The best 4th of July events in LA
From patriotic parades to oceanfront fireworks, these are the best 4th of July events in Los Angeles
Looking for 4th of July events or things to do with the family? Spend Independence Day hanging out at one of the best beaches in LA, eating the city's best BBQ, cooling with with classic frozen desserts and having fun at these kid-friendly events, neighborhood parades and celebratory festivals. The best part about most of these 4th of July events? You can end the evening with a patriotic bang of dazzling fireworks in the night sky.
RECOMMENDED: Discover everything you need to know about 4th of July events, fireworks and more in Los Angeles
4th of July events in Los Angeles
Pacific Palisades Fourth of July Parade
Cruise on up to the Palisades for a beachy Independence Day extravaganza. Starting just before 2pm, a band of patriotic skydivers will descend from the stratosphere, kicking off the neighborhood's colossal parade. The baton twirlers and marching trombonists will begin their promenade on Sunset Boulevard, between Via de la Paz and Drummond. General admission to the parade is free, but if you want to avoid chauffeuring whipper snappers on your shoulders all day, splurge for VIP grandstand seating (from $50). The festivities continue with a concert and fireworks ($10 for both), leaving nothing amiss from this year's Fourth of July celebration.
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Fourth of July Americafest at the Rose Bowl
Americafest at the Rose Bowl is an explosive celebration of all things red, white and blue—from the classic American food, to a motorcycle stunt show, to the world-renowned fireworks display. The fireworks won't shoot off until 9pm, but the Rose Bowl will open at 2pm Independence Day, at which time access to a goldmine of inflatable rides, games and crafts will be available for kid-friendly fun. Parking for the event will cost $20, but you can make it worth your while with an afternoon of tailgaiting outside the stadium.
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Fourth of July Block Party
If you're on the hunt for a cheap, lively way to celebrate Uncle Sam, shake it over to Grand Park, and watch Downtown LA light up for free! This Fourth of July, Grand Park hosts a unique block party, featuring scrumptious food truck fare, live music and more. The music begins while the sun is still high in the sky, so bring yourself an all-day picnic—no booze allowed, only empty water bottles—and relax. Your four-legged friends are totally invited, and, best of all, the event is Metro accessible
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Studio City Fourth of July Fireworks Festival
Studio City's annual 4th of July spectacular returns to the sprawling CBS Studio Center (4024 Radford Ave). The event features live music in addition to a car show, local business expo and kid-friendly activities. Pack your own picnic or load up on summer eats and cold brews when you arrive. In addition your regular admission, you can purchase Kids Fun Zone wristbands or VIP tickets for food and alcohol tastings, roof access and more. The night will culminate with a dazzling fireworks show, after which you can return to your car (parked for free on Radford Ave), feeling satisfied that you did Independence Day right.
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'Merica Fest
Angel City fires off a salute to all nations but mostly America at its aptly named 4th of July celebration, 'Merica Fest. The brewery's parking lot and shed space will be transformed into a good ol' summertime backyard with lawn games, a beer garden and the most patriotic of all American eats: BBQ and ice pops.
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Huntington Beach Fourth of July Celebration
Make your Fourth of July an all-day blowout by heading down to this legendary, long-running fest at the Huntington Beach Pier. The festivities kick off with the crack-of-dawn breakfast in Lake Park, followed by a 5K run and fitness expo. Walk the parade route to the beach from 10am til noon, and then put on your Uncle Sam hat for the Pier Plaza Festival, where you'll find live entertainment, family activities and all-American eats. Scope out a spot or grab a VIP seat for the fireworks display at 9pm, which ends in an epic 500-round finale.
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July Fourth Late Night BBQ at Aquarium of the Pacific
Celebrate Independence Day with the kids, a plate of barbecue and your best under-the-sea buddies. The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts a Fourth of July BBQ, in addition to late-night aquarium access and a magnificent view of the waterfront fireworks show. Reserve tickets online for the cookout ($59 adults, $25 kids), which will feature classic summer treats like coal slaw and hot dogs, in addition to fancier fare, including brisket and s'mores bars. A kid-friendly menu is also available for the little rascals in your posse. The aquarium is open all day, but discounted admission starts at 5pm.
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July 4th Fireworks in Marina del Rey
There's something about watching fireworks over the ocean. Every year in Marina del Rey, fireworks explode over the marina channel and spectators gather all over to watch: at Burton Chace Park (with synchronized music from 88.9FM), Fisherman's Village, Mother's Beach, waterfront hotels and restaurants and on boats. Fireworks start at 9pm and last for about 20 minutes.
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All-American 4th of July on the Queen Mary
Watch the Long Beach fireworks from aboard the Queen Mary, where you'll be able to scope out concerts, family-friendly activities alongside patriotic-themed events. Each section of the ship will take inspiration from a different part of the US, so expect Nashville line dancing, a Coney Island circus, a game of Texas hold 'em, a New Orleans marching band, Hollywood-style DJs and a Hawaiian luau.
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Where to see 4th of July fireworks
4th of July in LA isn't complete without loud, colorful explosions in the night sky. After a day at the beach, cooling off with the city's best ice cream and grilling with friends and family, cap off Independence Day with fireworks shows all over the Los Angeles region, from the Long Beach waterfront to high above Hollywood.
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So get as drunk as you want, just download the Lyft app and enter code JULY4LA and let them be your DD. Be safe
I'm spending it at 626 Night Market in Arcadia with LOTS of food, games, and a huge LASER SHOW!
Here's my 4th of July strategy: hit the Hollywood Bowl on July 2 to get the party started ASAP (I work with the LA Phil and it's always one of my fave events of the year), Cinespia on July 3, and then BBQ and hang with friends locally on the day itself...I love that you posted a couple weekend activities, too, I must check those out for a full 4th celebration!