Want to spend the 4th somewhere other than your own backyard this year? Come enjoy the festivities in Mammoth Lakes! Our small town knows how to put on quite a show, complete with a parade, community breakfast, and an unforgettable lakeside firework display. And here at Mammoth Mountain Reservations, we’ve got condos that are right in the middle of the best activities!
In this article, we’re sharing plenty of reasons why your family will love spending Independence Day with us here in Mammoth Lakes.
Here in Mammoth, the festivities begin before the 4th
One day isn’t enough for our Independence Day celebrations! For one thing, the Village at Mammoth has a full schedule of fun activities starting on the 2nd, including a Chihuahua Race, DJ set, live music performance by the Dead Winter Carpenters, and a firework show.
There are also activities kicking off early in the middle of town. Arts on the 4th, our town’s biggest arts fair of the year, is set to start on the 2nd and run throughout the weekened. Located in the large parking lot next to Footloose Sports, you can walk through rows and rows of artist stands selling all styles of artisanal wares including jewelry, ceramics, paintings, photography, and more. There are also food trucks, artist demonstrations, live musical performances, and craft areas for kids.
The 4th of July always starts with the Footloose Freedom Mile
It wouldn’t be a holiday weekend in Mammoth Lakes without an option for some fun exercise. And, this year marks the 21st annual one mile road race that is sure to get your 4th of July off on the right foot. Start time is at 10:30am at Mammoth Creek Park and the route goes right down Old Mammoth Road towards Footloose Sports.
This is a casual, family-friendly event, so you’ll see folks decked out in festive clothing and costumes, plus plenty of babies in strollers and kids. This event doesn’t offer individual participant timing, but there are prizes for the first place winners and anyone who is able to beat the standing time records!
The proceeds for the Footloose Freedom Mile go towards Mammoth Track Club, and you’ll get an event t-shirt and finisher’s medal.
Enjoy a breakfast with Mammoth locals
Every year, the Lions Club Breakfast serves up something delicious at the Mammoth Mall parking lot. This year’s menu features hearty breakfast burritos plus your favorite brunch beverages like bloody marys and mimosas. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids, and food will be available from 7:30am to 11:30am (the bar will stay open until 1pm.)
Settle in for the annual 4th of July parade
The parade is our town’s chance to celebrate everyone who makes Mammoth Lakes special. You’ll see floats for local businesses, the fire department, search & rescue crews, special interest clubs, rescue organizations and more.
Make sure that you show up early (or even be prepared to stake your claim the night before) so that you can ensure a good view of the parade, which will run through Main Street and part of Old Mammoth Road. The start time this year is 11am.
Take in the some tunes at Mammoth Creek Park
If you don’t want the party to end when the parade does, mosey on down to Mammoth Creek Park to listen to a special performance by our beloved local Sierra Pops Orchestra. Every year, they put on a great free concert in the early afternoon showcasing patriotic ballads as well as hits from pop culture and Broadway.
Get a little bit of rest & recovery (or not)
There are always a couple of hours to fill between the morning festivities and the evening firework show. One good option is to head back to your condo for a nap and maybe a dip in the pool.
Or, you could follow the lead of many of our more active locals and squeeze in a quick hike up to McCleod or Crystal Lake or take a mountain bike ride around the backside of Shady Rest Park. But seriously, we wouldn’t blame you if you took a few hours in the afternoon to chill out.
Head down to Crowley for the firework show
Throughout the summer, you know Crowley Lake as the go-to place for perch fishing and wakeboarding. But once a year on July 4th, it also becomes the place where locals throughout Mono County gather around to set up their campsites and watch the Independence Day firework show!
Starting at 9:15pm on the dot, the 17-minute show will dazzle viewers with over 960 shells choreographed to a musical montage broadcasted on KMMT 106.5.
Crowley Lake Fish Camp will be collecting entrance fees of $30 per vehicle or $5 per person for walk-ins. Children 12 and under are free!
Frequently asked questions for spending the 4th of July in Mammoth Lakes
What sets Mammoth Lakes apart from other cities for 4th of July?
Not only does Mammoth offer a range of activities that are unique to our area, but you can’t beat the small town charm that makes this holiday weekend truly special. Whether you’re chatting with local artists at their Arts on the 4th stall or you’re waving to Woolly while he glides past on his parade float, there’s something sweet and wholesome here that you just can’t get anywhere else.
How hot will it be for 4th of July in Mammoth Lakes?
If you’re used to blistering hot weather on the 4th of July, we’ve got some good news for you. Here in Mammoth, temperatures tend to be pleasant in July. The forecast could change from now until the 4th, but the prediction at the time of this publication is a high of 77 degrees and sunny skies.
That being said, with all that excitement, walking around, and UV exposure, make sure everyone in your family is well hydrated and sunscreened!
Are dogs allowed at the 4th of July activities?
In general, Mammoth Lakes is a very dog-friendly town and there are plenty of activities that you can bring your pup along for, such as the parade and Arts on the 4th. That being said, tangled dog leashes have been a problem at the Footloose Freedom Mile in the past, so organizers ask that your furry friend cheers you on from the sidelines.
It’s also important to think about how to include your dog in all July 4th activities safely. For instance, you’ll want to find a shady area to watch the parade because the asphalt is likely to be hot, and you might want to skip the fireworks show if your dog gets spooked by loud noises.
How busy does Mammoth Lakes get for 4th of July?
Independence Day is one of our biggest holidays of the year, so town can get pretty busy! You’ll definitely want to book your condo as early as possible and make reservations at your favorite restaurants ahead of time. Because of road closures and traffic to and from the Crowley Lake firework show, it’s also a good idea to anticipate longer travel times and use public transit whenever possible to cut down on traffic around town.
We’ve still got condos available for July 4th Weekend!
Now is the time to book your stay for 4th of July weekend before condos start booking up! Take a look at what we still have available at Mammoth Mountain Reservations.
