While the COVID-19 pandemic canceled or changed plans for Fourth of July events over the last two years, most of the Independence Day festivities throughout Santa Barbara County are returning in full swing this year.
The following is information on fireworks shows, parades, and other events for all ages happening Monday, July 4.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara’s free Fourth of July celebration on Stearns Wharf is returning with live music, face painting, food, fireworks, and more all day at the wharf and West Beach.
The festivities begin at noon with the historic cannon firing, and face painting begins at 2 p.m.
Live music by Area 51 will begin at 4 p.m. and the 20-minute fireworks show starts at 9 p.m.
The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation is also holding a free concert with the Prime Time Band at 5 p.m. at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs and blankets to sit on the grass.
Montecito
In Montecito, the Independence Day celebration begins from 7 to 11 a.m. with the return of Montecito Fire’s pancake breakfast at Fire Station 91 at 595 San Ysidro Road. Tickets are $10 each for the event that hasn’t been held in two years due to the pandemic.
Following the breakfast, the Montecito Association is again hosting a road show at 11:30 a.m., with decorated vehicles driving through neighborhoods, starting on San Ysidro Road at upper Manning Park.
Carpinteria
Carpinteria’s 25th annual Rods and Roses Auto Show is taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, on Linden Avenue, followed by the Independence Parade, also on Linden Avenue in Downtown Carpinteria, at 3:30 p.m.
On Monday, July 4, the Carpinteria Lions Club is hosting its annual community barbecue from noon to 4 p.m. at Lions Park, 6197 Casitas Pass Road. Ticket prices are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $10 for children.
Meals will be served until 3 p.m. and the event will also include music, games, and door prizes.
Goleta
Goleta’s Independence Day celebrations include the Old Fashioned 4th of July at Stow House from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event at Stow House will include music by The Nombres and The Wrinkled Teenagers, as well as food trucks, a cash bar, vendors, and activities for children of all ages, such as face painting, tractor rides, and more.
Santa Maria
Santa Maria’s Red, White and Boom Fourth of July Fireworks Show and Concert event is also returning this year at the Elks Event Center, located at 4040 Highway 101.
The Independence Day event will take place from 5 to 9:30 p.m., with live music by Mestizo from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., activities for kids, and the fireworks show at 8:45 p.m.
Gates open at 4 p.m. Admission is free, with parking at $10 per vehicle
Lompoc
Lompoc won’t be holding its fireworks show this year, but family festivities will still take place during the day at Ryon Park, 800 W. Ocean Avenue.
The free Fourth of July Family Fun Day will kick off with a patriotic bike parade at 11 a.m., starting at the Veteran’s Memorial Building at 100 E. Locust Avenue and ending at Ryon Park.
From noon to 4 p.m., following the parade, a “picnic in the park” will be held at Ryon Park,with live music by The Fossils, food trucks, inflatables, face painting and more for all ages.
Solvang
In Solvang, the Fourth of July festivities begin at 11 a.m. with the Independence Day Parade.
From 2 to 10 p.m., the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club is presenting the annual Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks Show at Old Mission Santa Inés, located at 1760 Mission Drive in Solvang.
Admission is $15, and kids age 12 and under can get free admission when accompanied by an adult. The festival will include food and treats, live entertainment, bounce houses and face painting for kids, and more. The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m.
— Noozhawk staff writer Serena Guentz can be reached at sguentz@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.