With the Fourth of July landing on a Tuesday this year, it can make party planning a little difficult and definitely throw off your work week.
Despite the holiday falling on a non-weekend, there are still some big celebrations with food, drinks, live music and huge fireworks displays scheduled throughout Southern California.
Here are a few to check out if you’re on the fence about where to celebrate. Events are on Tuesday, July 4 unless otherwise noted.
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles: The Hollywood Bowl will kick off its annual Fourth of July celebration with special guest actor/musician John Stamos with The Beach Boys and performances by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra conducted by Thomas Wilkins. Each evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks finale. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the shows on July 2-4. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 North Highland Ave., Los Angeles. Tickets are $39-$314 and are half off for kids under 12 at hollywoodbowl.com.
Long Beach: On Monday, July 3, there will be a celebration held at Boathouse on the Bay (190 N. Marina Drive) that begins at 5:30 p.m. with a dinner catered by Naples Rib Company and premium fireworks viewing over Alamitos Bay (fireworks show is at 9 p.m.). Tickets are $75 for adults and $30 per child (under 10 years old). Tickets can be purchased at boathouseonthebay.com. On July 4, the city will offer a free fireworks show that can be viewed from the Waterfront. Spectators can also view from Lighthouse for Sight, Shoreline Village, Rainbow Harbor and Marina Green in Long Beach. 9 p.m. visitlongbeach.com
Woodland Hills: The Fireworks extravaganza will include booths and a performance by Beach St. A GoGo!, a ’60s tribute band, to kick off the fireworks show. 6-9:30 p.m. Free Parking opens at 4:30 p.m. Warner Ranch Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd. 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills. Free admission. valleycultural.org.
Orange County
Anaheim: While Disneyland Resort is known for its daily fireworks shows, the “Disney’s Celebrate America!” fireworks take it a step forward on Independence Day with patriotic colors and melodies synchronized to deliver a spectacular show starting at 9:30 p.m. The best seats to enjoy the show will likely be inside the park (ticket prices vary and reservations need to be made in advance), but spectators without tickets can experience it in surrounding areas in Anaheim, such as Downtown Disney, the top of the Anaheim GardenWalk parking structure and surrounding businesses and Fullerton’s Hillcrest Park. dinseyland.com.
Dana Point: The annual fireworks show is shot off from a barge off of Doheny State Beach, but visitors can view from shore or other Dana Point locations such as the cliffs, Lantern Bay Park and Heritage Park. You can also schedule a cruise with Dana Wharf starting at $75. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. The shuttle buses from Dana Hills High School won’t be available this year, but alternative shuttles can be found at dptrolley.com. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. Free admission. danapoint.org.
Huntington Beach: The Pier Plaza Festival runs June 30-July 4 with a carnival, booths, a beer and wine garden and live entertainment. On July 4, the Surf City 5K run takes place through Huntington Central Park with staggered times from 7-9 a.m. The Independence Day Parade starts at 10 a.m. with fireworks later that night at 9 p.m. Main Street, Huntington Beach. Free admission. hb4thofjuly.org.
Riverside County
Riverside: The city’s Independence Day fireworks show is moving back this year to Mount Rubidoux after city officials voted on a contract to launch fireworks from the mountaintop last year. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. 4706 Mount Rubidoux Street, Riverside. Free admission. riversideca.gov.
Temecula: Old Town will kick off the day with a 4th of July parade (33475 La Serena Way, Temecula) and the Fourth of July Extravaganza continues at Roland Reagan Sports Park (30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula) with live music, vendors, a fun zone for the kids and of course, fireworks. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and fireworks start at 9 p.m. Free admission. temeculaca.gov.
San Bernardino County
Big Bear Lake: The Fireworks Spectacular is a yearly show that’s showcased over the lake and can be viewed from the water, along the shore and the valley. The show begins at 9 p.m. and typically runs for 30-40 minutes. Free. bigbear.com. Also, at Snow Summit, there’s a fireworks viewing party which includes a scenic sky chair ride, one glass of champagne or one hot chocolate, a BBQ dinner, live music and kids activities such as face painting, bounce houses, balloon twisters and a crafts zone. 880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake. $20-$90 for attendees. BigBearMountainResort.com.
Upland: The city’s Light Up The Night Fireworks Spectacular includes live entertainment from Pop Vision, food, merchandise vendors, a beer garden, an airplane display, a kid zone, and a fireworks show at Cable Airport. There is no on-site parking, but free shuttle services will be departing from Upland High School, 565 W. 11th Street, Upland from 4-10:30 p.m. 1749 West 13th St., Upland. Event tickets are $10-$15. uplandca.gov.
