Three of the biggest downtown events of the year take place this month— the Torchlight Parade July 3, the Picnic in the Park & Fireworks July 4 and the Waterfront Festival July 25 & 26. On Independence Day, the whole family is invited to the City Park starting at noon for live music, delicious hot food, kids’ activities and arts & crafts. Bring your picnic blanket and chairs to spend the day, then make your way to the foot of First Street for the spectacular 9pm fireworks show. At the end of the month, celebrate what makes Benicia great—the waterfront. The First Street Green will be filled with a vendor village, craft beer and wine tasting booths, tasty food and a kids’ activity area. Bands play all weekend and the full line up can be found at Benicia Main Street’s website, along with tickets (beniciamainstreet.org/benicia-events/benicia-waterfront-festival).