Celebrating the Fourth of July in SLO County? Here are the best events for family fun
Fourth of July festivities are back in San Luis Obispo County after a two-year pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Family-friendly activities planned for the Independence Day holiday weekend include pancake breakfasts, barbecues, concerts, parades and, of course, fireworks displays.
According to meteorologist John Lindsey, the weather forecast calls for gale-force northwest winds along the shoreline Saturday through Wednesday, which means mostly clear skies during the late morning and early afternoon. He didn’t say whether coastal fog could roll in around fireworks time.
The National Weather Service predicts patchy coastal fog before 11 a.m. and after 11 p.m. Monday, but otherwise mostly sunny skies.
Farther inland, mild temperatures are expected in Paso Robles, the city said in a news release.
Here are just some of the fun Fourth of July activities planned on the Central Coast.
Arroyo Grande
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
What: Arroyo Grande’s popular outdoor concert series launches with patriotic big band music by the Village Band and 1960s rock music by Unfinished Business. Food, beer and wine will be available for sale; attendees are urged to bring chairs, blankets and sunscreen.
When: 11 a m. to 4 p.m. Monday
Where: Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St.
How much: Free
Info: 805-473-5474 or visitarroyogrande.org
Atascadero
4TH ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE DAY COLONY DAYS BLUEGRASS FREEDOM MUSIC FESTIVAL
What: Folk band Bremen Town, singer-songwriter Brad Alvord and country-flavored Americana act Way Out West Band will perform under the oaks during this fundraiser for Atascadero Colony Days. Food, drinks, vendors and children’s activities are also in store. Bring low-back chairs and blankets.
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Monday
Where: Atascadero Lake Park, 9305 Pismo Ave.
How much: Free, $10 to $20 for VIP seating
Info: 805-466-2044 or https://www.atascadero4thofjuly.org/
Avila Beach
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
What: Feast on flapjacks, sausage or bacon, with orange juice, milk, tea or coffee to drink. The event benefits the Avila Beach Community Center.
When: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday
Where: Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St.
How much: $7, $5 center members, $3 children 6 and younger
Info: 805-627-1997
DOGGIE PARADE
What: A procession of pups and owners in patriotic costumes will entertain viewers. The canine stroll, which starts and ends at the Custom House restaurant at 404 Front St. in Avila Beach, benefits the Community Center.
When: 11 a.m. Monday, 9 a.m. registration
Where: Avila Beach Promenade
How much: $5 donation
Info: 805-627-1997, avilabeachcc@gmail.com or avilabeachcc.com
Cambria
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
What: Family-friendly fun planned for the Fourth of July includes a picnic, kids’ races, waiter-waitress tray-balancing races, a watermelon eating contest, a raffle and live music by Riff Tide, Rough House and Spanky Paul, plus fireworks. There are lots of food and beverages to buy all day. Donations benefit American Legion Post No. 432 and next year’s fireworks show.
When: 11 a.m. until fireworks end on Monday; fireworks around 9:15 p.m. Free trolley rides available 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Shamel Park, west of Highway 1 at the curve of Windsor Boulevard. Free trolley rides to and from downtown and Moonstone Beach Drive from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
How much: Free
Info: 805-927-3624 or cambriachamber.org
Cayucos
CAYUCOS COMMUNITY BEACH CONCERT
What: Back Bay Betty and The Charities take the stage for a weekend concert. Bring chairs, food and drinks to the Studio Drive beach access near Old Creek Road and walk to the casita on the rock.
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday
Where: Montecito Point
How much: Donations welcome
JULY 4TH IN CAYUCOS
What: Start your day by watching artists create elaborate sand castles on the shore on either side of the Cayucos Pier. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded shortly before the start of the Hometown Cayucos Parade, an old-fashioned affair featuring decorated floats and vehicles parading down Ocean Avenue. Shop and enjoy barbecue and bingo at the Front Street Faire before watching fireworks explode off the Cayucos Pier.
When: 4 to 10 a.m. Monday sand castle contest, 10 a.m. parade, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. vendor fair, 9 p.m. fireworks
Where: Various locations, Cayucos
How much: Free
Info: cayucoschamber@gmail.com
Morro Bay
ART IN THE PARK
What: About 125 artisans offer handmade arts and crafts at the 66th annual Art in the Park, presented by the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce. A variety of foods and drinks are also 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.
How much: Free
Info: 805-772-2504 or morrobayartinthepark.com
Nipomo
NIPOMO 4TH OF JULY PARADE
What: Now in its sixth year, this parade traverses more than 12 miles of roadways so community members can watch from their yards. The event is presented in memory of Jim Tefft, and sponsored by South County Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Rotary Club of Nipomo.
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday
Where: Various locations, Nipomo
How much: Free
Info: 805-489-1257
Paso Robles
4TH OF JULY PASO
What: This city-sponsored festival features music, food trucks, kids’ activities and a fireworks show. with food available for purchase There is limited free parking.
When: 2 to 10 p.m. Monday, 9:30 p.m. fireworks
Where: Barney Schwartz Park, 2970 Union Road
How much: Free
Info: www.prcity.com/july4
4TH OF JULY BASH
What: In addition to live music by headliner Joy Bonner Band, this event features barbecue, beer, wine, patriotic games, side car bike rides in the vineyards, a dunk tank and a smoke bomb photo booth. Seating indoors and out is first come, first served. No pets are allowed.
When: 2 to 7 p.m. Monday
Where: Cass Winery Barrel Room Event Center, 7350 Linne Road
How much: Free, advance reservations required
Info: 805-239-1730 or casswines.com
Pismo Beach
JULY 4TH CELEBRATION AT THE PIER
What: A live DJ, vendor booths and a fireworks display are in store. Tickets are sold out for the VIP dinner and seating on the pier.
When: Noon to fireworks end, Monday. Fireworks start around 9 p.m.
Where: Pismo Beach Pier and Plaza, off Pomeroy Avenue
How much: Free
Info: www.experiencepismobeach.com
San Luis Obispo
CAMP SAN LUIS OBISPO PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND HERITAGE WALKING TOUR
What: Enjoy a pancake breakfast served by the Bay-Osos Kiwanis Club before working off those calories with a half-mile, self-guided walking tour of Camp San Luis Obispo. You’re required to show a current driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance at the main gate entrance just off Highway 1. Park on Calveras Avenue, adjacent to the dining facility. This event benefits the History Center of San Luis Obispo County and the California National Guard Foundation’s museum program.
When: 8 to 10 a.m. Monday
Where: Troop mess hall (Building 839), Camp San Luis Obispo, off Highway 1 north of San Luis Obispo
How much: $10 for adults, $5 children ages 6 to 12
Info: www.HistoryCenterSLO.org/campslo
Santa Margarita
SANTA MARGARITA FOURTH OF JULY
What: This community celebration sponsored by the Santa Margarita Village Association features live music in the gazebo, field games and a hot dog lunch provided by the Santa Margarita Lions Club.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Santa Margarita Community Park, 2101 H. St.
How much: Free
Templeton
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
What: Support the Templeton Firefighters’ Association by buying breakfast. Each ticket pays for two pancakes, two sausage links and choice of beverage. Dine in the station’s engine bay or take your meal to go.
When: 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday
Where: Templeton Fire Station, 206 5th St.
How much: $7
Info: eventbrite.com/e/2022-4th-of-july-pancake-breakfast-tickets-355388094357
TEMPLETON 4TH OF JULY PARADE, CONCERT
What: The Rotary Club of Templeton’s hometown parade starts at Templeton Park on Crocker Street. It’s followed by a live concert by Soundhouse as well as food trucks, a live auction and more.
When: 10 to 11:30 a.m. parade Monday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. activities
Where: Templeton Park, 550 Crocker St.
How much: Free
