Huntington Beach

Make your Fourth of July an all-day blowout by heading down to this legendary, long-running (122 years!) fest at the Huntington Beach Pier, which is billed as “the largest Independence Day celebration west of the Mississippi.” The festivities kick off with the 5K Surf City Run at 8am. Follow the 2.5-mile parade route to the beach, then put on your Uncle Sam hat for the Pier Plaza Festival and carnival, where you’ll find live entertainment, family activities and all-American eats all weekend. Scope out a spot or grab a VIP seat for the fireworks display at 9pm, which ends in an epic finale. What time is the Huntington Beach 4th July parade? The parade is on July 4 at 10am. The parade’s 2.5-mile route starts on Pacific Coast Highway and makes its way past the Huntington Beach Pier onto Main Street.  What time do the fireworks start at Huntington Beach on the 4th of July? The fireworks start at 9pm. Beach viewing is open to the public, while reserved seating on the pier will cost you $40.   

America’s largest pro surfing competition attracts the world’s elite, who compete for big money while wowing thousands of beach boys and girls with their skill, grace and innovative board designs. Heating up the festivities are live bands, a sports expo and after-parties with the friendly locals—though the concerts are ticketed. Matt Costa, G. Love & Special Sauce kick things off on July 25, Real Estate and the Allah-Las (whose surf-rock vibes should perfectly match the setting) play on July 31, and Arcy Drive and Local Natives share the stage August 1.

Kaskade sends his beachfront festival back to SoCal with sets from Cassian, Matroda, BUNT., D.O.D, Me N Ü, Lavern, Bobby Harvey and Esse at Huntington State Beach.

Time to dance away the sadness to the beat of a whole lot of drum machines: Darker Waves is bringing a bunch of ’80s new wave, post punk and alternative rock legends to Huntington Beach. Morrissey and Smashing Pumpkins top the lineup, with additional sets from Simple Minds, Bad Religion, Adam Ant, the Psychedlic Furs, Soft Cell and more, including some more contemporary picks like Silversun Pickups, Cold Cave and Mariachi El Bronx.