What to do in Ventura During the Fourth of July Weekend

If you’re looking for something to do in Ventura during the Fourth of July weekend 2026, you’re in luck. Ventura celebrates the holiday with small beach town charm and family-friendly activities, all with an ocean breeze! And this year, with American 250 at the forefront, Ventura is going all out. Read on to get some inspiration on how to spend the Fourth of July in our sunny beach town.

Fourth of July Weekend in Ventura at a Glance

Best for fireworks: Downtown Ventura’s Friday night celebration starting around 9:00 pm.
Best for families: Saturday’s Fourth of July pushem pullem parade, ice cream stops, and a field day at Arroyo Verde Park
Best for waterfront views: Ventura Harbor Village with live music, dining, shopping, and photo ops
Best classic summer activity: A Beach day along Ventura’s sandy coastline
Best way to make it a getaway: Stay overnight and explore Downtown Ventura, the Ventura Harbor Village, and the beach all weekend long

Friday Night in Downtown Ventura: Fireworks, Live Music, and Local Vibes

What to do in Ventura During the Fourth of July Weekend

Fourth of July festivities kick off right in Downtown Ventura with the Downtown Ventura fireworks display. Fireworks will be shot from the top of the Downtown Parking Garage on Santa Clara Street on Friday, July 3, at around 9:00 pm, where you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the colorful display all throughout Downtown. Ventura Rotary is supporting this City-led event by sponsoring the musical simulcast for the show! Tune into KBBY 95.1 FM that night to hear the music.

Before the big fireworks show, there will be live music in Downtown Ventura from 7-9 pm. Grab dinner at one of the awesome restaurants in the area, hang out and listen to some live music, and then get ready to find your viewing spot for the fireworks! Parking, viewing tips, and more information

Saturday Morning: Pushem-Pullem Parade & Street Fair

This is when that small beach town charm comes to light. Starting at 10 am in front of Cemetery Memorial Park, line up along Main Street to watch as red, white, and blue fun floats, wagons, and more cruise down the street during this annual 4th of July celebration. The street fair features 100+ artisan vendors, a car exhibit, food trucks, a kids’ area, live entertainment, and more.

Keep it local by browsing boutiques, dining at local restaurants, and biking along the Ventura Promenade.

Spend the Afternoon at the Beach

Ventura is home to 30 miles of coastline, with plenty of beaches that will fit your mood. Maybe you’re looking for some calm waves to introduce your little one to the ocean (tip: pick Mothers Beach), you’re looking for beginner-friendly waves to hang ten (Mondos Beach is the pick for you!), or you’re searching for a beach where you can bring your four-legged friend (Ventura Pier beach is dog-friendly!).

Spend the day chilling out on the sand or playing in the waves. However you decide to spend your beach day, make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, water, and a beach towel to keep the fun flowing.

arroyo verde walking path surrounded by mustard plants

If a family BBQ and field day is more your style, Ventura has plenty of open green space to spread out and enjoy the holiday together.

Try Arroyo Verde Park for 129 acres filled with picnic tables, reservable BBQ areas, the City’s first inclusive play area, and dog-friendly hiking trails. Camino Real Park is another great option with three playgrounds, reservable BBQ areas, a walking trail, and sports fields.

Ventura Harbor Village: Live Music, Waterfront Dining & Photo Ops

Afternoon ambiance at the Ventura Harbor Village

A couple cheersing wine glasses at Deep Sea Winery at the Ventura Harbor

fresh food at Andria's Seaffod Restaurant

It’s well worth your time to go listen to live music by the water as you explore the Ventura Harbor Village this Fourth of July weekend in Ventura.

From noon to 4:10 pm on July 3 and July 4, live music will be playing right along the waterfront. Stop and take photos in front of a patriotic photo backdrop, try your luck at fun giveaways happening all weekend long, and enjoy fresh seafood with a view at one of the Ventura Harbor’s delicious restaurants. If you want to get out on the water, rent a pedal or electric boat from Ventura Boat Rentals and cruise through the Marina with a gentle ocean breeze blowing through your hair.

How to Spend Fourth of July Weekend in Ventura: Mini-itinerary Guide for the different traveler

With all of these ideas planted in your head, here’s how we would realistically plan the holiday weekend in Ventura to hit all of the top things to do in Ventura.

For Families

Best for: easy activities, outdoor space, kid-friendly spots

Friday: Watch live music and fireworks in Downtown Ventura. Book a stay in a nearby hotel

Saturday: Start the morning with coffee and line up along Main Street to see the Pushem-Pullem Parade. Cool down with ice cream, and then head to Camino Real Park for a field day

Sunday: Grab breakfast at one of Ventura’s best breakfast spots, walk along the historic Ventura Pier or rent a bike and cruise along the Ventura Promenade