The Best Fourth of July Events in Los Angeles

An L.A. July 4th tradition returns to the landmark Hollywood Bowl, which hosts its annual Independence Day concerts on July 2-4. This year’s Fourth of July performances feature the pioneering all-girl rock band, The Go-Go's. The reunited 80s hitmakers will perform on three totally awesome nights featuring star-spangled music and spectacular fireworks.

Wear your best red, white and blue for a patriotic party at Angel City Brewery from 4-10 on Tuesday, July 3 and noon-6pm on Wednesday, July 4. At 'Merica Fest, guests will enjoy the time-honored traditions of BBQ and beer served up in all-American fashion: bigger, better…and in a costume! DJ Daddy Pants will be spinning 7-10pm on July 3, while a full day of live music kicks off on Independence Day with Abby and the Myth at 1:30pm. Food by Downtown Taco and Downtown Doggo.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are celebrating Independence Day with a home game on Wednesday, July 4 at Dodger Stadium against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Enjoy an after-the-game fireworks show presented by Budweiser.

Billed as L.A. County's largest free July 4th celebration, Grand Park + The Music Center Fourth of July Block Party features picnicking, games, art-making, music, dancing and a stunning fireworks show high above Downtown L.A. The family friendly activities include soccer, tag, bubble fun and chalk art. Two stages showcasing DJs and live music performances will entertain audiences throughout the celebration. Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. from the roof of The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and soar nearly 500 feet, making them visible throughout Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. The event offers a multitude of dining options from more than 40 vendors, including numerous gourmet food trucks. Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party will encompass the entire park, from Grand Avenue to Spring Street, plus the surrounding streets. Admission is free. Go Metro with the Metro Red or Purple Line to Civic Center/Grand Park Station; or take the Gold Line to Little Tokyo/Arts District Station.

Part of the 213 Hospitality collection of Downtown L.A. craft cocktail bars, Las Perlas is renowned for its agave spirits collection. Las Perlas is opening early at 1pm on July 4th and is featuring an El Silencio Mezcal tasting, drink specials, tacos and live music by La Victoria.

World-famous Muscle Beach in Venice hosts its annual bodybuilding and figure competition on Wednesday, July 4. Pre-judging begins at 10 a.m. and the final takes place at 1 p.m. The competition is open to all amateur athletes with a $100 entry fee. Admission is free to the public.

Presented by the Valley Cultural Center, the annual July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza is one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in Southern California. More than 60,000 people will enjoy a free concert by rockin' soul band Jack Mack and the Heart Attack, followed by a spectacular 15-minute fireworks show. There are more than 20 local restaurants on hand, as well as arts & crafts vendors. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Admission is free with a VIP ticket option.

Celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum is recognized internationally for its interpretation of Shakespeare’s work. On Indedepence Day, celebrate the 4th in Topanga Canyon with a good ol' fashioned hoe-down! The 4th of July Barn Dance features live music, and throwback activities like a barn dance, pie-eating contest, watermelon seed-spitting contest, cake walk, horseshoes, relay races, dunk bucket, family games and more. Barbeque and fixin’s, beer and wine available for purchase. Tickets are $20 for adults and $8 for kids age 4-12.

Bring your chairs, blankets and picnics to enjoy the spectacular Fourth of July fireworks show in Marina del Rey. The 20-minute fireworks display will start at 9 p.m. The pyrotechnics will be synchronized to music at Fisherman's Village (13755 Fiji Way) and Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way). Note: construction at Marina (Mother's) Beach is nearing completion but not expected to be finished by July 4. Early arrival is strongly suggested. While ample paid parking is available, alternative access options include the WaterBus, the Beach Shuttle, the Free Ride, and rideshare services.

Hornblower Cruises will offer special July 4 cruises: a brunch excursion and a 3-hour dinner cruise and a 2-hour observation cruise with light bites timed to watch the fireworks. Reservations at hornblower.com. Alternatively, you can charter a private yacht to get the ultimate close-up view. Find information about companies properly licensed to operate charters in the Marina at the Visit Marina del Rey website.

On Wednesday, July 4, the landmark Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena hosts the 92nd annual AmericaFest. Entertainment includes the TNT Riders, Michael Knight’s Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Sing-A-Long and American Idol Winner Maddie Poppe. The Family Fun Zone in Area H opens at 2pm, then gates for all seating at 5:30pm. Performances start at 7pm and the fireworks begin at 9pm.

Celebrate Independence Day at the LA Waterfront with a patriotic party taking place from 5-10pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro - Port of Los Angeles. The 4th of July Celebration features live music from Purple Sugar (6-9pm), fresh food from the grill, Brouwerij West on tap, specialty cocktails, games and waterfront views of the fireworks. Pricing is $35 for adults and $15 for kids age 12 and under. Each ticket includes admission and parking, two grill items + sides, and one drink voucher (soda or domestic beer).

The 42nd annual 4th of July Community Observance is taking place from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Angels Gate Park, home of the Korean Bell of Friendship. One of San Pedro's most famous and enduring landmarks, the Korean Bell was presented by South Korea to the American people in 1976 to commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. and to symbolize the friendship between the two nations. The Community Observance will begin with a processional to the bell led by percussion drummers. The ceremony includes the posting of the colors by the L.A. Air Force Base Color Guard and remarks by area dignitaries. To conclude the ceremonial portion, the assembled guest speakers will lead the audience in reciting the names of the 13 original American states. As they read the names, representatives of the San Pedro and Korean Communities will strike a battering ram into the massive bell, ringing once for each state.

The LA Galaxy will host their 23rd annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show – the longest-standing Fourth of July fireworks show in all of professional sports – after the match against D.C. United at StubHub Center on Wednesday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the match and postgame fireworks show are available now at www.lagalaxy.com/tickets.

Located in Simi Valley, the spectacular Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is hosting a full day of family-friendly activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Independence Day. This year’s Fourth of July Celebration includes patriotic concerts, family entertainment, games, crafts and more. Engage in carnival and picnic games such as sack races, spinner cone, ring toss and more. Bring out your inner artist and create an American eagle, patriotic bracelet, firecracker hat or windsock. Be sure to get your picture taken with Presidential re-enactors! All outdoor activities are free. Admission rates apply to view the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum, Air Force One Pavilion and the special exhibit, Genghis Khan.

For a unique Independence Day with the family, visit the red, white and blue fish at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Families can experience the Aquarium at night and get a “fish-eye” view of the Queen Mary fireworks display. Besides exploring the wonders of the sea, visitors can enjoy an all-American barbecue. July 4th Late Night is taking place 5-10 p.m. and BBQ seating is 6 p.m. Tickets areon sale at the Aquarium website.

It’s an “All-American" 4th of July summer celebration aboard the Queen Mary! Experience an unforgettable Independence Day as special live entertainment, family games, arts & crafts, special historic tours, a patriotic movie screening in the Queen Mary Theatre, and much more fill the decks of the legendary ship. To top off the night the Queen Mary will present its signature fireworks spectacular filled with patriotic music while you enjoy a summer evening under the beautiful Southern California night sky with the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. All-American 4th of July is open to the entire family from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Tickets start at $44 per adult with a $99 VIP option that includes premium fireworks viewing. Children 3 and under are free! The event sells out every year, so get your tickets early to secure your spot.