Celebrate Independence Day with fun for the whole family at these kid-friendly 4th of July events happening across Los Angeles. From fireworks displays in Hollywood, Marina del Rey, Long Beach and Woodland Hills to music and movies in the park, we’ve rounded up our top picks for festive and fun ways to spend the holiday.
July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with Earth, Wind & Fire
7:30 p.m. Wed., July 2 | Hollywood Bowl
Earth, Wind & Fire fold a message of peace and love into their funky, soulful jams. The party-starting Rock & Roll Hall of Famers have won Grammys—including the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award—and have become a music institution thanks to hits like “September” and “Shining Star,” and have influenced new generations of musicians. Together with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conductor Thomas Wilkins, and a sky full of fireworks, Earth, Wind & Fire make it a huge July Fourth at the Bowl. More info.
Independence Day on the Back Bay
July 3 – 6 | Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
From thrilling on-the-water adventures and laid-back live music to local food trucks, outdoor movies, and a spectacular fireworks display co-sponsored by the City of Newport Beach, the four-day holiday weekend offers a full lineup of family-friendly activities and classic Southern California summer fun.
Highlights include Tunes at the Dunes free live music on the Bay, food trucks and full bars, movies on the beach and Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular presented in partnership with the City of Newport Beach at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. More info.
Big Bang on the Bay
5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Thurs., July 3 | Boathouse on the Bay
Long Beach’s annual Independence Day event features aircraft flyovers, paragliding displays and live music with a special DJ, concluding with a 20-minute fireworks display. Block Party ticket supports local nonprofits and charities. The event starts at 5 p.m. and fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. More info.
Santa Clarita Valley Fourth of July Parade
9 a.m. Fri., July 4 | Old Town Newhall
Santa Clarita Valley’s Fourth of July Parade returns to Old Town Newhall with this year’s theme “Home is Where the Hart is…Welcome Hart Park!” Starting at 9 a.m. at the Newhall roundabout, the parade will make its way north on Main Street, west onto Lyons Avenue in front of the Newhall Library, and then north onto Orchard Village Road, ending at Dalbey Drive. More info.
Santa Monica 4th of July Parade
9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Fri., July 4 | Ocean Park Library
Join Santa Monica for 18th its annual Fourth of July Parade celebrating the vibrant artistic spirit of the community. Pick up your free goody bag from the Main Street Visitor Information Center to receive an art kit, coloring sheet and Santa Monica-themed treats, available to the first 200 kids. Parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m. at Pico and Main Street and ends in Beach Lot 5 South. The official grandstand announcement location will be in front of the Ocean Park Library. More info.
4th of July BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific
12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Fri., July 4 | Aquarium of the Pacific
Celebrate the 4th of July at the Aquarium of the Pacific with their annual BBQ lunch. Ticket includes all-day admission so you can explore the aquarium after lunch. Reservations are available for 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. with each lasting an hour. Lunch incudes BBQ ribs, mini hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans and more. Cash bar is also available. More info.
Fourth of July on The Queen Mary
3 p.m. – 10 p.m. Fri., July 4 | The Queen Mary
The family-friendly experience features themed parties spanning every decade, games, kid-friendly activities, delicious food and live performances. The 1910s themed area on the Sports Deck has a Kids Zone. The evening culminates in a 15-minute fireworks show. More info.
City of La Habra 4th of July Celebration
4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Fri., July 4 | La Bonita Park
City of La Habra’s annual 4th of July celebration features food, retail vendors, “Kid-Chella”, WWII Texan Aircraft Flyover and firework display. Gates open at 4 p.m., live music starts at 6 p.m. featuring Super Diamond, the Neil Dimond Tribute band and fireworks display starts at 9 p.m. More info.
Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Summer Block Party
4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Fri., July 4 | Gloria Molina Grand Park
Celebrate Fourth of July L.A. style at Gloria Molina Grand Park’s annual block party. The free, community event features art activations, two stages of live music, a Family Fun Zone, giant ferris wheel and drone light show. More info.
Music in the Park: Bruno & the Hooligans
5 p.m. Fri., July 4 | McCambridge Park
The City of Burbank’s Parks and Recreation Department presents a reimagined Independence Day celebration, featuring free live music and a vibrant drone light show at 9 p.m., in place of traditional fireworks.
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with live performances by The Ultimate Rock Band and Bruno and the Hooligans and concludes with a spectacular drone light show at 9 p.m., which will launch from the Starlight Bowl parking area. While the show will be visible from various parts of the city, the Starlight Bowl itself, will be completely closed to the public for safety reasons. More info.
Councilmember Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza
6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Fri., July 4 | Warner Park
With one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in Southern California, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza delights with a free concert and 20-minute spectacular fireworks display and accommodates up to 40,000 people in the park. Thousands more tune in to view and listen from neighboring residences and community areas. There are over 15 food trucks on hand along with arts and crafts vendors and local businesses promoting and selling their goods. More info.
Marina del Rey 4th of July Fireworks Show
9 p.m. Fri., July 4 | Burton Chace Park
Celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular 20-minute fireworks show over the water in Marina del Rey! View the show from almost anywhere in Marina del Rey and surrounding areas like the Venice Pier, Playa Vista, and Dockweiler Beach. Enjoy live music synchronized to the show at Burton Chase Park or Fisherman’s Village. More info.
Street Food Cinema: The Princess Bride
6 p.m. Sat., July 5 | Autry Museum of the American West
Celebrate the 4th of July Weekend with a special firework-free and four legged friendly movie night under the stars! This festive fireworks-free celebration creates a perfect environment for guests to bring their lovable four-legged friends. Dogs of all sizes are welcome, but must be leashed at all times. In lieu of fireworks, the night will end with a stunning celebratory Fourth of July visual displayed through projection mapping. Doors open at 6 p.m. and movie starts at 8:20 p.m. More info.
July Fireworks Sail
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sat., July 5 | West Harbor Promenade
Join the Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI) for a night of family fun and celebration on the water while you enjoy awe-inspiring fireworks displays in the San Pedro harbor. As always, you can sit back and relax or become part of the crew – your choice – and you can bring snacks and drinks to enjoy too. More info.
For more things to do with kids in L.A., check our online calendar.
