Celebrations sizzle across the nation on the fourth of July, honoring independence and perseverance. The day encourages families to come together for fun and frivolity, as it falls at the height of summer. If you find yourself along the coast this year, join in the festivities sponsored by towns across featuring parades, concerts and long-awaited fireworks displays in Clatsop County.
Attendance at all events listed below is free.
Seaside
Seaside’s celebration begins with the annual parade at 11:00 a.m. Enjoy vibrant floats and music all along the route, beginning at 12th Avenue and ending at the Seaside Museum. After the floats pass you by, head down to the museum for the 30th annual Old Fashioned Social. Party-goers will be greeted with games, food, and a four-hour cakewalk in the yard, along with the opportunity for a free tour through the museum. Music from Smoke and Mirrors entertains while guests engage in BINGO and silent auction bids. The event begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends at three, allowing you to head over to the Seaside Farmers Market.
This weekly event hosts delicious fare along with gifts, flowers and art. Visitors can pick up veggies for their fourth of July barbeque or just enjoy the culture on the corner of Broadway and
Highway 101.
For a unique ambiance and a plethora of pyrotechnics, hit up the Seaside Fireworks Celebration later that night. Clocking in at 25 minutes of bursts and booms, this show is sure to impress. The best seat in the house is along the beach with KSWB 840 AM on the radio. If you choose to enjoy the ocean views during the day, be sure to stake out a safe spot for a fire and barbeque before the show, which starts at dusk (10:00 p.m.). For rules and regulations on the personal use of fireworks and parking, see the City of Seaside website.
Help out the Beach Drive Buccaneers on Thursday, July 5 for the annual Treasure the Beach Clean-up. The beach will need a little TLC after the fourth of July beach-goers head home on Wednesday night. Head out to help with a bucket and water to stay hydrated at 8:00 a.m. Gloves and bags are provided as everyone pitches in to keep our coast clean.
Seaside Museum- 570 Necanicum Dr, Seaside
Seaside Farmers Market- 1120 Broadway St, Seaside
Astoria
The fourth in Astoria is all about music. Starting on the third, visit the Liberty Theatre for a performance by the North Coast Symphonic Band. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. to listen to the Mea Culpa Bassoons, then enjoy the 7:00 “United We Stand” concert, “An evening of all American music that will be sure to entertain and please,” according to the Liberty Theatre’s website.
In the morning, begin the holiday with views of the Columbia and a pint at Buoy Beer. The festivities start at 11:00 a.m. with five different musicians performing throughout the day at their Red, White and Buoy festival. Enjoy a tantalizing menu and a cold brew on the riverfront while jamming out to a variety of tunes. Choose a specialty IPA to support Buoy’s quarterly nonprofit, Lunch Buddy Mentoring Program through their Pints for a Purpose program.
Next, visit Fort George Brewery and Public House for a unique Band-in-the Round session starting at 6:00 p.m. Stick around for wood-fired pizza and pints of your favorite beer, catch a table near the west end if you want a good seat for the fireworks, which can be seen from the second floor windows starting at dusk.
If you prefer an outdoor seat, the best place to catch the city of Astoria fireworks bonanza is along the riverwalk, although the bursts can be seen from most anywhere on the north slope. Set off at the East Mooring Basin, the show is a perfect end to a musical holiday.
Liberty Theatre-1203 Commercial St, Astoria
Buoy Beer- 1 8th St, Astoria
Fort George Brewery and Public House- 1483 Duane St, Astoria
Warrenton
“Salute our Heroes” in Warrenton this fourth with a day full of fun. Beginning at 11:00 a.m. visit the Quincy Robinson Park for a car and motorcycle show along with tailgating party. Or join the Warrenton Firefighter’s Association Barbeque at 12:00 p.m. for a free holiday meal. At 3:00 p.m. watch the annual parade on Main Avenue with over a hundred entries. Be a spectator and salute the grand marshall, recognizing all military members in honor of this year’s theme. Or, be a participant, the Calvary Assembly of God Church will be decorating bikes with kids to ride in the event. Head over and join in the activities, then show off your bike from noon to 3:00 p.m. when all riders will be directed into the parade. The event will be kicked off with a flyover by a 142nd Fighter Wing F-15 plane, so wherever you may be in the area, be sure to turn your eyes to the sky at 3:00 p.m.
Warrenton Fire Station- 225 S Main Ave, Warrenton
Calvary Assembly of God Church- 1365 S Main Ave, Warrenton
Cannon Beach
If you prefer a laid-back fourth, Cannon Beach festivities are perfect. The Cannon Beach Parade starts around 11:00 a.m. with candy and dog treats for parade-goers. Spiff up your look by stopping by the American Legion first to get festive face paint and hats to cheer on the floats. Head back to the Legion after the parade for hot dogs.
Cannon Beach is well known for its National Wildlife Refuge. Haystack Rock is a protected area for birds and marine life, hosting colorful creatures and growing chicks. It’s a great place to visit any day to learn about these inhabitants, but especially on July 4. Haystack Rock Awareness Program hosts the Great Cannon Beach Puffin Watch, where guides are available with telescopes and binoculars to point out these vibrant seabirds to visitors.
If you’re interested in fireworks this fourth, visit Astoria or Seaside, as this event replaces a fireworks display in Cannon Beach.
American Legion- 1216 S Hemlock, Cannon Beach