4th of July Spectaculars: BBQ, Bands, Burgers and Bang!

The Rose Bowl(Alberto Cueto via flickr from LAist Featured Photos Pool)

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The Rose Bowl(Alberto Cueto via flickr from LAist Featured Photos Pool)
One of the benefits of living in the big city is that there is always something going on. One of the drawbacks is that there is so much going on, it's hard to decide where to go. Here is a roundup of 4th of July events, from the big to the small, and from the swanky to the homey. But one thing is certain. There will be fireworks.

BBQ and Pool Parties

Hotel Angeleno
Hotel Angeleno is hosting Grill Outs by the Pool every Saturday throughout the summer. You don't have to be a hotel guest or pay a cover charge to enjoy the menu (grilled burgers, veggie skewers and house-made sausages; $8 to $10), sangria ($4) and live music from 11am to 4pm. There will not be a special 4th of July event, but it's the nicest pool at the most affordable price. Plus, it's on Saturday so you still have Sunday to celebrate Independence Day.

Hollywood Roosevelt
Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 12-8pm, this Hollywood classic will be throwing a 4th of July event with a Tropicana Pool Party. Unfortunately it is uber exclusive, requiring that you either be a guest of the hotel or on a guest list (by pre-ordering bottle service). On July 4th a poolside BBQ station will offer standards like hot dogs and burgers, along with vegetarian options. They have been known to offer outdoor billiards in the garden, but it is unconfirmed as of yet.

Rush Street
From July 2nd to July 5th, Rush Street will be throwing a Backyard BBQ & Block Party. Friday night they will start the event with a a BBQ dinner with menu choices like Rack of Baby Back Ribs glazed in Chef Dave Northrup’s savory barbeque sauce, along with Sweet Corn Pudding, Baked Mac & Cheese and Grilled Asparagus.

Friday thru Sunday the block party will be rocking, with brunch also served Saturday and Sunday. Friday night, what says independence like a A Jager Bomb Ice Luge? Saturday night expect Blue Moon Beer Pong and on Sunday $4 Cabo Wabo Jello Shots. Lunch Monday continues the theme.

High at Hotel Erwin
Hotel Erwin, which overlooks Venice Beach and boasts a 360 degree view of the city, will host two BBQ parties on the 4th. From 11-am-4pm for families ($50 for adults, $25 for kids), and an evening party for grown-ups only ($100) with a champagne toast and Scratch and DJ Academy setting the sounds.

Burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, chips and dip, mac 'n' cheese, watermelon and a s'mores bar are on the menu for both parties at High. Try their new summer cocktails, like the Venice Vixen, made with Grey Goose Le Poire, St. Germain Elderflower liquer and a splash of Grande Beck sparkling rose. Groups of 10 or more will receive a complimentary bottle and bottle service. For reservations, email ariana@high@jdvhotels.com.

Fun For the Family

Annual Vision Outside 4th of July Jazz and Blues Festival in Leimert Park
The Vision Theatre in Leimert Park will be celebrating the 4th of July with jazz and blues, children’s arts and crafts, face painting, delicious food, and free watermelon. We have attended this event previously. There was mouthwatering BBQ for sale, lots of vendors. and a cool vibe (not to mention a nice mesh tent to provide shade). The event takes place between 1pm and 7pm and is free to the public.

4th of July BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific
It's a special occasion to get to visit the Aquarium at night, with all of the attractions open until 10pm except for the birdies who go to sleep early. Then cuddle up and watch the Queen Mary fireworks through the giant glass windows. Tickets for admission are only 11.95 after 5pm. An Independence Day BBQ buffet will be served on the lawn for an additional price. The event starts on the 4th at 5pm with dinner served between 6 and 8pm.

Long Beach's Rainbow Harbor
Starting at 10am Long Beach celebrates on Pine Avenue from Shoreline Drive to Ocean Blvd. There is a festival at the Rainbow Lagoon near the Hyatt. Bands all afternoon, culminating in a patriotic performance by the Long Beach Municipal Band.). You can see the fireworks from the Queen Mary, but not as well as some other viewing areas. Parking is complicated, but there is lots of it. Outdoor pay lots are at Shoreline Village and the Shoreline Marina. There’s a metered, all-day lot at Alamitos Beach. Pay parking structures are available at the the Pike and the Convention Center. Or it's onlt $45 to see it all from the water.
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Festivals with Fireworks Extavaganzas

July 4th Fireworks at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
This July 4th free fireworks show at LA Memorial Coliseum is kind of misleading. The fireworks are not actually in the Coliseum, nor can they be viewed from inside the Coliseum. Kicking off this free event, KJLH will be providing music beginning at 5pm from a stage located at the east side of Christmas Tree Lane, which is situated just east of the Coliseum. At 8:45 pm, fireworks will be launched nearby and can be viewed from areas around Exposition Park including Christmas Tree Lane or the South lawn. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. FREE. Ample street parking or park at the USC campus.

Disneyland
If practice makes perfect, Disneyland has their fireworks tight. Enjoy the park or hang out at downtown Disney where the view is just as amazing. If you can't make it on the 4th, Disney has fireworks every night. There is also a new "World of Color" with "Water, color, fire and light." They also use the word "kaleidescope" so prepare yourself.

Queen Mary
The Queen Mary can always be counted on for a geat fireworks show. Celebrate at the "BBQ, Brews and Red, White & Blues" ($25). Saturday July 3rd and Sunday July 4th, vendors will be selling regional barbecue. For kids there will be a build-your-own strawberry shortcake station, a kids' bounce house, face painters and other strolling entertainers. On Sunday fter dark you can watch the fireworks from the ship or the park out front.

The Rose Bowl
Americafest 2010 at the Rose Bowl this year features music, food and fireworks. ($13, Active Military and children age 7 and under free). The day's schedule:
2:00 pm Family Fun Festival & Food Court on Area H
7:00 pm Drum Corps International Performance
& Military Tribute
9:00 pm Americafest Fireworks
& by PyroSpectaculars

Local Parades and Firework Events

Burbak's Starlight Bowl
The Starlight Bowl will be presenting its Annual Salute to America. Music is provided by the Burbank Philharminic and Stone Soul Picnic. Barbeques are forbidden. Food and drinks can be purchased from BJ's, their official concession stand. Also prohibited are alcoholic beverages, pets, beach balls, videotaping and even still photography. Always check agead because a few years the fireworks were cancelled because of fire alerts. Air Force recruiters will be on hand in cade the show makes you excessively patriotic. Tickets from $12 to $22. Parking is $5.

Marina del Rey Channel
The fireworks show over Marina del Rey's main channel is free to the public. A traditional fireworks extravaganza will be programmed to patriotic music broadcast over FM radio KXLU, 88.9 and relayed over loudspeakers in Chase Park. Fireworks start at 9pm, but bring a picnic early to stake out your spot at Burton Chase Park. Fisherman's Village also has great viewing spots, but any view over the water is a good one. Try to get invited onto a friend's boat if possible.

4th of July Spectacular in Porter Ranch
Jesus is the reason for the season. Between 4:30 pm - 10 pm July 4th, Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch will host a free festival and fireworks. The fun includes moon bounces and face painting for the children and an outdoor stage show as well as optional food purchases from over a dozen local food vendors; all capped off with a twenty-one minute aerial fireworks display. Free

Palisades Americanism Parade
The Pacific Palisades keep it old school. The city will be host to an "Old fashioned Independence Day Parade" starting at 2:00pm July 4th. The event will also include entertainment and a fireworks display. Entertainment starts at 6pm. Fireworks at 9pm. The parade will march down Sunset Blvd. in Pacific Palisades between via de la Paz and Drummond St., Entertainment and fireworks will at Palisades Charter High School. Let them prove their motto to you, "Small Town, Big Heart." FREE

July 4th Fireworks Festival in Studio City
This is a family festival "featuring exhibits, music, food, fireworks, a children’s fun zone, and a business exposition in a back lot" at CBS Studios. Gates open at the CBS Studio Center at 4:30 on July 4th. The fun continues from 5:00 - 9:30 pm. (Adults $15 advance, $20 at the gate, Children 6-12 $8 advance, $10 at the gate, add $20 for rooftop viewing access or pay $100 for VIP tickets).

Annual Dennis P. Zine July 4th Extravaganza in Woodland Hills
July 4th Warner Park on Topanga Canyon Boulevard in the West Valley will be host to a "Huge Fourth of July Fireworks Festival" with food vendors, a play zone, a free concert and fireworks show. The concert takes place between 6:00 - 8:00 pm, with fireworks set to live music at 9:05 pm. FREE Parking is $15 in any of the Warner Center structures between Topanga and Canoga or Califa and Oxnard

Remember to bring a hat and sunscreen. And wherever you decide to celebrate, be safe and sane.