Celebrate Independence Day (and your day off) this year where California was first born! Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Spreckels are each throwing their own hometown bashes. Which one will you be attending?

Monterey

Historic Monterey shows off their patriotism with multiple events throughout the day! The holiday kicks off with a spectacular 4th of July parade at 10am which marches down Alvarado and Calle Principal.

Afterwards stick around for the annual lawn party on the grass in front of Colton Hall on Pacific Street. The entire family will love the live music, carnival games, face painting and food booths. Still need more? The Cooper-Molera Adobe travels back to what life was like in the 1840’s. Visitors can even meet some the characters from this time period including a soldier, rancher and cook.

Once the sun sets head over to Jacks Park on Franklin and Figueroa Streets. The Monterey Bay Symphony puts on a free patriotic concert followed by a phenomenal laser light show. The gates open at 6pm and the program begins at 8pm.

The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa even gets in on the 4th of July action with a Street Fair on the Plaza. The day begins at 10am for a day of live music provided by Dale Mulhern, DJ Peter Burkhart and John “Broadway” Tucker. From 11:30am to 5pm hungry visitors can get their hands on some tasty BBQ fare including chicken, tri-tip, hot dogs and hamburgers with a chocolate sundae to wash it down.

Pacific Grove

“America’s Last Hometown” goes big with a BBQ and live entertainment at Caledonia Park. Pacific Grove welcomes guests for live music from Moonalice, games, popcorn and snow cones. Don’t miss the old-fashioned BBQ which includes chicken or hot dogs, baked beans, garlic bread, salad and dessert. The BBQ lunch is a steal at $10 for adult and $5 for kids.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Beginning at noon Devendorf Park on Ocean Avenue turns red, white and blue for a day packed full of live music, fun and games! Pack a lunch, bring a blanket and chill out to classic rock jams from Cheeky Spanks.

Spreckels

The tiny town tucked away in the Salinas Valley throws a big party in honor of America’s Independence. Spreckels starts the day off with an organized race followed by a parade, crafts, food and more!