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Looking for fun ways to celebrate the Fourth of July with your family in San Luis Obispo County?

Fireworks shows, patriotic parades, pancake breakfasts and concerts are planned at communities across SLO County for Independence Day in 2025.

Here's a roundup of some of the July 4 events taking place around the Central Coast:

Where to see Fourth of July fireworks in SLO County

Four communities in San Luis Obispo County will feature fireworks as part of their Independence Day celebrations.

Here's how to attend the local fireworks shows:

Cayucos

The fun starts with a sand sculpture contest that kicks off at 4 a.m. and wraps up by 10 a.m. with prizes for kids and adults.

A Fourth of July parade through the center of town starts at 10 a.m. The parade route will begin at Seventh Street along Ocean Avenue and end at Cayucos Drive, according to the Cayucos Chamber of Commerce.

The parade will be followed by a Lion's Club barbecue.

The Front Street Faire will rusn from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, the Chamber of Commerce said.

The day culminates with a fireworks show at the Cayucos Pier at 9 p.m.. No tickets are necessary to attend, according to the Cayucos Chamber of Commerce.

Visitors are encouraged to keep illegal fireworks away, park only in legal spots, pack out their trash and celebrate responsibly.

When: All day Friday, July 4,

Where: North Ocean Avenue, Cayucos

San Luis Obispo

What: After the San Luis Obispo Blues' home baseball game against the Arroyo Seco Saints, a fireworks display will erupt over the skies of San Luis Obispo the night before Independence Day. Tickets to the event were sold out as of June 30, but the show will likely be visible over much of downtown SLO.

When: 6 to 10 p.m., Thursday, July 3

Where: 900 Southwood Drive, San Luis Obispo

Fireworks light up the sky over Barney Schwartz Park in Paso Robles on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

Paso Robles

What: Paso Robles' Fourth of July celebration will feature food trucks, obstacle courses, field games, bounce houses and a live band at Barney Schwartz Park on Friday, July 4. The event's grand finale is scheduled for 9:15 p.m., when fireworks will start to light up the sky.

No dogs are allowed and alcohol will not be served at the event, the city of Paso Robles said in a news release. Visitors are advised to carpool since only limited free parking is available.

When: 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 4

Where: Benny Schwartz Park, 2970 Union Road, Paso Robles

Info: prcity.com/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1336

Mild weather and clear skies brought the crowds to the beach for the Pismo Beach firework show, Monday, July 2022.

Pismo Beach

What: The city of Pismo Beach will host its annual Fourth of July celebration with a full day of activities and entertainment. Vendors will open up stands at the Pier Plaza beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 4, followed by live music from Epic Entertainment from noon to 9 p.m.

Fireworks will be launched from the Pismo Beach Pier at 9 p.m. Attendees can observe the show from either the beach or the plaza, event organizers said.

When: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, July 4

Where: Pismo Beach Pier

Info: pismobeach.org/1013/Fourth-of-July

Fourth of July concerts, pet parade in SLO County

Many San Luis Obispo County communities are choosing to celebrate Independence Day without the flair of fireworks.

Here's a list of daytime Fourth of July events happening around the county:

Arroyo Grande

What: Arroyo Grande will hold a special Fourth of July concert and celebration as part of its Summer Concert Series. The event will feature live music, food, drinks, games, children's activities and more, according to the city of Arroyo Grande.

The Independence Day activities will kick off with a flag presentation from the Arroyo Grade Police Department honor guard at 10:30 a.m., followed by the singing of the national anthem at 10:45 a.m.

The Village Band takes the stage from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by Unfinished Business from 2 to 4 p.m., according to the city's website. Hot dogs will be served by the South County Historical Society during the celebration, with beer and wine also available to purchase.

When: 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, July 4

Where: Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande

Atascadero

What: Atascadero will hold its annual Fourth of July Music Festival from 3 to 8 p.m. at Atascadero Lake Park, featuring four musical acts, food, drinks and a playground. Tickets cost $25; attendees 18 and under get in free. Eventgoers are advised to bring camp chairs and blankets, according to the event's website.

When: 3 to 8 p.m., Friday, July 4

Where: Atascadero Lake Park, 9305 Pismo Ave., Atascadero

The American flag flies about Fourth of July festivities at Barney Schwartz Park in Paso Robles, on July 4, 2023.

Avila Beach

What: Looking for a pet-friendly celebration? Head to Avila Beach pancake breakfast and Doggie Parade in Avila Beach on Friday, July 4. The breakfast, which includes pancakes, sausage, bacon, fruit, orange juice and coffee, runs from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the Avila Beach Community Center. Tickets cost $10, or $5 for children age 6 and under. The event will provide puppy sitters outside for those who want to brings their dogs to breakfast.

The Doggie Parade will kick off at 11 a.m. on the Avila Promenade. All dogs must be registered beforehand and check-in between 10:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., event organizers said. There will be a costume contest for best dressed pups, including funniest costume, best holiday look and best dog-and-owner look-alike.

When: 8:30 a.m., Friday, July 4

Where: 197 San Miguel St., Avila Beach Community Center

A Family Fun Zone was among the activities at Paso Robles' Fourth of July celebration, on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at Barney Schwartz Park.

Morro Bay

What: Morro Bay will host a Family Fun Day on Friday at Tidelands Park.

The Fourth of July event begins with a bike parade at 11 a.m. from the north side of Morro Creek Bridge to Tidelands Park. No motorized bikes are allowed and everyone under the age of 18 must wear helmets. Cyclists are encouraged to dress in patriotic decor, event organizers said.

At the same time, there will be a multitude of activities underway at Tidelands Park, including a kids carnival, bounce house, food, music, games and contests. Carnival wristbands cost $5, according to an event flyer.

When: 10 a.m to 5 p.m., Friday, July 4

Where: Tidelands Park, 300 Embarcadero, Morro Bay

Kids play at the Family Fun Zone during Fourth of July festivities at Barney Schwartz Park in Paso Robles on July 4, 2023.

Pismo Beach

What: The Cliffs Hotel and Spa in Pismo Beach will host a free afternoon concert by the Vintage Renegades on its lawn on Friday, July 4.

"Dance to a fabulous live band, enjoy fantastic food, grab a drink at our seaside bar and revel in everything we love about summer on the Central Coast," the hotel said on its website.

When: 1 to 5 p.m., Friday, July 4

Where: The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach

San Luis Obispo County District 5 Supervisor Debbie Arnold and Atascadero Mayor Heather Moreno ride in the Templeton Fourth of July Parade Thursday, July 4, 2024. The parade featured dozens of floats and acts, including classic cars, marching bands and appearances by local law enforcement and fire services.

Templeton

The parade route starts from South Main Street and Gibson Road with seating along the curbs of Crocker and South Main streets. This year's parade theme is "United We Soar," the event website said.

When: 10 a.m., Friday, July 4

Where: Main Street, Templeton

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