4th of July Events in Monterey County

Looking for things to do this Independence Day weekend in Monterey County? Read below for events and ideas for celebrating July 4th where California was first born.

Important Notices

Reminders regarding fireworks in Monterey County:

• Only Safe and Sane fireworks are allowed in the following cities of Monterey County - Marina, Seaside, Salinas, Soledad, Gonzales and King City. 
• Illegal fireworks use can be reported to the City of Monterey Police Station at (831) 646-3914.

Events

Monterey

4^th of July on the Wharf

Old Fisherman’s Wharf will be festively decorated for 4^th of July for wonderful photo ops for your family and friends. There will be two sparkly red, white and blue stilt walkers between 2-5pm. Candy World will have “Lady Liberty” outside its door and she will be posing for photo ops. Enjoy both indoor and al fresco dining at our many restaurants and To Go eateries. Get your Summer “steps in” while strolling and shopping at the fun Wharf shops. It’s also a wonderful time to see the Monterey Bay and lots of marine wildlife with a variety of Whale Watching, Fishing, Sailing and Glass Bottom Boat Trips offered by businesses on the Wharf.

Wharf Walks

Take a walking tour of Old Fishermanʻs Wharf on "Wharf Walks - A Multi-Cultural Look at Maritime History on the Monterey Bay" with noted Monterey Bay Fisheries Historian and author, Tim Thomas. Tours meet at the head of Old Fisherman's Wharf (near the pink "Harbor House" store, #1 Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey. Advance reservations are required by calling Tim Thomas at (831) 521-3304 or via email timsardine@yahoo.com. The tour is for ages 10-adult only and the cost is $20 for adults and kids are $15 (10-15 years). Group Rates are also available.

Monterey Firefighters Charity Pancake Breakfast

Delicious breakfast foods with a side of supporting your local community? Yes please! Monterey Firefighters Charity Pancake Breakfast benefiting MY Museum will be held from 8-11am. There will be arts and crafts for the kids, a firetruck tour, and a chance to meet your local firefighters. Tickets are $12.50 per person and are now available online. You can take your delicious breakfast home to eat, or enjoy it outside on the lawn of Colton Hall.

All American Jazz Brunch

Head to the Paper Wing Theatre on Cannery Row for champagne and live music at the All American Jazz Brunch featuring "The Safina 7"! 3 horns + guitar + drums + piano + some of the best vocalists around equals a show that you won't want to miss! Experience LIVE music again as they bring American jazz standards alive.

Marina

Handcar Tours

Ever rode a handcar? Well nows your chance! Enjoy this unique experience, and ride Handcar Tours' new handcar fleet on six miles of scenic track through Fort Ord State Park. The Monterey Branch Line lasts about an hour in duration and is a team effort that requires about 3 to 4 riders. Check out their website for detailed information on the experience, accompanied by a gorgeous aerial video of the route. Book online now, as they are only accepting bookings through their website. See you out on the rails!

Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove 4th of July Celebration

The Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce will hold a July 4th Downtown Celebration on Lighthouse Avenue from 11am-3pm. The event will include restaurant promotion, live music at several downtown locations, a Pacific Grove t-shirt giveaway, and outdoor kids’ activities. 

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea Annual 4th of July Celebration

Monterey County Pops! (MCP!) will debut its return with a live performance on July Fourth at Devendorf Park in Carmel at 2pm. The 38-member orchestra will be conducted and hosted by MCP! music director Dr. Carl Christensen. The concert will include blues, jazz, rock, and Latin music. Marching music will also be featured. The program will conclude with the "1812 Overture Finale," and John Philip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever." Be sure to dress for an outdoor event and to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets.

County Wide

Watch the Sunset

Who needs fireworks when you have a west coast sunset? Revel in the days last rays at one of our favorite sunset spots in Monterey County.

Celebrate Responsibly

The Monterey Fire Department reminds everyone that fireworks of any kind, including “safe and sane” fireworks, are prohibited in the City of Monterey and carry a significant fine of $1000. If you celebrate in a small group at the park, or other public location, please do not leave behind any refuse (including used masks and gloves). 

We hope you have a safe and happy 4th of July in Monterey County!