By Maria del Cisne Vital
The Fourth of July is a great way for families and friends to reunite and celebrate independence and the beauty of our great nation. Take pride in the U.S., sport some red, white and blue, and wave the American flag high this fourth. End your night with a bang— firework shows will be displayed all throughout SoCal!
The Big Bay Boom
San Diego’s North Bay will light up this Fourth of July with a massive display of fireworks starting at 9 p.m. Lasting about 18 minutes, this show is the largest annual event in the western United States with over 500,000 people viewing, whether in person or at home watching. In order to get the best view, it’s recommended to go to Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North/South Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Little Italy and more locations throughout San Diego. This show is “a salute to the military families of our service heroes.”
bigbayboom.com/
Grand Park + The Music Center’s 4th Of July Block Party
Enjoy an Independence Day celebration at L.A.’s Grand Park from 3 to 10 p.m. The festivities are kicked off with a fun block party with live performances on two different stages in the park. Also, there will be picnicking, games, art making, and dancing. Fun for the whole family! It is the county’s largest free July 4th celebration. Bring some blankets or lawn chairs and get cozy to watch some breathtaking fireworks light up the night sky.
200 N. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
grandparkla.org/event/july4-block-party-2018/?instance_id=98373
Independence Day on the Back Bay
The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is hosting an Independence Day bash for the whole family! Enjoy beach activities during the day like kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding. Once the sun sets, there will be live music, local food trucks, and full bars. Fireworks hosted by the City of Newport Beach will begin around 9 p.m. A view of the ocean topped with colorful fireworks is a beautiful sight to see.
1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
visitnewportbeach.com/events/4th-july-newport-dunes/
Fireworks by the Sea
The Channel Islands Harbor is having a Fourth of July celebration that will have everything from food to fireworks! Come out during the day for fun on the beach and enjoy an artist’s market, rides for the children, and art exhibits. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. This spectacular event is free for the public.
Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard, CA 93035
channelislandsharbor.org/event/fireworks-by-the-sea/
Fireworks at Stearns Wharf
Fireworks will be loudly on display at the Santa Barbara waterfront and Stearn’s Wharf. Food vendors, face painting, live music, and much more will be at your service this Fourth of July. There will also be a special 4th of July Art Show where 80 incredible artisans will be presenting their products. At 9 p.m., the show begins and will last about 20 minutes. Get your ears ready for the booms of fireworks accompanied by classic and current patriotic tunes.
217 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/waterfront/events/july4.asp
AmericaFest Presented by Honda
Held at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, the 92nd annual AmericaFest is an event for all ages. With a live concert from recent American Idol winner, Maddie Poppe, entertainment is a given! Family fun zones open up at 2 p.m. and the fireworks begin at 9 p.m. There is also a chance for you to win a Goodyear Blimp ride experience for two. The general admission fee is $15, but it is free for children below age 5.
1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, California 91103
rosebowlstadium.com/events/detail/america-fest
July 4th at the Marina
As one of the most popular shows in SoCal, it is recommended that you arrive no later than 1 p.m. in order to secure a spot for this wonderful firework display. Marina del Rey is a beautiful city with much to do like kayaking, paddle boarding, eating and shopping. Spend the day there, and wait until 9 p.m. when the show begins. Some great viewing points are the 10-acre Burton Chace Park and the Fisherman’s Village.
13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
visitmarinadelrey.com/events/july-4-marina-del-rey
July 4th at the Ball Park
Make your way over to the Palm Springs Power Stadium to watch a mash-up of two great American classics: baseball and Independence Day fireworks. There will also be hot dogs! Come watch the team play the Palm Springs Collegiate League All-Stars at 6:05 p.m. Then, the fireworks show begins at 9:15 p.m. Get comfortable in the great stadium seating, but show up early to snag a good seat, as the stadium tends to fill up quickly on the Fourth. Gates open at 5p.m.!
1901 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
palmspringspowerbaseball.com/scheduleresults/promotional-schedule/july-4th-at-the-ballpark/
