Famous fireworks show kicks off comeback along San Francisco waterfront

After more than a year of canceled events, San Francisco’s iconic waterfront is poised to make a comeback over the next few months. Sunday will kick things off as thousands are expected to attend the Embarcadero’s famous fireworks show.

Mayor London Breed said Thursday at a press conference near The Ferry Building:

“San Francisco’s coming back and we got a lot of making up to do with the activities that we want to do that we missed out on the past year.”

City officials said the state suggests anyone attending large-crowd gatherings during the Fourth of July, including the fireworks show in The City, be fully vaccinated, obtain a negative Covid-19 test or wear a face covering.

Fleet Week will return in October when the Blue Angels once again soar in a choreographed aerial dance above above the bay. Rear Adm. Wayne Baze said the Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard will all be there for the big event with ships, aircraft and equipment.

Elanie Forbes, executive director for the Port of San Francisco, said staff is excited to welcome the public back for the legendary annual events but equally looks forward to working with the local arts community to activate open spaces and parks along the port’s property sometime in the fall.

Forbes said:

“We want to showcase our local talent and create tailor made experiences for fun and enjoyment. From Crane Cove Park to Pier 29, activities and events drove visitors to the waterfront, while increasing foot traffic and complimenting neighborhood businesses supporting our important economic recovery.”

The Exploritorium reopened its doors to the public Thursday for the first time in 15 months. The hands-on science learning hub is currently open for limited hours at 50 percent capacity, and masks are still required to enter. Visitors can reserve tickets online.

The Exploratorium’s Managing Director Phoebe White said staff has worked hard to prepare the space for reopening, adding:

“While we’ve been closed, we’ve been busy reconfiguring our museum floor, developing new exhibits and experiences and working to ensure that as we reopen we can do so safely and responsibly, creating a welcoming environment for our visitors.”

Also Thursday, the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority, which operates the San Francisco Bay Ferry, increased frequency of daily departures across the Bay and debuted its new direct service from Alameda to the downtown area. Weekend ferry service resumes Saturday on the Vallejo, Oakland/Alameda and Richmond routes. Fares were also decreased as part of its recovery program.

The mayor Thursday celebrated The City’s comeback, saying:

“San Francisco is rising again as we begin to reopen and having these incredible spaces, all these wonderful activities along our waterfront is going to make reopening so much better.”