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5 things to do this Fourth of July, plus we bid farewell to a special San Clemente tradition
Fireworks erupt near downtown Los Angeles on July 4th, 2020.
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Frederic J. Brown
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AFP via Getty Images
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As we near the hottest time of the year, Los Angeles and Orange counties are gearing up to celebrate July 4th in a number of ways, from parades, to concerts, drone shows, movie nights and, of course, plenty of fireworks.
Here are five events in the area to celebrate, or enjoy a spectacular show of fireworks. Plus, a tribute to a San Clemente tradition that has met its end this year.
Santa Monica 4th of July Parade
9:30 a.m.
Pico and Main Street
Santa Monica
Cost: Free: MORE INFO
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This one is for the early birds. Santa Monica is hosting their Fourth of July parade along its “classic” route on Main Street to Marine, and ending at Barnard Way. Expect Americana at its best: sea breeze, classic cars, a local celebration.
LA Galaxy VS LAFC Soccer Match
2:30 p.m.
The Rose Bowl Stadium
1001 Rose Bowl Drive
Pasadena
Cost: $40 - $3,063: MORE INFO
LAFC takes on their cross-town rivals the LA Galaxy at the Rose Bowl. The game will be followed by what the organizers call the “longest-running firework display on the West Coast.” The game starts at 7:30 p.m. But head to the stadium early to enjoy the pre-match tailgating and FanFest at 2:30 p.m.
Gloria Molina Grand Park's 4th of July Block Party
4 p.m.
Grand Park
200 N Grand Ave.
Los Angeles
Cost: Free: MORE INFO
It’s billed as the largest free Fourth of July event on the West Coast, and Grand Park as usual is serving up a big party with everything from DJs spinning sets to live music, as well as tons of food trucks. The kid-friendly event boasts a 75-foot ferris-wheel, as well as a 90-foot-long “Super Slide.'' The night will be capped with a drone show.
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Rocky + Fireworks
7:15 p.m.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles
Cost: $32: MORE INFO
Few movies scream USA better than the underdog story of Rocky Balboa. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is hosting a movie night screening the OG classic, Rocky. A firework show is scheduled after the movie. A free photo booth is also included at the cemetery for movie lovers.
One thing you won’t find this year: The San Clemente Chair Race
A yearslong tradition is coming to an end after San Clemente officials put the kibosh on its Fourth of July chair races (yes, chairs). The unpermitted event drew more than 7,000 people last year, and saw such unorthodox entries as couches on wheels that raised safety concerns. Oh, and someone apparently crashed into a resident's garage last year.
But to make up for this, here is another event in Orange County:
Balboa Peninsula-Newport Bay July 4 Fireworks & Parade Cruises
7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cruise Newport Beach
400 Main St.
Newport Beach
Cost: $70: MORE INFO
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Watching fireworks while cruising Newport Bay? Say no more. This cruise starts just before sunset and ends with an unobstructed view to one of the best firework displays in the Southland.
For other O.C. events, go here.
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