Looking for fun things to do this 4th of July weekend? Below is a list of options for the Monterey Bay:
*Please adhere to local firework bans. Fireworks are not permitted on public lands, including parks and beaches.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
From 12pm-4pm, Devendorf Park on Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea turns red, white and blue for a day packed full of live music, food, fun and games! Pack a lunch, bring a blanket and chill out to classic rock jams. Food will also be available for purchase.
Monterey
The holiday kicks off at 7am with a pancake breakfast followed by a spectacular 4th of July parade which marches down Alvarado and Calle Principal at 10am. Afterwards stick around for the annual lawn party on the grass in front of Colton Hall on Pacific Street from 11am to 4:30pm. The entire family will love the BBQ, non-stop live music, carnival games, face painting and food booths. Families are also invited to the Living History Day at the Memory Garden for historic demonstrations, games, rope-making, leather craft, basket weaving and dancing from 11am-3pm.
Check out the Golden State Theatre on Alvarado Street, downtown Monterey, where the Monterey County Pops put on a free patriotic concert. The doors open at 6pm and the program begins at 7pm.
Pacific Grove
"America's Last Hometown" goes big with a BBQ and live entertainment at Caledonia Park on the 4th of July. Pacific Grove welcomes guests for live music and kids activities. Don't miss the old-fashioned BBQ which includes chicken or hot dogs, baked beans, garlic bread, salad and dessert. The event also includes live musical entertainment. The party runs 11am-3pm.
Seaside
Join the City of Seaside for a 4th of July to remember! Starting at 4:30pm there will be an array of activities including live music, arts and crafts, pony rides, bounce houses, prizes, food vendors and more. Did we mention that there will be fireworks? Watch the only fireworks display in Monterey County starting at 9:30pm at Bayonet & Blackhorse Golf Course. Best of all it's free!
Spreckels
The tiny town tucked away in the Salinas Valley throws a big party in honor of America's Independence. Spreckels starts the day off with organized 5K and 10K races followed by a parade, crafts, food and more!
https://www.seemonterey.com/events/holiday-events/4th-of-july/
Other Events This Weekend
Hello Dolly graces the stage at Carmel’s outdoor Forest Theater this weekend! This musical comedy features an array of popular local actors all set at the charming outdoor theater. Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 5:30pm. San Carlos Avenue at 8th Street, Carmel by the Sea. $30.
Enjoy a rendition of the Broadway Musical Little Women this weekend at Hartnell College. Filled with adventure, heartbreak, and a deep sense of hope, join the March sisters as they find their own voices during the growing pains of a young America. Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm. 411 Central Avenue, Salinas. $26.
Spend your Friday evenings at Carmel Plaza and enjoy fantastic live music, premier local wine and beer as well as samplings of savory appetizers from local restaurants. Today's Summer Live Music series features music from the Extra Large Band, wine tastings from Wrath Winery and bites from Roux. 5pm-7pm. Ocean Avenue and Mission Street, Monterey. Free event.
Saturday, take a “beer-cation” to the Monterey County Fair & Event Center where you can taste your way your through dozens of regional beers. The Monterey Beer Festival will also be full of food vendors and great live entertainment. 12:30pm-5pm. 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey. $45 for general admission and $65 for VIP admission.
Sunday, the Monterey Bay Food Tour and the Monterey Bay Meditation Studio have cooked up Something Wild! This new tour takes you beyond “tasting” to discover Pacific Grove’s wild beauty and connect deeply with ourselves, each other and the world around us by mindfully sharing food, stories, and new experiences. 10:30am-1:30pm. 529 Central Avenue, Suite 201A Pacific Grove. $149.
Discover and identify some of the animals and plants that call Asilomar State Beach’s tide pools "home" during a free educational event from California State Parks. 2pm-5pm. Meet at the tide pools located at the North end of Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove. Free event.
Uncork your creativity and Paint with Dali17. Paint, canvas and brushes are provided as an experienced local artist leads you through the process of unleashing your inner Salvador Dali. 4pm-6pm. 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey. $35.
Author: Allyson Ryan
As the Content Manager at the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Allyson manages digital marketing and social media for SeeMonterey. If she's not taking scenic pictures around the county, you are likely to find her on the Monterey Bay Coastal Rec Trail, sipping wine in Carmel Valley or hiking at Fort Ord National Monument.
