Enjoy a Spectacular 4th of July in the Los Angeles Area

Considered by many to be the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles, California, offers some of the best activities and events to celebrate July Fourth. You can spend time at the beach soaking up the rays or head to the Hollywood Bowl to watch an amazing fireworks display. You can also catch a ballgame or watch an all-American parade. If you’re unsure what to do, look at this list and see if something interests you.

Cars and Stripes Forever

As one of the more popular events held at the Port of Los Angeles, Cars and Stripes Forever kicks off the holiday festivities. Now in its 13th year, this pre-Independence Day and family-friendly celebration features classic cars manufactured before 1975, along with live music, a beer garden, and food trucks. The evening is capped off with a grand fireworks display around 9:15 p.m.

When: June 30 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Harbor Boulevard and Swinford Street near the Fanfare Fountains, San Pedro.

July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular

Billed as one of the area’s favorite summertime traditions, the July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular features The Beach Boys with special guest John Stamos performing many of the band’s chart-topping anthems. The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra backs the band. Attend one of three nights to listen to the band and watch amazing fireworks. The gate opens at 5:30 p.m. Grab your tickets early, as this event has limited seating available and typically sells out. Tickets for children ages 12 and under are half price.

When: July 2, 3, and 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles

City of San Gabriel’s Kids’ Day and 4th of July Parade

The City of San Gabriel hosts its annual parade that kicks off at 9 a.m., followed by a free kids’ event at the end of the parade’s route at Smith Park. At the park, families can enjoy games, live entertainment, and food trucks. An “Honor Wall” also pays tribute to members of the Armed Forces, past and current, from the community.

When: July 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Parade begins at Plaza Park, 428 S. Mission Drive, and ends at Smith Park, 232 W. Broadway, San Gabriel.

Grand Park’s 4th of July Block Party

The largest free Fourth of July celebration in downtown Los Angeles has just about something for everybody. This legendary event, which is now in its 11th year, includes live music, delectable food, and dancing. For the first time in the Grand Park’s 4th of July Block Party’s history, the block party includes a light show. It also hosts a variety of immersive art collections, so make sure you check out the entire event space.

When: July 4 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles.

Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza 

Billed as one of Southern California’s most spectacular fireworks shows, Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza usually attracts about 60,000 people who enjoy a free concert followed by a 20-minute fireworks display. Beach Street A GoGo! performs a variety of songs from the 1960s, allowing people of all ages to sing and dance along to the hits. More than a dozen local restaurants are represented, and you can purchase items created by local businesses and vendors.

When: July 4 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Where: Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills.

Starlight Bowl

Celebrate the holiday at Burbank’s Starlight Bowl with performances featuring two cover bands: The Rising and Hollywood U2. This all-ages event features The Rising, performing songs by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, while Hollywood U2 covers songs from U2. Parking opens at 4:30 p.m., with doors opening an hour later. The bands take the stage at 6:30 p.m., and the event ends with a patriotic fireworks display.

When: July 4 from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Starlight Bowl, 1249 Lockheed View Drive, Burbank.

Disneyland

Bring your family to the Happiest Place on Earth to celebrate the nation’s birthday. This inspirational fireworks display, which is included in the cost of admission, differs from the regular fireworks shows by Disneyland because the July 4 ones are set to patriotic music.

When: July 4 at 9:30 p.m.

Where: Disneyland, 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim.

Los Angeles Dodgers

There’s nothing quite as American as watching America’s pastime on the country’s day of independence. If you’re a Dodgers fan, you know that, throughout the year, the team hosts Friday Night Fireworks after Friday home games. The team added a special fireworks show the night of July 4, so head on over to Dodger Stadium and catch them facing off against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Don’t forget to stick around after the game to watch the fireworks display.

When: July 4 at 6:10 p.m.

Where: Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Plan a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood on July 4 for a patriotic-filled celebration. The park has live music performances and themed decor to celebrate this day. When the night falls, brace yourself for an evening full of holiday magic. The theme park’s sky lights up with a stunning fireworks display that starts at 9:00 p.m. and is synchronized to a score of Universal-themed music. What’s even better is that everything is included in the cost of admission.

When: July 4 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City.

Mr. and Mrs. Muscle Beach

Head to Muscle Beach for the annual bodybuilding and figure competition known as Mr. and Mrs. Muscle Beach. This event on July 4 is open to all amateur athletes who pay the $150 registration fee. Admission to the competition is free. Pre-judging begins at 10 a.m., with the finals scheduled for 1 p.m.

When: July 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Venice Beach Recreation Center, 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice.

Ready To Celebrate July 4th?

Regardless of how you plan to celebrate July Fourth, the area around Los Angeles has plenty of festivities, many of which are family-friendly. If we missed your favorite patriotic event, make sure you reach out to Capistrano Mazda so we can add it to our list.