Annual Oceanside Independence Parade
July 1
Location: Oceanside, Coast Hwy from Wisconsin Ave to Pier View Way
Join us for the Annual Oceanside Independence Parade on July 1, 2017 as it marches up Coast Highway from Wisconsin Ave to Pier View Way. Come see floats, bands, walking groups, cool cars and much more. Our theme this year is “STAR SPANGLED SALUTE.” The parade starts at 10:00 a.m. Running time from beginning to end is about two hours.
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.
Street parking is available on the residential side streets that run parallel to the entire route (Freeman and Tremont Streets). Over 1,000 parking spaces are available in the downtown parking lots and the parking structure. To enter the downtown area from the east on parade morning, you will have to cross Coast Highway at Oceanside Blvd. or Surfrider Way. Parking time limits may be enforced for street parking and parking lots – watch for the signs.
Sunday Summer Concerts by the Sea
July 2, 16
3:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: Encinitas, Moonlight Beach, 400 B St
This summer, Encinitas Parks and Recreation brings more fun to our beach concert experience. Each concert date features cool, hands-on exhibits, demos, concerts and free stuff! All you need to do is show up, how cool is that? There are two concert dates in July and two in August. July 2 features Tom Curren. July 16 features Steve Ybarra.
Summer Concerts are held right on the sand at beautiful Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. Come enjoy fun at the beach. Remember that glass, alcohol, smoking and dogs are prohibited on our beaches.
Oceanside Fireworks Show
July 3
6:00 – 10:00 PM
Location: Oceanside, Rancho Del Oro Dr between Oceanside Blvd and Mesa Dr
The public is invited to the City of Oceanside Fireworks Show on Sunday, July 3, 2017. The fireworks will be staged at El Corazon in celebration of Oceanside’s 129th anniversary. Rancho Del Oro Boulevard will be closed from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The fireworks display will be at 9:00 p.m. Recommended viewing area is on Rancho del Oro Drive. There will be music, entertainment and food trucks from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Please take public transportation or carpool and park in the business park behind the Marriott Hotels. The Sprinter will be running two additional trains to help people return home after the fireworks display. There will be an eastbound train from Oceanside at 10:03 p.m. arriving at Rancho Del Oro station at 10:14 p.m. There will also be a westbound train from Escondido at 9:33 p.m. arriving at Rancho Del Oro at 10:13 p.m. Please bring a beach chair/blanket to sit on. No alcohol or dogs are permitted at this free, family-friendly event.
Fourth of July Fireworks Displays, Parades and Festivals
Below are most of the North County fireworks displays, parades and festivals along with several of the biggest in San Diego, listed alphabetically by city.
Red, White and BOOM!
Time: 1:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Carlsbad, One LEGOLAND Dr
The summer heats up at LEGOLAND® with a star-spangled Fourth of July celebration, “Red, White and BOOM!.” The awe-inspiring fireworks show begins at 8:30 PM and blends patriotic music with dazzling pyrotechnics. All Red, White and BOOM! activities are included in the cost of admission to LEGOLAND California.
San Diego County Fair Fireworks Display
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Location: Del Mar, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
What better place is there to spend Independence Day than at the San Diego County Fair? Highlighting the day will be the traditional fireworks display, which will happen at approximately 9:00 PM at the Heineken Grandstand Stage. The fireworks display is visible throughout the Fairgrounds, so as long as you’re outside, there’s no better place to watch! The cost is included with fair admission.
There are activities planned throughout the day and entertainment on most of the stages after the fireworks.
Escondido Independence Day Festival & Fireworks
Time: 4:00 – 9:30 PM
Location: Escondido, Great Green, California Center for the Arts
Join 20,000 patriotic festival-goers for the 54th Annual Independence Day Festival & Fireworks. This free community event features rockin’ live music, fabulous food vendors, and a wealth of children’s activities and games for everyone to enjoy. The day’s festivities will conclude with a special performance by Camp Pendleton’s 1st Marine Division Band and, of course, a dazzling fireworks display starting at 9 pm. You won’t want to miss this annual North County tradition!
New this year, join us from 4:00-9:00 pm for a VIP beer tasting experience with Stone Brewing Co., Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Coronado Brewing Co., and more! Enjoy exclusive acoustic performances by The Blue Diamond Special and The Fremonts, preferred stage viewing, shaded and air-conditioned areas, private restrooms, giant Jenga, corn hole, and more. $10 entry includes four 4 oz. tasters to start you off! Only the first 600 will get in, so get your tickets early!
Thanks so much to our generous sponsors! Parking is extremely limited. Please carpool or plan accordingly.
Julian 4th of July Parade
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Julian, Main Street, from Julian High School to Frank Lane Park
This year Julian salutes July Fourth with the theme, “Old Glory on Parade”. Julian honors our nation’s birthday with a salute to the men and women who made our country great, both domestically and militarily.
For more than twenty years, Julian residents, their friends and parade lovers from all over have lined up at on the town’s main street to wave their flags, cheer the marching bands, salute the Marine Color Guard, and carry a giant American flag down the thoroughfare.
There will be events before and after the parade including flyovers, a gunfight, musical presentations, a barbecue, and a dance. The parade will start at noon and last about an hour. This home town parade includes marching bands, antique cars, vintage tractors, belly dancers, World War II submariners, several comedy entries and local dignitaries.
Fireworks at La Jolla Cove
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: La Jolla, 1133 Coast Blvd
Come celebrate 4th of July with friends, family, and fireworks at La Jolla Cove! Ellen Browning Scripps Park is free and open to the public. Come early to find your spot and enjoy some of the best sunset views in America’s Finest City! Fireworks begin at 9:00pm.
Oceanside Fireworks Show
July 3
Time: 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Location: Oceanside, Rancho Del Oro Dr between Oceanside Blvd and Mesa Dr
This is not on July 4th. It is on July 3rd. I have only listed it here so you don’t miss it.
The public is invited to the City of Oceanside Fireworks Show on Sunday, July 3, 2017. The fireworks will be staged at El Corazon in celebration of Oceanside’s 129th anniversary. Rancho Del Oro Boulevard will be closed from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The fireworks display will be at 9:00 p.m. Recommended viewing area is on Rancho del Oro Drive. There will be music, entertainment and food trucks from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Please take public transportation or carpool and park in the business park behind the Marriott Hotels. The Sprinter will be running two additional trains to help people return home after the fireworks display. There will be an eastbound train from Oceanside at 10:03 p.m. arriving at Rancho Del Oro station at 10:14 p.m. There will also be a westbound train from Escondido at 9:33 p.m. arriving at Rancho Del Oro at 10:13 p.m. Please bring a beach chair/blanket to sit on. No alcohol or dogs are permitted at this free, family-friendly event.
Poway Old Fashioned Fourth of July
& Fireworks
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Location: Poway, 14134 Midland Rd and 15500 Espola Rd
Bring your family and friends to Old Poway Park and celebrate our country’s independence turn-of-the-20th-century-style. This event will feature patriotic entertainment, gun fighting re-enactments, free crafts, train displays, and old-fashioned games. Tasty treats and train rides will be available for a nominal fee. The festival runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and is free.
Gates open at 6:00 PM at Poway High School Stadium for the fireworks celebration. There will be DJ music and games. Fireworks will start at 9:00 PM. $5 per person at the gate. Children 11 and under are FREE.
Rancho Bernardo The Spirit of the Fourth Fair, Parade and Fireworks
Time: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Location: Rancho Bernardo, Webb Park at 16826 Bernardo Center Dr and Bernardo Heights Middle School at 12990 Paseo Lucido
The Spirit of the Fourth festivities include a community fair, parade, evening entertainment and fireworks. The community fair will have a patriotic pet contest, motor show, magic show, rubber ducky race, a veterans’ memorial service, and a parade.
The parade will start at 3:30 pm. The evening will open at 6:00 pm at the athletic field of Bernardo Heights Middle School at 12990 Paseo Lucido with live music. The lavish fireworks display begins at 9 pm.
Rancho Santa Fe’s Annual 4th of July Parade & Picnic
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: Rancho Santa Fe, 16948 Avenida De Acacias
The parade starts at 1:00 pm and includes floats, fire trucks, vintage cars, equestians and parade princesses. There is a picnic and live concert at 1:30 pm with a barbecue and live music by the Harmony Grove Band.
SeaWorld Star-Spangled Fireworks Spectacular
Time: 9:40 PM
Location: San Diego, 500 Sea World Dr
Don’t miss this spectacular display of sparkle and excitement. Fireworks will start at 9:40 PM. Reserved seating is available
Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: San Diego, San Diego Bay
The Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show is back, promising another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously from four different barges placed strategically around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Marina District, Seaport Village/South Embarcadero and Coronado Ferry Landing. Listen to the musical simulcast on The MIGHTY 1090 AM and MAX FM 105.7.
San Marcos Celebrate Freedom, A Fireworks Extravaganza
Time: 6:00 – 9:30 PM
Location: San Marcos, Bradley Park, 465 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd
Bring chairs or blankets for lawn seating. Carnival games, jumpers and food sales available on-site. Live music by Liquid Blue at 6 pm. Fireworks at 9 pm. Funded entirely by donations from the businesses and citizens of San Marcos.
Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade and Festivities
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Scripps Ranch, Hoyt Park, 10158 Aviary Dr, San Diego
Come and enjoy a fun filled day for family and friends at the annual Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade and Festivities. As a spectator you can cheer on your neighbors and friends who are in the parade. But, why not dress up as well and join in the fun? This year’s theme is Anchors Aweigh.
Vista Independence Day Celebration
Time: 5:00 – 9:30 PM
Location: Vista, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive
The City of Vista is proud to present the 4th of July celebration every year held at the Moonlight Amphitheatre in Brengle Terrace Park. We honor those that serve and have served our country and thank them for their sacrifice.
The Independence Day Celebration schedule at the Moonlight Amphitheatre includes the military salute at 7:15 p.m., the Mar Dels’ performance at 7:35 p.m., and the fireworks display at 9 p.m. The Amphitheatre opens at 5 p.m. Admission to the Moonlight Amphitheatre is $5 per person. Admission for children five and under, active and retired military members and their families is free. Parking in Brengle Terrace Park is $15 per car and $30 per recreational vehicle.
TGIF Concerts in the Parks
July 7, 14, 21, 28
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Carlsbad, various parks
For over 30 years, the City of Carlsbad Cultural Arts Office has presented live music events throughout the city. When summer rolls around in Carlsbad, everyone gears up for TGIF Concerts in the Parks! The 2017 season runs Friday nights through August 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. It features great music, food and a chance to dance the night away with friends and neighbors in a beautiful outdoor setting. All fields open at 4 p.m.
This year’s band lineup offers a music genre for everyone, from country to Cajun, and includes rock, funk, soul, blues and swing. Concerts are free. They are open to the public and will take place in four beautiful Carlsbad community parks. As onsite parking is limited, a free shuttle service is available at most concert locations.
The music at TGIF is just the beginning. A variety of food vendors are onsite at the events, or you can bring your own feast from home. Family Open Studios is back with free, hands-on art making activities for all ages.
Annual Over-The-Line-Tournament®
July 8 – 9, July 15 – 16
Location: San Diego, Fiesta Island, Mission Bay Park, 2688 E Mission Bay Dr
The 64th Annual World Championship Over-The-Line Tournament® will be held on Fiesta Island on July 8 – 9 and July 15 -16.
Over-The-Line (OTL) is a bat and ball game played with two teams of three players each. OTL is a public event and requires no ticket or entrance fee to watch the games and enjoy the tournament.
Games start at 7:30 AM promptly and continue until dark on both weekends of OTL. First weekend games are three innings only. 2nd weekend games are four innings.
Rules will be strictly enforced: No Bottles, No Bicycles, No Bowzers (dogs), No Babies, No Boas, No Bad Attitudes, No Battles (fighting). OTL is a public event. However, it is not appropriate or safe for children due to crowds, bat and ball related games and language.
Carlsbad Triathlon
July 9
Location: Carlsbad, Tamarack State Beach, 3901 Carlsbad Blvd
Carlsbad Triathlon ranks among the nation’s longest running triathlons. It is for everybody from first-timers to elites, and their friends and family. It is a sprint distance race, consisting of a 1K open water ocean swim, which is well marked with buoys, followed by a 25K bike and a 5K run. The roads are wide and closed to traffic making it very safe! The course is mostly flat with a couple of rolling areas.
The course begins at Tamarack Surf Beach and follows the coastline of Carlsbad, past our scenic beaches, lagoons and wildlife preserve. It boasts an ocean swim, a rolling bike course and a smooth run for the finish.
Del Mar Racing Season
July 19 – September 4
Location: Del Mar, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
San Diego horse racing takes place where the “turf meets the surf” at the Del Mar Racetrack. Fans flock to the track each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the popular, annual Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racing season, mid-July through early-September. Be part of the magic and nostalgia of this long-time horse race tradition dating back to 1937 when Bing Crosby greeted the first guests, and Seabiscuit won by a nose in the infamous race in 1938. This season features the nation’s top race horses, trainers and jockeys, and plenty of fun in the sun.
Don’t miss the Del Mar Summer Concert Series. Concerts are free with racetrack admission purchased prior to the last race.
Summer Fun Fest & Movie in the Park
July 15
5:30 PM
Location: Vista, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Dr
Summer Fun Fest: Kids’ face painting, crafts, activities, bounce houses, and more from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
Free Movie in the Park: Moana (PG). Movie begins at 8 pm.
San Diego LGBT Pride Rally, Festival and Parade
July 8 & 14 – 16
Location: San Diego, North Park, Community Park, Hillcrest and Balboa Park
SheFest is on July 8 from 11 am to 5 pm. It is a woman-centered event that celebrates and supports the talents and contributions of women while fostering meaningful connections within the LGBT and larger San Diego community.It features workshops, games and mobile pet adoption through the Humane Society. SheFest will be held at North Park Community Park at 4044 Idaho Street.
On the evening of Friday, July 14, 2017, Fabulous Hillcrest will be hosting its 5th annual premier event. The Pride of Hillcrest Block Party! The Pride of Hillcrest Block Party (PBP) is from 5-11pm and is a 21 + event. Pride of Hillcrest will be a wonderful celebration of the neighborhood and we encourage you to be a part of it. All proceeds benefit the maintenance of the Pride Plaza.
The Spirit of Stonewall Rally is part of PBP and will start at 6:00 PM at the Hillcrest Pride Flag at 1500 University Avenue. It will celebrate the eventful evening of June 28, 1969 when patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York City said, “No more!” to the harassing tactics of the New York Police. That protest has grown to annual events held in major cities throughout the world. In San Diego, our first rally was held in 1975.
San Diego Pride’s famous music festival will be held at Marston Point in Balboa Park at 6th Avenue and Laurel Street on July 15 through 16 and includes multiple stages of entertainment, more than 200 musicians, bands, comedians and dancers, marvelous shopping at dozens of vendor booths, an art exhibit, cultural presentations, and great food!
On July 15, the parade begins at 11:00 AM at the Hillcrest Pride Flag at University Avenue and Normal Street, proceeds west on University Avenue, turns south on 6th Avenue, turns left onto Balboa Drive, and ends at Quince Drive. The San Diego Pride Parade is among the largest in the United States, attracting over 100,000 cheering spectators.
Craft Classic Half Marathon & 5K
July 16
6:30 AM
Location: Mira Mesa, Green Flash Brewery, 6550 Mira Mesa Blvd
Indulge in two of San Diego’s true loves: Running and Craft Beer! The Craft Classic Half Marathon and 5K offers a unique San Diego course with sweeping views, challenging hills and a delicious craft beer reward at the finish line at Green Flash Brewing Company. Race giveaways for all participants include a commemorative event shirt and beer glass, special finisher’s medal, a free beer at Green Flash and free race photos.
All participants will receive a commemorative pint glass, an official event shirt, a custom finisher medal and one free beer from Green Flash!
Supergirl Pro
July 28 – 30
Location: Oceanside, Oceanside Pier, 300 The Strand N
The Supergirl Pro is the only 6-star USL sanctioned Women’s Surf Contest in the world, with 120 of the planet’s top pros expected to compete.
In addition to the best surfing talent in the world, the Supergirl Pro features an action-packed Festival Village with 16 top musical artists performing live on the Supergirl Music Stage. There will also be autograph signings, various vendors and activities, give-aways, contests, celebrities, skateboarding, DJ’s, art, hair styling, fashion, live music, fitness, dance, yoga, sustainability, seminars, speakers, great food, a beer and wine garden and so much more! Admission to the event is free.
Since the beginning, the Supergirl Pro has been partnered with Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC), a youth-focused breast cancer education and prevention foundation. B4BC will be present at the event to promote early detection and a healthy, active lifestyle as the best means of breast cancer prevention. Supergirl is also partnered with Earth’s Oceans and several eco-awareness and sustainability organizations.
The event will be filmed and turned into docu-drama style programming to be aired on FOX Sports. The premier date will be posted on the website and you can check your local listings for dates and times on a FOX Sports network near you.
Insect and Ladybug Festival
July 22 – 23
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Encinitas, San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Dr
This one-of-a-kind event features thousands of fascinating creepy-crawlies including live insects, lizards, snakes, and the famous “Madagascar hissing cockroaches.” Children can practice bug collecting, hands-on insect arts and crafts, and even taste cooked mealworm larva in various flavors such as mesquite, teriyaki, and barbeque! Entomologists and other bug experts will be available for questions and more than 20 informational booths will teach and entertain children and adults alike.
This year, Sam the giant Galapagos Tortoise will make a special guest appearance! Come and visit Sam at the Insect Festival on Saturday Morning from 10 – 11:30 am.
Free for members and children 12 and under. Included with paid admission for non-members.
Vista BBQ Classic
July 29
Location: Vista, Downtown Main Street
The Vista BBQ Classic is an official Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned event in Historic Downtown Vista. For the past 8 years, teams have traveled from all over the state to compete for prize money, trophies, points and bragging rights.
BBQ teams will descend on Historic Downtown Vista on Friday, July 28th, starting as early as 8AM to spend up to 24 hours seasoning, smoking, and grilling their choice cut of meats for competition day on Saturday, July 29th. Our 2017 award-winning teams will compete for a total of $10,000 prize money, KCBS points and trophies.
There is something for everyone at the Vista BBQ Classic! Featured at the Vista BBQ Classic are 2 oz. BBQ Tastes tickets for purchase, a street fair and live entertainment.