Monterey County has a slew of traditions during the 4th of July holiday. When traveling to Monterey County along the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll be greeted with various fun and exciting events to keep everyone in your family entertained for the weekend.
As always, Monterey County is also filled with gorgeous beaches, delicious local restaurants, and fun shops to browse.
Monterey Fireworks
Monterey County prohibits fireworks this year, even ones labeled safe and sane. Fines will start at $1,000 and go to $2,500 for those who violate this policy. To help prevent wildfires, Monterey County asks everyone to consider this rule.
Let’s jump into activities each town in Monterey County is holding.
Carmel-by-the-Sea 4th of July
Davendorf Park will host live performances with their Celebration! theme. The concert is 90-minutes and begins at 2 pm. Music includes blues, jazz, rock, and Latin music with marching music.
Monterey July 4th
Monterey firefighters will host a pancake breakfast at 8 am, followed by a 4th of July parade that starts at Alvarado and Calle Principle at 10 am.
Old Fisherman’s Wharf
Old Fisherman’s Wharf will be decorated for the holiday with numerous photo op areas that are perfect for the entire family. From 2-5 pm, stilt walkers will be dressed up to entertain the crows. From 1-5 pm, Uncle Same will also be one site for photo ops.
Historian Tim Thomas will also be hosting a Wharf Walk from 10 am to noon. The walk will be focusing on “A Multicultural Look at Maritime History on Monterey Bay on America’s Independence Day.”
Big Little Backyard Bar-B-Que and Entertainment Extravaganza
The City of Monterey will host their free Big Little Backyard Bar-B-Que and Entertainment Extravaganza. Starting at 11 am, you can head to Colton Hall Lawn on Pacific Street to participate in free carnival booths, games, jump houses, food for sale, and more. The event goes until 4:30 pm.
Living in History Day
Over at Monterey State Historic Park will hold an extraordinary Living in History Day from 11 am to 3 pm in the Memory Garden. The celebration will start after the City Parade, and your entire family can witness demonstrations that include blacksmithing, rope making, leather stamping, and more. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children; kids under 5 are free.
Monterey County Pops
The Golden State Theatre in Oldtown Monterey will host a Monterey County Pops with a free patriotic concert at 7 pm. The doors to the event open at 6 pm.
Pacific Grove July 4th
From 11 am to 3 pm, Pacific Grove will hold America’s Last Hometown event. These old-fashioned festivities will have food, outdoor fun for kids, live music, and a patriotic celebration that everyone will enjoy.
Seaside July 4th
Seaside’s annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration will be hosted at Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course from 4:30 to 10 pm. They will have live music and family fun activities, plus this is the only location in all of Monterey County to have a firework show.
You can do many amazing activities in Monterey County during the 4th of July weekend while visiting. If all else fails, grab a blanket and some picnic food and enjoy watching the sunset on one of the fantastic beaches in Monterey County.