4th of July Events in Morro Bay in 2023
4th of July this 2023 falls on a Tuesday, so this isn’t going to be a long weekend like it was last year. But if you plan ahead and if you plan right, you can make it work and get 4 days of a blissful summer vacation. If you still have leave credits, take July 3, Monday off, so you won’t have to cram in all the 4th of July events near you in just one day!
Not sure where to go on 4th of July weekend? Get out of town and head on out to Morro Bay for a wholesome family vacation or romantic getaway by the beach! It’s not really summer if you’re not out in the sun and near the coast, isn’t it?
This quaint and charming coastal city in San Luis Obispo county makes a great destination for some outdoor fun, whether seaside or out in the hills. It’s very chilled and laid back, even on the 4th of July! So, if you’re looking for some nightlife and rave parties, this may not be the place for you. Nonetheless, a few 4th of July events are still happening in Morro Bay and nearby areas on the weekend.
Here’s a list of what to do in Morro Bay this Independence Day weekend.
2023 Morro Bay July 4th Art in the Park
When: July 1, 2 & 3 – Saturday, Sunday, Monday 10am-5pm
Where: Morro Bay Park, 734 Harbor St, Morro Bay, CA
Don’t miss the Morro Bay Art in the Park at Morro Bay Park on July 1-3, 2023. One of America’s longest-running Arts and Crafts shows, the festival features 108 booths from over 125 local artists from Morro Bay and the West Coast. There will also be food trucks at the venue because shopping can be tiring, and we all need it. 🙂
Presented by the Morro Bay Art Association and Steve Powers & Co, the event aims to give local artists and artisans a venue to showcase their arts and crafts; and for art enthusiasts to enjoy them. The festival’s proceeds help the association fund scholarship programs and children’s art classes.
Family Funday 4th of July
When: July 4, 2023 at 10:30am
Where: Tidelands Park, 300 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442
Celebrate 4th of July with Morro Bay’s vibrant local community at the annual Family Funday 4th of July. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture while also having fun of your own.
The celebration kicks off with a bike parade where non-motorized bikes get all decked out in patriotic decor and parade through town from Morro Creek Bridge to Tidelands Park. There’ll be all sorts of entertainment at the main event venue, Tideland Parks, including carnival games, a bounce house for the kids, family contests and games, live music, and a magic show!
You won’t have to go far for food and drinks too. There will be food stalls and a beer garden for the hungry and thirsty.
Waterfront Market
When: July 1, 2 & 3 – Saturday, Sunday, Monday 10am-5pm
Where: 1001 Front Street on the Embarcadero behind Giovanni’s Fish Market & Galley
The Waterfront Market isn’t so much a 4th of July event, but they’re open on July 1-3 at the Embarcadero. The event is free for all, including your pets! The market features local shops selling everything you can think of… skincare products, jewelry, soy candles, snacks, clothes, trinkets, souvenirs, and more locally crafted hand-made stuff! It’s a great way to support local businesses who rely mostly on tourists.
4th of July in Cayucos
If you are itching to get a little further out of town for some excitement, take a short trip to Cayucos! Less than a 10-minute drive from Morro Bay, join the town’s 4th of July events lined up for the day.
This annual Cayucos tradition begins with a Sand Sculptor Contest for all ages and skill levels. If you want to join, make sure to come early. The contest starts at 5 am at Cayucos State Beach and wraps up at 10 am.
Right after the contest is The Parade – the highlight of Cayucos’ 4th of July celebration. Rival float-building families vie for the prize each year, and locals and visitors alike anticipate each float entry just as much.
Spectators will also be delighted by the bands, community choirs, businesses, and clubs participating in the parade. The parade will start at 10 am, traveling north along Ocean Avenue.
In the spirit of true Americana, the Lion’s Club of Cayucos will be serving bbq at Veterans Hall from 11 am to 3 pm, and Front Street Faire will open from 10 am to 6 pm for shopping!
Cap off the day with a spectacular 4th of July fireworks display at the Cayucos Pier at 9 pm. Bring your jacket and blanket.
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While at Morro Bay, stay at Ascot Suites. Enjoy stunning views of the bay and the Morro Rock from our rooftop sundeck and relax and rest at our immaculate, English-styled rooms. These, plus our world-class hospitality, we guarantee you a fantastic trip!