Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Purchase Parking
Join the City of Santee as we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America at Santee Salutes from 2:00 - 10:00 PM at Town Center Community Park East!
Event Timeline
- 2:00 PM - Parking lots open
- 3:00 PM - Shuttles from Costco begin
- 4:00 PM - Food vendors open
- 6:00 PM - Patriotic ceremony
- 6:30 - 9:00 PM - Performance by Those Guys
- 8:30 PM - Last pick-up from Costco
- 9:00 PM - Fireworks display (Choregraphed music available on SanteeTV)
- 11:00 PM - Shuttle service concludes
- Note: Town Center Community Park East will close shortly after the event ends.
Food Vendors
Dessert Vendors
Parking
Parking is on sale now!
Due to ongoing construction of the Santee Community Center, the YMCA footbridge will be closed throughout the summer and parking at the YMCA will be limited. Santee Salutes attendees are encouraged to carpool, bike, walk, or use other alternative modes of transportation. Additional parking is available at Santana High School (9915 Magnolia Ave, Santee, CA 92071) for those driving to the event and are interested in walking over.
There will be free shuttles from the Costco Parking lot (101 Town Center Pkwy) to the event from 3:00 to 11:00 PM. The shuttles will not run during the fireworks show from approximately 9:00 - 9:30 PM. Last pick-up from Costco to the event will be at 8:15 PM.
PLEASE NOTE shuttle buses do not have ramp access and cannot accommodate large items such as canopies, wagons, large coolers, or wheelchairs.
Parking Lot Map
Event FAQs
Important Event Information
- Can I ride my bike, scooter, skateboard, or other wheeled device around the event?
- No. Per SMC 8.08.030 (Ord. 561 § 3, 2019), all wheeled devices must be walked at all times within the park during special events. This includes bicycles (traditional and e-bikes), scooters and e-scooters, skateboards, roller skates, rollerblades, and similar devices. Bike racks are available at the park entrance for your convenience. (Fire/EMS and law enforcement exempt)
- The YMCA footbridge is CLOSED
- Due to construction on the Santee Community Center, the YMCA footbridge is closed. Those parking in the YMCA lot will either need to walk to the West footbridge or walk down Park Center Dr.
- How much do the Santee Salutes cost to attend?
- Santee Salutes is a free event; However, there is a nominal fee for reserved parking and optional food and drinks are available from on-site vendors as well as glow necklaces, face painting and t-shirts.
- Will there be more than one firework show this year?
- No; The only firework show will be in Town Center Community Park East on July 4th at 9:00 PM. This year's show will be longer than previous years in celebration of America's 250th anniversary.
- Will there be a simulcast of the fireworks show?
- Where will the band be playing?
- The band will play on the stage at the eastern end of the park, by the flag pole and parking lot.
- Can I bring chairs or a blanket?
- Yes, we actually encourage it!
- Are canopies and umbrellas allowed?
- Yes, however canopies and large umbrellas must be setup behind the canopy line. We ask that any umbrellas be taken down at dusk to prevent viewing obstructions for the fireworks display.
- Are there other activities to take part in?
- There is a playground on-site on the northwest side of the park and plenty of room to bring soccer balls, footballs etc.. Each week there will also be various outreach booths and activities on-site.
- Where are the restrooms?
- The restrooms are located on the northwest end of the park in the same building as Riverwalk Grill. Porta-potties are also available near the south park entrance.
- Is this a rain or shine event?
- Yes, the event will be held rain or shine. The City of Santee may cancel the event due to dangerous weather conditions.
- What should I wear/bring?
- It will be warm/hot when the event begins but the temperature cools down in the evening. A light jacket is recommended. The surrounding areas are sprayed for mosquitos, however we still suggest you bring bud repellent, sunscreen and water. Candles are prohibited including citronella candles
- Can I bring my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome at the event as long as they are well behaved, on a leash no longer than six (6) feet and you have doggie pick-up bags on hand, There is a doggie bag station behind the stage right next to the park information kiosk and another to the left of the sundial.
- The park will close immediately after the event.
- Are there event sponsors? Who do I contact to get involved?
- This free community event has been made possible through the support of event sponsors like the City of Santee and Waste Management. If you are interested in more information about getting involved in your community, please contact Special Events at (619) 258-4100-x222 or SpecialEvents@cityofsanteeca.gov.
- City of Santee special events are for the enjoyment of all attendees.
- The city reserves the right to take all steps necessary to reduce risk and ensure the safety and security of the public
Parking
- Where can I park?
- Advance reserved parking in the surrounding lots is by online advance purchase ONLY at www.SanteeSpecialEvents.com while supplies last. Limited street and business parking may be available in the surrounding areas, all parking must be legal and compliant with all posted signage. Biking, walking and ride-share are strongly encouraged. Additional parking is also available at Santna High School, please note, it is a 1.2 mile walk. We will also offer a free shuttle to and from Costco from 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM. The last pick up from Costco to the event will be at 8:30 PM.
- Is parking free?
- No. Advance reserved parking must be purchased for this event. No on-site parking sales are offered.
- Loading/unloading zone and ride-share drop-off is located on Park Center Dr. in front of Edgemoor Hospital, the remainder of the lot is reserved parking. You may drop your supplies off before the event starts by walking your belongings into the park. The drop off zone will open at 7:00 AM.
- Prohibited Parking
- RV parking
- Parking in the Edgemoore Hospital parking lot
- Tailgating
- Illegal Parking
Allowed/Prohibited Items
- Allowed items
- Animals on leash
- Blankets
- Canopies & large umbrellas (no stakes)
- Must be set up behind the canopy line
- Family games
- EX: Cornhole, ladder ball, etc.
- Folding chairs
- Outside food or beverage
- Recommended Items
- Prohibited Items
- Drones
- Fireworks or sparklers
- Flags
- Glass bottles/containers
- Helium-filled balloons
- Motorized/powered vehicles, bikes, scooters, etc.
- Open flames
- Candles, BBQs (charcoal or propane)
- Riding bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc. on sidewalks or grass inside the event. Please walk all wheels.
- Smoking or vaping
- Weapons of any kind