Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is hosting a free, old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration where visitors will be able to experience an unique special event where park staff and volunteers try to capture how early San Diego residents would have celebrated their Independence Day; through games, period clothing, demonstrations, music, and dance.

The event will kick off at 11:00 AM with a brass band followed by patriotic speeches, and a flag raising. One of the highlights of the day is our annual Fourth of July parade around the plaza. Following the parade is a Contra dance where visitors are encouraged to kick up their heels and join in.

Nineteenth century crafts, games, contests, and demonstrations are presented throughout the day including an egg toss, cow chip throwing, and cherry pit spitting. The event concludes with a pie eating contest. All activities are geared toward children and adults of all ages.

We hope that visitors will gain a stronger appreciation of early San Diego life through living history activities, demonstrations, crafts, music, dance, and songs presented throughout the day.