Celebrating freedom and 113 years of Atascadero

By Angela Cisneros · Mon Jul 06 2026

We are proud to honor our nation’s 250th birthday this Independence Day, but did you know Atascadero turns 113 years old on July 4, as well? On July 4 in 1913, 20,000 acres of land were purchased by E.G. Lewis to begin construction on one of the first planned cities in America — Atascadero! We have a lot to be grateful for with regards to where we live, so let’s celebrate how small towns celebrate best, with each other! 

The 7th annual Fourth of July Music Festival at Atascadero Lake Park is happening on July 4 from 2 to 8 p.m. Bring your picnic, chairs, and blankets while you enjoy the music underneath the shady oak trees. This is a patriotic way to spend the fourth with friends and family without having to clean your house for guests!

Live music at the Atascadero Lake Park on Saturdays in the summer has become quintessential. This July, the concert lineup is Ghost Monster on the 11th, which is feel-good rock of all ages, and PUSH, which is rock-infused ’70s dance music. The music begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m., but be sure to come early with your chairs, blanket, picnic, and friends to get your favorite spot.  

The California Mid-State Fair runs from July 15-26 with plenty of ways to spend time with each other. From the concerts to the carnival, the fair is always a fun place to be! But, what if you want to do something else?

Enjoy dinner and drinks at the new Mabel Lounge at the Carlton, where they distill their own whiskey and offer dog treats to your furry bff. Stroll around the park after dinner to end up at LOL Yogurt for a refreshing frozen yogurt, or visit the new Nana’s Ice Cream Shop on Entrada for a delicious cone.    

Treat yourself to the latest movie (and yummy popcorn) at Colony Cinemas and walk up to Streetside Ale House and Eatery or Kula Hawaiian Kitchen for dinner afterwards. Stroll around the beautiful park in the evening and get a chocolate shake at Sylvester’s Burgers. My personal favorite is to enjoy a beverage at Malibu Brew or Amstrdm with friends and then walk over to The Book Odyssey to find a new summer read. 

Don’t forget our Farmers Market every Wednesday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. where you can get fresh, in-season fruit and veggies for your summer meals. Visiting Farmers Market is a great excuse to take a break on your Wednesday afternoon and mosey through the various vendors with friends or on your own.  

Abraham Lincoln said, “…it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.” Spending time with the ones who are most important to you while enjoying our beautiful city, is the richest way to add life to your years. 

Happy Independence Day!