Los Angeles is a city sprawl of neighborhoods, each with their own unique flavor and vibe. Since most communities plan their own Fourth of July festivities, there is no shortage of celebratory activities to choose from. From the beach to the Valley, you’ll find parades, BBQs, and fireworks, plus some uniquely LA ways to celebrate Independence Day.
4th of July events in Los Angeles
If you like your Fourth of July celebrations with a touch of irony, head to ‘Merica Fest at Angel City Brewery and Public House. The red, white, and blue beer cocktails start flowing at noon, and the live music kicks off at 2pm. The Peaches Smokehouse and Southern Kitchen food truck will be serving up good old-fashioned American BBQ, and since this is LA, Si Paletas will be there with a gourmet take on the traditional Mexican popsicle. Wear your best ‘Merican outfit, and you might go home with a prize.
When: July 2 and 3, 12pm – 8pm
Where: Angel City Brewery, 216 Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Grammy-winning a cappella group Pentatonix will bring their unique sound to the Hollywood Bowl for 3 nights of patriotic music and fireworks to celebrate the holiday. The multi-platinum-selling group’s incredible 5-part harmonies are sure to be just as dazzling as the fireworks display. While you can buy food and drink inside, you are also welcome to pack a picnic to bring to the show.
When: July 2, 3, and 4, 7:30pm
Where: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Beach towns don’t mess around when it comes to Independence Day celebrations, and Huntington Beach is no exception. The festivities kick off at noon on Sunday and continue through to the fireworks display on Tuesday night. The 3-day celebration is packed with live music performances and also includes a 5K, a pancake breakfast, and of course, a parade.
When: July 2 – 4
Where: Huntington Beach Pier, 405 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
One of the country’s longest-running 4th of July celebrations, Americafest, now in its 91st year, provides a day of family-friendly fun. The parking lot at the Rose Bowl opens at noon so that tailgaters can get a jump on their celebrations, and the Family Fun Zone, which features giant inflatables, crafts, and entertainment opens at 2pm. The doors to the main event open to general admission ticket holders at 5:30pm. Musical performances and motorcycle stunts will keep you occupied until the spectacular fireworks display begins.
When: July 4, 2pm – 9:30pm
Where: Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103
The Pacific Palisades Parade has the bands, dancers, baton twirlers, and horseback riders that you expect from a Fourth of July parade, but what sets it apart is the opening act. You’ll want to make sure you’ve secured a prime viewing spot by the time the parade begins at 2pm to watch the patriotic skydivers drop from the sky and land at Sunset and Swarthmore to kick off the parade.
When: July 4, 2pm
Where: Begins at Sunset Boulevard and N. Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Thousands of people will head to the Westside this Fourth of July to watch the fireworks in Marina del Rey. Given its seaside location, this pyrotechnic display can be enjoyed from the shore or the deck of a chartered boat or harbor cruise. If you prefer to stay on land, you can catch the show and enjoy the synchronized music from Burton Chace Park or Fisherman’s Village.
When: July 4, 9pm
Where: 13650 Mindanao Way or 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Take in the downtown skyline at this family-friendly block party in Grand Park. You can pack a picnic or take advantage of the food trucks that will be lined up around the park. This is an alcohol-free event, so bear that in mind when packing your cooler. The live music starts at 2pm and will continue through the fireworks show at 9pm. 2 stages will highlight a variety of LA performers including DJ Jedi, Gingee, and the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles.
When: July 4, 2pm – 9pm
Where: Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Attending one of Cinespia’s legendary graveside movie screenings is probably the most LA way to celebrate the Fourth. The gates at Hollywood Forever Cemetery will open at 7:15pm to allow everyone to stake out a spot, set up their picnics, and enjoy the themed photo booth. The rampaging dinosaurs of Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park will begin careening across the giant outdoor screen at 9pm, and fireworks will send everyone on their way after the film.
When: July 4, 9pm
Where: Hollywood Forever, 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90038
The Independence Day celebration at the Aquarium of the Pacific offers guests a unique opportunity to explore the 5-acre aquarium after dark. In addition to the chance to celebrate with your fishy friends, the Aquarium of the Pacific’s location on the harbor is perfect for watching the Queen Mary fireworks. You can buy tickets for just the late night admission for $14.95, or enjoy admission plus a big BBQ spread for $64 for adults and $28 for children.
When: July 4, 5pm – 10pm
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
If you’re celebrating Independence Day in Los Angeles, you’ll have no problem catching a fireworks display or 2. The only thing left to do is decide if you prefer your pyrotechnics with an ocean view or a city backdrop.
Posted by Uber Los Angeles
