4th of July Activities
It’s that time of year again, so grab your stars and stripes t-shirt, red white and blue lei, and George Washington wig and join us in celebrating Independence Day in Oceanside! With so much going on this Fourth of July we’ve compiled a list of the fun, family friendly patriotic events happening all week for you to experience and enjoy!
Star Spangled Sunset Market
What: The Sunset Market is a weekly outdoor market with plenty of hot food, live entertainment, a children’s area, certified agriculture products, artisan and craft booths, and more. The Sunset Market will become the Star Spangled Market on June 28th, with a “Red, White, & Blue” theme in honor of Independence Day.
When: Thursday, June 28th, 5-9pm
Where: Corner of Pier and Coast Highway, Pier View Way, Oceanside CA 92054
Independence Parade
What: Come enjoy Oceanside’s annual Independence Parade as it makes it way north on Coast Highway from Wisconsin Avenue to Civic Center Drive (just past City Hall). This year three “Hometown Heroes” will be honored, including former Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood. Come see floats, bands, walking groups, cool cars and much more as we pay tribute to our nation, Hometown Heroes, our city and our local businesses. Viewing of the parade is available from the sidewalks along the entire route. Spectators are encouraged to bring folding chairs. The highest concentration of viewers will be on the north end of the route past Seagaze Avenue. Running time from beginning to end is about two hours.
When: Saturday, June 30th, 10am-12pm
Where: Downtown Oceanside, CA 92054
- The parade starts in front of the 101 Cafe (Coast Highway at Wisconsin Avenue) at 10:00 am and works its way north with the first unit of the parade reaching City Hall around 10:15 am.
More: Independence Parade Information
Oceanside Fireworks Show
What: The public is invited to the City of Oceanside’s annual Fireworks Show beginning at 9pm. Spectators are encouraged to arrive anytime after 6:00 pm, park in the business park nearby, bring a beach chair, and walk to the viewing area on Rancho Del Oro road. There will be live music as well as food trucks offering a wide variety of foods. The firework show will begin at 9 pm. This event is free and open to the public so invite friends and family to enjoy the show. For more information call (760) 435-5041.
When: Tuesday, July 3rd, 6-10pm
Where: Oceanside Blvd and Rancho del Oro Road, Oceanside, CA
July 4th at the Beach
What: Be sure to wear your best “Red, White, and Blue” attire when on Oceanside Beach and Pier for the Fourth of July! By 10am The Strand will be closed to vehicular traffic and MainStreet Oceanside will be hosting a variety of booths and activities in the plazas, parks and parking lots from the Oceanside Pier to Tyson Street Park. This includes kids amusements and activities in the Pier Amphitheatre, with a wide range of food vendors. There will also be retail vendors of all kinds in both the Pier Plaza and in the parking lot south of the Pier Amphitheatre.
When: Wednesday, July 4th, All Day
Where: Oceanside Beaches, Oceanside, CA 92054
The Yankee Doodle Dinghy Parade
What: The 16th annual Dinghy Parade is a fun celebration of Independence Day, with participants decorating their dinghies in a patriotic theme and parading them around the inner harbor where they are judged. All are welcome to enjoy this event, and anyone may decorate a patriotic dinghy 12 feet and under and participate in the parade. There is no entry fee, and trophies will be awarded. Those who are interested in participating may register at the Oceanside Yacht Club office before July 4th.
When: Wednesday, July 4th, 1-3pm
Where: Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside, CA 92054
Beach Cleanup
What: The public is invited to take part in the annual “Morning After Mess” beach cleanup that takes place the day after the 4th of July. Do your part in helping keep Oceanside clean by lending a hand this year, no pre-registration required.
When: Thursday, July 5th, 9am-12pm
Where: Oceanside Pier, Oceanside CA
First Friday: Oceanside Art Walk
What: The July First Friday: Oceanside Art Walk will feature a patriotic theme complete with patriotic music and dance to celebrate Independence Day, in addition to live performances, music, poetry, art education, and culinary and pop-up art galleries showcased in local businesses and public spaces. Admission to all venues is free and open to the public, and event maps will be distributed every month, listing that month’s locations and art happenings.
When: Friday, July 6th, 5-9pm
Where: Downtown Oceanside, CA 92054
Additional 4th of July Events in San Diego County:
Carlsbad: LEGOLAND Red, White, and Boom! Fireworks, July 4th, 8:30pm
Come to LEGOLAND® this Independence Day to take part in their Fourth of July celebration, “Red, White and BOOM!” Don’t miss Fireworks set to a patriotic musical tribute with great viewing in designated locations throughout the Park. The celebration lasts from 1:00pm to 9:00pm with fireworks at 8:30pm.
Rancho Santa Fe: Rancho Santa Fe’s Annual 4th of July Parade & Picnic, July 4th, 1pm – 3pm
Come enjoy Rancho Santa Fe’s annual 4th of July Parade & Picnic, complete with live music, food, fun activities, and more (no fireworks)
Del Mar: San Diego County Fair 4th of July Celebration, July 4th, 9:00pm
Come to the Del Mar Fairgrounds to celebrate Independence Day with food, fireworks, entertainment, and more. The fairgrounds will be open starting at 10am, with the fireworks taking place at 9pm.
San Diego: Big Bay Boom!, July 4th, 9:00pm
The Big Bay Boom 4th of July Fireworks show is the largest fireworks display in the county. With fireworks launched from four barges strategically placed around North San Diego Bay, they can be seen from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero area and Seaport Village/Coronado Landing, and the score is simulcast live on THE MIGHTY 1090 AM and MAX FM 105.7. Just find a place along the bay and you will not be disappointed.
San Diego: SeaWorld San Diego 4th of July Fireworks, July 4th, 9:40pm
SeaWorld San Diego will be hosting a 15 minute fireworks extravaganza to celebrate the 4th of July, starting at 9:40pm. Park hours on the fourth will be 10am – 10pm.
San Diego: 4th of July Celebration in Ocean Beach, July 4th, 9:00pm
Spend the day picnicking, swimming in the ocean, walking and playing in the sand and shopping along Newport Ave. Then bundle up as the sun sets and pull up a blanket for a really spectacular fireworks show launched from the Ocean Beach Pier.
San Diego: Old Town 4th of July, July 4th, 11am – 4pm
Come down to Old Town San Diego for an old-fashioned celebration of July 4th complete with a parade, crafts, wagon rides, period games, music, food, and more! (no fireworks)
For a complete listing of Fourth of July events happening in San Diego County, visit Celebrating Independence Day San Diego Style.
