4th of July Events Los Angeles – 2024 In Depth Guide

Southern California may be best known for dazzling sunsets, Hollywood glamor, and world-class beaches. However, by July Los Angeles trades in its west coast cool for plenty of patriotic pomp.

Follow along to discover the very best of Los Angeles 4th of July

From red, white, and blue-hued block parties in downtown Grand Park to festive flag-filled parades in Santa Monica, 4th of July Los Angeles celebrations reach new levels of star-spangled spirit.

Feast your eyes on fireworks displays at Universal Hollywood, or watch WWII fighter planes fly overhead. Get your fill of surf, sand, and sun, and then cozy up for illuminating spectaculars all over the city.

No matter how you choose to commemorate your Los Angeles 4th of July, La La Land overflows with passion for Uncle Sam.

Los Angeles Attractions

Welcome the holiday weekend with Mickey, scope out wax celebrities at Madame Tussauds, or embrace bricktacular family fun at LEGOLAND. Make the most of your 4th of July Los Angeles celebrations when you engage in tons of fun before the top fireworks displays.

Disneyland

Goofy, Mickey, and Minnie are flying the American flag high as can be as they commemorate another 4th of July at Disneyland.

Spend the day screaming on Space Mountain, strolling down Main Street, or exploring galaxies far, far, away. Catch up with your favorite princess or chow down on an infamous churro.

Related Post: Insider’s Guide to Disneyland

Come evening, train your eyes on the inky night sky for a fireworks spectacular, synchronized music, and more.

photo credit: Tammy Free via Facebook

LEGOLAND California

Build, spin, dance, and drop all day when you hightail it to Carlsbad, California, for a day of LEGOLAND action. Chase the rainbow with UniKitty, practice your martial arts moves with Ninjago or craft your own race car with Ferrari.

Experience the dynamic drops of the Coastersaurus, or put the pedal to the metal when you earn your LEGOLAND driver’s license.

Related Post: Ultimate Guide to LEGOLAND California: Coupons, Discounts, and Deals

If you’re lucky enough to visit on the fourth of July, 2022, don’t move a muscle, as you won’t want to miss Red, White, and BOOM! This annual event features an explosion of all-American activities, performances, and character meet and greets. Finally, round out your day in plastic paradise with an epic fireworks finale.

Two young boys holding a LEGO American flag for Red, White and Boom at LEGOLAND FLorida in Orlando, Florida, USA
photo credit: LEGOLAND via Facebook

Universal Studios Hollywood

Los Angeles is the land of the silver screen. Get to know the magic behind movies when you book your Universal Studios Hollywood ticket today. Want to learn how to grab tickets at the best possible price? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood. Then pick up Quidditch with Harry Potter, run from raptors in Jurassic World, or wreak havoc with meddling Minions.

Carve out time for Duff beer and doughnuts with Homer, or seek out the world-famous studio tour. Hold on to your charmed broomstick or wand, as visitors on the 4th* will be treated to a magnificent show of Independence Day fireworks. 

Related Post: Insider’s Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood™

*Please note that the event details for the 4th of July at Universal Studios Hollywood are still being finalized.

photo credit: sandwichjohnfilms.com via Facebook

Go Los Angeles Explorer Pass

New to the City of Angels? Or, just want to eek out every last moment of awesome from your Los Angeles itinerary? The Go Los Angeles Explorer Pass lets you design your ultimate SoCal schedule.

Choose up to seven attractions and even receive skip-the-line access.* Snap selfies with Taylor and Ariana Grande at Madame Tussauds, ride the roaring roller coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain, or search for Marilyn’s handprints at the TCL Chinese theater.

Related Post: 9 Hollywood Tourist Attractions You Can’t-Miss

Splash the day away on a kayak in Huntington Beach, or scope out the animals at the LA Zoo. 

photo credit: Madame Tussauds Hollywood via Facebook

4th of July Events Los Angeles

AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl

Congratulate our country on another year around the sun at America’s most beloved stadium. The AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl is an annual fourth of July event that features tailgating, patriotic festivities, and a fireworks celebration.

Located in Arroyo, this momentous event is one of the country’s largest and longest-running 4th of July commemorations.

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This year’s lineup* is packed full of scintillating entertainment and includes a moving military tribute, a TNT Freestyle Motocross show, and musical performances by NBC’s The Voice contestants. Tickets are already available for purchase and include exclusive viewing access to the biggest fireworks show in Southern California

*Please note we are still awaiting details for this year’s 4th of July Rose Bowl event and musical acts are based on last year.

photo credit: Ranella Ferrer via Facebook

July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with The Beach Boys

While last year’s guests were treated to the quick wit and clever quips of Steve Martin and Martin Short, this year’s guests will get down to the iconic SoCal harmonies of the Beach Boys. Prime yourself for ‘Surfin USA’ and ‘Fun, Fun, Fun’ when you purchase tickets to this Hollywood Bowl Spectacular.

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Guests of the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular can attend one of three performances from July 2-4th. Round out this evening of sand and surf, with a special guest appearance by John Stamos, music by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and a breathtaking firework finale.

Hollywood Forever Cemetary – Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure + Fireworks

Calling all cinephiles! Delight in the unparalleled direction of Tim Burton when you soak in the kooky world of Pee Wee and his pals on July 1st. Dig that bow tie out of storage when you hightail it to 6000 Santa Monica Blvd for a night of crayon-colored adventure, fireworks, concessions, and more.

Gates to the cemetery will open at 7:15 p.m. and the movie will commence at 9:00 p.m. Try to come early, as you’ll want a chance to step into the free photo booth to commemorate your Pee-Wee joyride in July.

firework over city for fourth of july celebration in Los Angeles, California, USAHuntington Beach Pier Plaza Festival

Go big or go home! Prime yourself for five days of Uncle Sam sights, sounds, and programming, when you attend the Huntington Beach Pier Plaza Festival. For over a century, this celebration has attracted attendees from all over California.

Rally your spirits for days of live musical performances, food trucks, and 5k races when you celebrate Surf City from June 30th through July 4th.

Swear you’re back in high school when you get rowdy at the July Block Party, or savor cotton candy, Ferris wheels, and fun houses at the carnival on Monday, July 3rd. From corn hole tournaments to horse-drawn carriages at the parade, you can do it all in the Long Beach area.

Marine Del Ray 4th of July Fireworks

Family-friendly fireworks with a side of fresh ocean air? Yes, please! Skip out on the city stress and enjoy waterfront scenery, a kid-approved atmosphere, and synchronized music when you reach the Marina Del Ray 4th of July Fireworks. Hire a boat for first-class viewing, or head to Burton Chace Park or Fisherman Village for plenty of scenery and a sizzling party atmosphere.

The Fourth of July Los Angeles Fireworks Extravaganza

A rocking good cover band, a breathtaking fireworks display, and ample amounts of artisan goods. The July 4th Firework Extravaganza is a completely complimentary event held by the Valley Cultural Center. Presented by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, this yearly to-do is a raucous celebration of freedom, justice, and the American way.

Arrive early to sample fare from over 15 local restaurants and peruse the various arts and craft vendors. Then prepare to jam out with the BEACH St. A GoGo, a 60s-themed cover band that puts their own unique spin on fan favorites from the Beatles, Beach Boys, and Elvis. Then, seal up your night of stars and stripes spirit with a riveting 20-minute fireworks show.

photo credit: 4th of July Community Festival and Fireworks via Facebook

Pacific Palisades 4th of July Celebration

Watch Old Glory wave in the wind, spot WWII fighter planes flying overhead, or compete for the most patriotic home decorations. The Pacific Palisades 4th of July Celebration is a full-blown family-friendly affair that has been going strong since 1948.

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Enjoy military salutes, bagpipes, floats, and more at their annual parade. Or test your athletic endurance with a five or 10k run. Let your little one show their red, white, and blue pride as they enter their wheeled vehicle in the local “Best Decorated Bike/Scooter Contest.” Finally, wrap up your day of wholesome SoCal celebrations with a sizzling display of the fourth of July fireworks. 

Santa Monica 4th of July Parade

Nothing is more important than country and community. Come together for a day of music and merriment in Santa Monica. Presented annually by the Ocean Park Association, the Santa Monica 4th of July Parade is a flag-filled affair that honors Uncle Sam.

Meanwhile, all participants are welcome to join this joyful celebration of our Nation’s birth and are encouraged to bring along their children, friends, and leashed pets.

This year, the parade will kick off at 9:30 a.m. and follow a new route along Barnard Way & Marine, turning onto Main Street and heading North. Optimal parade viewing for bystanders is anywhere along Main Street.

photo credit: Ocean Park Association Santa Monica Main St. 4th of July Parade via Facebook

Grand Park 4th of July Block Party

On the hunt for some more urban activities? Hightail it to 200 N Grand Ave for a groovy afternoon of art-making, games, live music, and dancing. The Grand Park 4th of July Block is a creative soiree jam-packed with culture and community spirit.

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Held each year at this 12-acre urban oasis, visitors, young and old, will be enthralled by the diversity of dining options, DJs, and moving musical performances. Then, after hours of entertainment, snuggle up on your picnic blanket for a stunning party in the sky.

For the first time in 10 years, guests will be treated to an incredible drone show in lieu of fireworks. The park will open at 4:00 p.m. for entry, and festivities will run until 9:30 p.m., so plan accordingly.

nighttime view of fountains with fireworks at Grand Park in Los Angeles, California, USA
Photo Credit: Grand Park LA / Facebook

Beachfront picnics, charbroiled burgers, and endless amounts of amusement park fun. Summertime is extra sweet in La La Land, and this bustling metropolis brings new levels of excitement and exhilaration to the Fourth of July.

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Admire Mickey’s fetching Independence Day getup, or play with bricks all day at LEGOLAND’s Red, White, and BOOM! Sway in time to the tunes of the Beach Boys or revel in the daredevil antics of the motocross crowd at the Rose Bowl.

From effervescent firework shows to dazzling convertibles and floats draped in flags, Los Angeles 4th of July events are sure to enchant. 

Tell us, What’s Your Favorite Way to spend the 4th of July in Los Angeles?

Did we miss any of the top 4th of July Fireworks Los Angeles?

Leave us a comment below!


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Written by Isis Maya Nissman

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central...


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