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Skyward Spectacular
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Here we are. Midsummer, high tourist season, on the eve of the biggest long weekend of the summer. For those who don't have plans, or just for those who want to put some sparkle into their celebration, we've compiled a list of Fourth of July festivities that lean heavily toward pyrotechnics.
JULY 2
What: "Celebrate America"
Features: Live entertainment, picnicking and fireworks.
Where: Santa Monica College, Corsair Field
1900 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica
When: 5 PM
Cost: Parking $5, Admission free
Info | (310) 434-3000
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JULY 4
What: "Happy Birthday, America!"
Features: Picnicking and a fireworks spectacular
Where: Almansor Park
800 South Almansor Avenue, Alhambra
When: 9 PM
Cost: Free
Info
What: "Americafest"
Features: Food, fireworks, music from the Pasadena POPS
Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena
When: 9 AM (picnic), 6 PM (fireworks)
Cost: $10 (children under 5 free)
Info
What: "Fun on the Fourth"
Features: Carnival, featuring Dixieland jazz, food, children's activites, Los Angeles Doctors' Symphony and Bob Baker Marionettes. (No fireworks.)
Where: Roxbury Park
471 South Roxbury Drive, Beverly Hills
When: 11:30 AM – 3 PM
Cost:
Info | (310) 550-4796
What: "Under the Stars" Rooftop BBQ
Features: Chicken, ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs and a banana split bar by chef Christopher Eagle.
Where: Raffles L'Ermitage
9291 Burton Way, Beverly Hills
When: 11:30 AM – 3 PM
Cost: $55 for adults, $25 for children. Reservations required. Complimentary parking.
Info | (310) 278-3344
What: "Fourth of July Fireworks"
Features: Food, live music, raffle and fireworks
Where: Culver City High School
4401 Elenda Street, Culver City
When: Doors at 5 PM, entertainment at 6:30 PM, fireworks at 9 PM
Cost: Suggested donation: $2 per person, $1 per child (12 and under); parking $5
Info
What: "Independence Day Celebration"
Features: The music of Glenn Miller performed by the Tex Beneke Orchestra, plus music by The Modernaires, The Chordettes and The Coasters, plus fireworks.
Where: Starlight Bowl
1249 Lockheed View Drive, Burbank
When: Doors at 6 PM, entertainment at 6:30 PM, fireworks at 9 PM
Cost: Lower reserved seats $20, upper reserved seats $15, grass $10; parking $5
Info
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What: "Hansen Dam Fourth of July"
Features: Food, picnicking, swimming, carnival rides and fireworks.
Where: Hansen Dam Recreation Center
11770 Foothill Boulevard, Lake View Terrace
When: 12 PM; fireworks at 9 PM
Cost: Free; parking $5
Info | (818) 896-6215
What: "Fourth of July Celebration"
Features: Snow (yes, as in ice), arts and crafts, watermelon-eating contest and fireworks.
Where: Riverside County Fairgrounds
46-350 Arabia Street, Indio
When: 6:30 PM; fireworks at 9:15 PM
Cost: Free; parking $5
Info | (760) 342-6532
What: "Marina del Rey Fireworks Extravaganza"
Features: Fireworks over the water, with a simulcast of music on KCRW to accompany the show.
Where: The two best viewing locations are:
Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way
Fisherman's Village, 13755 Fiji Way
When: 9 PM
Cost: Free
Info
What: "KABOOM! Lights of Freedom"
Features: Monster trucks, motocross and fireworks.
Where: Fairplex
1101 West McKinley Avenue, Pomona
When: 8 PM – 10 PM
Cost: Reserved seats $19.50, bleacher seats $16, general admission $12 (children 2 and under free)
Info
What: "Redondo Pier July 4th Festivities"
Features: Live music and fireworks.
Where: Redondo Beach Pier
Torrance Boulevard, Rendondo Beach
When: 9 PM
Cost: Free
Info
What: Festival of Balloons "Let Freedom Sing"
Features: Pancake breakfast, parade, games, food, entertainment, fireworks.
Where: Garfield Park
Mission Street and Park Avenue, South Pasadena
When: 7 AM – 9 PM
Cost: $4 pre-sale, $5 at the gate
Info
What: "Fireworks Festival"
Features: Food court, magic show, live music and fireworks.
Where: CBS Studio Center
4024 Radford Avenue, Studio City
When: 4:30 PM – 9 PM
Cost: Adults $15, children $12 (children under 5 get in free)
Info
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What: "4th of July Celebration"
Features: Picnicking, swimming, games, crafts, food, music and fireworks.
Where: Castaic Lake Recreation Area
32132 Castaic Lake Drive, Castaic
When: All day
Cost: $25 per carload, $5 per person (walk-in)
Info | (661) 257-4050
What: "CSUN July 4th Celebration"
Features: Live entertainment, food, games and fireworks.
Where: Cal State Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge
When: 2 PM – 9 PM
Cost: Adults $8, children 5-11/seniors $5; parking $3
(818) 368-3235
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