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!
Please remember to do your part to Help Keep Santa Cruz Beautiful and Recreate Responsibly this holiday! 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.
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
Where: Aptos; the corner of Soquel Drive and State Park Drive (will continue to Trout Gulch Road)
Scotts Valley 4th of July Parade, Flyover and Fireworks Show
Celebrate the 4th a day early on Sunday, July 3rd in Scotts Valley! Join for the Scotts Valley 4th of July Parade, Flyover, and Fireworks Show!
When/Where: July 3 – Parade & Flyover: 3 PM on Scotts Valley Drive; Live Music, Food Trucks, Games, Kid-Zone: 4 PM at SkyPark; and Fireworks Show: 9:15 PM at SkyPark.
Spirit of Watsonville 4th of July Parade
Explore the Spirit of Watsonville this July 4th! 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 PM – 3 PM
Where: Watsonville; Main Street
Roaring Camp Railroads: 4th of July Weekend
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 2 – 4; 8 AM – 5 PM
Where: Roaring Camp Railroads; 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton
Bruno’s Bar and Grill Independence Day Party
On Sunday, July 3, 2 PM – 10 PM, celebrate the 4th of July with Bruno’s in Scotts Valley! Live music, balcony seating for all the Scotts Valley events (flyover and fireworks show), BBQ Buffet, kids activities, and more!
When: July 3; 2 PM – 10 PM
Where: Bruno’s Bar and Grill, Scotts Valley
Santa Cruz Firecracker 5K
The 37th Annual Santa Cruz Firecracker 5K 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
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