The Fourth of July holiday weekend is a big summer celebration on the Central Coast, and many cities across the area are getting into the patriotic spirit with events scheduled throughout the day Thursday.
From fireworks shows to local parades, there are a variety of happenings going on all day long. Here are some of the Independence Day activities going on in both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties:
San Luis Obispo County
Paso Robles (fireworks!): Paso Pops, Paso Robles Event Center from 4 to 10:15 p.m.
Tickets start at $30.
Templeton: 4th of July Celebration in the Park, Templeton Park from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is free; pancake breakfast costs $8 for adults and $5 for children.
Atascadero: 4th of July Bluegrass Freedom Festival, Atascadero Lake Park Bandstand from 4 to 8 p.m.
Admission is free.
Cambria (fireworks!): Old Cambria Fourth of July Celebration, Shamel Park from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission is free.
Cayucos (fireworks!): Cayucos 4th of July Celebration, Cayucos Pier from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission is free.
Morro Bay: Morro Bay 4th of July Family Funday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is free.
Avila Beach: 4th of July Pancake Breakfast and Doggie Parade, Avila Beach Downtown Promenade from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Admission is free.
Pismo Beach (fireworks!): Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at Pismo Pier, Pismo Beach Pier from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission is free. VIP reservations can be made.
Arroyo Grande: Arroyo Grande Fourth of July in the Village, Downtown Arroyo Grande from 1 to 3 p.m.
Admission is free.
Santa Margarita: Santa Margarita 4th of July Celebration and Parade, Santa Margarita Community Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Admission is free.
Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara (fireworks!): The Santa Barbara Fourth of July Celebration, Stearns Wharf from 12 to 9 p.m.
Admission is free.
56th Annual Fourth of July Parade and Concert, Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden starting at 1 p.m.
Admission is free to both the parade and concert.
Goleta (fireworks!): Independence Day Fireworks Festival, Girsh Park starting at 5 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults; free for kids 12 and under.
Montecito: Village 4th of July Parade, Upper Manning Park starting at 11:30 p.m.
Admission is free.
Solvang (fireworks!): July 4th Parade and Independence Day Festival & Fireworks Show
Admission to the parade is free. It begins and ends at Old Mission Santa Inés, making a loop along Mission Dr., Fourth Pl. and Copenhagen Dr., starting at 11 a.m.
Tickets for the festival and fireworks show are $10 for adults; free for kids 7 and under and active duty military. It takes place from 2 to 9:30 p.m. at Old Mission Santa Inés.
Lompoc (fireworks!): 4th of July Spectacular Fireworks Show, Lompoc High School’s Huyck Stadium starting at 5 p.m.
Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children when purchasing at the gate on Thursday.
Santa Maria (fireworks!): Red, White and Boom! Fireworks Show and Family Festival, Sierra Vista Park starting at 6 p.m.
Admission is free.
