Celebrate the 4th of July in Morro Bay

Morro Bay is the perfect place to spend the Independence Day weekend, with free events and activities from Friday July 3rd through Sunday July 5th!

Plan your trip using this guide, which features tons of family-friendly events, outdoor recreation opportunities, and fun things to do to celebrate the holiday weekend.

Weekend Events
outdoor recreation
Restaurants
Plan your stay

Attend a Weekend Event

Friday Night Drone Show & Festival

Dates: July 3, 2026
Location: Embarcadero & Tidelands Park | 339 Embarcadero

The night before America’s big birthday, enjoy the Friday Night Festival featuring a concert, a drone show, food trucks, a floating bar, and a beer garden.

6pm - A concert by The Molly Ringwald Project

9pm - Drone show, including choreographed configurations of lighted drones, will be visible above the Waterfront from Tidelands Park to Coleman Park.


4th of July: Family Fun Day

Dates: July 4, 2026

Location: Tidelands Park I 332 Embarcadero

On Saturday, enjoy a family-friendly 4th of July celebration at Tidelands Park with a bike parade from Morro Creek Bridge and plenty of patriotic decorations. At the park, there will be a kids’ carnival with games, a bounce house, food, live music, lawn games, and family contests with fun prizes.

10:30am - Bike Parade: meet at the Northside of the Morro Creek Bridge to ride to Tidelands Park. Deck out your bike in your patriotic best.

11am - Concert by Rosewood and Honey

12pm - Opening Flag Ceremony

12:15pm - Hot Dog Eating Contest

1pm - Concert by Sound Investment


Art in the Park

Dates: July 3-5, 2026
Location: Morro Bay City Park | 734 Harbor St.

Art in the Park is a cherished Morro Bay tradition and one of the West Coast’s longest-running outdoor art festivals. The event is held three times a year and features 100+ artists and makers, local food and drink vendors, and a fun kids’ zone.


Waterfront Market

Dates: July 3-5, 2026
Location: Giovanni's Fish Market Parking Lot | 1001 Front St.

Enjoy this weekly summer market with over 30 local vendors selling handmade goods and tasty baked goods. Find items like tamales, knitted and crocheted accessories, dog apparel, plants, home decor, jewelry, candles, incense, sweet treats, and more.

Spend Time Outdoors

Fourth of July weekend is all about long summer days. Soak up the sunshine as you wander along the shoreline, walk along scenic trails, and breathe in the salty ocean air. Here are some classic summer activities to add to your weekend itinerary:

Get Out on the Water

Choose from kayaking, paddle boarding, or surfing for the perfect outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll be comfortable on the water in Morro Bay, where you can rent equipment and get a lesson or jump right in and catch a wave.

If you’d rather enjoy the water from the shore, check out these Morro Bay beaches and plan the perfect beach day.

Surfing at Morro Bay

Go Fish

Spend your holiday weekend by getting out on the water or casting a line from our piers and shoreline. Morro Bay is a historic fishing town that continues to lead the way in sustainable practices. Reel in rockfish, lingcod, halibut, tuna, and salmon on a local fishing charter.

Insider’s Tip: If you’d like to enjoy the products of Morro Bay’s fishing culture, check out local seafood restaurants for a fantastic meal.

Take a Hike

Pick a trail and take a hike with your family. Find a challenging climb with sweeping views or opt for a peaceful stroll through the marsh. Take a look at our blog about the best hikes in Morro Bay to see some of our favorite routes in the area.

Book a Tee Time

Morro Bay Golf Course is a must-play for any golfer visiting the area. This gorgeous course offers spectacular views at all 19 holes- 18 on the fairway, and one more at The 19th Hole Bar & Grill, where the drinks are cold, and the bay views are just as good.

Enjoy a Tasty Meal

All of these 4th of July activities can work up an appetite! Here are just a few of our suggestions for spots to eat at this holiday weekend:

Red, blue, and white drinks in front of a blue background and a sign with an eagle on it that says "Great American Fish Company"
Great American Fish Company

Plan your stay

Check places to stay now for best availability and don't miss out on the celebrations for the USA's 250th Anniversary in Morro Bay!

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