Below is a comprehensive list of Fourth of July celebrations throughout Central Valley.
Please be sure to confirm the date of event as not all of the events listed below will be held on July 4, 2018. Also, as I was visiting the city’s websites to gather event information one of the consistent themes is that these cities and event organizers need donations from the community to keep these events going for this generation and generations to come. Please consider either sponsoring or donating to do your part. Your sponsorship or donation will help maintain the patriotic tradition of a Fourth of July celebration.
Aptos
World’s Shortest Parade, July 4, 2018, Pancake Breakfast 7:00a.m. to 9 a.m., World’s Shortest Parade 10a.m. to 12p.m., Party in the Park noon to 4p.m. at Aptos Village Park with plenty of food, games, and fun for the entire family.
Atascadero
Atascadero 4th of July Bluegrass Freedom Festival, July 4, 2018, 4p.m. to 8:30p.m., family fun amusements, beer & vendor garden, kayak and paddleboard rentals, bbq dinner, bluegrass music, and 4th of July community games.
Atwater
Atwater 4th of July Saluting Our First Responders, July 4, 2018, Run for Independence begins at 7:30a.m., Festival at Raltston Park will be held from 9a.m. to 4p.m. Old-fashioned 4th of July Parade starts at 9a.m. Castle Air Base Parking opens at 6p.m. (Kids bounce houses) $10 per car entry. $5 per person walk-ins. Concert & Fireworks Show at 6p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Avila Beach
4th of July Pancake Breakfast and Doggie Parade, Avila Beach Community Center, July 4, 2018, Pancake breakfast will be held from 8:00a.m. to 11:00a.m., followed by the Doggie Parade on the Avila Promenade at 11a.m. Tickets for the breakfast are $7 for adults and $3 for children 6 and under. The Doggie Parade and Doggie Costume Contest are free, but donations are appreciated. Purchase Tickets Here.
4th of July Parade of Boats, July 4, 2018, Boat Parade begins at noon. View the parade of boats from the end of the Avila Beach Pier.
Boulder Creek
Boulder Creek Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast, July 4, 2018, Run for Independence begins at 7:30a.m., Festival at Raltston Park will be held from 9a.m. to 4p.m. Old-fashioned 4th of July Parade starts at 9a.m. Castle Air Base Parking opens at 6p.m. (Kids bounce houses) $10 per car entry. $5 per person walk-ins. Concert & Fireworks Show at 6p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Cambria
4th of July Picnic in the Park, Shamel Park, July 4, 2018, Fun, food, prizes, live music, dancing, and more! Events, such as relay races, live music, bounce houses, kids’ games, face painting and pie eating contest will be held throughout the day with a fabulous fireworks display at the end of the evening.
Carmel by the Sea
Annual 4th of July Celebration, July 4, 2018 12:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. Join us for an old-fashioned, family-style celebration in Devendorf Park across from Carmel Plaza on Ocean Avenue from noon to 4pm. There will be hot dogs, cold drinks, chips, ice cream, watermelon, and cookies! Get there early, supplies are limited! All food and festivities are FREE!
Caruthers
Caruthers High School Fireworks, Anderson Field at Caruthers High School, July 3, 2018, fireworks begin at 9p.m.
Cayucos
Annual 4th of July Celebration, July 4, 2018, Sand Sculpture Contest 5am-8am by the pier, Parade 10am, Ocean Ave, BBQ/food 11am-3pm, Vet’s Hall, Beach Games 1pm, south side of the pier, Bingo 1pm-4pm, Vet’s Hall, Fireworks 9pm, from the Cayucos Pier. No fires, fireworks or alcohol on the beach.
Chowchilla
Chowchilla Lions Firework Extravaganza, July 7, 2018 Gates open at 6:00p.m. Fireworks show will begin approximately at 9:00p.m.
Clovis
Freedom Fest 2018, Lamonica Stadium – Clovis High School, July 4, 2018, Gates open at 5:00p.m. Fireworks show starts at 9:00p.m. Freedom Fest boasts one of the largest and most amazing displays of pyrotechnics on the west coast. Plus, you’ll find plenty of food, entertainment and activities for all ages. General Admission: $5 Children 5 & Under: Free
Star Spangled Revue, Wild Water Adventure Park, June 29, 2018, 7:30p.m. – 8:30p.m. The Star Spangled Revue is a Central Valley tradition. For several days around the 4th of July, after dark, Wild Water Adventure Park, turns into a spectacular display of fireworks, laser light shows, both patriotic and popular music, and a festive family party atmosphere. The event will also include a multimedia show featuring live music by Higher Power.
Dinuba
Independence Day Celebration, Centennial Park, July 3, 2018 Food Vendors Open at 6:30p.m. Live Entertainment at 7:30p.m. Aerial Fireworks begin at 9:15p.m. Bring lawnchairs and blankets. No alcohol allowed.
Exeter
Exeter Celebrates, Exeter City Park, July 4, 2018, 10K Run, 2-mile walk, and Horseshoe Tournament, Pancake Breakfast from 7:00a.m. to 10:00a.m., Pancake Breakfast tickets $5.00. Free fireworks show at dusk in Exeter Lion’s Stadium. Donations are greatly appreciated to keep the traditions going for this generation and many more.
Firebaugh
Independence Day Fireworks, Firebaugh Rodeo Grounds, June 30, 2018, 5p.m. to 11p.m., food, music, fireworks. Bring your lawn chairs. Free admission and parking.
Fowler
Fowler Fabulous 4th of July Celebration, Fowler High School Stadium, July 4, 2018, Gates open at 5:30 pm. Live music, food vendors, kid zone and fireworks at dusk. Admission is FREE. No ice chest or outside food allowed. Lawn chairs okay, with plenty of stadium seating.
Fresno
Fireworks Extravaganza, Island Waterpark, July 4, 2018, Fireworks start at dusk.
Freedom Fest Community Block Party, Valley Dream Center Campus, July 1, 2018 7p.m. – 10:00p.m. Come and enjoy food, games, giveaways, crafts, activities, water slides, live music, fireworks and much more! Volunteer Check-in 5PM. Set-Up: 4PM.
Fresno Grizzlies 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza, Chukchansi Park, July 4, 2018, Game begins at 6:35p.m. Fresno Grizzlies vs. Las Vegas 51’s. Fireworks begin after the game.
Greenfield
City of Greenfield Fourth of July Celebration, Patriotic Park, July 4, 2018 Join us and celebrate Independence Day at Patriot Park in Greenfield. Live music, art, food, and fireworks at dusk!
Gustine
Gustine 4th of July Independence Day Celebration Miss Gustine & Little Mr./Miss Gustine Pageant, 3rd Annual Color Run, Tractor Pull at GHS Football Field, Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade, Park Activities on the 4th with Food & Beverage Booths, City Pool is Open, Kids Activities, Band Music in the Park with the festivities ending with Fireworks at the GHS Football Field.
Hanford
Big, Bad, Boom Fireworks Spectacular, Kings Fairgrounds, July 4, 2018, 5:00p.m. – 11:00pm, Hanford Chamber of Commerce and 99.7FM present Big, Bad, Boom Fireworks show at the Kings Fairgrounds. Multiple food vendors, beer and wine garden and live music! Bounce houses for the kids and fireworks at dusk set to a Classic Rock Soundtrack courtesy of 99.7 FM. Free Entry and Free Parking.
Hollister
Hollister Fourth of July Fireworks, Hollister Municipal Airport, July 4, 2018, Gates open at 7:00p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:30p.m. Please bring blankets and/or chiars for viewing. No alcoholic beverages are allowed. Admission is free.
Kerman
Festival of the American Fireworks Show, Kerman High School Stadium, July 3, 2018, Gates open at 6:00p.m. and fireworks begin around 9:20p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children 4-10.
Kingsburg
Kingsburg Independence Day Celebration, Kingsburg High School Stadium, July 3, 2018, Gates open at 6p.m., admission will be $5 for adults and $3 for 13 and under.
Lake McClure
Lights on the Lake Fireworks, Lake McClure, McClure Point, June 30, 2018, Viewing area opens at 5p.m. Fireworks show begins at 9p.m. Entrance fee is $20, cash only.
4th of July at Bass Lake, July 4, 2018, Fireworks are shot from a barge between the Pines Resort and the Forks Resort at dark around 9PM. People line the beaches and make a day of being at the Lake for the celebration. Many hundreds of boats venture out at dusk to enjoy the show.
Visit The Pines Resort for 4th of July Party, BBQ & Fireworks for a front row seat to the Bass Lake Fireworks show, live music by QPOP and the best BBQ dinner on Bass Lake. Make Reservation & Buy Tickets.
Lemoore
City of Lemoore July 4th Celebration, Lemoore City Park, July 4, 2018, 5K Run/3K Walk, Family Inflatable Fun.
Fireworks Celebration, Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino, July 4, 2018, doors open at 6p.m., free admission for all ages, live music.
Madera
City of Madera canceled annual Fourth of July spectacular due to funding. The City of Madera hopes that it will return in 2019. {Confirmed with city on June 26, 2018}
Mendota
Fireworks Show and Tournament of Talent, Aztec Stadium, June 30, 2018, starting at 5p.m. Event features music, food, fun, and fireworks. Entrance to the stadium is free. Fireworks show will begin at approximately 9p.m.
Merced
Independence Day Celebration!, Merced Speedway, June 30, 2018, Start Time: 7:00p.m.
Modesto
Annual Fourth of July Celebration, July 4, 2018, 9:30a.m. Since 1874, celebrate 4th of July with a downtown parade. The Independence Day parade begins downtown at 9:30 a.m. on the 4th of July. Following the parade, the All American Festival will be held in the 10th Street Plaza, featuring Kids Activities, Live Music, Food and Crafts from 11-3.
Monterey
Fourth of July Celebration in Monterey, July 4, 2018, Pancake Breakfast, 7 to 11a.m., Parade starts at 10a.m., Lawn Party, 11a.m. to 4:30p.m., Evening Concert begins at 6:00p.m.
Morro Bay
Family Funday 4th of July, July 4, 2018, 10a.m. Skateboard Race, Noon Bike Parade, 2p.m. Paddle Parade, Activities at Tidelands Park – Kids’ Carnival with food and music. Carnival games, bounce house, face painting, balloon art. Carnival wristband is $5 per child.
Oxnard
Annual 4th of July Channel Islands Harbor 10k & 5k Fun Run/Walk, July 4, 2018, 7:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. Registration and check-in for the 17th Annual Channel Islands Harbor 10K Race & 5K Fun Run/Walk kicks off at 7 a.m. at 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, CA 93035. Both the 10K & 5K races start together at 8 a.m.
4th of July Children’s Parade, July 4, 2018, 10:30a.m. to 11:30a.m. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at Albacore Way, travels north up Harbor Blvd. and ends at Cabezone Circle, home to Marine Emporium Landing.
Electric Boat Parade, July 4, 2018, 4:00p.m. to 5:00p.m.
Fireworks by the Sea, July 4, 2018, 9:00p.m. to 10:00p.m. The Fourth of July Celebration at Channel Islands Harbor offers a full day of activities, entertainment, and amazing food. Come and enjoy exhibits, an artist’s market, children’s rides & games and finish the day with a spectacular fireworks show at 9 p.m. Free event.
Pacific Grove
4th of July BBQ, Caledonia Park, July 4, 2018, 11:00a.m. to 3:00p.m.
Paso Robles
Paso Pops, an Independence Day celebration, Paso Robles Event Center, July 4, 2018, gates open at 4p.m., show beings at 8p.m., live music, family-friendly activities, and fireworks begin approximately between 9:45p.m. to 10:15p.m.! Purchase Tickets Here.
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach July 4th Celebration, Pismo Beach Pier Parking Lot, July 4, 2018, 9:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. DJ and music, vendors, VIP seating on the Pismo Pier and the best fireworks show on the Central Coast!
Porterville
Freedom Fest Fireworks Spectacular, Porterville Sports Complex, July 4, 2018, gates open at 4:00p.m., starts at 5:00p.m., fireworks start at 9:00p.m., the festival showcases musical entertainment, a patriotic aerial performance, an array of local food vendors, and more. The finale to the evening is the spectacular display of fireworks!
Reedley
Spectacular 4th of July Fireworks canceled since 2016 due to lack of volunteers.
Salinas
No event could be found at time of publishing.
San Luis Obispo
SLO Blues 4th of July Celebration, Sinsheimer Stadium in San Luis Obispo, July 3, 2018, 6:00p.m., price $15, celebrate America’s favorite pastime by enjoying a SLO Blues Baseball game and watch as fireworks light up the sky after the game.
Sanger
Sanger Independence Day Spectacular, Sanger High School Athletic Field, July 4, 2018. Event begins at 6:30 p.m. The Special Flag Retirement Ceremony will be held at approximately 8 p.m. and closing ceremonies and National Anthem are at 8:45 p.m. The Fireworks begin at 9p.m.
Santa Barbara
Fourth of July in Santa Barbara, July 4, 2018, noon – 9p.m., Parade begins at 1:00p.m., Santa Barbara waterfront along West Beach on Independence Day for an afternoon and evening of food, face painting, live music, fireworks, and fun for all ages.
Santa Barbara City College 4th of July Celebration, July 4, 2018, 4p.m. – 9p.m., Santa Barbara City College is proud to host a family-friendly 4th of July viewing at their Main Campus. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy views of the fireworks show at the Santa Barbara Waterfront. Food Trucks will be on site from 4 – 8 p.m. Guests are welcome to bring their own food, but please be advised that no alcoholic beverages are allowed on campus or in parking lots.
4th of July Sunken Gardens Concert, July 4, 2018, 5p.m., The 4th of July Concert will feature American song favorites performed by the West Coast Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Christopher Story VI and Dr. Michael Shasberger, along with special guest Steve Amerson, “America’s Tenor.”
Santa Cruz
Old Fashioned Independence Day, July 4, 2018, Travel back in time at Wilder Ranch State Park on Tuesday, July 4, to experience an Old Fashioned Independence Day Celebration! Meet us at the apple orchard in front of the Highway 1 tunnel at 11:45 am to join the parade. Bring a musical instrument or noisemaker, dress in early 1900s costume. Activities include children’s crafts area, live big-band music, living history demonstrations, historic speeches and flag raising. Food and drink available for sale, or bring a picnic lunch. This event is appropriate for all ages. Day-use parking fee is $10.
Santa Maria
City of Santa Maria’s 2018 Red, White, and Boom! 4th of July Fireworks Show and Street Festival!, Sierra Vista Park, July 4, 2018, 4:30p.m. to 10:00p.m., food trucks, a beer garden, bounce houses, kid’s outdoor games, arts & crafts, and fireworks. Fireworks begin at 9:00p.m.
Seaside
City of Seaside Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration, Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course, July 4, 2018, 4:30p.m. to 10:00p.m., arts & crafts, carnival games, petting zoo, pony rides, rock wall, air jumpers, face painting, craft vendors, food vendors, live entertainment, prizes, bounce houses, and of course, fireworks.
Scotts Valley
Scotts Valley 4th of July Parade & Fireworks, July 4, 2018, Come celebrate July 4th in Scotts Valley! Parade, flyover, fireworks, BBQ, two live bands, games, petting zoo & much more! Activities and food are not included in price of admission. ATM available on site.
Selma
Independence Day Fireworks Show, Selma High School Stadium, July 3, 2018, gates open at 5:30p.m., food booths, kids’ activities, and entertainment. $5 adults, $2 ages 5-11, free to 4 and younger. $2 parking.
Shaver Lake
Shaver Lake Fireworks, Shaver Lake, June 30, 2018, boat parade begins at 6p.m., fireworks begin at dusk.
Soledad
Soledad Fourth of July Celebration, July 4, 2018, Old-fashioned parade kicks off at noon, followed by a day with children and adult games at the Little League Park along with two bands. There will be clowns as well as four jump houses. The evening will end with the fireworks display at dusk.
Solvang
Solvang Celebrates July 4th, July 4, 2018, Parade at 11a.m., 3 Concerts, BBQ noon to 2p.m., Festival & Fireworks Show 2p.m. to 9:30p.m. Admission is $10 per adult; and free for children ages 7 and under, as well as free for active duty military and their dependents with ID.
Stockton
Stockton 4th of July Parade 2018, Downtown Stockton, July 4, 2018, Parade starts at 10a.m. Parade Route: Starts at Miner and El Dorado, north on El Dorado, west on Oak St, South on El Dorado to Weber Point.
Templeton
4th of July Celebration in the Park, Templeton Park, July 4, 2018, Templeton Fire Department’s Pancake Breakfast at 7a.m., Hometown Parade begins at 10a.m., Celebration in the Park begins at 11:30a.m. to 3:00p.m.
Tulare
Kiwanis Club of Tulare’s Fireworks Extravaganza, Tulare County Fairgrounds, July 3, 2018, 6:00p.m. to 9:30p.m. Entertainment for all ages, food, sno-cones, kettle corn. Admission $5, 5 & Under Free (With Paid Adult), Free Parking or $5 for VIP Parking.
Turlock
City of Turlock Fourth of July Parade, July 4, 2018, Downtown Main Street Parade 10a.m., Downtown Street Faire & Car Show 10a.m. to 2p.m., Fireworks Celebration at Stanislaus State 7:00p.m. to 9:30p.m.
Woodlake
July 3rd Blast, July 3, 2018, celebrate the birth of our country with music, games, a Kids Zone, and a fireworks show.
Visalia
Independence Day Fireworks Community Festival, Groppetti Stadium, July 4, 2018, 2:00p.m. to 10p.m., water slides, swimming pool access, a hot dog eating contest, raffles, a dunk tank, food, shaved ice, and fireworks will begin at approximately 8:30p.m. Admission is Free. Parking at Groppetti Stadium is $10 per vehicle.
Did we miss your favorite Fourth of July event in Central California? Add it in the comments below or send event information to us via our contact form or email us at californiamomblogs@gmail.com.
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