LIVE MUSIC
3-Day July 4th Celebration at the Hollywood Bowl with Smokey Robinson
(July 2, 3, 4) 7:30 pm / $13.00 – $256.00
From July 2-4th, Smokey Robinson will be bringing the Motown sound to the Bowl. There will be the traditional fireworks spectacular and the LA Philharmonic presenting the two words I dread most at this time of year: Patriotic music. Kids 12 and under 1/2 price. Bring a picnic, but “Please note: kegs, pony kegs and party balls are not permitted.”
6:30pm / $20 – $140
It’s King vs. King when The Starlight Bowl in Burbank presents an “Americana Celebration” featuring swing, big band, and rock & roll from the Swing Kings plus the rootsy New Orleans-influenced sounds of Rumble King. Ticket prices for July 4th are from $20 for the upper level and up to $140 for a box.
WAY more listings after the break
Dustbowl Revival at Levitt Pavilion
6:30PM / FREE
Dustbowl Revival is a talented old-timey band whose mix of gospel, bluegrass, and blues sounds instantly familiar. The group’s mix of string and brass band sounds are inspired by The Preservation Hall Society of New Orleans. Band starts at 8pm. There will also be a kid’s zone, fresh squeezed lemonade and other wholesome activities.
Wanda Jackson at the Observatory
8pm / $5
If you have not yet heard of rockabilly icon and country-music singer Wanda Jackson, you have probably heard her music without even knowing it. The Cramp’s “Funnel of Love” is a Wanda Jackson cover. The Observatory in Santa Ana is a pleasant venue with easy parking, food, and good but not overbearing security. She will be playing with Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, and Cutty Flam.
Suburban Fight #20 Hardcore Matinee
2pm / $12.00
The Echo on Sunset will be slamming with patriotism to the sounds of Pure Disgust, Hard Stripes, Barge, Free At Last, Burst of Rage, Response, and LOCK. Downstairs at the Echoplex, the weekly all-mashup dance party, “BOOTIE LA” the theme will be AMERICA: F*CK YEAH! Everyone at the Echoplex is encouraged to wear red, white and blue.
FESTIVALS with FIREWORKS
California African American Museum and Exposition Park
6pm / FREE
The CAAM museum will be open with free entry, and an art workshop from 11am – 6pm. The show starts at 6pm and will be co-hosted by comedian D’Lai and actor Jeffrey Anderson-Gunter. Performances include singer Ashley Chanel, ventriloquist Aaron Williams and his sidekick Freddie, spoken word artist Wilson Sandoval, Toni Malone, the Lady of Song and musician Cliff Beach. You can enjoy the Exposition Park fireworks beginning at dusk. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. RSVP by calling (213) 744-2024. Parking is $10 per vehicle and available on 39th and Figueroa streets.
4th of July Block Party at Grand Park
3pm – 9:30pm / FREE
The Block Party is a free event featuring music, food and an incredible fireworks display launched from the civic center skyline. The lineup of L.A.-based music talent includes live bands like the Groove Junkies and La Junta, plus KCRW DJs. Kid’s activities include a splash pad and playground. Not that I know what a Splash Pad is. Doors open at 3 p.m. for early birds (no prior admittance). The rooftop fireworks show is at 9 p.m. and the event ends at 9:30 p.m. This is an alcohol-free event. Picnics and outside food are welcome, but no outside beverages. Food vendors will be on-site as well, including LA Beat favorite, Artisana Pops. No folding chairs, large coolers or umbrellas.
Americafest at the Rose Bowl Stadium
2pm / $13 – $25
On Saturday, July 4, the world-famous Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena hosts its 89th annual Fourth of July celebration, Americafest. The festival starts at 2 p.m. outside the stadium with food and games for kids on Area H. Gates open at 6pm. The night’s events include live motorcycle stunts, special performances from “Elvis” and Liverpool Legends, the “Ultimate Beatles Experience,” peaking with the “Biggest Fireworks show in Southern California” followed by a viewing of “Despicable Me 2.”
July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza – Warner Center Park
6pm / FREE
VCC’s July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza delights over 60,000 people with a free concert and 20-minute spectacular fireworks display. Anticipate some Souza. There are over 20 food vendors, along with arts and crafts vendors. Parking: $20 – Park in any of the Warner Center structures between Topanga and Canoga or Califa and Oxnard.
Fourth of July Fireworks Festival at CBS
4:30pm – 10:00pm / $20 – $125 Check the site for prices. They list a “VIP toddlers ticket.” Seriously.
The gates open at 4:30 p.m. The event starts at 5 and ends at 9:30 p.m. Gates for entrance close at 8 p.m. There will be live performances, model airplane demos, a magician, a car show, and a business expo [ooh! a business expo!]. There will be food and drinks available for purchase. The night will culminate with a spectacular fireworks show. Since this is Hollywood, there are endless wristbands with endless levels of access and perks. A VIP ticket also gets you access to the rooftop viewing of the fireworks and valet parking. General admission tickets enter and park in the parking structure on Radford Ave. VIP tickets enter through the Colfax gate.
ATTRACTIONS
July 4th Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain
(July 3-5, 2015) 10am & 10:30am / $51.99 – $82.99
Roller coaster fans freaked out when Colossus was closed, but now you can check out its replacement, Twisted Colossus. The new coaster “is a hybrid wood and steel roller coaster with barrel roll inversions, a near-vertical drop.” Events include live bands and fireworks set to patriotic music. There will be a picnic buffet on Saturday the 4th Grande Oak Picnic Pavilion from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. for $17.95. Bring an empty can of Coke to gain access to the park four hours early to ride on several popular coasters.
Queen Mary All-American 4th of July
2pm to 11 pm / $44 – $99
Travel through the years with themed parties, live music stages, including a vintage traveling circus and carnival, culminating in the spectacular 4th of July fireworks show. Enjoy yourself at speakeasies, a Motown review and even a classic USO show. Bonus: check out the 26′ foot long model of the Queen Mary built entirely out of Legos, which will be unveiled on the 4th. VIP tickets ($99) are required for access to certain events. Fireworks at 9:00 pm. Parking: $20
4th of July BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific
5pm / $15 – $59
Enjoy the aquarium and end the evening with a view of the Queen Mary fireworks. Enjoy the aquarium at night and check out their new jellyfish exhibit. Then enjoy a BBQ from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. featuring Carolina Style BBQ, Chicken, Bratwurst & Beef Hot Dogs, Fire Roasted Citrus Marinated Hanger Steak
and Pulled Pork Sliders. Aquarium plus dinner $48 Adult, $20 Child. Advance reservations required for dinner. $14.95 for everyone after 5:00 p.m. Info: 562-590-3100.
FIREWORKS
Marina del Rey Waterfront Fireworks
9pm / FREE
In Marina del Rey, Fireworks will be launched from a floating barge located in the waters of the main channel between Fisherman’s Village and the Breakwater. If you have a boat, or a good friend with a boat, you are all set. Boats are allowed to idle in the main channel (no anchoring). If not, Hornblower Cruises & Events offers evening cruises for a front row seat to the firework spectacular. Best viewing spots on land include Fisherman’s Village (13755 Fiji Way), Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way), and Marina (Mother’s) Beach at 4101 Admiralty Way. If you would like to watch the fireworks with a plateful of BBQ and a drink in hand, Whiskey Reds will be offering drink specials (13813 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey) Check the website for info on parking and street closures.
6pm / FREE
Carson’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration will take place from 6-10 p.m. at the StubHub Center, Field 7. The event will feature food, vendors, and a kiddie carnival. Continuous shuttle service will be offered from the Juanita Millender McDonald Carson Community Center, 801 E. Carson St. Admission is free. Go to for more information. There is also a Galaxy game at Stub Hub, so it must be a pretty big place.
5pm / $10
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Family Fun Zone “includes games and prizes, inflatables, arts and crafts, temporary tattoos, stilt walkers, balloons and more!” Live musical dance party with Air Play. Blankets and low-backed folding chairs recommended. Picnic items permitted or food is available for purchase. Calabasas High School, 22855 W. Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas. Fireworks begin at 9 pm. $10; children under 2 are admitted free.
4pm / $5
The celebration will include live music, food trucks, and a fireworks display at West LA College. Gates open at 4 pm. $5 per person up to $20 per car for parking and festival/show. Children 5 and under free.
5PM / FREE
El Segundo’s annual Fourth of July celebration starts at 10 a.m. until 3pm in Recreation Park with food, games, a water-balloon toss, pie-eating contest, and watermelon-eating contest. Live music from 5 to 7pm. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. To buy wristbands for grandstand seats call 310-524-2700 or visit the website.
GARDENA
4pm / FREE
The city of Gardena will start the celebration with food trucks starting at 4 p.m. Fireworks begin at dusk. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and umbrellas. It is not DIY. Don’t bring your own fireworks. Rowley Park, 13220 S. Van Ness Ave. Call 310-217-9537 for more information.
MOORPARK FRIDAY JULY THIRD 7/3/15
3:45 / $5
Those rebels over at Moorpark just have to buck the trend by holding their annual Fireworks Extravaganza on July 3rd. The event features 2 bands, food vendors, and fun attractions. from our many vendors. Plan to arrive early as over 11,000 people attend this event annually.
9pm / FREE
The 65th annual July 4th fireworks show will be held at Cabrillo Beach at 9 p.m. July 4. The beach address is 3800 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro.
FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS
The Seaside Lagoon Independence Day Celebration
2pm / $10 – $15
For a kid-centric day, hit the Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach for a day of swimming, crafts, DJ, slide and obstacle course. Fireworks begin at 9:00pm. Bring your own food and beverages. No alcohol. Bring your beach chairs, blankets and umbrellas.
1:50 / $10 – $50
Get wholesome with an old-fashioned parade, featuring marching bands, equestrian units, local celebrities, neighbors and kids. The 2015 parade theme is “Palisades Parade: Pride! Passion! Patriotism!” If the alliteration isn’t enough to entice you, how about Kids on Bikes and Patriotic Pups? The fireworks pageant will take place at Stadium by the Sea, presented by Pyro Spectaculars.
Long Beach Kids’ July 4th Bike Parade
10am / Free
Children and adults are “encouraged to decorate their bikes and themselves for this annual patriotic procession on wheels that takes place on the beach bike path in Long Beach.” In addition to the bike parade, the event will include competitions for children 12 and younger, including a patriotic costume contest. Show up at 9:15am at the Granada Beach parking lot, in front of Rosie’s Dog Beach to participate. Parking: Free parking in Granada Beach Lot for the event, metered street parking. From the video on the website, it looks painfully adorable.
Rancho Palos Verdes Fourth of July Celebration
11am – 5pm / FREE
RPV’s celebration features BBQ, hula-hoop contests, arts & crafts and kiddie carnival rides. There is a beer garden for Mom & Dad. On-site parking at the Point Vicente Lighthouse on Palos Verdes Drive West costs $5 per vehicle.
Westchester 4th of July Parade
11am / FREE
The annual parade attracts more than 1,000 participants. It will start at 11 a.m. July 4 on Loyola Boulevard, beginning at Westchester Park and traveling north to Loyola Marymount University and ending at 1 p.m. This year’s theme is “American Beach Party.” 310-645-5151
SPORTS
4th of JULY FIREWORKS – DODGER STADIUM
(July 3-5, 2015) 4:15 / $30 – $1,050 (No, that is not a typo)
Fireworks at Dodger Stadium are an LA institution. Everyone whose house overlooks the stadium is practically required to throw a 4th of July party. If you would rather check them out from the stadium itself, the Dodgers are celebrating “with a three-game home stand against the New York Mets.” They will present their famous fireworks display on both Friday, July 3 and Saturday July 4. There will be no fireworks on Sunday.
7:30pm / $25 – $15o
The LA Galaxy take the field at StubHub Center for their traditional July 4th game. This year the Galaxy are matched against Toronto FC. After the game, stick around to enjoy the fireworks display.
Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach – Venice Recreation Center
1pm / FREE
World-famous Muscle Beach in Venice hosts its annual bodybuilding and figure competition Saturday, July 4. Pre-judging begins at 10 a.m. The finals take place at 1 p.m. Free admission to the public. Open to all amateur athletes – there’s an entry fee for competitors.
PICNICS AND BBQ TO GO
Holy Cow is accepting orders for this July 4th. The full menu of meats including chicken, pulled pork and brisket is available in family packs including sides and cornbread at these Holy Cow locations:
Santa Monica (264 26th Street across from Brentwood Country Mart 310 883 6COW)
Culver City (4130 Sepulveda in Culver Crossroads Center 424 298 8220)
Eastside Holy Cow POP UP in Messhall Kitchen (4500 Los Feliz Blvd Los Feliz 323 660 6377).
THE LARDER AT TAVERN and THE LARDER AT BURTON WAY
If you’re going to barbecue or picnic, do it in style. You will not find a more gourmet takeout than renowned chef Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s marketplace. A full array of appetizers, platters, fried chicken, barbeque-ready burgers complete with toppings and extras – including sauces, sides and Larder Baking Company breads and rolls. Try a mixed berry trifle or a cornmeal cobbler with peaches and blackberries. Larder’s extensive à la carte menu with seasonal salads, prepared foods, pastries and desserts is also available. Wine pairings curated by Caroline Styne are available at both Larder locations as well as a wide selection of artisanal wines, beers, juices and Hoxie wine spritzers. The Larders are open until 3 p.m. on July 4th to pick up orders. Please order in advance. Here is the complete menu
OTHER
2pm or 6pm /$40 – $125
How’s this for a good time? How about having a cannon battle on a giant boat? The L.A. Maritime Institute in San Pedro invites the public “to experience the holiday on the water by boarding the tall ships Irving Johnson and Exy Johnson for a cannon battle sail from 2-4 p.m., a cannon battle and fireworks Sail from 2-10 p.m. or a fireworks sail from 6-10 p.m.” Prices range from $40-$75 for children and $60-$125 for adults. Make reservations on the website or by calling 310-833-6055.
(July 3-5) 4PM – 1AM / $3
626 Night Market at Santa Anita park in Arcadia is an Asian-themed fair that features over 200 food vendors, plus, merchandise, games, music, and entertainment attractions. Free parking. Children ages 6 and under get in free. You will want to have lots of cash to buy all of the exciting food you could ever want.
7:15 / $25
Why not take your gourmet picnic to the cemetery? Cinespia will be presenting the fun and uber-patriotic film “Top Gun” outdoors on the Fairbanks Lawn at Hollywood Forever at 9pm. Remember fondly the halcyon days before you knew Tom Cruise was crazy. “Bring blankets, drinks and picnic dinner for this screening below the stars.” Buy tickets here. Highway to the danger zone!
Photo by Amari Hasan via Flickr
