Thursday, July 4, 2025 | 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Grape Day Park & Center for the Arts The California Center for the Arts, Escondido, is proud to present the 60th Annual Independence Day Festival, a beloved community tradition filled with music, culture, and patriotic fun. This free family-friendly event returns on Thursday, July 4, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Grape Day Park and the Center for the Arts campus. Festival goers can look forward to an exciting day of entertainment and celebration featuring: - Live music on the main stage - Artisan market and local vendors - Delicious food trucks and craft beer garden - Great Green Canteen VIP Experience - Free arts & crafts, face painting, and airbrush tattoos (4:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.) - Complimentary admission to the Escondido History Center (4 p.m.–7 p.m.) - Fireworks spectacular at 9 p.m. Main Stage Schedule: 4:30 p.m. – Opening Remarks and National Anthem by the Mayor’s Contest Winner 5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. – Back to the Garden This crowd-favorite tribute band channels the spirit of the 1960s and ’70s, covering hits from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Joni Mitchell, The Beatles, and more. Their nostalgic sound and multi-instrumental performances bring peace, love, and harmony to every stage they play. 6:20 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Hula Hoop Contest 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Kimmi Bitter Hailed as one of Southern California’s rising retro-country stars, Kimmi Bitter blends vintage twang with modern Americana soul. With a voice reminiscent of Patsy Cline and Linda Ronstadt, her timeless sound has earned her acclaim on stages across the country. 7:50 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Dance Party Interlude 8:00 p.m. – 9 p.m. – 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band Enjoy a stirring patriotic performance from one of the U.S. Marine Corps’ premier musical ensembles. 9 p.m. – Fireworks Show! This event is free and open to the public, with activities and entertainment for all ages. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and festive spirit! Special thanks to our sponsors: City of Escondido, Linden Root Dickinson Foundation, County of San Diego, and the California Center for the Arts Charitable Trust. VIP seating available in the Great Green Canteen: “The Great Green Canteen” – A CCAEF Independence Day Fundraiser BBQ with VIP seating Ticket Cost: $80 for a table of 4 Table seating includes the following for each attendee: 1 beer token, VIP concert seating in the orange grove area of the Great Green for the entire event, and 1 meal from the Great Green Canteen BBQ. - Cheeseburger on a brioche - Nathan’s Hot Dog - Blackened Chicken Sandwich - Black Bean Patty on Brioche *all served with a fresh cut watermelon wedge and potato salad Click here to order VIP seating at the tables! California Center for the Arts, Escondido on Instagram
