Celebrate our nation’s independence with a slew of family friendly events throughout the county.
Morro Bay’s 4th of July Family Fun Day
The City of Morro Bay and Morro Bay Recreation Services will host the Annual 4th of July Family Fun Day at Tidelands Park. This year’s begin at 10:30 a.m. and wrap up at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023.
Start the day with the 2nd annual “Red”, White, and Blue” bike parade in honor of late Councilmember Red Davis. The bike parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Northside of the Morro Creek Pedestrian Bridge and ends at Tidelands Park. There will be bike parking and a memorable souvenir for all participants.
Come out, bring your picnic blanket, and enjoy the live music, family games, and so much more. Kids can play carnival games and use the bounce house with the purchase of a carnival wristband for $5 (cash only). Enjoy BBQ hot dogs and hamburgers and support the local Kiwanis’s organization and visit 3 Stacks and a Rock beer garden while listening to local performers.
Schedule of Events:
• 10:30 a.m. – Bike Parade
• 11: a.m. – Live music by local Elyse Black
• 12 p.m. – Opening Flag Ceremony presented by the US Coast Guard
• 12:30 p.m. – Family Magic Show with magician Derek Hood
• 2 p.m. – Live music by Sound Investment (band will play until 5 p.m.)
Organizers thank their sponsors Bay Osos Kiwanis, Aleshire and Wynder, LLP, and the City of Morro Bay. For more information, call Recreation Services at 772-6278 or visit the City of Morro Bay Facebook page.
The Morro Bay events are a great mix of family fun and celebration. Hope for clear skies and make a day of it.
Cambria’s 42nd Annual Picnic in the Park-4thof July Celebration
Cambria American Legion Post 432 is sponsoring the 42nd annual 4th of July celebration with the Picnic in the Park and fireworks display. This event has been held at Shamel Park every year since 1981 with the exception the pandemic years.
The event starts with a patriotic opening ceremony at the flagpole at 11 a.m. The opening ceremony is followed by children’s games such as sack races, three legged races, water balloon tosses and so much more, all starting about 12 p.m. The children’s games are followed by more adult activities such as pie eating contests and waiter/waitress races. Food and beverage concessions are available throughout the afternoon.
At dusk, about 9:15 p.m., Independence Day will be celebrated with a 25-minute fireworks display from the beach. Organizers said, this year there will be a larger number of fireworks than in previous displays, but they will be at lower altitude to reduce any problems associated with falling embers.
Before the fireworks start take some time to check out the shops and eateries in Cambria.
Avila Beach 4th of July Doggie Parade
The Doggie Parade and Doggie Costume Contest takes place at the Avila Beach Promenade, 404 Front St, July 4 11 a.m. 12 p.m. All dogs must be registered and checked in to walk in the parade.
They can be pre-registered by completing the registration form available online or from 10-10:45 a.m. on the Promenade.
For more information or register your dog(s), visit www.avilabeachcc.com or call 805.627.1997.
For your safety and the safety of all Participants, dogs, volunteers, and spectators, organizers ask that people abide by the following rules:
-Have proper bags to clean up after your dog
-Keep all dogs on leash at all times
-No female dogs in any stage of heat
-If your dog wears a costume, it should be safe and comfortable.
This parade is cute and short. Many of the spectators know the dogs by name and cheer them on. Parking can be a far walk in, so bring supplies to hang out on the beach after.
Pismo Beach July 4th Celebration
The City of Pismo Beach welcomes all to the July 4th Celebration. The pier food and fireworks even has sold out, but the beach is still available for fireworks watching. If you are new to the area, it gets packed and finding a place to park is not easy. It also takes a couple of hours to get out after.
Paso Robles 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks Show
The City of Paso Robles is hosting a free 4th of July celebration at Barney Schwartz Park from 2-10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
More information and the event map is available at www.prcity.com/July4.
This year’s festivities include:
• Activities from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. include bounces houses, an obstacle course, cornhole, giant Yahtzee, bocce and more
• Limited free parking is available, please carpool
• RV parking area opens at noon, first come first serve
• Music by KJUG from 2-5:30 p.m.
• Two bands – Stephen Styles Band (country rock) at 5:30 followed by the world famous Young Dubliners at 7:15
• Food will be available for purchase from food trucks and the concession stand. There will not be alcohol sold at this event
• Program begins at 9:15 with the National Anthem, followed by fireworks
Keep in mind that Paso can get blazing hot this time of year, so lather on that sunscreen, grab a hat and hit the park for a day of fun with the family.
Annual Atascadero 4th of July Music Festival
The festival takes place at Atascadero Lake Park on July 4th, 2023 from 4-8 p.m.
General admission is free to the music festival, however, if you want to be closer to the music there is a reserved VIP area and VIP Plus to get to the front row. Don’t forget to bring your low-back chair or blanket.
Annual Cayucos 4th of July Celebration
The free event goes from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on N. Ocean Avenue. It starts with a town parade in the morning to a spectacular fireworks display at night. Early risers can participate in a sand sculpture contest that starts at 4 a.m. and wraps up by 10 a.m. with prizes. Throughout the day the street fair will be open to shop and purchase food. After a day of celebrating, see the fireworks show displayed from the historic Cayucos Pier.
The sandcastle art is astounding, and the parade is true small-town fun. Arrive early for the party because the event packs people in.
Morro Bay Art in the Park
Don’t miss the multi-day Art in the Park at 747 Morro Bay Boulevard, Morro Bay July 1-3
The 67th annual show offers over 100 booths for artists and craftspeople to see and display goods in an outdoor setting. There will be a wide variety of food and drink available, beginning Saturday, July 1, and running through the 3rd.
Pop on over and show some support for the independent artists that fill our local area and beyond.
Concerts in the Park in Downtown Arroyo Grande
Get ready to tap your toes and grove to the beat on July 4th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Heritage Square Park. The 4th of July show kicks off the 2023 concert series with two concerts from the Village Band (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) and Unfinished Business (2-4 p.m.) Festive activities and entertainment for the whole family will be offered during intermission. The South County Historical Society will sell their famous hot dogs and the Arroyo Grande Rotary Club will provide beer and wine sales. As is the tradition in Arroyo Grande, local non-profits provide a raffle at each of the events, and on the 4th of July, Arroyo Grande in Bloom will be raffling off amazing prizes in addition to selling a variety of plants.
In addition to free music, the Recreation Services team will partner with the Central Coast Athletics Foundation to host the first 4th of July Firecracker Run for youth ages 5-12 starting at 10 a.m. in the Village. Registration for the race is available online and will be open on-site starting at 9:30 a.m. at Heritage Square Park. This fun and rewarding race will take adventure seekers on a race through the back alleys of the Village of Arroyo Grande, on a firecracker-inspired course.
Firecrackers, running, live music all in the Village setting is darn picturesque.
