Best 4th of July Events in Los Angeles

Are you looking for the best 4th of July events in Los Angeles?

Now that summer is in full swing, Independence Day is right around the corner.

If you live in LA or are planning to visit LA over the fourth of July holiday, you’ll want to make your holiday plans early.

Many of the city’s biggest 4th of July events are quite popular and some will sell out well in advance. 

Since Los Angeles is a huge metropolitan area, you’ll be happy to know you have many options for fun 4th of July celebrations.

As a Los Angeles local, I’ve been to many of these on more than occasion. With that experience, here is a shortlist of my favorite 4th of July events in Los Angeles. 

Best 4th of July Events in Los Angeles

1. Grand Park – Downtown LA

The 4th of July Block Party is held in Grand Park in downtown LA. This event features live music, food trucks, and activities for the kids.

Arrive early to secure a good spot on the lawn. Don’t forget to bring blankets, chairs, hats, and sunscreen. 

Details

Date: July 4, 2020

Gates open at 3:00 p.m. Fireworks are at 9:00 p.m. and will last about 25 minutes. The event ends at 9:30.

There are many parking garages located near Grand Park and will cost anywhere from $10 – $50. However, it is recommended to take public transportation if at all possible. Admission to the event is free. 

2. AmericaFest – the Rose Bowl

AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl is an all-day celebration with plenty of activities and games for kids.

You’ll also be pleased to see a wide variety of food trucks and beer tents just outside the stadium entrance.

Visitors can tailgate outside in the parking lot starting when the gates open at noon.

If you prefer, you can even watch the fireworks from the lawn where you parked if you don’t want to pay extra to enter the stadium.

From the lawn, you’ll be able to see the majority of the fireworks show, but will miss some fireworks displayed lower for those who paid to get into the stadium.

There’s also a motorcycle stunt show inside that begins at 7:00 p.m. 

Details

Date: July 4, 2020

Gates open for the parking lot at noon and parking is $20 per vehicle. The games and food areas open at 2:00 p.m.

Doors to the Rose Bowl open at 5:30 p.m. The motorcycle stunt show begins at 7:00 p.m. The fireworks show begins at 9:00 p.m.

General Admission is $15 and Reserved Seating is $35. You can purchase tickets online from the Rose Bowl website. 

3. The marina – Marina del Rey

July 4th at the Marina is held along the water in beautiful Marina del Rey. The evening fireworks are best viewed from either Burton Chase Park or Fisherman’s Village.

Visitors should arrive early to find a spot on the lawn and plan on enjoying a full day in Marina del Rey before the fireworks.

There are plenty of water activities available in the area including kayaking and paddleboarding.

There are also plenty of vendors selling food and drinks. Don’t forget to bring blankets, sunscreen, and hats!

Details

Date: July 4, 2020

It is recommended that visitors arrive before 1:00 p.m. in order to avoid the many street closures in the area and to find parking. 

The fireworks show begins at 9:00 p.m. and lasts for 20 minutes. This is a non-ticketed event. 

4. The Queen Mary – Long Beach

The All-American 4th of July aboard the Queen Mary features live entertainment, games, arts and crafts, historic tours, a patriotic theatrical movie, and of course, fireworks.

If you’re looking for a really unique event to celebrate America and the 4th this year, this is where you want to be.

In addition to all the entertainment and incredible views, you’ll have some delicious options for lunch and dinner.

You’ll find several restaurants aboard the Queen Mary including Sir Winston’s Restaurant and Lounge, Chelsea Chowder House and Bar, and the Promenade Cafe.

Advanced reservations are required at some restaurants, visit the Queen Mary website for more information. 

Details

Date: July 4, 2020

The event runs from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The fireworks show begins at 9:00 p.m. Pre-Sale – General Admission: $49 (ages 12+) $29 (ages 4-11) VIP: $119 (all ages). 

Day of – General Admission: $59 (ages 12+) $39 (ages 4-11) VIP: $129 (all ages).  Parking at the Queen Mary is $30 per vehicle. You can purchase tickets online from the Queen Mary website. 

5. Aquarium of the Pacific – Long Beach

The July 4th BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific comes with front row seats to the Long Beach Independence Day fireworks, late-night access to the Aquarium, plus a BBQ style dinner on the patio.

Guests will have late access to the Aquarium until 10:00 p.m. 

Who doesn’t love penguins, BBQ, and front row seats to fireworks over the ocean? Tickets for this event sell out early, so plan ahead for next year. 

Details

Date: July 4, 2020

The Aquarium is open all day from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and dinner is served from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The fireworks show begins at 9:00 p.m.

General Seating is $79 and VIP Seating is $94. Parking can be found in nearby lots for about $20. You can purchase tickets online from the Aquarium of the Pacific website. 

6. Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles

If you want one of the most American 4th of July events you can get, grab tickets to see the Los Angeles Dodgers play the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium.

Fans can enjoy hot dogs, burgers, ice cream and cold beers while they watch the Dodgers beat Miami. (I’m a little biased). What more could anyone ask for?

At the conclusion of the game, fans are permitted onto the playing field to view a spectacular fireworks show. 

Details

Date: July 4, 2020

Game time is at 7:10 p.m. The fireworks will begin after the game ends. Game tickets vary by seating location but can usually be found for as little as $20.

Parking at the stadium is also $20. You can purchase tickets online from the Dodger’s website. 

7. Hollywood Bowl – Hollywood

The July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at the Hollywood Bowl features live music from The Beach Boys along with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

A short fireworks display can be seen at the conclusion of the show. 

Details

Date: July 4, 2020

Showtime is at 7:30. The fireworks will begin at the conclusion of the show. Ticket prices vary by seating location but can be found for as little as $14.

Parking at the Hollywood Bowl starts at $20 but varies by lot location. You can purchase tickets online from the Hollywood Bowl website.

The July 4th Spectacular with The Beach Boys will run for three days from July 2, 2020 to July 4, 2020.

8. Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade

The 4th of July parade in Huntington Beach is the largest Independence Day Parade west of the Mississippi.

The parade runs right through the center of town and features local bands, civic organizations, foats, and celebrity guests.

The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. on July 4th and lasts about 2 hours. Seating along the parade route is first come, first serve and is free. There is premium bleacher seating available as well.

Following the parade there is the Pier Plaza 4th of July Festival that lasts all weekend. The event features, food, drinks, activities for the kids, and live entertainment.

This is a great place to meet up with friends and family and celebrate Independence Day. There will be a 4th of July fireworks show over the ocean at 9:00 p.m.

Huntington Beach is probably one of the most beautiful cities in the country to enjoy an Independence Day celebration, and you couldn’t ask for better weather.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the Best 4th of July Events in Los Angeles.

I think southern California is one of the best places in the country to celebrate the 4th. We almost always guarantee great weather and clear skies.

If you’re looking for more fun things to do while in Southern California, consider heading down to the up and coming Barrio Logan San Diego neighborhood. Barrio Logan is known for its incredible street art and popular restaurant scene. 

If you enjoyed this post about my favorite 4th of July events in Los Angeles. As always, thanks for reading.

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