It’s nearing 250 years since America declared its independence from Great Britain and adopted the Declaration of Independence, paving the way for the United States of America we know today.
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To commemorate the occasion and milestone, there are several Fourth of July events happening across Southern California, including free fairs, food festivals, special live performances and of course, fireworks. Some cities and regions are limiting fireworks, so drone shows may be the center of those celebrations.
We’ve compiled a list of events taking place on Saturday, July 4. Be sure to check the websites for additional information, including any pricing and parking information.
Here are some ways to celebrate the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday in Southern California.
Los Angeles County
FoodieLand Food Festival: If eating is your preferred way of celebrating the holiday, you’ll want to sink your teeth into the multicultural dishes offered at the FoodieLand Food Festival running at the Rose Bowl Stadium July 3-5. Brought to you by the same organizers of the 626 Night Market, this foodie festival will feature over 250 food vendors, carnival-style games, and live music performances for the whole family to enjoy. The event will also host a special Fourth of July drone show on the night of the holiday. 3 p.m. Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. foodielandnm.com.
July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with The Beach Boys with Special Guest John Stamos: The Beach Boys, along with actor and superfan John Stamos, are hosting a July 4th celebration for America’s 250th birthday. Fans of the iconic rock band can expect performances of chart-topping hits such as “Surfin’ USA,” “I Get Around,” and “Fun, Fun, Fun.” The performance will also mark the 60th anniversary of the group’s album “Pet Sounds.” Plus, Thomas Wilkins will lead the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and it’s all topped off by a huge fireworks show. 7:30 p.m. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Ave., Los Angeles. hollywoodbowl.com.
America’s Block Party: As part of the nationwide America250, the Los Angeles Coliseum will host a headlining concert featuring performances by Chris Stapleton, The Smashing Pumpkins and Queen Latifah. The celebration will be held in the Block Party Village and will offer free food, drinks, face painting, games and giveaways before the concert, followed by fireworks and a drone show. 3 p.m. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, 3911 South Figueroa St., Los Angeles. lacoliseum.com.
The Queen Mary: Celebrate the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday aboard the iconic Queen Mary. The one‑night‑only, family‑friendly celebration will give guests the chance to party on the ship’s historic decks, transformed for an American-themed event packed with live performances, interactive activities, and a grand finale as a dazzling 15‑minute fireworks show lighting up the Long Beach sky for a once‑in‑a‑generation celebration. 3 p.m. The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach. queenmary.com.
Santa Anita Park: If you’re looking to celebrate the holiday for the whole family without breaking the bank, the City of Arcadia is sponsoring a free event at Santa Anita Park. The Fourth of July celebration will feature watermelon-eating and hula-hoop contests, baby races, live music and a drone show to top off the night. 6 p.m. Santa Anita Park, 285 W Huntington Drive, Arcadia. santaanita.com.
Baseball: Celebrate Fourth of July with one of America’s staple sports, where the San Diego Padres will face the Los Angeles Dodgers at the LA ballpark with Petty Or Not performing in the centerfield plaza, followed by a post-game fireworks spectacular. 7 p.m. Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles. mlb.com.
Orange County
America’s 250 with Air Supply: For those looking for a mix of romance and live music to celebrate, look no further than a performance by Air Supply. The pop-rock duo known for iconic love songs such as “All Out of Love” and “Lost in Love” will set the mood for an evening culminating in fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July. 8 p.m. Great Park Live, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine. pacificsymphony.org.
Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise: While this cruise is offered once a year, this time around it feels a little more special with America’s 250th. Guests spend the first hour or so cruising through the beautiful Newport Harbor among hundreds of other boats, all celebrating the holiday. The boat travels briefly along the beautiful beaches of Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach, offering views of marine life. After sunset, sailors will have a front row seat to one of the largest Fourth of July fireworks displays in Southern California. Balboa Peninsula New Port Bay, 400 Main St., Newport Beach. 7 p.m. cruisenewportbeach.com.
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Annual Brea County Fair: County fairs have been an American tradition since the early 1800s, promoting local agriculture and showcasing farming techniques, but have since grown into all-out, fun-filled events with foods and activities for the whole family. This year’s free Brea Annual County Fair will celebrate America’s 250th with patriotic festivities, a pancake breakfast, live entertainment, a kiddie and dog parade, a classic car show, food, games, exhibits, and a Market Place area featuring handmade products. Visitors can also bring their swimsuits to take a dip at the Brea Municipal Plunge beginning at noon at no cost. 7 a.m.- 3 p.m. cityofbrea.gov.
The Mission Viejo Annual Street Faire and Fireworks Spectacular: Mission Viejo will also be celebrating the holiday with its own free fair. This year’s festivities include live entertainment, an array of rides and game booths, food trucks, over 50 vendor booths showcasing handmade and creative crafts and a fireworks display to end the night. A complimentary shuttle service will run from noon to 8 p.m., with stops conveniently located around Lake Mission Viejo. Bike racks are provided at both entrances for cyclists. Located on Olympiad between Marguerite and Melinda. Noon. mvactivities.com.
Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza: If you or anyone else in your life is a fan of synchronized firework shows, you’ll want to check out Dana Point’s celebration. Spectators can sit back and enjoy the coastline of Doheny State Beach lit up in red, white and blue colors across the sky. Before the fireworks, the show will also feature the Condor Squadron flyover, including World War II AT‑6 Texan aircraft soaring above Dana Point from 5:50-5:55 p.m. This event usually draws large crowds, and early arrival is recommended; delays are common getting in and out of the Harbor and Doheny State Beach. 9 p.m. danapoint.org.
Fourth of July Parade: American flags, lawn chairs, and nearly thousands of people are expected to line the streets for this year’s “Celebrate Country and Community” 33rd Fourth of July Parade in Lake Forest. The parade route runs along Toledo Way, Serrano Road, Ridge Route, and Lake Forest. 9:30 a.m. lakeforestca.gov.
Inland Empire
Epic Sports Complex: Celebrate Independence Day at Rancho Cucamonga’s Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, featuring an evening of live entertainment, family-friendly fun, and a dazzling fireworks display set to a patriotic soundtrack. Concession stands will offer food and beverages throughout the night. Early arrival is recommended to secure a viewing spot for the show. 6 p.m. Epic Sports Complex, 8408 Rochester Ave.,Rancho Cucamonga. cityofrc.us.
Riverside Municipal Airport: The airport is hosting a free, family-friendly event featuring historic aircraft displays, classic cars, and skydivers. The event will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a full day of aviation history, allowing visitors to walk among historic aircraft, enjoy WWII displays, watch a special skydiver parachute jump, and learn more about the people and aircraft that helped shape the nation’s history. 9 a.m. Riverside Municipal Airport, 6951 Flight Road, Riverside. riversideca.gov.
Front Row Fireworks: The 14th annual Front Row Fireworks features an adult and family viewing event at the Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery, near Mount Rubidoux, where visitors can watch the traditional Mount Rubidoux city fireworks on the Fourth of July. 5 p.m. Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery, 4414 14th St., Riverside.
Inland Empire 66ers: If you’re a baseball fan but not willing to go out to Los Angeles for the major league game, the local San Bernardino Inland Empire 66ers will be playing a holiday game against the Visalia Rawhide at San Manuel Stadium, followed by a post-game fireworks display. 6:30 p.m. San Manuel Stadium, 280 S E St., San Bernardino. milb.com.
Sylvan Park: The Fourth of July celebrations will feature live music, games, food, a flag ceremony, skydivers, airplane flyovers, a parade and booths from local Redlands staples. 9 a.m. Moore Middle School, 1550 E. Highland Ave., Redlands. redlandsfourthofjuly.com.
Ronald Reagan Sports Park & Community Recreation Center: Festivities in one of Temecula’s free and largest Fourth of July celebrations kick off at 2 p.m. with food vendors, live entertainment and a kids’ fun zone. Portable grills (propane or charcoal) are allowed in the park for those who prefer to barbecue on their own, and metal bins are located throughout the park for the disposal of hot coals. The night will end with an annual fireworks celebration at 9 p.m. at Ronald Reagan Sports Park, 30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula. visittemeculavalley.com.
Independence Day Bash: The third annual Independence Day Bash returns to the Empire Polo Club, featuring a massive drone show, food, a kid-zone and a beer garden. The free, family-friendly event promises twice as many drones as last year, as an alternative to a traditional fireworks display. 6 p.m. Empire Polo Club, 81-800 51st Ave., Indio. empirepoloclubevents.com.
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