Independence DayRob's Pick

Arnold Independence Day Parade

Theme: Stars, Stripes & 250 Years

Saturday, July 4, 2026Steps off 10:00 AM1-mile route, all downhillFree to watch

Where to watch

Arnold's biggest morning of the year. The Independence Day Parade steps off at 10:00 AM sharp and rolls one mile, all downhill, from the upper Byway through town to Cedar Center. This year's theme is Stars, Stripes and 250 Years. Get there early, because Highway 4 closes to cars at 9:30 AM, then grab a curb, bring a chair, and wave a flag. Free to watch, and about as Arnold as it gets.

The route

  1. 1Lower Arnold Byway (start)
  2. 2Down through town
  3. 3Cedar Center (finish)

Get there early: Highway 4 closes to cars at 9:30 AM sharp. Park, then stake out a curb.

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Get Directions

Arnold, California · 4,000 ft

Marching in the parade?

Straight from the organizers. Read before you line up.

  • Be in staging by 9:15 AM

    Enter at the upper Byway entrance. Highway 4 closes to cars at 9:30 AM sharp.

  • One entry per sign-up

    Don't show up with an extra float or something added on. The line-up is set ahead of time.

  • Horses are welcome

    We love the horses. Just bring a pooper-scooper and a scoopee. Staging and Cedar Center would rather skip the road apples.

  • Helmets on wheels

    Anyone riding bikes, quads, or motorcycles must wear a helmet. It's state law.

  • Keep it celebratory

    Not a political arena: no protest signs or demonstrations. Organizers may cover up objectionable material.

  • Stay in your slot

    Once the parade begins, hold your place in line all the way to Cedar Center.

Free drinks for parade participants at Cedar Center once you finish the route.

Sign up & questions

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