges each held about 1,500 devices and more than 5,000 devices were placed on the bridge.
  • Officials enforced maritime exclusion zones and a temporary no‑drone airspace, deployed heavy law enforcement with local access checks, warned against cliff‑watching, and urged use of public transit as traffic snarled after the show.