The Port of Los Angeles presents “Cars and Stripes Forever!” on June 28, 2024 in San Pedro. In the file photo: Fireworks lit up the sky over the port at “Cars and Stripes Forever!” in San Pedro, on Friday, June 30, 2023. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Celebrating July 4th at a fireworks show after a barbecue or a picnic is a tradition all across the United States.
This year we’re celebrating the 248th birthday of the founding of the United States of America — of the document stating the “Unanimous Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen United States” from Great Britain — that was approved by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.
Start planning to see professional fireworks or drone shows beginning June 28 this year — some events include a festival before the “light up the sky” displays. Many shows have free admission. Some shows, however, require advance ticket purchase only.
Here is a sampling of July 4th fireworks or drone shows in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
June 28
San Pedro
Cars & Stripes Forever!: The Port of Los Angeles hosts a classic cars show – plus motorcycles – live music and food trucks, 5-10 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Parking: First Street and Harbor Boulevard or use free shuttle service from downtown San Pedro. Harbor Boulevard and Swinford Street. Flyer: tinyurl.com/sja2jy73. portoflosangeles.org/community/events/cars-and-stripes-forever
June 29
Arcadia
Downtown Arcadia Patriotic Festival and Fireworks: The festival, 5-9:30 p.m., on First Avenue between Diamond Street and Huntington Drive. Sign up on the website link to enter the “Big Give Away” drawing. You must be present to win. Drawing is at 7 p.m. on the First Avenue Middle School stage. Fireworks, 9 p.m. First Avenue Middle School, 301 S. First St. Flyer and details on the “Big Give Away,” www.arcadiadt.com
Montebello
Independence Day Spectacular: The city of Montebello presents the event that includes games, live music and food, 4-9:30 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Bring a blanket or low-back chair for seating. Parking: Shuttle service, 3-11 p.m., every 30 minutes, from various parking areas including Applied Technology Center, Montebello City Hall, Chet Holifield Park and Montebello Intermediate School (see other locations listed on the link). Grant Rea Park, 600 Rea Drive. Details and flyer: tinyurl.com/5x8nwexc
Lakewood
City of Lakewood Block Party and Fireworks Show: The event includes a “Family Fun Zone” and “On the Block Food Court,” 4-9 p.m. Fireworks show, 9:15 p.m. Free admission. Purchase tickets for the activities in the “fun zone.” Food court purchases are per individual vendors. Live music by the MVPs, 5 p.m. (bring a blanket or low-back lawn chair for seating; the concert is in front of city hall). The Block Party stretches from the city’s civic center parking lot at Hardwick Street, southbound on Clark Avenue to Del Amo Boulevard. www.lakewoodcity.org/News/Annual-programs-community-event-stories/Civic-Center-Block-Party
Monterey Park
Independence Day Celebration: The city of Monterey Park presents the event that includes music by the band 4×4 (tinyurl.com/3w58wnx3) and food trucks, 4 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Barnes Park, 350 S. McPharrin Ave. 626-307-1388. www.montereypark.ca.gov/687/Independence-Day-Celebration
South El Monte
Independence Day Fireworks Festival – South El Monte: The city kicks off Independence Day early with games, music and food vendors, 6-9:30 p.m. Live music by the Platinum Beat, 7-9 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. South El Monte High School, 1001 N. Durfee Ave., South El Monte. 626-579-2043. www.cityofsouthelmonte.org/250/Special-Events
June 30
Lake View Terrace
Celebration of Independence Day – Drone Light Show Festival: Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez’s office presents the third annual event that includes entertainment by the St. Paul and the Minneapolis Funk All Stars (www.mplsfunkallstars.com), children’s activities, community resource booths, food and vendors, 5-10 p.m. Free admission. Hansen Dam Recreation Area, soccer fields, 11658 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace. 818-485-0600; 818-756-8409; 818-352-3287. https://cd7.lacity.gov/events/3rd-annual-independence-day-drone-light-show-festival
July 2-4
Hollywood
Hollywood Bowl’s July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular: Harry Connick Jr. and Thomas Wilkins conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic, 7:30 p.m. ($15 and up; see children’s tickets on the website). Location, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. www.hollywoodbowl.com/
July 2
Norwalk
Independence Day Festival and Fireworks: Event includes a Kids Zone and food trucks, 4-9:30 p.m. Music by Bruno and the Hooligans, a tribute band, 6 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Norwalk Civic Center, 12700 Norwalk Blvd. 562-929-5702. Flyer: tinyurl.com/5n6hu8ux
July 3
Baldwin Park
Independence Day Spectacular: Activities include carnival rides, giant slides, music and food vendors, 5:30-10 p.m. Music by Twist on Taylor, a tribute to Taylor Swift, 6:45 p.m. Fireworks, around 9:30 p.m. Sierra Vista High School, 3600 Frazier Ave. 626-813-5245. Details: tinyurl.com/3wztbz25
Duarte
City of Duarte Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks: Live music by Sangria Band, family play area and food trucks/vendors, 6-9:30 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Duarte Sports Park, 1401 Central Ave. 626-357-7931. Details: tinyurl.com/fj6cnv6b
Hawaiian Gardens
Independence Day Celebration: Event includes live music and food trucks, 7 p.m. Fireworks, around 9 p.m. Fedde Sports Complex, 21409 Elaine Ave. 562-420-2644. Details: tinyurl.com/2t57dpvt
Lynwood
City of Lynwood Independence Day Celebration: The event includes live entertainment, lawn games, bounce houses and food trucks, 5 p.m. Lynwood City Park, 11301 Bullis Road. 310-603-0220, Ext. 319. www.lynwoodca.gov. www.facebook.com/mylynwood.ca
Moorpark
Third of July Fireworks Extravaganza: Gates open and activities and games begin, 4 p.m. Concerts: 5 (Rhythm Krewe) and at 7:30 p.m. (Acme Time Machine). Flag presentation and National Anthem, 6:45 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Bring a blanket or low-back lawn chair and picnic dinner. Food court. Admission, $8, in advance (free for babies younger than one year); $10 at the door (cash-only). Limited parking at the park; $5 for parking (must be purchased in advance and also, everyone in vehicle must have tickets purchased in advance). Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road. 805-517-6300. Details about the event, rules to follow and parking: tinyurl.com/2z357x5y
San Gabriel
Independence Day Celebration and Drone Show: The city of San Gabriel presents the event that includes crafts, games, community booths, food trucks, 5 p.m. Drone show, 9 p.m. Registration is required to attend (see the link on the website). 626-308-2875. Gabrielino High School, 1327 S. San Gabriel Blvd. sangabrielcity.com/independenceday
July 4
Burbank
Starlight Bowl – July 4th Concert and Fireworks: A concert with Billy Nation, a tribute to Billy Joel, and Mirage, a tribute band to Fleetwood Mac, 6:30 p.m. Tickets: lower area, $31; upper area, $26 (grass area and box seats sold out). Parking $12 (cash-only). Parking lot opens, 4:30 p.m. Gates open, 5:30 p.m. Location, 1249 Lockheed View Drive, Burbank. 818-238-5300. www.starlightbowl.com. Details and to purchase tickets in advance here: https://starlightbowl.com/events/billy-nation/
Camarillo
City of Camarillo Fourth of July Fireworks Show: Fireworks, 9 p.m. (listen to musical soundtrack on KBBY-95.1 or online at 951kbby.com; 30-second delay for streaming). Free admission. Watch from parking lots at Camarillo Premium Outlets (740 E. Ventura Blvd.) or surrounding area. Parking is first come, first served. Road closures in effect at 8:45 p.m. (no vehicle access to parking lot after that time). cityofcamarillo.org/fireworks
El Segundo
El Segundo’s the 4th of July at Recreation Park: Daytime events include contests, games, races, arts and crafts vendors, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nighttime events include live music, food booths and fireworks, 5-9 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Bring a blanket for seating. Admission is by wristband (four free wristbands per adult with an updated 2024 Rec ID Card for residents of El Segundo; $5 for non-residents and available for purchase at the Clubhouse and Checkout Building in Recreation Park through July 3; $5 at the door; see details and the requirements needed for the recreation ID card on the website. Recreation Park, 401 Sheldon St. City of El Segundo Recreation and Parks, 310-524-2700. Details: www.elsegundorecparks.org/programs-services/special-events/4th-of-july
La Crescenta
Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration – Crescenta Valley Fireworks Association: The 17th event returns to La Crescenta Elementary School in 2024, gates open at 4 p.m. and fireworks around 9 p.m. Live music by the Mary Dyer band. Food trucks. Bring a blanket or chairs for seating (no stakes allowed). Tickets in advance $9; $10 at the gate. Check the website for locations to purchase tickets in advance. La Crescenta Elementary School, field, 4343 La Crescenta Ave., La Crescenta. 818-275-4959. Details: www.cvfireworks.com/event. www.cvfireworks.com/
Lancaster
Fourth of July Extravaganza – Antelope Valley Fair and Event Center: The City of Lancaster presents the event that includes music by the Doc Brown Band, family activities and food trucks, 5-10 p.m. Gates open, 5 p.m. (free to enter the grounds); grandstand seating, opens at 6 p.m. (grandstand seating requires a ticket, $5); band performs, 7 p.m. Fireworks, 9:15 p.m. Antelope Valley Fair and Event Center, 2551 W. Ave., H. www.cityoflancasterca.org. Flyer: tinyurl.com/bdzkunp6. Click on Events, then the Buy Now option to see details: www.avfair.com
Los Angeles
Gloria Molina Grand Park’s 4th of July Block Party: The event includes art activities, games, music on two stages with DJs, bands and singers, a Ferris wheel and food trucks, 4-9:30 p.m. Drone light show. Free admission. Details, parking options and public transportation options on the website. Location, 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 213-972-8080. grandparkla.org/4th-of-july
LA Dodgers vs Arizona Diamondbacks: Game, 6:10 p.m., followed by a fireworks show. Tickets $45 and up. Prepaid parking: $30; $50 for preferred lot (www.mlb.com/dodgers/ballpark/transportation/parking). Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles. www.mlb.com/dodgers/tickets/single-game-tickets
Marina del Rey
Marina del Rey 4th of July Fireworks: The fireworks display will be launched from a barge off of the Marina’s south jetty, 9 p.m. Viewing areas include Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way and Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way (synchronized music at both locations). Check website for harbor side dinner and parking tips. Also, check cruising options here: visitmdr.com/sailing/yacht-charters-and-boat-rentals. Many surrounding roads close at 1 p.m. Fireworks are visible from Dockweiler Beach, Playa Vista and Venice Pier. Details and flyer: www.visitmarinadelrey.com/events/july-4-fireworks-marina-del-rey
Monrovia
City of Monrovia’s 4th of July Concert and Fireworks Show: The event includes dancing and a concert by Stone Soul, 7-8:30 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Library Park, 321 S. Myrtle Ave. 626-256-8246. www.cityofmonrovia.org/your-government/recreation/special-events/4th-of-july-fireworks-show
Ojai
Ojai 4th of July Celebration: Event includes games, live music and food trucks, 5:30-9 p.m. Fireworks, 9:15 p.m. Bring a blanket or low-back chair. No alcohol, glass or pets. Tickets $10; $5 children; price options for families of 4, 6 and 8 (in advance on the Eventbrite link). Tickets available at the gate $13; $6 children (see website for options for family groups). Nordhoff High School, football stadium, 1401 Maricopa Highway. Updates on Facebook: tinyurl.com/22p44p94. www.4thofjulyinojai.com/schedule-of-events. To purchase tickets in advance online on Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/a4rsnr5r
Oxnard
Fireworks by the Sea – Channel Islands Harbor: 9 p.m. Check the website for daytime activities at the harbor. Location, 3900 Pelican Way, Oxnard. www.facebook.com/ChannelIslandsHarbor/. channelislandsharbor.org/event/2024-fireworks-by-the-sea
Pacific Palisades
Palisades Fireworks Spectacular: Gates open, 6 p.m., and fireworks, 9 p.m. Bring a blanket to sit on the field. Bleacher and stadium seats available for seating. No coolers, food or drinks allowed inside the field. There will be food trucks onsite; see details here: palisades4th.com/fireworks/fireworks-faq. Tickets $10; free for ages 6 and younger (however, all must have a ticket for admission including children and babies; QR code will be scanned). No tickets sold at the gates. Purchase tickets and parking ($25) in advance on the website. Gates close at 8:45 p.m. (no admittance after that time even if you have a ticket; no refunds). Location, Palisades Charter High School (15777 Bowdoin St., Pacific Palisades). More Pacific Palisades July 4 activities (palisades4th.com). Details, rules, parking information and to purchase tickets: palisades4th.com/fireworks/
Palmdale
Palmdale Amphitheater – Concert and Fireworks Celebration: Event opens at 6 p.m. Concert by Queen Nation, a tribute to the music of Queen, 8 p.m. Fireworks, around 9 p.m. Tickets $3.50; free for ages 12 and younger (with a complimentary reserved ticket). This is a cash-free event; see website for credit cards accepted. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Check the website for parking ideas; limited on-site parking. Palmdale Amphitheater, 2723 Rancho Vista Blvd., Palmdale. www.palmdaleamphitheater.com/events/2024/fireworks-celebration-2024
Pasadena
LA Galaxy vs Los Angeles Football Club: Game, 7:30 p.m. Gates to the stadium open, 5:30 p.m. Unfurling of the American flag covering the field, 7:15 p.m., followed by the National Anthem and a Condor Squadron flyover. DJ Afrojack gives the pregame and halftime performance. Fireworks after the game (estimated around 9:45 p.m.). Tickets $35 and up (ages 2 and older require a ticket). Parking lots open 1:30 p.m.; a Fanfest, 2:30 p.m., in Lot H. Check for premium tickets, parking and other details for July 4 event on the Rose Bowl stadium website. Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive. www.lagalaxy.com/tickets/singlegame. www.rosebowlstadium.com/events/details/405/la-galaxy-vs-lafc-soccer-match
Pomona
Fairplex presents Kaboom!: Event includes monster truck show and music by 80z Allstars, 4 p.m. Fireworks, 9:15 p.m. Tickets in advance online $22; $35 reserved box seat (at the gate on July 4 $30; $40 reserved box seat). Parking at Gate 17 for parking (credit card only). Credit card only for admission and alcohol sales (some food stands may accept cash). Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Drive. www.facebook.com/fairplex. www.fairplex.com/events/kaboom
Porter Ranch
Fourth of July Spectacular at Shepherd Church: Gates open, 5 p.m. Fireworks, about 9 p.m. Food vendors. No tailgating. Use parking areas around the church. Location, 19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch. 818-831-9333. www.shepherdchurch.com/4th
Redondo Beach
Classic 4th of July Fireworks Show: City of Redondo Beach present the celebration (after a 2023 drone show), 9 p.m. For map location purposes: King Harbor Marina, 208 Yacht Club Way or Redondo Beach Pier, 415 Diamond St. Flyer: tinyurl.com/ye7rrpr9
San Fernando
City of San Fernando Independence Day Festival and Drone Light Show: Family fun with arts and crafts, carnival games, artisan and food vendors, 4:30-9:30 p.m. July 4. Live music by Savor, a Santana tribute band. Patriotic drone light show, 9 p.m. Recreation Park, 208 Park Ave., San Fernando. https://ci.san-fernando.ca.us/sfrecreation/#independence-day-celebration
Santa Barbara
Fourth of July Celebration: Fireworks, around 9 p.m. West Beach (West Cabrillo Boulevard and State Street). Prior to fireworks: Food and vendor booths, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (Cabrillo Boulevard, sidewalk at West Beach). Also, live music at the West Beach, beginning at noon. Fireworks are scheduled to be live stream on keyt.com. 805-897-1962. santabarbaraca.gov/things-do/city-events/fourth-july-celebration. https://santabarbaraca.gov/press-releases/fourth-july-celebration-bring-full-day-festivities-santa-barbaras-waterfront
Simi Valley
Star-Spangled Rock ‘N Country Jam and Fireworks Celebration: Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley presents the event that includes music, a kid’s fun zone, beer and wine garden, food booths and arts and crafts vendors. Doors open, 3 p.m. July 4. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Free admission. A VIP admission is available: $100; $45 ages 12 and younger (includes barbecue dinner, 4-6:30 p.m., dessert, 5:30-8 p.m.; shaded seating near the stage and other perks; more information and to purchase here: starspangledsimi.com/vip-tickets). Entertainment: Silver Lining (3:15 p.m.); FamDamly (5 p.m.); Forever Rod (7 p.m.). Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Parking: Simi Valley Metrolink Station, 5050 E. Los Angeles Ave.; Simi Valley High School, 5400 Cochran St.; 5-Star Parking onsite, $25, purchase here: https://starspangledsimi.com/event-info). Location, Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. Kiwanis Club, 805-807-5100. starspangledsimi.com
Thousand Oaks
Fireworks Spectacular: Conejo Recreation & Park District and the City of Thousand Oaks present fireworks, 9 p.m. Listen to synchronized music from KHAY-100.7 FM radio. Viewing spots include: Janss Marketplace, Hillcrest Drive and Moorpark Road (details on how to get free or paid tickets for required wristbands: tinyurl.com/yc3zwd7w). The Oaks, 350 W. Hillcrest Drive (details on viewing here: tinyurl.com/krcdjpw2). 805-495-6471. www.crpd.org/events/fourth-of-july-activities
Torrance
Fourth of July Fireworks Show: 9 p.m. Watch from Los Angeles County Courthouse, west parking lot (825 Maple Ave.) or at the LA Galaxy Sports Complex (opens at 7 p.m.; first come, first seated; bring a blanket or a beach chair with round-bottom feet for seating on the turf; 555 Maple Avenue). Updates: www.facebook.com/TorranceCA. Details and rules: www.torranceca.gov/services/community-services/july-4-fireworks-celebration-2024
Universal City
Universal Studios Hollywood: The theme park is open 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Fireworks display around 9 p.m. Admission $144 July 4 with online purchase, ages 10 and older; $138 ages 3-9; check the website for other ticket prices including Universal Express for bypassing general queue at most rides and shows. Parking $35 ($10 after 5 p.m.); $50 preferred ($20 after 5 p.m.); $70 at the front gate. Location: 100 Universal City Plaza. General information, 800-864-8377. Admission, 866-258-6546. www.universalstudioshollywood.com. Details on July 4th event: tinyurl.com/yc4c6zu2
Valencia
City of Santa Clarita Fireworks Show: Fireworks, 9:15 p.m. Free to watch from the surrounding area of Valencia Town Center, 24201 Valencia Blvd. https://calendar.santa-clarita.com/event/city-of-santa-clarita-fireworks-show
(In addition, Valencia Town Center holds a fundraiser for the WiSH Education Foundation, 6-10 p.m.; tickets $45; $35 ages 12 and younger; details on this ticketed-in-advance VIP viewing event at a location at Valencia Town Center: tinyurl.com/mr49k76x). Location, 24201 Valencia Blvd. Purchase tickets for the fundraiser on Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/4zj5zpup)
Six Flags Magic Mountain: Fireworks, 9:15 p.m. (and also, July 5-6). Best viewing areas: Full Throttle Plaza, Main Gate Plaza and DC Universe. Admission $57 online (see other options on the website). Location, 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway. www.sixflags.com/magicmountain. www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/events/july-celebration
Ventura
Ventura Rotary 4th of July Fireworks and Family Picnic: The event includes live entertainment, children’s activities and food trucks, gates open, 5 p.m. Fireworks, around 9 p.m. Tickets $10 ages 13 and older; $5 ages 4-12; a family-of-four admission is $30, only available as pre-sale on the website (and must enter gate together on “family ticket”). Admission is cash-only at the gate. Bring your own blanket for seating and picnic items. No alcohol, no glass, no pets, no smoking (see other rules on the website). Ventura College Athletic Fields, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura. www.venturafireworks.com. Details and to purchase admission in advance on Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/yck292ar
West Covina
Independence Day Celebration: The event includes picnic games, a rock climbing wall and food vendors, 5 p.m. Music: DJ Phil Perez and live music by RemiX – Funk and R&B Revue. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Gates open, 4 p.m. Parking: limited at the venue; options, with shuttles running from 3-8 p.m. (parking lot at 1540 E. Amar Road on the southeast corner of Amar and Azusa avenues; Shadow Oak Park, 2121 Shadow Oak Drive; Cortez Park and Senior Center, 2501 E. Cortez St.). West Covina Sportsplex, 2100 S. Azusa Ave. 626-919-6966. Email WestCovinaRec@westcovina.org. Flyer and details: tinyurl.com/mrhkuvdy
Westlake Village
Fireworks Spectacular – Westlake Village: Event includes activities, food and beverages for sale. Gates open, 5 p.m.; Event begins, 6 p.m.; Fireworks, 9:10 p.m. Also, fireworks may be seen from the area surrounding Westlake Village Golf Course, including the Westlake Village Golf Course Range, and at Calvary Community Church (5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village; gates open 7 p.m.; bring a blanket or chair; no pets allowed; calvarywestlake.org). There is no parking on-site at the golf course; only drop-offs; follow signage for free, off-site parking off of Lakeview Canyon and Townsgate roads. Westlake Village Golf Course, 4812 Lakeview Canyon Road, Westlake Village. 818-706-1613. Details and the flyer: http://wlv.org/366/4th-of-July-Fireworks-Show
Whittier
City of Whittier 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular: Listen to music by Legacy plus family activities and food trucks. Watch the fireworks display from the park and surrounding areas, 9 p.m. Gates open, 5 p.m. Admission $5; free for ages 17 and younger and veterans with ID. York Field, 9110 Santa Fe Springs Road. Whittier Parks, Recreation and Community Services, 562-567-9400. www.whittierprcs.org/home-communityservices. Details: tinyurl.com/v6e63nt3
Woodland Hills
Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza: Valley Cultural Foundation, producers of Concerts at Warner Park, also produces the Independence Day event and fireworks show, 6-9:30 p.m. Performers: Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous8, with the Paul Litteral Band. Free admission (bring your own blanket or low-back chair for seating). Or, $25 VIP seat; $40 VIP seat with parking (purchase in advance). Parking opens for July 4 event at 3:30 p.m. in the designated structure (see website for details). Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills. 818-888-0822. www.valleycultural.org. valleycultural.org/event/2024-july-4th-extravaganza/
July 5
Culver City
Independence Day Drone Light Show: Culver City Downtown Business Association presents their inaugural event, 6-9:30 p.m. Event includes a flag salute, the National Anthem and music. Free admission. Town Plaza, 9500 Culver Blvd. downtownculvercity.com/event/downtown-culver-city-independence-celebration
July 7
Agoura Hills
Concerts in the Park: Fantastic Diamond, a tribute to Neil Diamond, 6 p.m. A drone show follows the concert. Chumash Park, 5550 Meda Valley Drive. Agoura Hills Recreation Center, 818-597-7361. www.agourahillsrec.org
Cancelled show
City of Calabasas is not hosting a fireworks show in 2024 due to construction at Calabasas High School. www.cityofcalabasas.com/government/community-services-parks-recreation/special-events