Celebrating the Fourth of July on the Central Coast

It’s the grandest of birthdays. 

Sure, all birthdays are special. 

But we’re talking America’s birthday! The most majestic in our nation.

How shall we celebrate this magnificent holiday commemorating our beloved country’s independence? 

We could go the traditional birthday cake route, but 246 candles are a lot to blow out! 

Cue the fireworks. Lots of ‘em. Ya know, go big or go home!

Whether lighting up the skies, enjoying top-tapping tunes with your favorite band, or falling in step with a patriotic parade, the Central Coast pulls out all the stops on this glorious holiday. Just grab your chairs and cooler from storage and off you go!

Here are just a few local celebratory events:

Fourth of July at the Iconic Pismo Beach Pier

The City of Pismo Beach invites you to join in its annual July 4th Celebration & Fireworks Display! This beach party fun fest begins at 9am, featuring a lively DJ (starting at noon), vendor booths, and an array of fun activities and games. 

We can’t forget the fireworks spectacular! Considered one of the best on the Central Coast, this dazzling extravaganza begins at 9pm. 

Enjoy a front-and-center view of the fireworks with a catered BBQ dinner on the pier from Ribline. For tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/july-4th-celebration-tickets-875503363127. Dinner includes appetizers, BBQ tri-tip and lemon herb chicken, seasonal vegetables, pasta, salad, cornbread, dessert, and drinks, including coffee and hot cocoa. 

For additional information, call (805) 556-7397. The Pismo Beach Pier is located at 581 Dolliver. 

Avila Beach 4th of July Celebration with Man’s Best Friend

Start the day off with a yummy pancake breakfast from 8-11am in the Avila Beach Community Center garden—with your favorite canine companions, of course! Breakfast runs $10 for adults and $5 for kids 6 and younger.

At 11am, join fellow dog lovers at the Avila Beach Promenade for the adorable Doggie Parade. Just be sure to register your dogs if you’d like to participate in this unfurgettable (sorry, couldn’t resist!) event. And don’t forget your costumes! This event is located at 191 San Miguel Street. 

Cayucos – The Little Beach Town Big on Community

Community is the heart and soul of this quintessential beach town. Cayucos welcomes thousands of visitors each year to this free event celebrating our nation’s birthday. 

Any early bird artists and sculptors out there? Show off your talent and enter the Sand Sculpture contest. Arrive between 4-5am to get started (we said early!). 

After all that hard work, sit back and take a break as you revel in awe at the parade’s hand-made floats. 

As the parade winds down, meander at your leisure through the Front Street Faire while enjoying a delicious barbeque, courtesy of the Cayucos Lions Club. 

In the evening, catch breathtaking fireworks from a spot on N. Ocean Avenue. No tickets necessary! For any questions, contact the Cayucos Chamber at (805) 995-1200 or email them at cayucoschamber@gmail.com. 

Paso Robles Day of Fun for All

The entire family will have a blast at Barney Schwartz Park. Beginning at 2pm, join in the fun with live music, food trucks, a concession stand, FunZone activities, and of course, the star of the show—an exhilarating fireworks production. Parking and admission are free. 

Games and activities include a bounce house, monster slide, soccer obstacle course, corn hole, face painting, outdoor bowling, and so much more!

We’ve highlighted just a few of the Central Coast’s Fourth of July celebrations. With so many local events to choose from, there’s no shortage of festive ways to honor our nation’s independence.