EDITOR’S PICKS
Huntington Beach’s 4th of July Celebrations
Huntington Beach offers three ways to celebrate July 4th. The family-friendly Surf City 5K Run (& Kids Fun Run) takes place along Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway (7 am start-time); register at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/HuntingtonBeach/HBSURFCITYRUN/. The 121st edition of the 4th of July Parade starts at 10 am at PCH & 9th Street before proceeding along Main Street. Fireworks will shine over the Huntington Beach Pier starting at 9 pm.
The Queen Mary’s All-American 4th of July Celebration
The iconic ship hosts a July 4th party for the ages. Each ship deck and venue will host various attractions inspired from different decades, spanning from the 1910s through the 2020s. From 3 pm-10 pm, guests can enjoy family-friendly activities, live entertainment, games, dancing, music, and a WWII aircraft flyover. Topping off the celebration at 9 pm will be sublime fireworks choreographed to a patriotic soundtrack. Get tickets at www.queenmary.com/fourth-of-july.htm/.
Irvine’s Fourth of July Celebration
The Great Park is the place for Irvine’s grand Fourth of July party. From 4 pm-9:30 pm, folks can bike, roll, or scoot in a patriotic community parade, listen to live music, and do such family-friendly activities as craft stations, lawn games, and more. The night concludes with dynamic fireworks and a drone light show. Pack a picnic or purchase a meal from a food truck. This event is separate from Pacific Symphony’s concert.
Old Glory Boat Parade
The American Legion Yacht Club once again has organized this patriotic aquatic event. Located in Newport Beach Harbor, the ALYC welcomes all boats for this holiday event – sailboats, rowboats, wood boats, red, white, and blue boats! The parade travels around Newport Harbor on July 4 between 1 pm and 3:30 pm. There are numerous spots around the harbor to view the parade.
4th of July Fireworks at Doheny State Beach
What makes the fireworks shows at Doheny State Beach so memorable? It is the picturesque setting combined with an impressive number of pyrotechnics – over 4,000 fireworks – being launched from off a barge. The colorful display takes place between 9 pm-9:30 pm; however, it is recommended that people arrive early to find a good viewing position.
Red, White & BOOM!
Families can experience a “bricktastic” July 4 at the LEGOLAND California Resort. The holiday presents all types of special attractions. There will be patriotic fun with DJ dance parties, live entertainment, lawn games, a Miniland scavenger hunt (with a chance to win an exclusive Pop Badge prize), and LEGO character meet-and-greets. Capping off the day is the amazing fireworks show. All activities are included with regular park admission.
JULY 3RD EVENTS
Costa Mesa’s 3rd Of July Celebration
Experience fireworks excitement a day early in Costa Mesa. Held in the OC Fairground’s Parking Lot A, this free 3rd of July event offers more than just pyrotechnics, however. The evening’s festivities (5 pm-11 pm) include plenty of family fun, such as kids activities, contests, food vendors, and live music from 80s All-Starz and Tijuana Dogs. The fireworks show will fill up the sky beginning at 9:30 pm. Gates open at 4 pm.
3rd of July Fireworks Spectacular
Los Alamitos and Seal Beach again partner with the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base for this free 38th annual July 3rd patriotic event. The night offers musical entertainment (including the 40th Infantry Division Band), a Family Fun Zone, food vendors, and a 9 pm fireworks show. Those 16 and older must show a valid ID to enter. The Lexington and Orangewood gates open at 4 pm, and close at 8:45 pm.
Pretend City’s 4th of July Celebration
While the event’s name is “4th of July Celebration”, the children’s museum is presenting its Independence Day party on July 3. Families are invited to come on down to Pretend City the day before the official holiday and enjoy a big day filled with Fourth of July-themed attractions, creativities, and patriotic fun. Activities are scheduled to happen at 11 am and 2:30 pm.
Independence Day Festivities on the Back Bay
Newport Dunes presents four days of July 4th amusements. Independence Day is the big day with live entertainment from 3 pm-8 pm (including a live band from 5 pm-8 pm) and watch Newport Beach’s fireworks at 9 pm. July 3, 5-6 also present live music from 5 pm-8 pm while everyday features various aquatic activities, including the inflatable water park (9:30 am-6 pm). Visit https://www.newportdunes.com/events/ for water park and parking reservations.
JULY 4TH FIREWORK FESTIVITIES
AVCA July 4th Celebration & Fireworks
The Aliso Viejo Community Association presents an evening of high-level holiday fun on July 4. Held in the city’s Grand Park & Town Center Amphitheater, the festivities (6 pm-9:30 pm) offers an inflatable obstacle course, caricature artists, face painting, and a musical performance by country rockers Young Guns. A low-level fireworks display commences around 9 pm. Check https://avca.net/community/calendar/view/3e1b84ea-5a4a-42ca-a202-22b31a6148f2 for AVCA guidelines.
Anaheim’s Fourth of July Celebrations
Anaheim’s Independence Day attractions run all day long. It all begins at Canyon High School with the 7 am Firecracker 5K/10K. The High School also hosts the always-adorable Yankee Doodle Dog Show (9 am) and the entertaining holiday parade (1 pm). The festivities shift to Peralta Canyon Park, with live entertainment, fun activities, and food from 3 pm to 9 pm, when the fireworks begin. Visit https://www.anaheim.net/FourthofJuly for the Firecracker and Dog Show registration.
Laguna Hills Fourth of July Celebration
4 pm is the quite appropriate start time for Laguna Hills’ 4th of July salute. The holiday party will happen at the city’s Community Center. Attractions include a selection of community fun (4 pm-6 pm), live music from Anthem Road (6 pm-9 pm), and a beautiful fireworks show (9 pm-9:20 pm). Food and drinks will be available for purchase, but please bring blankets and chairs because seating isn’t provided.
La Habra’s 4th of July Celebration
La Habra’s Independence Day party presents something for everybody. Taking place in La Bonita Park from 4 pm-9:30 pm, the celebration contains fireworks, games, a kids zone, a WWII Texan Aircraft Flyover, food & retail vendors, and a live performance from the Neil Diamond tribute band, Super Diamond. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are available at the city’s Community Center. Call 562-383-4200 or visit https://www.lahabraca.gov for additional details.
The 4th of July in Laguna Beach
The fireworks are back as part of Laguna Beach’s July 4th celebration. An epic pyrotechnics show will launch from Monument Point in Heisler Park at 9 pm. It is a lovely, oceanside setting to watch fireworks. Arrive early to watch the Condor Squadron fly over Laguna Beach at 5:45 pm. Go to https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/july4th for find out more details on the event and its guidelines.
Tustin’s Fourth of July Celebration
Folks are welcome to enjoy an evening “full of freedom and fireworks” at the Tustin high School Stadium. Doors open at 5 pm with fireworks at 9 pm. Before the pyrotechnics, you can listen to hit songs of the 1990s, 2000s and today performed by the band Those Guys. Food will be available for purchase. Operation Warm Wishes will be collecting nonperishable food donations from 6 am-5 pm.
Yorba Linda’s 4th of July Spectacular
Family activities, a kids zone, live music, and food vendors are some of the ingredients that Yorba Linda has cooked up for this 4th of July event, which runs from 5 pm-9:30 pm. The stage presentations in Veterans Park will start around 8 pm with the fireworks spectacular commencing at 9 pm. The colorful display can be viewed from the Park as well as the south field of Yorba Linda Middle School.
Pacific Symphony July 4 Spectacular
This year, the Pacific Symphony celebrates Independence Day with a program of music featuring selections from such American musical icons as the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffett along with international superstars like Bob Marley and Van Morrison. Taking place in the Great Park at 8 pm, the show will conclude with a gigantic fireworks show. Tickets can be purchased online.
Disney’s Celebrate America!
Magic is always in the air at the Disneyland Resorts and the Fourth of July is no different. In fact, Disneyland celebrates America’s birthday with a special “A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky”. This inspirational light show, which is projected on Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, combines red, white and blue-related fireworks accompanied by patriotic music. This short holiday presentation happens between 9:30 pm-9:45 pm.
Fourth of July Celebration ‘25
San Juan Capistrano has all types of amusements to help folks celebrate July 4th. Head over to Marco Foster Middle School for an afternoon of entertainment (including two live bands!), family games, inflatables, contests, and a selection of food trucks. A cool fireworks show occurs at 8:45 pm. Please note that youths under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent, adult, or guardian.
Fullerton’s Community Fireworks Show and Festival
Fullerton’s Downtown Plaza will have a trio of events happening on July 4. The holiday commences with a car show (9 am-12 pm). The afternoon (5 pm-9 pm) offers a fun carnival, filled with a variety of entertainment, contests, food, and more. The night wraps up the long day of merriment with a majestic fireworks display happening at 9 pm.
Stars, Stripes, and Slip n’ Slides
San Clemente’s Independence Day happenings begin with fun and games at the Stars, Stripes & Slip ‘N Slides event at Linda Lane Park. From 10 am-2 pm, families can enjoy laser tag, live music, a military vehicle display, a 300-foot Slip ‘N Slide, and a 75-foot Obstacle Course and Inflatables. Rest up and then head to San Clemente Pier for fireworks at 9 pm. Free trolley service is available from 10 am-11 pm.
FOURTH OF JULY FUN – WITHOUT FIREWORKS
July 4th in Laguna Niguel
Crown Valley Park’s full day of Independence Day fun starts with a pancake breakfast (7:30 am-10:30 am). The Run in the Park begins at 8 am (9 am for the Kids Race); register at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/LagunaNiguel/YMCARunInTheParks. The Aquatics Center hosts a free rec. swim (1 pm-4 pm) and there’s a 5 pm patriotic flyover. Two bands will perform that evening before a fabulous 400+ drone light show (9 pm) choreographed to live patriotic music.
Lake Forest’s 4th of July Events
The action starts at 7 am with the 31th Annual 4th of July 5K (there’s an 8 am Kids 1K Fun Run too) that raises funds for El Toro High School; register at https://www.eltorochargers5k.org/. The 32nd Annual Fourth of July Parade starts its patriotic promenade at 9:30 am; its route begins at Toledo Way and Ridge Route Drive, heads to Lake Forest Drive and ends at Serrano Road at Ridge Route.
Fourth of July Street Faire & Fireworks Spectacular
Mission Viejo’s annual Street Faire, on Olympiad Road between Marguerite and Melinda, delivers live entertainment along with a Fun Zone (with games booths and rides for youngsters). It also comes packed with food vendors and retail booths. Stick around for the fabulous fireworks show that lights up the skies over Lake Mission Viejo at 9 pm. Free shuttle service operates throughout the city from 1 pm-8 pm.
Brea Country Fair
July 4th means it’s Country Fair Day in Brea. Spend the day in City Hall Park (7 am-3 pm) and enjoy all types of amusements. The Fair features a pancake breakfast, live entertainment, a classic car show, food, games, exhibits, a Market Place, a parade for kids and a parade for dogs. Additionally, folks can go swimming at the Plunge starting at 12 pm. And admission is free for both the Fair and the Plunge.
Fourth of July at Centennial Park
Santa Ana’s annual July 4th spectacular returns to Centennial Park. From 5 pm-9 pm, this free event presents live entertainment (including music from the band Tabu, food vendors, inflatables, kids activities, and the traditional patriotic pup contest. Dogs, obviously, may attend but must remain on leashes. The memorable fireworks show launches promptly at 8:45 pm. Food and other vendors will be onsite too.
14th Annual 4th of July is for Families
Families can enjoy a morning of Independence Day merriment at Newport Beach’s Channel Place Park that includes carnival games, art & crafts, lawn games, and a patriotic bike parade. This AM festival also has live music and food for sale. The bike parade starts at W. Balboa Blvd. & 36th Street at 9 am and the festival occurs at Channel Place Park from 9:30 am-11:30 am.
Fitness Run for Fun & Yankee Doodle Dash
Get your July 4 off to a fast start by participating in this annual La Palma tradition. The city’s Central Park will be the site for the 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run (all beginning at 7:30 am). Youngsters (ages 2-12) can join in the Yankee Doodle Dash, which goes off at 8:30 am. The post-race activities include a pancake breakfast and an awards ceremony. Register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/LaPalma/LaPalmaFitnessRun4Fun/.
Villa Park Fourth of July Parade
This holiday tradition kicks off sharply at 9 am (if everyone can start getting lined up at 8:30 am) at Cerro Villa Middle School and do about a mile and a half route through Villa Park before winding up back at the middle school. Feel free to decorate your bike, scooter, wagon, skateboard, stroller, or whatever vehicle you have in your most patriotic red, white, and blue design.
Compiled By Michael Berrick
Leave a Reply