City of San Luis Obispo, CA

With Independence Day just around the corner, the City of San Luis Obispo is reminding all residents and visitors that fireworks — including “safe and sane” types — are prohibited within City limits. This includes fireworks legally purchased elsewhere.

While the County of San Luis Obispo recently adopted stricter fireworks rules for unincorporated communities such as Oceano, Nipomo, and Cayucos, fireworks have long been banned in the City of San Luis Obispo. The City’s existing rules remain in effect and are enforced locally.

“We want our community to have a joyful and safe Fourth of July,” said Fire Marshal Josh Daniel. “Fireworks are not only illegal in San Luis Obispo, but they also pose serious fire risks, especially during our hot and dry summer months. Please help protect our neighborhoods and open spaces by celebrating responsibly.”

Penalties and Reporting
Possessing or using fireworks in the City can result in fines of up to $2,000 per violation, and individuals may also be held financially responsible for the cost of emergency response.

To report non-emergency fireworks activity in the City, call the 24/7 dispatch line at (805) 781-7312. Dial 9-1-1 only to report emergencies such as fire, injury, or smoke.

Help Keep SLO Safe
Fireworks can be distressing for pets, veterans, and those with sensory sensitivities. They also pose a serious risk to dry vegetation and open space areas. Please share this message with guests and visitors in your neighborhoods, including those staying in vacation rentals.

Let’s work together to keep San Luis Obispo safe and festive by celebrating the Fourth of July the right way — responsibly, legally, and with community spirit.

Safe and Festive Alternatives
Instead of using fireworks, enjoy one of the many safe and family-friendly celebrations happening in San Luis Obispo and throughout the region:

San Luis Obispo: Fireworks after the Blues Baseball Game
Sinsheimer Stadium, 900 Southwood Drive, San Luis Obispo
July 3rd, 6 – 10 PM (fireworks at about 9 PM)
Spend the evening of July 3rd with "America's favorite pastime." The San Luis Obispo Blues will take on the Arroyo Seco Saints in a baseball game followed by a fireworks show. Tickets are sold in advance online.

Arroyo Grande: Concerts in the Park
Heritage Square Park, Arroyo Grande
July 4th, 11 AM - 4 PM
The 4th of July show will kick off the 2025 concert series with two concerts from the Village Band (11 AM) and Unfinished Business (2 PM). The South County Historical  Society will be serving their famous hot dogs. Beer and wine will also be available for purchase. A local business gift card raffle will also be held.

Atascadero: Annual Atascadero 4th of July Music Festival
Atascadero Lake Park
July 4th, 3 - 8 PM
This year, attend the Atascadero 4th of July Music Festival. General admission is $25 to the music festival - don't forget to bring your low-back chair or blanket! Bring the whole family for music, food, drinks, kid amusements, playground and vendors.

Avila Beach: Avila Beach 4th of July Pancake Breakfast & Doggie Parade
191 San Miguel Street, Avila Beach
July 4th, 8 AM - 12 PM 
Start your holiday celebration off with a delicious pancake breakfast with your pups in the garden of the Avila Beach Community Center from 8 - 11 AM. The pancake breakfast is $10 and $5 for kids 6 and under. Afterward, at 11 AM, head to the Avila Beach Promenade for the annual Doggie Parade. All dogs must be registered to walk in the parade.

Cayucos: July 4th in Cayucos
N Ocean Ave, Cayucos
July 4th, 10 AM - 9 PM
The annual Cayucos 4th of July celebration is fun for all from the town parade in the morning to a spectacular fireworks display at night. Early risers can participate in a sand sculpture contest that starts at 4 AM and wraps up by 10 AM with prizes. Throughout the day the street fair will be open to shop and purchase food. After a day of celebrating, see the fireworks show displayed from the historic Cayucos Pier.

Morro Bay: Morro Bay Art in the Park
747 Morro Bay Boulevard, Morro Bay
July 4-6, 10 AM - 5 PM (4 PM on Sunday)
Being the second oldest fine art and fine craft show in the state of California, check out the exquisite art that Morro Bay has to offer. The annual show offers over 100 booths for artists and craftspeople to see and display goods in an outdoor setting. There will be a wide variety of food and drink available, beginning Friday, July 4, and running through the 6th.

Paso Robles: Fireworks Show in Paso Robles
Barney Schwartz Park, 2970 Union Rd, Paso Robles
July 4th, 4 - 10 PM
Visit Barney Schwartz Park in Paso Robles for free, fun-filled fireworks festivities for the entire family. The fireworks show should start at around 9:15 PM but before then you can enjoy live music, FunZone activities, food trucks and more!

Pismo Beach: Fireworks Celebration at the Pismo Pier
Pismo Beach Pier
July 4th, 9 AM - 10 PM 
Local vendors will be in Pier Plaza starting in the morning and music is from 12 - 9 PM. The night ends with a grand fireworks display at the famous Pismo Pier! Find your front-row seat at seafront restaurants like Sea Venture or on your hotel balcony at Inn at the Pier.

Pismo Beach: 4th of July Concert at the Cliffs
The lawn at the Cliffs Hotel & Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach
July 4th, 1 - 5 PM
Join The Cliffs for Live on the Rocks outdoor concert series. Vintage Renegades will be performing on Independence Day from 1 - 5 PM. Entry is free, but private VIP table reservations are available. Food and drink will be for sale and there will be lawn games too!

Templeton: Templeton 4th of July Celebration
Main Street, Templeton
July 4th, 7 AM - 3 PM
Experience the biggest event in Templeton for the year! Start your day with a 5k at 7 a.m. or at the Templeton Fire Department's Pancake Breakfast (Tickets sold by the Fire Department) from 7 - 10 AM at 206 5th Street. Then get your seat on the curb along Crocker or Main Street from 1st to 8th streets for the hometown parade, brought to you by the Rotary Club of Templeton. After the morning parade, join friends and family in Templeton Park for live music, food trucks, cold drinks and more.

For safety information and updates, visit www.slocity.org/fire and follow the City on social media. To receive news alerts and updates directly, sign up at www.slocity.org/subscribe.