Morning parade to be followed by Independence Day celebration and fireworks show at Mission Santa Ines
Summer is in full swing and as we leave June the usual big, red, white, and blue party is almost upon us: the 4th of July Parade and Celebration will be happening this Friday, July 4, in Solvang.
The day begins with the Solvang 4th of July Parade, proudly presented by the Solvang Rotary Club. The parade has one small change, the starting will be 10 a.m. this year, an hour earlier than the starting time for the last few years. Starting at the intersection of Mission Drive (Highway 246) and Alisal Road, the parade winds its way through the heart of charming downtown Solvang, bringing patriotic spirit and community pride to life.
The theme of this year’s parade is “Anything Can Happen in America,” and it will be presided over by this year’s Grand Marshals Walter and Kay Alves. Santa Ynez Valley residents since 1959, the couple has been noted for their philanthropy and service for many entities in the Valley.
Rotary Club Parade Committee President Steve Palmer said he is expecting about 65 to 70 entries in this year’s parade.
“Things are going well in preparation,” Palmer said on Monday, June 30. “According to the forecast, it looks like it will be a little cooler, so we’re looking forward to that. Other than that, we want to remind people it starts at 10 a.m., earlier than in the past, so get here early.”
The parade promises a vibrant procession featuring gleaming classic cars, majestic horse troupes, energetic dance groups, and a rousing high school marching band. Don’t miss the creative floats from local businesses and organizations, showcasing the spirit and talent of the Santa Ynez Valley.
Parade-goers are encouraged to bring their flags, lawn chairs, and festive spirit, and line the streets early for the best view of this beloved hometown tradition.
Of course, after the parade, people can march over to Mission Santa Ines for the annual Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks Show at Old Mission Santa Inès in Solvang starting at 12 noon. This event is presented by the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club (not to be confused with its Solvang counterpart) and put on by En Fuego Events.
The event promises to have the largest number of merchant and food vendors on site in 2025, with tons of food options and a great selection of vendors to browse.
It’ll also have a large kids area with bounce houses, rides, crafts, and face painters! Beer, seltzers and wine will be for sale for guests 21+. There will be live entertainment with a DJ spinning music all day beginning at 12 p.m.
The Fireworks Show, put on as usual by noted local pyro-technician Kief Adler, will begin promptly at 9 p.m. and it is suggested that viewers arrive very early this year as record attendance is expected.
The gates for the celebration at the mission open at 12 p.m., with admission is $15, and kids 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult. Active Military with ID will receive up to four complimentary passes. Any additional tickets must be purchased. All active military must show IDs at the entrance.
Guests may bring in lawn chairs and blankets, but no outside alcohol or coolers. All bags/strollers/carts will be checkedupon entering. Only service dogs will be allowed
Parking Options: Handicap parking is available at the corner of Mission Drive and Alisal Road (look for signage), but there is no parking onsite at Old Mission Santa Inés. Solvang has free parking and there are three public parking lots.
• 1639 Copenhagen Drive
• 464 Alisal Road
• 1616 Oak Street
All of Santa Ynez Valley Rotary’s profits from the event go to support local charitable causes.
If the party at the mission isn’t your thing for the 4th, there are some other events scheduled:
Alisal Ranch will have a 4th of July Celebration that’s all about barbecue, fireworks, and community. From 4 to 8 p.m. on July 4th, Alisal Ranch’s Executive Chef Erik Sandven and the River Grill team will fire up a classic Independence Day buffet with live music, sweeping golf course views, and fireworks to cap off the night. Tickets are $65 for adults and $45 for children. Patio seating is limited, so be sure to reserve early by calling (805) 688-7784. This celebration is open to the public. Alisal Ranch is located at 1054 Alisal Road.
The 4th of July falls on a Friday this year, and Carhartt Cabin in Los Olivos will have its usual Friday night live music from 5 to 8 p.m. Come and dance the night away and enjoy a glass or bottle of one of their delicious wines and snack on some goodies from a local food truck. No reservations. No cover. Tip bucket made available for the band.
The artist is TBA, but the Cabin has hosted musical acts like Stacked, Teresa Russell, Terry and the Ripley’s, T-Bone Ramblers, Adrian Floy, Mercantile Sessions, Soul Cats, Out of the Blue, Knee Deep, Kelly’s Lot, The New Vibe, and Jayden Secor.
