With America celebrating its 242nd birthday on the Fourth of July, it’s a time for parades, picnics, patriotic fun and, of course, fireworks. Here’s where to find some of Southern California’s biggest celebrations:
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Long Beach
Live entertainment, family games, arts & crafts, historic tours and more happen aboard the Queen Mary. Music by Swing Cats Lil Big Band, pop music duo The Blackwells and country-pop singer-songwriter Kaitlyn Weathers. A fireworks spectacular with patriotic music will be the night’s send-off. Insider tip: Buy tickets early; the event generally sells out.
Where: Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach
When: 2-10 p.m. July 4
Cost: $44 ages 12 and up, $24 ages 4-11
Information: queenmary.com/events/july-fourth
Los Angeles
At Dodger Stadium, the Boys in Blue are at home vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates, with post-game fireworks on both Tuesday and Wednesday, July 3-4.
Where: Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles
When: 7:10 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, and 5:10 p.m. Wednesday, July 4
Cost: $32 and up
Information: mlb.com/dodgers
At the Hollywood Bowl, The Go-Go’s, who still have the beat, will be headlining three nights of music — with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Air Force Band of the Golden West — and fireworks, July 2-4.
Where: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles
When: 7:30 p.m. July 2-4
Cost: $14-$278
Information: hollywoodbowl.com
Grand Park’s sixth annual block party includes family friendly fun, food, music on two stages and, starting at 9 p.m., a fireworks display.
Where: Grand Park and The Music Center, 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles
When: 3-9:30 p.m. July 4
Cost: Free
Information: july4.grandparkla.org
Pasadena
The 92nd annual AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl features activities including a fun zone during the day, music in the evening and fireworks at night.
Where: Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena
When: 2-9:30 p.m. July 4
Cost: $30 reserved, $15 general admission
Information: 800-745-3000, rosebowlstadium.com/events/detail/america-fest
Pomona
The 32nd annual Fourth of July spectacular promises to live up to its name — Kaboom! — with monster truck competitions, freestyle motocross performances and, of course, fireworks. Also on tap are opportunities to meet some of the drivers and, for an extra charge, monster truck rides and a buffet dinner. The 30-minute fireworks show starts at 9:15 p.m.
Where: Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona
When: 5-9:45 p.m. July 4
Cost: $18.50-$27.50; extra for the buffet
Information: fairplex.com/events/kaboom
ORANGE COUNTY
Anaheim
Disneyland Resort arguably has the best year-round fireworks display anywhere in Southern California, so it certainly should be another spectacular show on the Fourth.
Where: Disneyland Resort, 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim
When: July 4
Cost: $135 for park admission; free to watch fireworks from outside the parks
Information: disneyland.com
Buena Park
A connection to the Founding Fathers here in Southern California: Independence Hall, across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm, is a brick-by-brick replica of the Philadelphia landmark. Inside, view a Liberty Bell replica plus a variety of presidential artifacts.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and admission is free. In addition, a fireworks show will light up the night sky above Knott’s on July 1, 2 and 4.
Where: Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
When: Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. July 1, 2 and 4
Cost: $50 and up for park admission; free to watch fireworks from outside the park
Information: 714-220-5080, knotts.com/play/events/july-4th-fireworks
Dana Point
Spend the day at Doheny State Beach then enjoy fireworks, launched from a barge offshore, starting at 8:45 p.m. There’s a specially curated Spotify playlist of patriotic music available to enjoy while watching the pyrotechnics. Free round-trip shuttles run 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. between Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, and Dana Point Harbor.
Where: Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point
When: Park hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with fireworks at 8:45 p.m. July 4
Cost: Free
Information: 949-496-6171, dohenystatebeach.org
Huntington Beach
Marching bands, floats, vintage cars, horses and performers will be part of “A Star Spangled Salute,” the annual parade along Main Street in Huntington Beach. Fun fact: Staged since 1904, it’s the biggest Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi River. Other Independence Day activities include a 7-10 a.m. pancake breakfast sponsored by the Kiwanis, Surf City 5K and other runs/walks starting at 7 a.m., Pier Plaza Festival from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and, at 9 p.m., fireworks over the Huntington Beach Pier.
Where: Huntington Beach Pier, Main Street at Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
When: All day July 4
Cost: Free admission; prices vary for some activities including the pancake breakfast, run, bleacher seating for the parade and reserved seating for fireworks.
Information: hb4thofjuly.org, surfcityrun.com
Newport Beach
Independence Day on the Back Bay features music by Doors tribute act Wild Child, Redneck Rodeo and Skynyrd Reloaded, along with family fun (game room, kayaks, paddle boats and more), food trucks and barn dancing. Pyrotechnics start at 9 p.m.
Where: Newport Dunes, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach
When: 2-11 p.m. July 4 (gates open at 8 a.m.)
Cost: Free general admission; $60 VIP concert seating; $50 on-site parking
Information: 949-999-3800, ewportdunes.com
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Orange
There’s no need to wait until the Fourth for fun when there’s the 3rd of July Celebration in Orange, with live music, community food booths, and children’s activities including a petting zoo and pony rides — all in a hometown carnival atmosphere. Fireworks wrap up the night.
Where: Fred Kelly Stadium, El Modena High School, 3920 Spring St., Orange
When: 4-9:30 p.m. July 3
Cost: $7; free for ages 2 and younger
Information: 714-744-7274, cityoforange.org/852/3rd-of-July-Celebration
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Indio
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino lights up an Independence Day Eve fireworks show from the Eagles Falls Golf Course. Music accompanying the display will be broadcast on The Eagle (106.9-FM).
Where: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio
When: 8:45 p.m. July 3
Cost: Free
Information: 800-827-2946, fantasyspringsresort.com
Murrieta
Neil Diamond tribute artist Jason Lohrke and Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band Creedenced will be the music headliners for Murrieta’s 27th annual Birthday Bash, happening June 30, the Saturday before Independence Day. Fireworks at 9 p.m. wrap up the day’s family friendly entertainment and activities.
Where: California Oaks Sports Park, 40600 California Oaks Road, Murrieta
When: 2-9:30 p.m. June 30
Cost: Free
Information: 951-304-7275, murrietaca.gov
SOURCE: OC Register
