Fireworks, festivals and parades: Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in SLO County
San Luis Obispo County will kick off Independence Day celebrations next weekend with a range of patriotic pageantry, from picnics to parades.
Fireworks will light the skies over a handful of Central Coast cities, though many of the festivities will take place during the day.
Still, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy this Fourth of July. Here’s where you can find the very best ways to celebrate Independence Day.
Where to catch Independence Day fireworks in SLO County
According to the Visit SLO Cal website, just four communities will feature fireworks as part of their Independence Day celebrations this year.
Cayucos, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo will all have fireworks displays this year, though not all on July 4.
“Safe and sane” firework launches meanwhile are allowed in Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Oceano, San Miguel and Templeton. They are also permitted in Morro Bay at private residences, but not at the beach or public parks.
Use or possession of fireworks are prohibited in much of San Luis Obispo County, and at locations such as Los Padres National Forest, state and county parks and on beaches.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
Fireworks after the Blues Baseball game
What: Following the San Luis Obispo Blues’ home game against the Santa Barbara Foresters, a fireworks display will light the skies over San Luis Obispo the night before the holiday. Unfortunately, tickets to this event were sold out as of June 24, but the show will likely be visible from much of downtown San Luis Obispo.
When: July 3, 6 to 10 p.m.
Where: 900 Southwood Drive, San Luis Obispo
Info: slocal.com/blog/post/fourth-of-july-the-slo-cal-way
PISMO BEACH
July Fourth Celebration & Fireworks Display
What: The city of Pismo Beach will host its July 4 Celebration & Fireworks Display in Pier Plaza, featuring music from Epic Entertainment from noon to 9 p.m. Part of Pismo Pier is reserved for ticketed attendees, which were sold exclusively to Pismo Beach residents from April 22 through May 31. Those have since sold out.
When: July 4, 9 p.m.
Where: Pismo Beach Pier
Info: pismobeach.org/1013/Fourth-of-July
PASO ROBLES
4th of July celebration
What: Paso Robles’ celebrations will feature concession stands, food trucks, a FunZone and two live bands — the Stephen Styles Band at 5:30 p.m. and Anthem Road at 7:15 p.m. Fireworks will cap off the day’s activities at 9:15 p.m. Though no dogs are allowed, bringing your own picnic is encouraged. The event’s website warned that traffic may be heavy at the end of the event, advising visitors to be patient.
When: 2 to 10 p.m.
Where: Benny Schwartz Park, 2970 Union Road
How much: Free to attend with free parking for cars and recreational vehicles
Info: prcity.com/1168/July-4th-Paso
CAYUCOS
July 2024 Fireworks
What: Cayucos will celebrate Independence Day from sunup to sundown, starting with a sand sculpture contest that starts at 4 a.m. and wraps up by 10 a.m. with prizes. A street fair will run all day along North Ocean Avenue, including a Lions Club barbecue. The day will be capped off by a fireworks show at sundown, according to the Cayucos Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber advised visitors to do their part by keeping illegal fireworks away, parking only in legal spots, packing out their trash and celebrating responsibly.
When: July 4, all day
Where: North Ocean Avenue
How much: Free to attend
Info: cayucoschamber.com/july4th
Daytime Fourth of July festivities
Not all San Luis Obispo County municipalities will celebrate with fireworks.
The following communities do not have fireworks shows planned, but will host a variety of daytime events instead.
AVILA BEACH
What: Visitors looking for an earlier, fuzzier start to their day can find a pancake breakfast and Doggie Parade in Avila Beach on July 4. Breakfast starts at 8 a.m., after which the Doggie Parade will kick off at 11 a.m. at the Avila Beach Community Center, where dogs can be registered to walk in the parade.
When: July 4, 8 a.m.
Where: 197 San Miguel St., Avila Beach Community Center
How much: Tickets for the breakfast will cost $10 for adults and $5 for children age six and under.
Info: visitavilabeach.com/avila-beach-4th-of-july-with-a-pancake-breakfast-doggie-parade/
ARROYO GRANDE
Arroyo Grande Summer Concert Series
What: Arroyo Grande’s Concerts in the Park series will continue July 4, featuring a pair of concerts from the Village Band from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Unfinished Business between 2 and 4 p.m., according to Visit SLO Cal. Hot dogs will be served by the South County Historical Society during the celebration, with beer and wine sales and a local business gift card raffle rounding out the day’s activities.
When: July 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande
How much: Free
Info: arroyogrande.org/739/Summer-Concert-Series
ATASCADERO
Atascadero Fourth of July Music Festival
What: Atascadero will hold its Fourth of July Music Festival from 4 to 8 p.m. at Atascadero Lake Park, featuring music from bands Bremen Town and the Rag Top Band, food, drinks, kid amusements, a playground and vendors. Bringing seating such as folding chairs is advised, according to the event’s website.
When: July 4, 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: Atascadero Lake Park
How much: Free to attend, food and drink sold separately
Info: atascadero4thofjuly.org
CAMBRIA
Shamel Park Picnic
What: While Cambria’s Fourth of July celebrations have featured a fireworks show for the past four decades, 2024’s celebrations will be a little different after the group that puts on the annual event announced it could no longer do a fireworks show. Instead, the group will host a picnic at Shamel Park at 5455 Windsor Blvd. The event will include music, food, beer, wine and activities such as a Lions Club bounce house and face painting. There will also be kids’ games from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the famous waiter-waitress race and the Linn’s pie-eating contest. The Spanky Paul Band will play from 3 to 5 p.m., and there will be a dance floor.
When: July 4, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Shamel Park, Cambria
How much: Free to attend
Info: legionpost432.com/calendar.htm
MORRO BAY
Family Funday 4th of July
What: Morro Bay’s celebrations will be held around throughout the city, starting with a bike parade at 10:30 a.m. at Tidelands Park. Bike riders can deck out non-motorized bikes in red, white and blue on the north side of Morro Creek Bridge at 10 a.m. At Tidelands Park, families can pick from a kid’s carnival, bounce house, food, music and lawn games. Elyse Black will kick off the music at 11 a.m., followed by a flag ceremony presented by the U.S. Coast Guard at noon and live music by artist Riff Tide from 2 to 5. p.m.
When: July 4, 10:30 a.m to 5 p.m.
Where: Tidelands Park
How much: Free to attend with paid events
Info: morrobay.org/event/family-funday-4th-of-july/13887/
PISMO BEACH
4th of July Concert at the Cliffs
What: The Cliffs Hotel and Spa in Pismo Beach will host a concert that is free to the public on its lawn July 4, featuring band, Vintage Renegades. General admission is free, with a few ticketed tables available. Food and beverages will be on sale, with outside food prohibited. Parking is available onsite, with valet parking for $25 and self-parking for $15. Bringing your own lawn setup is encouraged.
When: July 4, 1 to 5 p.m.
Where: The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach
How much: Free to attend, with front row tables for four starting at $250.
Info: cliffshotelandspa.com/cliffs_events
TEMPLETON
Main Street Fourth of July celebrations
What: In Templeton, the town’s Fourth of July Celebration will kick off with the Templeton Fire Department’s Pancake Breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. A hometown parade presented by the Rotary Club of Templeton will run from 1st to 8th streets, with seating along the curbs of Crocker and Main streets. Festivities in Templeton will wrap up in Templeton Park for live music, food trucks and more, according to Visit SLO Cal.
When: July 4, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Main Street, Templeton
How much: Free to attend
