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Best things to do Fourth of July weekend in LA and Southern California: July 4 - 6
A mother a daughter laugh as they wait for the Huntington Beach Annual Independence Day Parade in 2024.
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Zoe Cranfill
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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Our Picks
Happy Fourth of July!
While it may be frustrating that many events are being postponed due to ongoing immigration action and fire risk, there’s still a lot to celebrate this year. The annual Palisades and Altadena parades are happening, despite the hardships those communities are still confronting following the January wildfires. Plus, the Dodgers are still sitting comfortably at the top of the NL West (and, yes, there will be plenty of fireworks at Dodger Stadium after their game against the Astros on Friday). We’ve got your full list of fireworks here, so pick your vantage point and get your beach blankets ready. And keep an eye on your furry friends, since this is probably their least favorite holiday!
Beyond fireworks, there’s music and good eats, anime, art and more going on.
Keep exploring LAist.com for more, where you can learn more about how to check out the fireworks safely, find the best deals on fancy tasting menus at restaurants around SoCal, and learn about Altadena’s black arts legacy at a new exhibit.
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Events
Friday, July 4
Beyond fireworks
Multiple locations
COST: FREE
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Courtesy Pacific Symphony
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If it’s fireworks and drone shows you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered right here. But if you prefer a different type of Independence Day celebration, check out some of these classic annual events happening, like the Mr. and Ms. Muscle Beach Contest and the Rubber Ducky Race and Downwind Regatta, both in Venice.
Pacific Palisades and Altadena are both known for their wholesome Fourth of July events, and there’s no way that fire recovery would stop them from continuing their celebrations this year. The annual Palisades Parade is being relocated for fire-affected community members only to Paul Revere Middle School’s campus in Brentwood (it’s free but ticketed), and Altadena is going forward with hosting its annual Altadena Pepper Drive Parade.
In Orange County, there’s free cherry pie and a continental militia skirmish at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, and Pacific Symphony hosts a Beach Boys and Buffet jam tribute at SummerFest in Irvine.
Through Sunday, July 6
Anime Expo 2025
L.A. Convention Center
1201 S. Figueroa St., Downtown L.A.
COST: FROM $92.65; MORE INFO
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Anime Expo, or "AX," is the largest Japanese pop culture event in North America, and it’s happening at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Find your favorite Sailor Moon outfit and meet up with fellow anime lovers for a long weekend of cosplay, signings, karaoke, gaming, music from up-and-coming J-Pop bands and more.
Saturday, July 5, 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Downtown Culver City Independence Celebration
Town Plaza
9300 Washington Blvd., Culver City
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Courtesy City of Culver City
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Just can’t get enough patriotic partying? Downtown Culver City is hosting a free aerial drone light show and an '80s-themed party to continue the weekend celebrations. The Guilty Pleasure Makers will perform, plus there will be a flag salute by local Scouts and a moving rendition of the National Anthem by rising talent Cadence Washington.
Saturday, July 5, 7 to 9 p.m.
Interdependence Day Kirtan
The Art of Living Foundation
948 W. Adams Blvd., West Adams
COST: FROM $35; MORE INFO
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Grammy-nominated musician Jai Uttal leads a Kirtan — Indian spiritual chanting — evening at the Art of Living Foundation. It’s an opportunity to reconnect to those around us through singing, traditional music and storytelling.
Friday, July 4, 8 p.m.
A 20th Anniversary Tribute to Sufjan Stevens' Illinoise
Lodge Room
104 N. Ave. 56, 2nd floor, Highland Park
COST: $32.50; MORE INFO
Illinoise went from beloved indie album to Broadway hit, and it’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since the gem of Sufjan Stevens' state albums was released. Skip the fireworks and instead celebrate one of the most interesting LPs of this century with a unique tribute show at the Lodge Room, where it will be performed in its entirety by a wide-ranging group of singer-songwriters.
Friday, July 4, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
ABBA Disco Night
Boardner's by La Belle
1652 North Cherokee Ave., Hollywood
COST: $17.92; MORE INFO
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@boardners
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Instagram
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Mamma Mia! The sequins will surely all be out for this post-fireworks ABBA dance party at Boardner's.
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Through Sunday, July 6
Last chance! Olafur Eliasson: 'OPEN'
Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
152 N Central Ave., Downtown L.A.
COST: $18; MORE INFO
(
Zak Kelley
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The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
)
You only have until Sunday to catch the mesmerizing Olafur Eliasson exhibit at MOCA that opened last September. The show wows with a set of large-scale “optical devices” specifically designed for the MOCA space, reflecting both the museum and the city of Los Angeles itself. Don’t miss it, or at least don’t blame me if you do!
Outdoor Pick
Sunday, July 6, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sketch L.A. Coloring Book Meetup
Lake Hollywood Park
3160 Canyon Lake Dr., Lake Hollywood
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Grab a coloring book, beach blanket and some sunscreen! Sit out with fellow sketch fans at the Sketch L.A. coloring book meetup in Lake Hollywood Park. Get there in time for the 1 p.m. raffle, where you could win a coloring book.
Viewing Pick
Through Monday, August 4
Ultra Cinematheque 70 Fest
Multiple locations
COST: VARIES; MORE INFO
This weekend, head for the AC — that’s both American Cinematheque and excellent air conditioning — to catch Top Gun, Spaceballs, The Wild Bunch, Lawrence of Arabia, 2001: A Space Odyssey and much more as they were meant to be enjoyed, on the big screen and in 70mm at the Ultra Cinematheque 70 Fest. All month long, catch classics in the format at the Egyptian in Hollywood and the Aero in Santa Monica; check the website for tickets and times.
Dine & Drink Deals
July 4-6, 3 to 10 p.m.
Foodie Land
Rose Bowl
1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena
COST: $12; MORE INFO
Come hungry to Foodie Land to taste treats from vendors from across the region, and stay late on the Fourth of July for the drone show. The drone lights are happening in lieu of the traditional fireworks show at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena this year, and be warned: Unlike in years past, the show will not be viewable from outside the Rose Bowl.
July 4-5, 4 to 7 p.m.
Stars, Stripes & Spiked Sips
Culver Hotel
9500 Culver Blvd., Culver City
COST: $10; MORE INFO
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Courtesy The Culver Hotel
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Keep the holiday going and build-your-own spiked lemonade for $10 at the Culver Hotel before heading over to the Culver City drone show. Featuring Ketel One Botanicals, guests can choose their flavor combo while checking out festive games and enjoying summer-inspired small plates.
Sunday, July 6, 12 to 9 p.m.
Queen’s 'Crabiversary' Lowcountry Boil
4701 York Blvd., Eagle Rock
COST: $30; MORE INFO
Queen’s Raw Bar & Grill celebrates its second anniversary with a “Crabiversary” Lowcountry Seafood Boil. The feast ticket includes shrimp, corn, sausage and more, simmered in beer and aromatics, plus a jar of Chef Ari Kolender’s “New Bay” seasoning blend. In addition to the recently launched cocktail program (martinis, swizzles + more) beer, wine, sake and non-alcoholic drinks are available à la carte.
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