The 4th of July in Santa Cruz County has everything you might want from dawn to… whenever! You can start your morning with a race, then have a pancake breakfast followed by several parades around the county and finish the day with a world-class, legal fireworks show at Skypark in Scotts Valley.
Firecracker 10k
Starting at Harvey West Park, the course winds its way up into Pogonip park and then down through Santa Cruz’s upper west side neighborhoods. Runners receive a free Pop Warner Pancake Breakfast after the awards ceremony.
Kids can take part in a 1K fun run starting 30 minutes before the main event. For more information, please visit http://www.santacruzfirecracker10k.org/
World’s Shortest Parade In Aptos
Schedule of Events
- 7 – 10 am Pancake Breakfast: Located at “burger” across from Safeway. Hosted by Santa Cruz Co. Sheriff SAR Team & Aptos Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by Whole Foods Market. Coordinated by Kiss Catering.
- 10 am – 12 pm Worlds Shortest Parade: Between State Park Drive and Trout Gulch Road, (Wells Fargo to Bay View Hotel). Hosted by the Aptos Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by Wells Fargo & Whole Foods.
- 12 – 4 pm Party in the Park! ($5 donation) Music, Fine Arts & Crafts, Face Painting, Food, Games for Kids, Bubble Fun including music by Extra Large from 11 am -4 pm! Sponsored by Whole Foods.
Boulder Creek Celebration
- 7 – 12 pm Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Boulder Creek Fire Department
- 10 am Boulder Creek 4th of July Parade! Route is between Scarborough Lumber & Railroad Ave. Hosted by the Boulder Creek Business Association.
- Junction Park BBQ 12 – 3 pm. Hosted by the Boulder Creek Recreation & Park District
Spirit of Watsonville Parade
Wilder Ranch Old-Fashioned Independence Day
Scotts Valley Parade & Fireworks
- Parade begins at 3:00 pm on Scotts Valley Dr.
- Fireworks at Skypark Park: Gates open at 4 pm – Admission $8
- Event includes food (classic Fourth of July hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream and pie), live music, and games.
- Fireworks begin at 9:15 pm. This is the only (legal) fireworks show in Santa Cruz County.
- Advance tickets: $6.00 — Event Tickets: $8.00 — Kids 4 and under free. All proceeds benefit the Scotts Valley Parks & Recreation Advocates, a 501c(3) non-profit organization.
Free 4th Of July Community Swim
Family 4th of July Community Swim at the Simpkins Family Swim Center 979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz. Entrance to all the pools will be free and a BBQ at the Swim Center will benefit Supporters and Helpers of Arts, Recreation and Parks. Bring your smiles, your bathing suits, and the whole family!
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Fireworks — There are no fireworks allowed on Santa Cruz beaches on July 4th.
Legal Fireworks: Safe and sane fireworks, that don’t fly or leave the ground, may be sold within the city limits of the City of Watsonville from July 1st through July 4th and may only be ignited within the Watsonville city limits from July 1st to midnight July 5th. Fireworks of any kind, including safe and sane fireworks and sparklers, are illegal in all other parts of Santa Cruz County, including the beaches. Fines for illegal use of fireworks can be up to $1,000 for each illegal firework and may result in arrest.
Have a safe and sane 4th of July for you, your family, your friends, and your pets in Santa Cruz County.