Members of the Ford Model A Club drive down Main Street in Templeton during a Fourth of July parade.
Nick Lucero
The Tribune
San Luis Obispo County is celebrating Independence Dayin stylethis year.
Family-friendly events in store include parades, pancake breakfasts, concerts and, of course, fireworks displays.
Here are some of the fun-filled local activities that will be taking place during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Code Blues performs in the Rotary Bandstand at Heritage Square Park in the Village of Arroyo Grande. Nick Lucero The Tribune
Arroyo Grande
Summer Concert Series
What: Arroyo Grande’s Summer Concert Series will kick off with music from the Village Band, followed by classic rock band Unfinished Business. The South County Historical Society will be serving up its famous hot dogs. Wine and beer will also be available for purchase, provided by the Arroyo Grande Rotary Club. Gift cards to local businesses will be raffled off during the show.
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande
What: Traditional bluegrass group Actual Grass kicks off this music festival, followed by the Dance Floor Band, and the Atascadero Community Band. Food, root beer floats, and paddle boards will also be available throughout the day.
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Atascadero Lake Park Bandstand, 9305 Pismo Ave.
How much: Free; VIP and VIP Plus seating available for sale
Dogs and their owners will participate in the Avila Beach Doggie Parade on Tuesday. Courtesy photo
Avila Beach
Avila Beach Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast
What: Enjoy a pancake breakfast at the Avila Beach Community Center. Tables will be set up outside at the healing garden. Puppy sitters will be available for pets that are participating in the doggie parade following the breakfast.
When: 8:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday
Where: Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St.
Kids compete in a pie-eating contest during Fourth of July events at Shamel Park in Cambria in 2017. Debbie Markham Special to The Cambrian
Cambria
Cambria Fourth of July Celebration
What: Sponsored by American Legion Post No. 432, the annual Fourth of July Picnic in the Park event features kids’ games, a bounce house, music, face painting and food and drinks. Also in store are a pie-eating contest, a waiter or waitress tray race and a drawing with prizes including an iPad and $1,000 in cash. San Luis Obispo County Parks will open the pool for swimming. A free trolley will run all day from Main Street in Cambria to the park, stopping at the Cambria Veterans Memorial Hall.
When: 11 a.m until fireworks end on Tuesday; fireworks start around 9:15 p.m.
A drip sand sculpture featuring figurines like Darth Vader was one of the top two entries in Cayucos’ Fourth of July sandcastle-building contest on July 4, 2022. Danna Dykstra-Coy dannajoyimages.com
Cayucos
July 4th in Cayucos
What: The Fourth of July fun starts early in Cayucos with the annual sand sculpture contest on the shore on either side of Cayucos Pier, complete with prizes for both children and adult participants. Winners will be announced shortly before the start of the Hometown Cayucos parade. The Front Street Faire vendor fair and Cayucos Lions Club barbecue will open after the parade. The celebration wraps up with a fireworks show at the Cayucos Pier.
Visitors peruse arts and crafts at Morro Bay’s Art in the Park. Courtesy Steve Powers
Morro Bay
Art in the Park
What: The 67th annual outdoor art show will feature original works by 125 artists and craftspeople. A wide variety of food and drink will also be available for sale.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday
Where: Morro Bay Park, 734 Harbor St. at Morro Bay Boulevard
Harley Faria, 7, of Paso Robles watches the fireworks from the top of the monkey bars in Cayucos. It’s one of a few Central Coast cities that offer free Fourth of July fireworks shows. Jayson Mellom The Tribune
Paso Robles
Fourth of July Paso
What: Paso Robles’ family-friendly Fourth of July festival will feature live music by two bands: the Steven Styles Band and headliner Young Dubliners , with fireworks scheduled to begin after that. There will be a variety of food trucks offering tacos, hot dogs, shave ice and other treats. Additionally, the Paso Robles Elks Lodge will be running the barbecue pit and concessions stand. Free parking, including free recreational vehicle parking, will be available on the north side of Union Road near the park.
Mild weather and clear skies brought the crowds to Pismo Beach for the Fourth of July fireworks show on Monday, July 4, 2022. Laura Dickinson
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach July 4th Celebration
What: Head to the beach for one of of SLO County’s most popular professional fireworks displays. Reserved table seating on the Pismo Beach Pier is sold out.
What: Enjoy a free outdoor screening of the movie “The Sandlot” on the lawn at the Cliffs Hotel and Spa on Monday evening. On Tuesday, the Vintage Renegades will play live music on the lawn. Food and drinks will be available along with games for the whole family.
When: 8 p.m. Monday movie night; 12 to 3 p.m. Tuesday live music
Where: Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach
The Children’s Garden particpated in Templeton’s Fourth of July parade 2021. Olivia Galván
Templeton
Pancake Breakfast
What: Enjoy your pancake breakfast in the Templeton Fire Department firehouse or take it to go and claim your seats for the parade. Proceeds from the breakfast support the Templeton Fire Department, with 10% going to support Scott Reynolds and his family.
When: 7 to 10 a.m. Tuesday
Where: Templeton Fire Station, 206 FifthSt.
How much: $10, includes three pancakes, three sausage links and beverages
What: This hometown parade sponsored by the Rotary Club of Templeton will start at Templeton Park on Crocker Street. Recommended seating is along Crocker Street or Main Street from First to Eighth Streets. Roads will close at 9 a.m. prior to the start of the parade. The parade will be followed by live music, a bounce house, food, drinks and activities in Templeton Park.
When: Tuesday.10 a.m. parade; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. live band and activities
Lucy Peterson is a reporting intern for The Tribune. She’s originally from Omaha, Nebraska, and graduated from Fordham University in May 2022. She recently earned a Master’s in Journalism from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in May 2023.
