Need something to do in Southern California this Fourth of July? Want to do something different for a change? SoCal is not without its share of Fourth of July festivities. You can celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, food, music, and screenings. California truly comes alive with its array of parties and concerts.
Whether you enjoy an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration or an electronic dance party, Southern California has everything that you’re looking for. You can celebrate with BBQs, cocktails, family-friendly events, and parades. If you’re still not sure what to do in Southern California this coming holiday, here are 10 of the best events that are happening in Southern California this Fourth of July.
1. Free Family Night
Nothing is better than free. You and your family will want to check out this event at the Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena. You can create art and play music that was lost but now is found. You can also watch the Pasadena Conservatory of Music’s Brass Trio perform “The Maestro Plays” at 6:00 pm, which takes place in the Stone Hollow Amphitheater. Admission to this event and concert is free.
2. July 4th Fireworks Spectacular With Nile Rodgers & CHIC
This Fourth of July party is a rocking event for all ages. For three consecutive nights, the Los Angeles Phil partner up with Nile Rodgers & CHIC for an incredible Independence Day performance. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the Fourth of July with your loved ones. You’ll experience dance lessons, DJs, flashback costumes, and more. Costs will vary upon the event itself.
3. Americafest at the Rose Bowl
Why not celebrate Independence Day in style with an all-day event? The 93rd annual Fourth of July party takes place in Southern California. Enjoy food, games, and music by yourself or with your group. Family Fun Zone opens its doors at 2:00 pm while parking begins as early as noon.
Keep in mind that parking is $30, but costs $20 if you pre-book. The event starts at 5:30 pm while entertainment starts at 7:00 pm in the evening. The night finishes off with fireworks at 9:00 pm. Tickets are $15 for teens and adults. Children 5 and under are granted free admission. (Related: SoCal Spotlight: Tournament of Roses Parade)
4. Grand Park + The Music Center’s 4th of July Block Party 2019
This event is one of the biggest free Fourth of July events that California has to offer. The event kicks off at 3:00 pm. You’ll enjoy arts and crafts, dancing, games, music, and picnics. Of course, there’s a fireworks show to end the day. There are also hundreds of food vendors available throughout the event.
5. Brownies & Lemonade Block Party LA
Maybe you’re someone who wants to enjoy electronic music all weekend long. This lineup includes Baauer B2B Party Favor, Cosmo’s Midnight, Medasin, Moski, and of course Nina Las Vegas from the Brownies & Lemonade All Stars. You can also shop for art that’s on sale, experience food vendors, play games, and more. This event is only open to those 18 years of age and older. Tickets range from $29 to $60.
6. Fourth of July Pop-Up Bar at Rebellion Bar
Want to kick back with a few drinks? The Rebellion Bar is located near Severance Wine Bar, which is a pop-up bar that serves beer, champagne, punch, and wine-based cocktails. Most of these cocktails are a play on your favorite all-American foods, such as American apple pie and BBQ ribs. This bar also plays “Independence Day” and other patriotic films throughout the course of the day. Tickets cost $20 and include beer, wine, or any other cocktail of your liking.
7. July 4th at the Marina
What better way than to ring in July Fourth along the Marina del Rey? This event on Burton Chace Park is a great way to unwind and watch the fireworks with your family and friends. While it gets crowded, it’s one of the most relaxing events you’ll take part in. You can enjoy a picnic and walk as you cap off the night with an epic fireworks show. (Related: Best Places to Live in Southern California)
8. July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood goes all out for July Fourth. You’ll want to enjoy its incredible fireworks show, which includes aerial acts throughout numerous locations in the park.
Before the day ends, you can take advantage of the many attractions and rides that this theme park has to offer. Before the fireworks begin, you can listen to patriotic and Universal-themed music, in which the park transforms into a dance party starts at 9:30 pm.
9. Otaquest Live
While everyone else is celebrating America’s Independence, you can enjoy Japan’s club and music scene. This event showcases some of the biggest names in Japanese culture.
This year’s lineup includes hypnotic DJs such as CAPSULE, CrazyBoy, HIROOMI TOSAKA, Kyaray Pamyu Pamyu, and m-flo. You’ll also want to hang around for the afterparty, which starts at 10:00 p.m. but requires additional tickets. Tickets range from $45 adn $250 for the event, and $30 for the afterparty.
10. Cinespia Celebration Screenings
Cinephiles will love this event. One of the best ways to kick off your Fourth of July celebrations is to enjoy a hit movie. Two different films are featured every year. Then the night ends with fireworks. In addition, Aperol Spritz cocktails are served in the theater to those in your group who are 21+. Tickets costs $38 and more information can be found here.
As you can see, there is so much to see and do in Southern California. SoCal has our share of fireworks shows and patriotic events. You can also celebrate the Fourth of July in a completely different way if you prefer. It depends on what you like to do to celebrate.
No matter what you choose to do, make sure to purchase tickets or book reservations as soon as possible so you don’t miss out on any of these events. You also want to show up as early as possible so you don’t miss out on parking or seating.
