Get ready for the sights and loud sounds of the 4th of July in Southern California. This year, it is important to keep aware of events changing due to recent activities. A few Southeast LA cities—Cudahy, Bell Gardens, and Huntington Park—have canceled or postponed their July 3 celebrations due to safety concerns tied to immigration enforcement activitylmtonline.com+3sfgate.com+3nbclosangeles.com+3. If you were planning to attend events in these cities (like fireworks, movies, or concerts), double-check local city sites or social media to confirm whether those have now been rescheduled or permanently canceled.
Major Free Celebrations & Fireworks
Marina del Rey Fireworks
• Launching at 9:00 pm, best viewed from Burton Chace Park, Fisherman’s Village or nearby beaches; synchronized music enhances the atmosphere.
Santa Monica Parade
• Starts at 9:30 am on Main Street and Pico Blvd—an annual community parade full of creativity and local pride.
Ticketed Special Events
Hollywood Bowl – Earth, Wind & Fire (Jul 2, 3 & 4)
• Begins at 7:30 pm, featuring LA Phil with a fireworks spectacular after each show.
Downtown Rooftop Cinema Club (DTLA)
• Outdoor screening of Independence Day (1996) with chair seating + popcorn—culture meets fireworks.
Dodger Stadium vs. Astros
• July 4 game at 6:10 pm, followed by a post‑game fireworks show viewed right from your seat.
Anime Expo (July 3–6)
• A massive anime convention at LA Convention Center; while not patriotic, it’s a unique holiday weekend draw.
Beach & Theme Park Festivities
Huntington Beach Celebration
• Known as the largest 4th of July west of the Mississippi, featuring a 5K, kid’s run, parade, and oceanfront fireworks at 9 pm.
Knotts Berry Farm
• Park open full day, with a 9:30 pm fireworks finale, ideal for family fun.
Disneyland
• Red, white & blue fireworks at 9:35 pm, with the iconic castle bathed in patriotic light.
Universal Studios Hollywood
• Included in park admission; check eligibility due to possible blockout dates.
Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia)
• Running fireworks nightly through Jul 4, included with park admission.
Inland & Suburban Celebrations
Pasadena – Rose Bowl Americafest
• Offers a long-standing fireworks show post-game; one of the nation’s top displays.
La Crescenta‑Montrose
• Gates open 4 pm, show at 9 pm. Food trucks, music & family inflatables; tickets ~$9–10.
San Fernando Festival & Drone Show
• 6–10 pm, free event at Recreation Park with carnival atmosphere and eco-friendly drone show.
Pacific Palisades Parade & Fireworks
• Community 5K/10K run + evening fireworks at Paul Revere School.
Simi Valley
• “Star‑Spangled Rock ’N Country Jam” at Rancho Santa Susana Park: live music, fun zone, beer/wine garden + fireworks after sunset.
Thousand Oaks
• Janss Marketplace & Borchard Park host family‑friendly activities and fireworks at 9 pm.
Westlake Village
• Parade and fireworks at Westlake Golf Course (5 pm onward), food trucks and kids’ entertainment.
Ventura
• Family picnic and fireworks at Ventura College; tickets start at ~$7.
Tips for the Holiday
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- Arrive early to secure good vantage points (especially at beaches, parks, stadiums).
• Check tickets ahead for events like Hollywood Bowl, Dodger game, parks.
• Public transit options available for Grand Park and downtown venues.
• Many cities (e.g., San Fernando, La Crescenta) use eco‑friendly drone shows instead of fireworks.
• Always verify parking, entry rules, and pet policies before heading out.
- Arrive early to secure good vantage points (especially at beaches, parks, stadiums).
