Thousands celebrate America's 250th birthday in North County

By Camille DeVaul · Wed Jul 08 2026

Record attendance, live music, fireworks, and community traditions highlight Independence Day festivities in Paso Robles and Atascadero

PASO ROBLES — An estimated 10,000 to 12,000 residents and visitors packed Barney Schwartz Park on Saturday for the City of Paso Robles and Travel Paso's annual Fourth of July Celebration, marking the largest attendance since the event began four years ago.

The record turnout surpassed previous years, when approximately 10,000 people attended, with organizers crediting cooler weather and the significance of America's 250th birthday for drawing even larger crowds.

The free celebration featured live music, a Family Fun Zone, food trucks, games, and a patriotic program before the evening concluded with a fireworks spectacular.

Garden Party and Steppin' Out entertained the crowd throughout the evening before the North County Veterans Color Guard presented the colors. Shandon native and country music artist Callie Twisselman then performed the national anthem, drawing cheers from the audience gathered across the park.

"There's nothing like singing the anthem in my hometown on the 250th birthday of America," Twisselman told Paso Robles Press. "And what a great fireworks show they put on. I was glad to be a part of the celebration."

As Twisselman reached the anthem's "rockets' red glare" lyric, the first fireworks illuminated the evening sky, providing a dramatic preview before the full display began moments later.

Earlier in the day, families filled the event's popular Fun Zone, where children enjoyed inflatable attractions, lawn games, giant building blocks, hula hoops, cornhole, bean bag tosses, and face painting. Food vendors and concession stands served thousands throughout the afternoon and evening as attendees settled in for the holiday celebration.

Although light rain began shortly after the fireworks concluded, the weather held long enough for most attendees to enjoy the festivities and make their way home before the showers intensified.

City officials reported the event ended without any major safety incidents, crediting city staff, public safety personnel, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, performers, and community partners for helping deliver a safe and successful celebration.

While Paso Robles celebrated with fireworks, Atascadero residents gathered around Atascadero Lake Park for the annual Fourth of July Music Festival, benefiting the ongoing restoration of the historic Atascadero Printery Building.

The Coffis Brothers perform during the Fourth of July Music Festival at Atascadero Lake Park. The event was hosted by the Atascadero Printery Foundation and Tiny Porch Concerts, and benefited the Printery Foundation. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN

Hosted by the Atascadero Printery Foundation and Tiny Porch Concerts, the afternoon and evening festival featured performances by Shane Alexander, B & the Hive, The Coffis Brothers, and the Fairweather Four Barbershop Quartet. Scout Troop 51 presented the colors during the opening ceremony, followed by the national anthem.

Atascadero Printery Foundation President Karen McNamara described the event as one of the organization's most memorable celebrations.

"Fourth of July was an incredible day," McNamara said. "Five hours, four bands, a great lineup by Tiny Porch Concerts ... Just as the concert ended, a full rainbow filled the sky over the lake to complete a perfect evening. Everything together made for a special day — incredible sounds, great weather, good food and drinks — all to support the important restoration of the Printery for community use."

McNamara said community support continues to fuel progress on the century-old building's restoration, with requests to use the facility arriving regularly as portions of the project near completion.

The Fourth of July festival also launched the Printery Foundation's Tent City Limits Concert Series, which will continue with performances on Aug. 14, Sept. 18, and Oct. 9.

Feature Image: Fireworks light up the night sky to cap off the City of Paso Robles and Travel Paso's annual Fourth of July Celebration at Barney Schwartz Park. Photo by Brittany App/PRP