The Best Fourth of July Events in Los Angeles

The largest anime convention in North America, the Anime Expo (AX) is held annually over July 4th Weekend at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Downtown LA. Each year, the four-day AX welcomes more than 100,000 fans to celebrate Japanese pop culture and experience the Masquerade, Anime Music Video Contest, concerts, and the epic Fashion Show. There's also late-night programming such as dance, video screenings, tabletop and electronic gaming, and open-mic karaoke.

The disco vibes will be strong at the Hotel Figueroa La Casita Pool on the Fourth of July! Head to the historic Downtown LA hotel for an afternoon pool party and barbecue with live DJs, veggie menu options and VIP bottle service. Tickets at Eventbrite.

The World Champion Dodgers are hosting the Houston Astros for a three-game home stand. This rematch of the 2017 World Series will feature an Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 4; Hololive Night on Saturday and the ever-popular Kids Run the Bases on Sunday.

Rooftop Cinema Club offers a premier outdoor movie experience at LEVEL in Downtown LA. On July 4th, RCC presents a screening of Independence Day (1996) starring Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum. Ticket options include Adirondack Chair, Adirondack + Popcorn and Adirondack Love Seat + Popcorn.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Earth, Wind & Fire headline one of LA's greatest summer traditions, the July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at the Hollywood Bowl. The GRAMMY Award winning music icons will perform at the Bowl over three nights, accompanied by Thomas Wilkins and the LA Phil. Tickets are now on sale - kids 12 and under are half-price!

“You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” On Saturday, July 5, the Hollywood Bowl presents an unforgettable film-with-live-orchestra experience featuring the original summer movie blockbuster, Jaws! Conducted by David Newman, the LA Phil will perform John Williams' Oscar-winning score in sync with one of the greatest motion pictures of all time.

When the seaside community of Amity comes under attack by a man-eating great white shark, the town’s chief of police (Roy Scheider), a marine biologist (Richard Dreyfuss) and a grizzled shark hunter (Robert Shaw) embark on a desperate quest to destroy the beast before it kills again.

Directed by Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg, Jaws was released in the summer of 1975, became a cultural phenomenon and forever changed the movie industry.

One of LA's most popular outdoor movie series, Cinespia presents two blockbusters at the landmark Hollywood Forever Cemetery: Top Gun on Friday, July 4th; and La La Land on Saturday. Doors at 7:15pm, movie at 9pm and fireworks post-screening. Guests are invited to bring their own picnic, including beer and wine.

Don’t Miss the Star-Spangled Celebration in the Park. Celebrate Independence Day with live performances by a fife and drum band, festive decor and the sky filled with fireworks. Plus, meet some of Universal’s most popular characters, experience thrilling rides and more. *Times, dates, entertainment and/or experience details are subject to changes and/or cancellation without notice.

The "Thrill Capital of the World," Six Flags Magic Mountain presents Star-Spangled Nights on Friday and Saturday, July 4-5! Starting at 9:15pm, enjoy a spectacular fireworks display synced to patriotic music that the whole family will enjoy. The park recommends Full Throttle Plaza, Vault Plaza and DC Universe as the best viewing areas.

The first feature film directed by Tim Burton and scored by Danny Elfman, Pee-wee's Big Adventure continues to delight new generations of fans. From his iconic "Tequila" dance to rescuing animals from a burning pet shop, Pee-wee is the hero we need. Beloved Eagle Rock theatre Vidiots will screen the cult favorite on July 4th: "Be sure and tell 'em Large Marge sent ya!"

Taking place in Marina del Rey from 11am to 1pm, the 4th of July Premier Brunch Cruise offers views of LA's spectacular beaches, Burton W. Chace Park and delightful sea life.

The brunch buffet features a selection of "Early Risers" (breakfast pastries, breakfast meats and potatoes, French Toast Bake, scrambled eggs) and "Late Risers" with hand-carved tri-tip, birria-style chicken, citrus herb-roasted salmon, salads (Greek, summer berry & farro, sun-dried tomato pasta), roasted summer vegetables and the Signature Dessert Station. The buffet includes free-flowing champagne, mimosas and sparkling cider; and unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water.

World-famous Muscle Beach in Venice hosts its annual bodybuilding and figure competition every July 4th. Pre-judging begins at 10am and the finals take place at 1pm. Taking place at the Venice Beach Recreation Center, the competition is open to all amateur athletes with a $150 entry fee. Admission is free to the public.

With one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in Southern California, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza celebrates our nation’s birthday with a free concert and a dazzling 20-minute fireworks display, accommodating up to 40,000 people in the park. There are over 15 local food trucks on hand along with arts and crafts vendors and local businesses promoting and selling their goods. The event takes place on July 4th of each year from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Come early! Parking fees are a donation to Valley Cultural Foundation.

Celebrate with the City of San Fernando at this year’s unforgettable Independence Day Festival. Make it a memorable day with an amazing lineup of events. Fun children’s activities, Watermelon Eating Contest, Carnival Games, Food Vendors, Live music by FULL CLIP and the Spectacular “Patriotic Drone Show!” by Sky Elements.

The headliner is Bruno & The Hooligans with The Ultimate Rock Band opening. The event is at capacity, so please plan accordingly. Carpooling and rideshare is strongly advised. The drones will be launched from the Starlight Bowl, similar to the traditional fireworks. If you’re not at McCambridge, you can still enjoy the show from other locations nearby with a clear view of the sky. 

The City of Calabasas proudly hosts a family-friendly 4th of July celebration each year, featuring fun and festive activities for all ages. Kick off your Independence Day with the annual Lakeside Fun Run, then head to the Lakeside Greenbelt for the popular Pet Show — a favorite for families and their furry companions. Spend the afternoon cooling off at the Splash Party at the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center, featuring music, games, and poolside fun.

Taking place from 10am to 3pm, the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library includes live music, family entertainment, picnic games, arts & crafts, photo ops with presidential lookalikes and more.

Celebrate the Fourth of July aboard the legendary Queen Mary with a unique, family-friendly experience that spans the entire ship! Taking place on every deck from 3pm to 10pm, the festivities include themed parties through the decades, from an Old Time Fair to a Roaring 20s Gatsby Garden Party, 1950s Sock Hop, '60s Beach Bash, groovy '70s Disco and a 2000s Hip-Hop Party with Graffiti Station. Enjoy a Country Tailgate & BBQ Buffet before the grand finale - a dazzling 15-minute fireworks display that will light up the Long Beach skyline.