Support for LAist comes from
Audience-funded nonprofit news
Stay Connected
Audience-funded nonprofit news
Listen

Share This

KPCC Archive

3 SoCal fireworks shows to check out this Fourth of July

File: A Fourth of July fireworks display takes place after the L.A. Dodgers defeat the Baltimore Orioles 7-5 at Dodger Stadium on July 4, 2016 in Los Angeles.
File: A Fourth of July fireworks display takes place after the L.A. Dodgers defeat the Baltimore Orioles 7-5 at Dodger Stadium on July 4, 2016 in Los Angeles.
(
Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images
)

With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today . 

Independence Day has arrived — and that means colorful booms lighting up the night sky, preceded by a day of communities gathering together. Here are the details on some of Southern California's largest Fourth of July events.

Grand Park 4th of July Block Party

Los Angeles's official holiday gathering place Grand Park hosts this celebration, featuring music, food, games, crafts and a fireworks display that comes straight out of the civic center's skyline. Remember to grab a spot early — Grand Park gets packed with partygoers, and you'll want to find the right spot to enjoy the fireworks and live music while having enough room to stretch out a bit. Pro tip: There's a big list of prohibited items, so make sure to read up before heading out.

Support for LAist comes from

And check out the official parking map and read about the parking restrictions here:

When: July 4, 2 p.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Grand Park in downtown L.A.
Price: Free!

Huntington Beach 4th of July Celebration

Huntington Beach 4th of July video

This year's theme: "United We Stand." Go celebrate America in this three-day patriotic festival. On the day itself, the morning opens with a pancake breakfast, followed by a parade, with music continuing at the Huntington Beach Pier. It all culminates in the fireworks show at 9 p.m. Pro tip: People are allowed to start staking out a spot for parade viewing beginning at 7 a.m. on July 3, so get there eeeeearly if you want one of the best viewing locations.

When: July 2-July 4; on July 4, parade kicks off at 10 a.m.
Where: Huntington Beach Pier Plaza
Price: Free!

Support for LAist comes from

AmericaFest at Pasadena's Rose Bowl

If you're willing to pay a little more for your Independence Day celebration, you can buy tickets to AmericaFest. It features the fireworks show you'd expect at 9 p.m., but there's also a motorcycle stunt show, rides and much more. Parking also costs $20, so make sure to include that in your holiday budget — or take public transportation. Full information about taking the Metro Gold Line is available on Pasadena's tourism site. Pro tip: Prices for the actual event too high for you? There are plenty of spots around Pasadena to stake out a spot and watch the fireworks in the skies overhead for free.

When: July 4, starting at 2 p.m.
Where: The Rose Bowl
Price: $15 general admission, $30 reserved seating

At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.

But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.

We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.

Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.

Chip in now to fund your local journalism
A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right
(
LAist
)

Trending on LAist