Ojai Independence Day Committee Presents

★ Ojai's ★ Independence Day
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Celebration

Waving American flag
Happy 250th Birthday USA!

Two days of community, music, parade, and fireworks. Run entirely by volunteers — supported by you.

Welcome

These events are put on by the Ojai Independence Day Committee, a small, all-volunteer group committed to bringing our community together each year to honor the founding of our country and celebrate our town.

We host a concert on July 3rd, followed by a parade and fireworks show on Independence Day — events for families, friends, and neighbors of all ages.

Thank You, Sponsors

The annual operating budget is funded through admission tickets, sponsorship, and donations. Show your support — donate today.

Join the list — donations of any amount keep the tradition going.

★ Become a Sponsor ★

JULY 3

6:00 PM
FREE CONCERT

In Libbey Bowl · Featuring The Ojai Band and The Ojai Players

An open-air evening of music in Libbey Bowl. Bring a blanket, bring the kids, bring the neighbors. Stick around for the raffle stocked with prizes from local businesses — every ticket helps pay for the next day's parade and fireworks.

★ Honoring Our Veterans ★ Veterans and active duty military are invited to be honored in a special on-stage presentation during the program.
Thank You to Our Raffle Donors
O'Brien Estate · Jim & Robs · Island Packers · Serendipity Toys · Fred's Tire Man · Stixx Billiards · Skating Plus · Ojai Springs Car Wash · Lil Sammies · Cuts N More · Soule Park Golf Course · Balance Health Center · Ojai Ice Cream · Black Angus · Bonnie Lu's · Meiners Oaks Ace Hardware • Several baskets from Lisa Logan for dog owners cat lovers, game lovers, and more

JULY 4

7 – 10 AM

Pancake Breakfast

Chaparral Auditorium
Hosted by Lion's Club

9:00 AM

Youth Freedom Run

Registration 8:45 AM
Libbey Fountain

10:00 AM
★ ★ ★ PARADE ★ ★ ★

Ojai Ave — from Country Club Drive to Park Road

★ 2026 Grand Marshals ★
Gil & Carolyn Vondriska
After Parade

Picnic in Sarzotti Park

Relax with food, friends, and live music — hosted by the City of Ojai.
Parade winners announced at 1:30 PM.

Evening

★ FIREWORKS SHOW ★

Nordhoff Stadium · Gates Open 5:30 PM

Blankets on the grass, kids weaving through the crowd, the Power On Band playing while folks dance up front. Food trucks if you're hungry, picnics if you've packed one. Then we turn off the stadium lights and the fireworks begin!

⚠️ No entry after 9:00 PM — no exceptions

Fireworks Show

Nordhoff Stadium · 1401 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai, CA 93023

Gates Open 5:30 PM  ·  ⚠️ NO ENTRY AFTER 9:00 PM — NO EXCEPTIONS
Buy Tickets on Eventbrite

Pre-Sale Prices

  • Family Pass 8
    2 adults + 6 kids
    $40
  • Family Pass 6
    2 adults + 4 kids
    $35
  • Family Pass 4
    2 adults + 2 kids
    $30
  • ⚠️ Families using a Family Pass must arrive together
  • Adult$12
  • Child$6
Presale Tickets Available At Attitude Adjustment Shop · American Hay · Pets & More

Gate Prices

  • Adult$15
  • Child$7
  • Family PassNot at gate

All ticket sales are final unless canceled by the committee.

Event Rules

No Pets No Glass No Alcohol No Smoking No Fireworks

Ice chests and bags are welcome but will be checked at the gate.

Support the Show

Ojai's Independence Day events are organized entirely by a local volunteer-run nonprofit. No funding comes from the City of Ojai. These events rely on community support and donations to continue each year.

Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted. Consider adding a small donation at checkout when buying tickets, or mailing one to the address below.

★ Donate Now ★

Parade

Join the 2026 parade — floats, marching bands, classic cars, horses, and community groups all welcome.

How to Apply

Pick up parade applications in person at:

City Hall · Boyd Center · American Hay

Application (English) Aplicación (Español)

Application deadline: June 6, 2026. Make checks payable to Ojai Independence Day Committee, P.O. Box 1176, Ojai, CA 93023.

Application Guidelines

Only complete applications will be considered. A complete application must include:

  • Total length of the entry (front of pull vehicle to back of trailer)
  • Number of participants (marchers, horses, vehicles, etc.)
  • Whether there will be music or audio

Maximum entry length is 50 feet, including the pull vehicle. Entries exceeding this limit will be subject to an additional fee. No changes can be made after submission. If you wish to be placed near another group, indicate this clearly on your application.

Parade Day Info

  • Ojai Avenue at El Paseo–Park Rd. closed 7:30 AM through conclusion of parade.
  • All floats and vehicle entries enter Ojai Ave at El Paseo. Horse entries enter via Hermosa Rd. to Country Club Dr.
  • Spectators: please stay beyond Bristol Rd. Keep chairs and bodies clear of the parade lineup zone in front of Matilija Middle School for safety.

Return Applications To

By mail:
Ojai Independence Day Committee
P.O. Box 1176, Ojai, CA 93023

Hand-deliver to:

  • Ojai City Hall — 401 S. Ventura St., Ojai, CA 93023
  • Ojai Recreation Department — 510 Park Rd., Ojai, CA 93023
  • American Hay — 101 Short St., Oak View, CA 93022

Vendors

Interested in being a food vendor or booth at the fireworks show?

Fill out the vendor application and submit it to the committee.
Application deadline: June 3, 2026.

Vendor Application (PDF)

About & Volunteer

Our committee is run 100% by volunteers.

Looking for a way to give back? Whether you're earning service hours or just want to get involved, volunteering with the Ojai Independence Day Committee is a great way to support our beloved small-town traditions.

Many people don't realize our entire committee is run 100% by volunteers — no one gets paid, and every event is made possible through the hard work and dedication of community members like you.

We're always looking for extra hands — from leadership roles to helping along the parade route, or assisting at the fireworks show. No matter how big or small the task, your time and energy make a difference.

We receive no funding from the city. Every parade, concert, and firework in the sky is the result of our own fundraising efforts — and the support of people like you.

★ Committee Members ★

  • President/Chairman: Bonnie Patton — (805) 223-3709
  • Vice Chairman: Lisa Logan
  • Treasurer: Colleen Fry
  • Secretary: Patti Bagley
  • Fireworks: Joel Fox
  • Horse Parade Entries: Tonya Langkopf — (805) 798-3994
  • Horse Parade Assistant: Jodine Hamaran
  • Vehicle Parade Entries: Terry Wright
  • Media / Food Trucks / Vendors: Gina Braget — (805) 850-9058
  • Fundraising Chair: Cindy Hernandez
  • Members: Tommy Marcus, Jamie Cheli, Kimi Fry, Steven

Get in Touch

★ Ojai Independence Day Committee ★

P.O. Box 1176
Ojai, CA 93023

ojai_independenceday@yahoo.com