Plan out your Independence Day celebrations with our guide to local fireworks fun and more.
JULY 3
Costa Mesa’s 3rd of July Celebration
Why wait for the fourth for fireworks? Costa Mesa presents pyrotechnics and more at its free 3rd of July event. Held at the OC Fair & Event Center between 5 pm-11 pm, the evening delivers a selection of family-oriented fun, including contests, hands-on activities and live musical performances from local bands, 80s All-Starz and Tijuana Dogs. The fireworks show will fill up the sky beginning at 9:30 pm.
3rd of July Celebration in Orange
This day-before-Independence Day holiday event kicks off at 4 pm in Grijalva Park (N. Prospect Street & Spring Street). The day holds plenty of fun and games along with vendors booths and other activities. Onsite food trucks will be supporting local nonprofits. A patriotic music program, showcasing the Orange Community Master Chorale, begins at 8 pm, and leads into fireworks after the sun sets.
3rd of July Fireworks Spectacular
Los Alamitos and Seal Beach again team up with the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base for this free annual patriotic event on July 3. The Lexington and Orangewood gates open at 4 pm, and close at 8:45 pm. The fireworks show fills the sky at 9 pm, with the night also offering musical entertainment, vendors booths, a food court and a beer garden. Adults must show a state or federal ID to enter.
Pretend City’s 4th of July Celebration
Pretend City will be pretending that July 3 is July 4! So come visit the children’s museum for some early Independence Day fun. Youngsters can enjoy an adventure-packed day offering all kinds of special holiday-related activities that will be filled with a patriotic spirit. Check the museum’s website or Instagram for updated details.
JULY 4
Independence Day Festivities on the Back Bay
Newport Dunes presents three days of July 4 amusements. July 4’s festivities include classic hits performed by The Class, along with a splashy fireworks show. July 5 features country rockers the Kelly Boyz and a screening on the beach of The Sandlot at dusk. Cubensis performs Grateful Dead music on July 6. Live entertainment is 5 pm-8 pm each night. This celebration also features various aquatic activities, including the inflatable water park.
AVCA July 4th Celebration & Fireworks
The Aliso Viejo Community Association presents a day of high-level fun and low-level fireworks on July 4. Held in the city’s Grand Park & Town Center Amphitheater, the evening event (6 pm-9:30 pm) offers children’s crafts, carnival games, community booths, balloon-twisters, airbrush tattoo artists and face-painters. The band 4X4 performs classic rock tunes (7 pm-9 pm) before the colorful 9 pm fireworks show. Check its website for AVCA guidelines.
Anaheim Fourth of July Celebration!
The city of Anaheim celebrates Independence Day all day long. The action starts at Canyon High School with the 7 am Firecracker 5K/10K (register at www.anaheim.net/fourthofjuly) and the always-amusing Yankee Doodle Dog Show (9 am). The big holiday parade also launches from there at 1 pm. The festivities shift to Peralta Canyon Park, with live entertainment, fun activities and food from 3 pm-9 pm — and ends at 9 pm with a fireworks display.
4th of July Fireworks at Doheny State Beach
This annual display of July 4 fireworks certainly is something to behold. First, the setting is the lovely Doheny State Beach. Second, the fireworks are launched from a floating barge — and over 4,000 fireworks will be shot off! The pyrotechnics light up at 9 pm, but if you get there early, you can enjoy a flyover by the Condor Squadron slightly before 6 pm.
La Habra’s 4th of July Celebration
The Independence Day action revs up at 4 pm in La Habra’s Bonita Park when the gates open (as well as the Kids Zone!). Guests can enjoy games, vendors and food. Past Action Heroes will perform three sets (6 pm, 7:30 pm and 8:15 pm) and the 7 pm “Official Welcome” features a WWII Texan Aircraft Flyover. Fireworks climax the celebration at 9 pm. Visit https://www.lahabraca.gov/660/4th-of-July for wristband pre-sale information.
4th of July in Laguna Beach
The city’s annual monumental July 4 fireworks show will fill the skies above Monumental Point in Heisler Park starting at 9 pm. Please note that the Monumental Point area will be closed for the 4th and areas of Heisler Park will close to the public starting at 5 pm. Find more details at https://www.visitlagunabeach.com/events/holidays/4th-of-july/. If you get there early, you can catch a Condor Squadron flyover around 5:45 pm.
Laguna Hills Fourth of July Celebration
Laguna Hills invites folks to a 4 pm Fourth of July party at the city’s Community Center. You can enjoy a selection of fun, family-friendly activities, including carnival rides, bounce houses and games (carnival rides). Between 6 pm-9 pm, the band Identity Theft will entertain all with their dynamic renditions of ‘80s hit songs. And, of course, stick around for the 9 pm fireworks. Bring blankets and chairs because seating isn’t provided.
July 4th in Laguna Niguel
Laguna Niguel’s Crown Valley Park offers something for everyone on July 4. The morning holds a Pancake Breakfast (7:30 am-10:30 am) and the Run in the Park (8 am for the 5K and 9 am for the Kids Run); register at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/LagunaNiguel/YMCARunInTheParks/. The Aquatic Center hosts a Free Swim (1 pm-4 pm) and the Suffragettes perform in the Amphitheater (6 pm-8 pm). Then nearby Laguna Niguel Regional Park presents dazzling fireworks at 9 pm.
Lake Forest’s 4th of July Events
Lake Forest’s July 4th events begin at 7 am with the 30th Annual El Toro Chargers 5K (with a Kids 1K Fun Run at 8 am); register at https://www.eltorochargers5k.org/. Then, the 31st annual Fourth of July Parade kicks off at 9:15 am sharp. With a “Family, Fun, and Freedom” theme, this joyous community event starts at the corner of Toledo Way and Ridge Route Drive and ends on Serrano Road before Ridge Route.
Fourth of July Street Faire & Fireworks Spectacular
This Mission Viejo street fair (12 pm-9 pm) takes over Olympiad Road between Marguerite and Melinda, offering games, food, crafts and 30+ vendors. There will be rides for kids and live entertainment performed on two stages. Admission is free, but games and rides require tickets. Fabulous fireworks will light up over Lake Mission Viejo at 9 pm. Free shuttle service operates throughout the city from 1 pm-8 pm.
Fourth of July at Centennial Park
Centennial Park is the spot for Santa Ana’s July 4th spectacular. This free event, which runs from 3 pm-9 pm, contains live music, kids’ zone, trivia contests and food vendors. One highlight is the adorable Patriotic Pup competition at 7 pm — dress up your dog in patriotic attire and see if you can win a prize! A majestic 20-minute fireworks display brightens the skies beginning promptly at 8:45 pm.
Tustin’s Fourth of July Celebration
Start your holiday doing something good for the community. Between 6 am-5 pm, Operation Warm Wishes will conduct non-perishable food item collection in the Tustin High School parking lot for homeless vets. Fun activities, including food trucks, and a performance by the Maroon Five cover band Maroon Vibes, begin at 6 pm. 9 pm is when the memorable fireworks show blast off at the high school’s stadium; arrive early to get bleacher seats.
Yorba Linda’s 4th of July Spectacular
There will be plenty of merriment happening in Yorba Linda on the fourth. From 5 pm-9:30 pm, YL’s Veterans Park will be populated with all types of excitement: food vendors, family activities, kids’ zone and live music by Kayln & The New Frontier. 9 pm is showtime for a magnificent fireworks display, which can be viewed from Veterans Park as well as Yorba Linda Middle School’s south field.
Pacific Symphony’s July 4 Spectacular
Taking place in Irvine’s Great Park, this year’s holiday concert features the band, Brass Transit, performing songs by the legendary group Chicago. What are the odds that they’ll play “Saturday In The Park”? While the show is on a Thursday, it is the Fourth of July. The concert, which also includes patriotic tunes and a salute to the Armed Forces, commences at 8 pm and will culminate with a big blast of fireworks.
Fitness Run for Fun & Yankee Doodle Dash
Combine some early fun and an early run to your July 4th celebrating. Downtown La Palma again hosts this Independence Day event that contains a 5K Run, a 5K Walk and 10K Run (all beginning at 7:30 am) along with Yankee Doodle Dash for youngsters ages 2-12 (starting at 8:30 am). The morning also features Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast (7:30 pm) and a Kids Zone (8:30 am). Visit https://www.cityoflapalma.org/339/Fitness-Run-for-Fun to register.
Brea Country Fair
Independence Day is Country Fair Day in Brea. This yearly daytime Fourth of July celebration, which takes over City Hall Park from 7 am-3 pm, holds all types of amusements: live entertainment, kiddie parade, dog parade, classic car show, food, games, exhibits and a pancake breakfast. Additionally, there will be swimming at the Plunge starting at 12 pm. If that isn’t enough, admission is free for the Country Fair and the Plunge!
4th of July Is for Families
For the 13th year, Newport Beach celebrates both Independence Day and families with this special July 4th morning party. It starts at 9 am with a patriotic bike parade that begins at W. Balboa Blvd. & 36th Street. Afterwards, Channel Place Park hosts a Community Festival (9:30 am-11:30 am) that presents carnival games, arts & crafts, lawn games and live music as well as having food for sale.
Villa Park Fourth of July Parade
This annual Fourth of July community event lets you decorate your bike, scooter, wagon, skateboard, stroller or whatever you want to parade around on (even motorized vehicles can participate) in something suitably patriotic for this 1.5-mile-long parade. It starts at 9 am at Villa Park High School (line-up begins at 8:30 am); the route goes through Villa Park and ends back at Villa Park High School. Find more details at https://villapark.co/villa-park-fourth-of-july-parade/.
Fourth of July Celebration ‘24
San Juan Capistrano will be rockin’ on Independence Day during this event at Marco Forster Middle School Fields between 2 pm-9:30 pm. Dig music from Flashback Heart Attack (2:30 pm-4:30 pm), Family Style (4:30 pm-6 pm) and Tijuana Dogs (6:30 pm-8:30 pm). Enjoy a variety of family games, contests, exhibits, vendor booths, food fare and other activities. The big fireworks show starts at 9 pm. Free trolley service is offered 11 am-10 pm.
Stars, Stripes, and Slip n’ Slides
Where will you find a giant inflatable 75-foot obstacle course, a 300-foot Slip ‘N Slide and 17-foot water slide on July 4? In downtown San Clemente! Happening from 10 am-2 pm, this all-new day-time holiday party also has fun competitions, a community sidewalk chalk mural, a laser tag arena, live music, food, beverages and more. Some attractions have age requirements. Purchase activity wristbands at https://secure.rec1.com/CA/san-clemente-ca/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTMxNTU1OTg=
Huntington Beach’s 4th of July Celebration
The largest Independence Day event west of the Mississippi River commences with the Surf City 5K (featuring an Open 5K, Stroller 5K and a Kids One-Mile Fun Run) — register at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/HuntingtonBeach/HBSURFCITYRUN — and an 8 am Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast (tickets at https://www.kiwanishb.org/4th-of-july-pancake-breakfast). The July 4th parade (10 am) starts on PCH and concludes on Main Street. 9 pm fireworks close the day. Plus, there is July 5’s Main Street Block Party (5 pm-9 pm)!
July Fourth at Knott’s
Knott’s provides an extra spark of excitement for its Independence Day visitors. Besides enjoying all the special summer attractions — Soak City, Summer Nights and Ghost Town Alive along with the newly reopened Camp Snoopy — folks can also experience an amazing fireworks show at 9:30 pm. By the way, Knott’s three summer programs operate daily through August 11 and then continue on select days into early September.
Red, White & BOOM!
Legoland California Resort will be bursting with excitement on the Fourth of July. This star-spangled spectacular will contain fun lawn activities, themed entertainment, a Miniland Scavenger Hunt, DJ dance parties and lawn games including Lego Hamburger Relay and Lego Picnic Race Run. After nightfall, be sure to get a special pair of glasses so you can fully appreciate the unique 3D fireworks display (at 8:45 pm) that turns into Lego bricks.
All-American 4th of July Celebration
All aboard The Queen Mary for an amazing all-American Independence Day party! This celebration comes packed with fun times on the ship’s many decks. From 3 pm-10 pm, guests can enjoy family-friendly activities, live entertainment, games, dancing, karaoke and a WWII aircraft flyover. At 9 pm, you can experience a breathtaking fireworks display — in sync with patriotic music — that will occur off the stem of the boat.
July 5
Rancho Santa Margarita’s Red, White & Blue Bonanza
Didn’t get enough fireworks on the fourth? You can experience more pyrotechnics on the fifth at this celebratory gathering. Starting at 5 pm, you can stroll around the Rancho Santa Margarita Lake Park and enjoy food trucks, crafts and live music, including a “Voice of SAMLARC” performance. You can cap out the night, and the holiday, with a special fireworks show over the lake at 9 pm.
July 6
The District’s Independence Jam
The District Tustin Legacy hosts a fantastic holiday weekend bash on July 6, from 11 am-4 pm. Among the fun festivities will be live country music and line dancing, a special performance from the Swing Dolls, a classic car show and family-friendly activities such as a Nerf court, a corn hole competition (with prizes!) and a kids craft station. Dine on delicious BBQ (and beer & wine sales benefit charities). Free admission; RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/independence-jam-2024-music-line-dancing-and-cars-tickets-892632597127
By Michael Berick
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