Celebrating Fourth of July in SLO County? Your guide to free, family-friendly fun
Looking to celebrate on the Fourth of July?
Several communities in San Luis Obispo County are hosting Independence Day festivities over the holiday weekend.
Although fireworks are banned in unincorporated areas of SLO County, a trio of towns will host free Fourth of July fireworks shows for the public.
Also in store are concerts, carnival games, children’s activities and parades.
Here’s where to go for family-friendly fun in SLO County:
Find live outdoor music in SLO
In downtown San Luis Obispo, Concerts in the Plaza will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a free block party on Friday, July 3.
The event runs from 2 to 8 p.m.
There will be two stages with live music.
Here’s who is performing at the Plaza Stage in Mission Plaza, and when:
- Soul Kool, 2 p.m.
- Max Maclaury and The Compromisers, 4:15 p.m.
- Moonshiner Collective, 6:30 p.m.
In addition, San Luis Obispo City Council members will perform a reading of the Declaration of Independence at Plaza Stage at 1:45 p.m., and San Luis Obispo Mayor Erica A. Stewart will give a speech at 6:15 p.m.
At the Block Party Stage on Broad Street, Ghost/Monster will perform at 3 p.m. and Wolf Jett will play at 5:30 p.m.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
What’s in store for Morro Bay’s Family Fun Day?
Morro Bay will celebrate the Fourth of July with a Family Fun Day on Saturday, July 4.
The free event begins with a bike parade at 10:30 a.m. Cyclists will meet at the north side of Morro Creek Bridge before riding along the Embarcadero to Tidelands Park.
At Tidelands Park, 332 Embarcadero in Morro Bay, there will be a kid’s carnival with games, food and a bounce house. Visitors are encouraged to bring cash for food and drink vendors.
Rosewood & Honey will perform in concert at 11 a.m.
The flag ceremony will be at noon, and there’s a hot dog eating contest at 12:15 p.m.
Sound Investment will take the stage at 1 p.m.
Who’s playing at Fourth of July Music Festival in Atascadero?
The Atascadero Fourth of July Music Festival will be held at Atascadero Lake Park from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 4.
The park at 9305 Pismo Ave. will host performances by The Coffis Brothers, Shane Alexander, B & the Hive and a local barbershop quartet.
Food and drink can be purchased from 1 to 8 p.m.
Tickets cost $40 online or $45 at the door. Kids are free to attend.
Is there an Independence Day concert in Arroyo Grande?
As part of the free Summer Concert Series in Arroyo Grande, there will be a concert at Heritage Square Park on Saturday, July 4.
The Village Band will perform at the park at 201 Nelson St. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Who can participate in Avila Beach dog parade?
Avila Beach’s Fourth of July celebration starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 4, with a pancake breakfast at the Avila Beach Community Center at 191 San Miguel St. The menu includes pancakes, bacon, sausage, strawberries, orange juice and coffee.
Tickets cost $10, or $5 for children 6 and younger.
They can be purchased online, at the Community Center office or at the event.
The breakfast ends at 10 a.m., followed by the 4th of July Doggie Parade.
If you and your dog want to participate in the parade and costume contest, register your pet for a $5 donation. You can fill out your registration online or upon arrival before 10:45 a.m.
The Fourth of July dog parade takes place 11 a.m. to noon at the Avila Beach Promenade at 404 Front St.
When does Templeton parade start on July 4?
In Templeton, the Freedom 250 parade begins at Templeton Park at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 4.
The parade route, which is roughly eight blocks long, heads down First Street, looping around to South Main Street before returning to the park.
Handicap parking will be available at the Templeton Presbyterian Church at 610 South Main St. in Templeton.
Local roads close for the parade at 8:30 a.m. Saturday
See schedule for July 4 Picnic in the Park in Cambria
Cambria will hold its 45th annual Picnic in the Park on Saturday, July 4.
The event at Shamel Park, 5455 Windsor Blvd. in Cambria, will have live music, games and face painting along with raffles and a pie eating contest.
The schedule for Picnic in the Park is:
- 11 a.m.: Opening Ceremonies
- 11:30 a.m.: Folklorico Dancers
- Noon to 3 p.m.: Waiter/waitress relay races, Linn’s pie eating contests and kids’ old-fashioned races
The event ends at 5 p.m.
Where can I watch fireworks shows in SLO County?
In SLO County, three communities will host free fireworks shows on Saturday, July 4:
- Cayucos: Cayucos Pier on Pacific Avenue
- Paso Robles: Barney Schwartz Park, 2970 Union Road
- Pismo Beach: Pismo Beach Pier, 100 Pomeroy Ave.
Cayucos' free Independence Day celebration kicks off with a sand sculpture contest from 4 to 10 a.m.
The Fourth of July parade begins at 10 a.m. on Seventh Street. The route heads down Ocean Avenue, ending at Cayucos Drive.
The parade is followed by the Lion’s Club Barbecue.
Vendors will sell their wares during the Front Street Faire from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cayucos’ annual fireworks show starts 9 a.m. at the pier at Pacific Avenue.
The city of Paso Robles will celebrate the Fourth of July and the United States’ 250th birthday at Barney Schwartz Park on Saturday, July 4.
Free, family-friendly activities include live music, food trucks and a FunZone with inflatable structures, ax throwing, corn hole and backyard games.
The FunZone will be open from 4 to 9 p.m.
Garden Party will perform at 5:30 p.m., and at 7:15 p.m. Steppin’ Out will take the stage.
The city will have a patriotic tribute before the firework show starts at 9 p.m.
At Pier Plaza in Pismo Beach, there will be a July 4th Celebration and Fireworks Display on Saturday, July 4.
Local vendors will be there starting at 9 a.m., and attendees can enjoy live music from noon to 9 p.m.
Fireworks will be launched from the Pismo Beach Pier at 9 p.m.
