Saturday, July 4, 2026
Spend the day celebrating with one of SoCal’s biggest Independence Day events.
Start Your Morning:
Surf City 5K (7–10 AM) along the parade route
Main Event:
122nd Annual Parade (10 AM) featuring 150+ groups, marching bands, and community floats along Main Street
Throughout the Day:
Live entertainment at Pier Plaza (schedule TBA)
Downtown Main Street Block Party with live bands
Citywide Home Decorating Contest displays
End the Night:
Fireworks over the ocean at 9 PM (viewable from the beach & downtown)
Bring chairs or blankets and plan to spend the full day enjoying the parade, beachside atmosphere, and festive community energy.
Admission: Free (some viewing areas & activities may be ticketed).
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Before You Go: Expect major street closures and heavy traffic throughout the day. Parking is limited and fills early—arrive early or plan alternative transportation. Kidsguide is an independent community resource helping families discover fun events across Southern California.
Looking for more family fun? Explore more family-friendly events on our blog, browse our calendar, check out limited-time exhibits and experiences, or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates.
