Summer in Pleasant Hill
Start planning your epic summer vacation in Pleasant Hill with this list of the best festivals, activities and things to do around the area.
1. Kick of the Season with the Sunset by the Lake Summer Concerts
Walk around downtown City Hall Lawn and attend the summer concert series with a waterfront view, Sunday evenings from 6-8 pm. Don’t forget to pack your lawn chair so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the sounds of the season.
2. Visit a Nearby Vineyard for a Wine Tasting
Rosé all day, anyone? One of the best ways to cool off during the summer heat is with a chilled bottle of vino. Pleasant Hill is surrounded by several local East Bay tasting spots—including Balistrieri Family Farm Winery, Captain Vineyards, and William Welch Winery—all just minutes away and perfect for a relaxed afternoon sip.
For a full wine‑country experience, Pleasant Hill also makes an ideal home base for short day trips to Livermore Valley, Napa Valley, and Sonoma County, each offering world‑class vineyards within an easy drive.
3. Take a Stroll Through Dinosaur Hill Park
Strap on your sneakers and get ready to be awed by the breathtaking views of Mt. Diablo. With 13 acres of wide open space, hiking trails, and scenic views, you’ll find solace in this small outdoor oasis.
Pro-tip: Locals find this hidden gem to be one of the best spots to watch 4th of July fireworks.
4. Bring the Family to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
No summer vacation is complete without a trip to the amusement park. Luckily Pleasant Hill is just a stone’s throw away from one of the best on the West Coast. Pack up the family and head to Discovery Kingdom for a day filled with roller coasters, bumper cars, and animal attractions.
5. Memorial Day Weekend
Start the weekend with a salute to veterans and take a short walk from Pleasant Hill Downtown over to Monument Plaza. Visit the 45 foot high Soldiers Memorial Monument, erected in 1927 to honor the 6,341 citizens, including 77 dead, of Contra Costa County who served in WWI.
For a nearby day trip, drive to San Francisco and spend some time in the Mission District during the annual Carnaval Celebration. One of the largest festivals of the year, this two-day event is on Saturday and Sunday. You’ll find live music, traditional dishes, dancing in the streets, and a vibrant parade celebrating Latin American and Caribbean arts and traditions.
6. Enjoy 4th Of July Festivities
Pleasant Hill shines every summer, but the Fourth of July is when the city really shows its spirit. The Independence Day Celebration & Parade fills downtown with classic Americana—community groups, vintage cars, local performers, and plenty of red‑white‑and‑blue pride. After the parade, families stick around for live music, food trucks, and easy ways to cool off, whether that’s a cold drink or a shady spot in one of Pleasant Hill’s parks.
As evening settles in, the holiday shifts into backyard barbecues, park gatherings, and fireworks visible from favorite neighborhood vantage points. Pair the celebration with Pleasant Hill’s other summer staples—outdoor concerts, hiking at Paso Nogal, or grabbing ice cream around town—and you’ve got a full season of small‑town charm and warm California evenings.