Independence Day celebrations in Southern California are known for their variety of food, live music and professionally choreographed fireworks displays. So whether you prefer to get your pyrotechnic groove on by the surf, in a ballpark or simply at whichever public show is nearest to your home, here are a few options to consider in Los Angeles County, Orange County and in the Inland Empire. Some events will sell out, so plan accordingly.
Hollywood Bowl: Josh Groban July 4th Fireworks Spectacular
Where: Hollywood Bowl
2301 N Highland Ave
Hollywood, CA 90068
Tickets: $11.50 to $255
About: Music @ 7:30 PM, fireworks to follow.
The popular event features patriotic music played by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and led by conductor, Sarah Hicks, as well as the music of the featured artist, Josh Groban.
Helpful Tips: Pack a picnic basket and a cooler, and enjoy it on the picnic grounds outside the bowl before the concert, or bring it in with you (yes, outside food is allowed).
AmericaFest: 87th Annual, 4th of July Celebration at the Rose Bowl
Where: The Rose Bowl, Pasadena
1001 Rose Bowl Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91103
626-577-3101
Tickets: $13, $25 for reserve seats. Kids 7 & under are FREE. Military personnel with active ID, can receive 4 complimentary passes.
About: Festival open 2pm; Fireworks @ 9:30pm
Arrive early and browse the food & merchant booths, games, rides and entertainment. TNT motorcycle stunts are performed at 7:30 pm, as well as a music by Mariachi Divas and Kenny G. The event is capped with a 30 minute firework show.
Helpful Tips: Traffic & parking congestion is an issue, so account for it and arrive early.
Huntington Beach, 4th of July Celebration
Where: Huntington Beach Pier
315 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Tickets: Free BUT $20 for premium bleacher seating + $25 to $27 for all day parking.
About: Fireworks @ 9pm
The HB celebration offers a full day of activities. Fitness buffs can partake in a 5k fun run in the early morning, families may prefer to watch the parade, marshaled by Patrick Warburton (aka Puddy from Seinfeld) and everyone can enjoy the food vendors, exhibitors, entertainers and family activities by the beach.
Helpful Tips: The fireworks literally rocket over the Pacific Ocean; stake out a prime location on the beach, and you’re set.
Anaheim Stadium: Post Game Fireworks
Where: Anaheim Stadium
2000 E Gene Autry Way,
Anaheim, CA 92806
Phone:(714) 940-2000
Tickets: $17 (pavillion) to $225 (Dugout Club)
About: Fireworks to follow the game.
Although the Halos have been disappointing this season, they are sure to be fired up for their matchup with the N.L. leading St. Louis Cardinals.
Helpful Tip: Fans of reigning Rookie of the Year, Mike Trout, can obtain a complimentary Trout Farm T-shirt, if they purchases tickets in Section 101.
Disney’s Celebrate America! A 4thof July Concert in the Sky
Where: Disneyland
1313 S. Harbor Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92802
Tickets: 1 day pass start at $86 for children 3-9 & $92 for age 10+ ; FREE from Downtown Disney
About: Fireworks @ 9:30pm
Disneyland launches a nightly fireworks display, which is supersized (to about 30 minutes), for the 4th of July.
Helpful Tip: Don’t want to spend a day in the Magic Kingdom? The view of the fireworks from Downtown Disney or the grounds of the neighboring hotels is almost as good as being in the park. Plus there are restaurants, shops and street performers aplenty, to entertain you.
City of Upland, 27th Annual 4th of July Spectacular
Where: Upland High School
565 W. 11th Street
Upland, CA 91786
(909) 931-4281
Tickets: $8 if purchased ahead of time, $10 day of the event. 2 years and under FREE.
About: One of the premiere fireworks shows in the Inland Empire, the show boasts over 1500 pyrotechnics. Food, music and and Kids Zone entertainment. Gated open at 5:30, live performances begin at 6 pm.
Helpful Tip: The bleachers are open seating, so the quicker you can claim a spot, the better.
A Free Show with a View: San Bernardino/San Gabriel Mountain Foothills
Where: San Gabriel/ San Bernardino Foothills.
Tickets: N/A
About: There are a plethora of fireworks shows scattered through Southern California. Perch yourself on a high enough vantage point, and you can literally spy dozens of shows in the city and valleys below you.
Helpful Tips: The Griffith Observatory and surrounding (Los Feliz) area, are at elevation, as are the Hollywood Hills. The foothills near Claremont, San Antonio Heights and Upland, provide a panoramic view of the shows throughout the Inland Empire. Scope out a spot and enjoy the free show.
