North County and San Diego Events for July
Although we’ve seen some reopening of businesses and facilities, most North County and San Diego events in July are still canceled or virtual. San Diego County had a record number of new COVID-19 cases in early July and will be added to the state’s monitoring list. Because of this, we may have new restrictions. The County of San Diego issued a new health order as of July 1, 2020 delimiting social distancing and sanitation guidelines, but this may be updated.
Read on for up-to-date information from North County cities, San Diego County and California State showing what’s open, what’s closed and what precautions you should take. I’ve also included an updated listing of July 4th firework displays.
Fourth of July Fireworks Displays
Due to California’s stay-at-home order, most of the North County fireworks displays, parades and festivals along with several big ones in San Diego have been canceled. But there are a few cities still hosting fireworks displays or finding other, creative ways to celebrate.
Carlsbad
LEGOLANDs Red, White and BOOM!, Aviara Park Hyatt and Omni La Costa
CANCELED
Del Mar
Because the San Diego County Fair was canceled, there is no fireworks display from the fairgournds this year.
CANCELED
Escondido
California Center for the Arts Virtual Independence Day Festival
Time: 3 – 8 PM
Location: Online
The Center is hosting a free, virtual Independence Day festival with online entertainment each hour starting at 3 pm.
- 3 PM: Crafts with Grace
- 4 PM: Story Time with Grace
- 5 PM: 4th of July Center Memories with Cynthia Weir
- 6 PM: Special Center Veteran Honor: Adrian Bonar
- 7 PM: Barn Stage Patriotic Show Tunes
- 8 PM: 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and a Special Message from Mayor Mac and Jerry VanLeeuwen
You can join the Center’s virtual festival on their Facebook page. Cox customers can tune-in on Channel 19, and AT&T customers can join in on Channel 99.
Julian
Julian 4th of July Parade
CANCELED
Location: Julian
Julian has to cancel this year’s parade due to COVID-19, but is still decorating the town to commemorate our nation’s birthday.
Oceanside
Oceanside Fireworks Show
POSTPONED
The annual July 3 fireworks display in celebration of Oceanside’s birthday has been postponed to a later date due to the COVID-19 Public Health Order restrictions on large gatherings. A new date will be announced in the future.
Poway
July 4th Fireworks from Two Locations
Time: 9 PM
Location: Poway, Poway High School and Poway Sportsplex Fireworks Map
With the support of donations from its business community, the City of Poway will host not one, but two firework shows to expand viewing opportunities as part of a re-imagined Fourth of July celebration. Simultaneous firework displays will be launched from both Poway High School and the city’s Sportsplex in the South Poway Business Park. See the fireworks map for areas around the high school and business park for parking.
Rancho Bernardo
10th Annual Patriotic Pet Contest
Time: 3 PM
Location: Online
The Spirit of the Fourth board has decided to cancel all of our events on July 4th, 2020 due to COVID-19, but are continuing the annual Patriotic Pet Contest.
Rancho Santa Fe
Rancho Santa Fe’s Annual 4th of July Parade
CANCELED
Due to County restrictions, the Association has canceled the 4th of July parade. The Association will look to incorporate a parade into the fall Rancho Days event.
San Diego
Fireworks at SeaWorld
CANCELED
Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!
Time: 8:30 – 9:30 PM
Location: TV and Online, FOX 5 San Diego
This year’s live, bayside Independence Day fireworks show is canceled due to California’s stay-at-home order preventing large gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to enjoy spectacular fireworks lighting up San Diego Bay.
An hour-long television special featuring Big Bay Boom fireworks from past years, special interviews and more will air Saturday, July 4, on FOX 5 San Diego. The special will also air on FOX 5’s sister stations in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento.
San Marcos
San Marcos Fireworks Extravaganza
CANCELED
As part of our efforts to prevent further spread of COVID-19 within our community, the City has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event.
Scripps Ranch
Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade and Festivities
CANCELED
Vista
Vista Independence Day Celebration
Time: 9 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. This year the event is limited to 600 passenger vehicles and has sold out. Ticket holders will be able to enter Brengle Terrace park at 6 pm. You must have a ticket. Pedestrian traffic into Brengle Terrace Park will not be permitted.
The City of Vista reminds residents who are viewing the fireworks either from home or from another area of the city to keep their pets secure, and indoors at home, as the noise from the display can frighten animals – causing them to run away.
County Parks
County parks are continuing to relax restrictions with parking lots and staging areas opening up. Campgrounds are open at half capacity. Please check online to see which sites are open. For more information and a list of which parks have opened and those that remain closed, go to County of San Diego Parks and Recreation.
Beaches
County beaches will open on June 2 for sunbathing and sitting as long as you’re with your own household. Parking lots and piers are still closed, and no activities such as football or volleyball are allowed. Please check with your community to make sure they have opened their beach. You can find a community list below.
State Parks
Some state parks are completely closed. Some are not, but all are closed to vehicular access. For more information on which parks you can visit and what you can and cannot do, go to the California Department of Parks and Recreation COVID-19 Resource Center.
North County City and County Regulations
Check with city websites to see what’s open and closed. Here are some quick links to North County cities’ COVID-19 Information:
Golfing and Recreational Boating
As of May 1, the county has relaxed restrictions on parks, golf courses and recreational boating. There are still some limitations though. For more details, go to the County News Center.
Things to Do with Your Kids
If you’re looking for fun things to do with your kids in this trying time, please look at last month’s events.
Do you have North County or San Diego events in July or any other month that you’d like included here once we open up again? Just let me know, and I’ll add them for you.