Celebrate Independence Day in Mono County
From festive parades and arts fairs to fireworks, fishing, and even volcano walks, Mono County offers a truly unique way to spend the 4th of July holiday week. Whether you're in the mood for small-town charm or big-mountain adventure, here are some top events to check out:
Bridgeport's Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration – July 3-6 | Bridgeport
Bridgeport goes all out with a multi-day celebration full of small-town charm. Festivities include a pancake breakfast, classic parade, rodeo, craft fair, live music, family-friendly games, and a spectacular fireworks show. It’s a can’t-miss tradition in the heart of the Eastern Sierra (for more than 160 years!). While you’re in town, stop by the Mono County Museum and Visitor Center in the park for local history, helpful tips, and more ideas to explore the area.
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Crowley Lake Fireworks Spectacular – July 4 | Crowley Lake Fish Camp &
Watch the Eastern Sierra’s largest fireworks show light up the night sky over Crowley Lake! Gates open at 6pm and the show begins at dark (around 9:15pm). Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and warm layers for a memorable lakeside celebration. Hosted by the Town of Mammoth Lakes.
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June Lake 4th of July Fishing Expo – July 4 | Double Eagle Resort Pond
Bring the whole family to this free event at the scenic Double Eagle Resort in June Lake! Enjoy catch-and-release fishing, games, vendors, BBQ, bake sale, raffles, and kids' grab bags — all in support of the June Lake Loop Trophy Trout Program.
Questions? Call 760-648-7756
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Arts on the Fourth – July 3-6 | Mammoth Lakes
Stroll through booths filled with handmade art, jewelry, ceramics, photography, textiles, and more at this juried arts festival in the heart of Mammoth Lakes. Hosted by Mono Arts Council, the event also features food, drinks, and live music—perfect for a leisurely afternoon browsing unique gifts and mountain-inspired creations.
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Mammoth Lakes Fourth of July Parade – July 4 | Mammoth Lakes
Line the sidewalks of Main Street for Mammoth Lakes' classic Fourth of July parade. Enjoy floats, local organizations, music, and fun giveaways. Arrive early to grab a good viewing spot—this is one of the most popular events in town!
Parade starts at 11:00am, Thursday, July 4
Parade info
How Big is Big? Fishing Derby – July 1-31 | West Walker River
Think you can land the biggest trout? Test your angling skills on the beautiful West Walker River during this month-long derby. Entry is free with a valid fishing license, and prizes are awarded for the largest catches. Get more information and fish weighed at the Walker General Store. This easy and laid back event is a favorite for families and fishing enthusiasts alike!
Mono Village's Summer Fishing Derby – July 2-9 | Twin Lakes
Cast for bragging‑size rainbows in the glassy waters below Sawtooth Ridge. Register at the Mono Village tackle shop (small entry fee) and weigh your catch daily for a shot at weekly cash or gear prizes, plus end‑of‑summer grand payouts. Shore, float tube, and boat anglers all compete; winning fish often top five pounds. Family‑run Mono Village also offers cabins, RV sites, a café, and rental boats—making it easy to turn derby day into a mini‑vacation.
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Mammoth Summit Sunset Party – July 5 | Mammoth Mountain
Ride the Panorama Gondola up to 11,053 ft after hours for a high‑alpine “golden hour” you’ll never forget. A live band or DJ sets the vibe on the sundeck, the bar pours craft cocktails and local brews, and the views sweep from Yosemite’s Minarets to White Mountain Peak. Gondola upload starts around 5 pm; last download is after dark, so bring a jacket for the crisp summit air. Ticket includes a complimentary drink and unlimited selfies with the sunset.
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Bridgeport Ranch Rodeo – July 5-6 | Bridgeport
Celebrate authentic ranching heritage at the historic rodeo grounds on the north end of town. Local cowboys and cowgirls compete in team roping, branding, ranch sorting, and other real‑deal stock‑handling events—no glittery pageantry here, just working‑ranch skills on display. Gates open mid‑morning, plenty of bleacher seating, plus BBQ, cold drinks, and a small vendors’ row. Combine it with Bridgeport’s multi‑day 4th festivities for the full Western experience.
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Party on the Mountain – July 6 | June Mountain
June Mountain fires up J1 Chair for a scenic ride to the mid‑mountain chalet, where an afternoon of live music, lawn games, and outdoor grilling awaits. Spread a blanket on the grassy slopes, sample the beer garden, or let the kids conquer the bouncy house. The vibe is laid‑back “June” style—smaller crowds, huge views of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Lifts usually spin 3–7 pm; mountain bike racks welcome if you want to pedal back down.
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Panum Crater Geology Walks – Select Fridays through summer | Mono Lake
Step back in time with Sierra Forever on a guided walk through Panum Crater, one of the youngest volcanic features in North America. Learn about the dramatic geologic forces that shaped the Mono Basin, and enjoy panoramic views of Mono Lake and the Eastern Sierra. A fun and educational experience for all ages, the walk is about two miles and includes some minor elevation gain on a soft, sandy trail.
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Free Fishing Day – July 6 | Mono County
No license? No problem! On California’s second Free Fishing Day of the year, anyone can fish without purchasing a license. It’s an ideal opportunity to introduce kids to angling or to sample Mono County’s legendary trout waters. All other regulations (bag limits, gear rules) still apply, so check posted signs and be sure to practice catch‑and‑release ethics where needed.
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Lundy Canyon Bird Tours – Ongoing through summer | Lundy Lake Boat Ramp
Join a naturalist-guide for a leisurely tour around Lundy Canyon, where the convergence of coniferous forest, sagebrush scrub, riparian woodlands, and open water provides habitat for many bird species. This guided, 1.5–2 hour tour is appropriate for all experience levels and age groups. Offered on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer (please check the schedule and sign-up in advance).
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Holiday Tips for Visitors & Locals Alike:
Arrive early to trailheads, lakes, and scenic areas to find parking—and please park only in designated spots.
Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect: No open fires outside developed campgrounds. More info
Camp like a pro—pack it in, pack it out, and follow all posted rules. More info
Stay safe at high elevations: Wear sunscreen, drink water, and take breaks as needed.
Respect wildlife: Never feed animals and keep food stored properly. Read tips
Be kind to the land and each other. Mountain Manners
From community traditions to outdoor adventure, there’s no better place to celebrate than the Eastern Sierra. Wishing you a safe and memorable Fourth of July—and a wonderful summer visit in Mono County!
