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5 THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND, July 3-5, 2026
4th of july parade 2017
Grace Cavanaugh holds her torch high as Lady Liberty while riding on a float during the 2017 Downtown Turlock Fourth of July parade. This year's Turlock’s Independence Day Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday and travel along West Main Street in downtown Turlock. - photo by File Photo

Independence Day Parade: Turlock’s Independence Day Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday and travel along West Main Street in downtown Turlock. Following the parade will be a community festival at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds.

America 250 Exhibit: To celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Merced County Courthouse Museum is featuring the “America 250 – Merced County” exhibit. The exhibit celebrates the country’s journey from 1776-2026 and marks the U.S. bisesquicentennial, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of U.S. history, California’s evolution and Merced County’s story. The museum is located at W. 21 and N streets in Merced.

Truck and Tractor Pulls: Gustine High School FFA will host the 41st annual Truck and Tractor Pulls at 5 p.m. Friday at the high school football stadium. The event, organized with the Valley Tractor Pullers Association and Ag Boosters, is one of the community’s most popular summer traditions. The football stadium is located at 501 North Ave., Gustine.

Run for Independence: The Merced Running Club will host its annual Run for Independence on Saturday at Ralston Park in Atwater, at the corner of Grove and 2nd streets. Registration runs from 5:45 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. and the 2-mile and 5-mile races will start at 7:30 a.m. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/4eEFtOc

Livingston Fourth Celebration: Livingston’s Fourth of July celebration is set for 5-10 p.m. Saturday at Max Foster Sports Complex, 2600 Walnut Ave., Livingston. The event will feature live music, cultural performances, food vendors, family activities and a fireworks display. Organizers are also planning arts-and-crafts activities, a local art exhibit, a petting zoo and a waterslide for children.