🎆 Fourth of July in Ojai: Celebrate Small-Town Magic

As the sun rises over our beloved valley on Friday, July 4, 2025, Ojai awakens for a day packed with tradition, community spirit, and fireworks. Here’s your insider’s guide to making the most of the holiday:

July 3 – Pre‑4th of July Festivities

5:00–6:00 PM: Annual Concert in the Park

Kick things off with a free concert at Libbey Park/Bowl, featuring Jimmy Calire & the Ojai Band, community raffles, and family fun in the open air (4thofjulyinojai.com).

July 4 – Independence Day Schedule

Time	Event
7:00–10:00 AM	Pancake Breakfast at Chaparral Auditorium📍 414 E Ojai AveAdult $10 / Child $7 – all proceeds support Ojai community groups (local.aarp.org, 4thofjulyinojai.com)
9:00 AM	Freedom Run – Youth dash for ages 2–12, starting at the Post Office tower; registration at 8:45 AM
10:00 AM	Fourth of July Parade steps off downtown on Ojai Avenue (Country Club Drive → Park Road), showcasing floats, classic cars, bands & horses
After the Parade	Picnic in the Park at Sarzotti Park – relax with neighbors and await the parade winners announcement at 1:30 PM
5:30–9:30 PM	Family Fireworks Show at Nordhoff High School (1401 Maricopa Hwy) – gates open at 5:30; enjoy food trucks, live music by Power On†, family activities, and a fireworks spectacle starting ~9:15 PM

🔔 Note: Ticket pricing for fireworks is Adult $12–15, Child $6–7, and Family passes (pre‑sale) $30. No pets, glass, alcohol, smoking, or fireworks allowed at the stadium (4thofjulyinojai.com).

🗓️ Summary Timeline

• July 3 (Thu), 5–6 PM – Free concert at Libbey Park

• July 4 (Fri):

  • 7–10 AM: Pancakes at Chaparral Auditorium

  • 9 AM: Youth Freedom Run

  • 10 AM: Parade down Ojai Avenue

  • 1:30 PM: Parade winners announced at Sarzotti Park

  • 5:30 PM: Gates open for fireworks at Nordhoff High

  • 9:15 PM: Fireworks display

🌟 Pro Tips & Highlights

• Arrive early for the parade; Ojai Avenue will close from ~7:30 AM until the parade ends (4thofjulyinojai.com, conejovalleyguide.com, 4thofjulyinojai.com, local.aarp.org).

• Reserve fireworks tickets in advance via Eventbrite or local retailers (American Hay, Attitude Adjustment, Grits & Grace, Pets N’ More, Ventura Hay) (4thofjulyinojai.com).

• Pack your picnic gear—Picnic at Sarzotti Park and lawn chairs/blankets for the fireworks.

• Volunteer opportunity: Join the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy after 6 PM to help close trails and assist the Fire Dept at the Meadows Preserve, and get a free dinner with prime fireworks viewing .

• Weather’s usually warm and clear—ideal for outdoor events, though lighter layers are recommended for the evening.

🇺🇸 Reflecting on Ojai’s Spirit

From volunteer-powered parades to community-run breakfasts and fireworks, Ojai’s 4th of July is an ode to neighborliness and hometown pride. Events run by local nonprofits and clubs—like the Lions, Rotary, and the Independence Day Committee—mean every pancake served and rocket launched reflects our collective spirit.