Parades, Fireworks and Other Things to Do on 4th July in San Luis Obispo

What to do in San Luis Obispo on 4th of July 2023?

4th Of July Pancake Breakfast

When: July 4, 2023, 8:30 am to 11:00 am

Where: Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel Street, Avila, CA

Start the celebration right with a classic American breakfast at Avila Beach Community Center Garden. For only $10 per person for regular attendees and $5 for kids 6 years and under, you get pancakes, sausage or bacon, orange juice, milk, tea, and coffee! Breakfast is served at 8:30 am and ends at 10 am. Come on time, so you don’t miss it! 

Bring your dogs and dress them in your favorite costume for their annual 4th of July Doggie Parade and costume contest held at the Avila Beach Promenade at 11am. All the participants will receive a “Doggie Parade Participant Ribbon” and a goodie bag full of delicious treats for your fur babies. The Doggie Parade and Doggie Costume Contest are free to attend, although a donation of $5 would be greatly appreciated.

Morro Bay Art in the Park 

When: July 1-3, 2023, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Where: Morro Bay Park corner of Morro Bay Blvd and Harbor Drive. 734 Harbor St.

The Morro Bay Art in The Park is a must-visit for arts and crafts enthusiasts and, well… shopping enthusiasts too… this 4th of July! The second oldest arts and crafts show in California; the festival has over 100 booths from artists and craftworkers from all over California and the West Coast.

If you get tired from all the shopping and admiration, there are food and drinks available at the park too! 

4th of July in Cayucos

Watch the small beach town of Cayucos transform into a festive holiday destination on Independence Day! Chill by the beach, enjoy the city on the weekend and get the party started on Independence Day. The festivities start at 4am to 10am at Cayucos State Beach for the annual Sand Sculpting contest for children and adults of any skill level, followed by the 4th of July parade of hand-made floats through town at Ocean Avenue going north at 10 am. 

For some retail therapy and binge eating, head to the Front Street Faire from 10 am-6 pm. Then cap off the day with, of course, some spectacular 4th of July fireworks at the Pier at 9 pm or as dusk allows.  

Picnic in the Park and 4th of July Fireworks in Cambria

When: July 4, 2023, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Where: Shamel Park, 5455 Windsor Blvd, Cambria, CA

There are many things to do in San Luis Obispo this 4th of July 2023. But the Picnic in the Park and 4th of July Fireworks at Cambria definitely top our list. 

This beloved community event is back for some old-fashion, all-American 4th of July celebration with your family and friends. It’s an all-day family event complete with live music, great food, drinks, face painting, kids’ games, pie-eating contests, and raffles too! It isn’t 4th of July without fireworks. So, come at 9 pm or after dusk for the 4th of July fireworks display. Admission is free, so bring everyone you know!

Templeton 4th of July Celebration

When: July 4, 2022, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Where: Main Street, Templeton, CA

For another traditional 4th of July community celebration, head to Templeton! From morning till night time, there are plenty of 4th of July activities lined up for you by the Templeton Chamber of Commerce for America’s birthday. 

Don’t skip the most important meal of the day and get some breakfast at the Templeton Fire Department’s Pancake Breakfast. They start serving at 7 am. Then pick your spot from the 1st to 8th streets to watch the 4th of July parade. 

After the parade, enjoy the rest of the day with your family at Templeton Park for live music, the Joy Bonner Band, great food, cold beers, and fun family activities until 3 pm. Don’t forget your folding chairs, picnic basket, and shade awnings, and wear red, white, and blue attire! 

Note: Dogs are not allowed. 

Atascadero Fourth of July Music Festival

When: July 4, 2023, 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Where: Atascadero Lake Park

Music, food, drinks, family activities, kids’ playground, and entertainment… by the lake! Can you ask for a more perfect afternoon? 

Celebrate Independence Day with your family and friends at Atascadero Lake Park for an afternoon of music and sheer fun. Activities start at 4 pm, and the live performances from Chris Keith Band, with Brad Elijah Band, Brittain and Silva, and Bremen Town.

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Stay close to all the fun things to do in San Luis Obispo this 4th of July weekend and stay at Sands Inn and Suites. Located at the heart of San Luis Obispo, you’ll be within 30 minutes away from all the fun, whether it’s 4th of July related or not.