From epic fireworks displays and parades to open-air concerts and pub crawls, Fourth of July weekend is brimming with something fun to do for every member of the family. Here are the top 10 holiday happenings.
Ooh and aah during the largest display of fireworks on the West Coast at San Diego’s Boardwalk at Sally’s Fish House & Bar. Choose an indoor or outdoor seat and take in incredible views of the show in San Diego Bay. Each ticket includes a reserved seat, a themed dinner buffet and unlimited premium beer, wine and liquor for those 21-plus. Entrance to Sally’s will be available beginning at 6 p.m.; fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Huntington Beach 2021 4th of July Celebration is considered the largest Fourth of July Celebration west of the Mississippi. The three-day pier festival includes the Surf City Run 5K, neighborhood parade, block party and, of course, fireworks!
On both July 3 and July 4, get down with Kool & the Gang, who will be taking the stage at Hollywood Bowl. The disco-funk greats performs at the annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, while Thomas Wilkins and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra perform patriotic favorites. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. both nights.
Savor the holiday with poolside vibes at The Boom Lagoon – 4th of July Special – Open Air Affair at W Hollywood. Starting at noon, the ticketed event promises fun floaties, surprise guests, can’t-beat views from its rooftop setting and more.
The annual Independence Day Saturday Pub Tour takes imbibers to some of Santa Monica’s best bars and features exclusive deals on drinks on July 3. Registration begins at Barney’s Beanery, 1 to 8 p.m., and the party continues to 2 a.m. Make sure you have a way to get home without driving.
LEGOLAND California hosts a fireworks display and all-American family picnic games throughout the Fourth of July holiday with Red, White and BOOM! Throughout the day, kids can enjoy performances, meet their favorite LEGO Friends and Characters and participate in family picnic games, like water-balloon tosses and a family build challenge. Red, White and BOOM! takes place 1 to 9 p.m. with fireworks at 8:30 p.m. All Red, White and BOOM! activities are included in the cost of admission to LEGOLAND California.
SeaWorld will celebrate Independence Day with a 15-minute display of fireworks set to a patriotic soundtrack on July 4. The show is included with admission.
HOME•GROWN•FUN presented by the San Diego County Fair hosts an all-day July 4 celebration on the fairgrounds, with fireworks starting at 9 p.m. Event-goers are encouraged to wear stars and stripes, enjoy apple funnel cake and take in the show.
On July 3, the public is invited to take in Oceanside’s Annual Independence Celebration Firework Show. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. The recommended viewing area is on Rancho Del Oro Drive, which will be closed at 5 p.m. from Oceanside Boulevard north to Mesa Drive. Be sure to bring a beach chair to enjoy the event in comfort.
For a more mellow holiday, San Francisco Symphony returns for its annual summer performance at Stern Grove Festival. Edwin Outwater will conduct a special Fourth of July concert featuring pianist Aaron Diehl. The concert is free; advanced reservations are required.