Celebrate the 4th of July in Santa Cruz County! Festive events are happening throughout the county and we’re highlighting a few you don’t want to miss!
Happy 4th, stay safe, and have fun in Santa Cruz County!
Aptos’ World’s Shortest Parade
The beloved World’s Shortest Parade is back this July 4th in Aptos! Celebrate Independence Day in Aptos at the “World’s Shortest Parade.”
When: July 4 at 10 AM – 2 PM
Where: Aptos; the corner of Soquel Drive and State Park Drive (will continue to Trout Gulch Road)
Spirit of Watsonville 4th of July Parade
The Spirit of Watsonville 4th of July parade proceeds down Main St. from St. Patrick’s Church to First Street. Thousands of spectators line the route five to six people deep. Those wanting a front row seat, place their chairs along the route early in the morning of the parade date.
When: July 4 at 12:30 PM – 3 PM
Where: Watsonville; Main Street
Roaring Camp Railroads: 4th of July
This Fourth of July, take either the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train. Join us in the Town of Roaring Camp for family-friendly activities, live music and a good ol’ American BBQ.
When: July 4; at 10 AM – 5 PM
Where: Roaring Camp Railroads; 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton
Boulder Creek: July 4th Party and Block Party
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Boulder Creek! Enjoy a parade, a block party with vendors, BBQ, and live music!
When: July 4; 10 AM – 2 PM
Where: Downtown Boulder Creek
Scotts Valley 4th of July Parade and Flyover
Celebrate the 4th in Scotts Valley! Join for the Scotts Valley 4th of July Parade and Flyover! Please note, there are no fireworks shows this year in Scotts Valley or anywhere in Santa Cruz County.
When/Where: July 4 – Parade & Flyover: 12 PM on Scotts Valley Drive
Wilder Ranch: Old Fashioned Independence Day
All are welcome to join in an early 1900s-style Independence Day celebration! Join the parade through the ranch at high noon. Ongoing events include lawn games, and machine shop and blacksmith demos. There will be live music throughout the day, fresh baked goods and hand-cranked ice cream, living history demos, crafts, games, “The Star-Spangled Banner” sing-along, and more! Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.
When: July 4 at 11 AM – 4 PM
Where: Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Firecracker Race
The 38th Annual Santa Cruz Firecracker 5K and 10K is back! Enjoy a fun run to kick off your 4th of July celebrations. There are 5K, 10K, and 1K options, so there’s a race for everyone!
When: July 4
Where: Harvey West Park, Santa Cruz
Please remember to do your part to Do Santa Cruz County Right this holiday – and everyday! How ever you chose to celebrate, please remember to stay safe, pack your trash, and DO NOT use fireworks. All fireworks are prohibited in the City of Santa Cruz, even “safe and sane.” And from July 1 – 5, the City of Santa Cruz will implement a Safety Enhancement Zone where violators will be subject to triple fines. For more information, please see this message from the Santa Cruz Fire Department.