The Best Fourth of July Events in Los Angeles

Grand Park presents one of its signature events, the Fourth of July Block Party, from 4pm to 9:30pm. The free, family-friendly event will include food, music, two stages of DJs and music performances, dancing, and dazzling fireworks over The Music Center Plaza.

As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, Grand Park will feature a series of interactive multimedia artworks in tribute to those who have contributed to the spirit of the Grand Park experience as the "Park for Everyone."

For Dodger fans, there's always the hope for some fireworks from the Boys in Blue. But with Friday Night Fireworks, you're sure to get bangs for your bucks - stay after the game for themed fireworks shows after every Friday home game. Enjoy fireworks when the Dodgers host their NL West rivals, the San Diego Padres, on July 1; and the Colorado Rockies on Independence Day.

Rooftop Cinema Club offers a premier outdoor movie experience at LEVEL in Downtown LA, and in El Segundo. LEVEL offers popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, candy, movie snacks and soft drinks. This season, Rooftop Cinema Club is partnering with Hi-Lo to offer the best of the local LA craft beer scene, along with summer release regional wines and fresh spritzes and mocktails.

July 4th Weekend screenings at LEVEL include: Friday (July 1), The Sandlot (July 2), Do the Right Thing (July 2), Dazed and Confused (July 3) and Independence Day (July 4).

The El Segundo lineup includes: Jurassic Park (July 1), The Sandlot (July 2), The Notebook (July 2), The Goonies (July 3), Scream (July 3) and Independence Day (July 4).

Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates the Fourth of July by extending its Independence Day festivities throughout the weekend, from Saturday, July 2 through Monday, July 4, including dazzling nightly fireworks displays, live music performances, specially themed décor and more - it's all included in the price of admission!

From the moment guests walk along the iconic red carpet and enter the world-famous theme park, they will be immersed in July 4th festivities. Beginning nightly at 9pm, an elaborate fireworks display will splash across the sky, synchronized to a score of Universal-themed music and patriotic favorites from two locations inside the park.

Adding to the summer fun, guests can delight in the return of The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle, featuring an incredible light projection experience, while they enjoy the magical land of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. The program runs nightly through Sunday, August 14.

Legendary entertainers Steve Martin and Martin Short are headlining one of LA's greatest summer traditions, the July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at the Hollywood Bowl. Taking place on three nights at the Bowl, the lineup includes Thomas Wilkins and the LA Phil performing a program of favorites; Jeff Babko, and The Steep Canyon Rangers.

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today with Cinespia, which is hosting a holiday weekend of outdoor movies and fireworks at the landmark Hollywood Forever Cemetery: The Fast and the Furious (July 2), Purple Rain (July 3) and Ferris Bueller's Day Off (July 4). Gates open at 7:15pm, the movie starts at 9pm, then fireworks after the film. Picnic on the lawn with beer and wine.

Located on the rooftop adjacent to the patio at E.P. & L.P., the Melrose Rooftop Theatre (MRT) offers an unforgettable outdoor cinema experience with the Hollywood Hills as the stunning backdrop. MRT features a state-of-the-art Da Lite 16’ x 19’ screen, wireless headphones, classic concessions, and bean bag seats. Doors at 7:30pm, screenings begin at 8:30pm. Priced at $65 per person, the "Dinner + Movie" pre-theatre menu includes a three-course meal at E.P. and reserved seating for the movie. Tickets for the July 4th screening of Independence Day are on sale at the Melrose Rooftop Theatre website.

Enjoy movies under the stars at the Skirball Cultural Center with a lineup of fan-favorite films related to Skirball exhibitions past and present. On Friday, July 1, the Skirball presents Pixar's Oscar-winning Ratatouille - the screening includes a kid-friendly viewing lounge, an art-making activity, and food-related fun! Tickets are $20 for General Admission, $10 for Members, and free for children under 12.

Before the movie, check out the exhibitions “I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli, Talking Back to Power: Projects by Aram Han Sifuentes, and Visions and Values: Jewish Life from Antiquity to America. Then, enjoy cocktails, wine, beer, and light fare available for purchase.

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 $120 entry fee. Admission is free to the public.

Featuring a wide range of films, gourmet food trucks and live music, Street Food Cinema presents screenings at outdoor locations from The Autry to Los Angeles State Historic Park, Will Rogers State Historic Park, and Veterans Memorial Park (adjacent to The Wende Museum in Culver City). Doors open at 5:30pm, the band plays at 6:45pm, and the movie starts at 8:30pm.

On July 2, Street Food Cinema is screening A League of Their Own at Veterans Memorial Park and The Avengers at Will Rogers State Historic Park. Full schedule and tickets at the Street Food Cinema website.

One of Marina del Rey's most popular annual events, the 4th of July Fireworks Show is back with a 20-minute display that starts at 9pm. The pyrotechnics will be synchronized to music played over loudspeakers at Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way) and Fisherman's Village (13755 Fiji Way). The fireworks will be shot from a barge off the Marina’s south jetty. View the show from virtually anywhere in Marina del Rey, Venice Pier, Playa Vista and Dockweiler Beach.

City Cruises will offer special July 4th cruises: a brunch excursion from 1pm - 3pm, and a three-hour Premier Dinner Cruise from 7pm - 10pm. Reservations at CityCruises.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.

Early arrival is strongly suggested. Parking is limited and local street closures are planned to start as early as 1pm in some areas.

After a two-year hiatus, Cars & Stripes Forever returns to the LA Waterfront! One of the most popular events at the Port of Los Angeles, Cars & Stripes Forever will take place from 5-10pm on Friday, July 1 at Harbor Boulevard and Swinford Street — adjacent to the Fanfare Fountains, just below the Vincent Thomas Bridge. More than 100 pre-1975 classic cars and motorcycles will be on display, along with live bands, food trucks, and a beer garden. Crowning the festivities will be a dazzling fireworks show at 9:15pm.

Cars & Stripes Forever is free, family-friendly, and open to all ages. A free shuttle to and from Downtown San Pedro will be available, as well as low-cost parking at Harbor and 1st Street.

The world-famous Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena hosts the 96th Annual AmericaFest, one of the nation’s largest and longest-running shows to celebrate America’s birthday. The week-long festivities will kick off on July 4th with the family-friendly AmericaFest Celebration and will culminate on July 9th with the Palomino Festival, highlighting some of the best country music presented by Goldenvoice. In honor of the stadium's 100th birthday, this year’s AmericaFest program will highlight key moments of the venue’s iconic past; welcome back fan-favorite, TNT Freestyle Motocross with a high-flying 30-minute show; and a live performance by Drake Milligan. Parking opens at 1pm, doors at 5:30pm, and the program starts at 7pm. More info and tickets at the Rose Bowl Stadium website.

For a minimum $1,000 donation, VIP field access viewing is available – the package includes a Rose Bowl commemorative blanket, BBQ dinner, and other amenities. Donors will be recognized on the stadium’s two video screens leading up to the famed firework show.

The "Thrill Capital of the World," Six Flags Magic Mountain presents the annual Coca-Cola July 4th Fest from Saturday to Monday, July 2-4. Adrenaline junkies can experience heart-pounding thrills on West Coast Racers, the craziest twists and loops on Viper and X2, and the steepest drops on Twisted Colossus and Goliath. Stop by the Coca-Cola Experience to take a break in the shade while the DJ spins, and snap a selfie at the 360 photo booth to share with friends. Enjoy fireworks choreographed to star-spangled music each night at 9pm. Tickets on sale at the Six Flags Magic Mountain website.

Taking place from 10am to 3pm, the Reagan Library Fourth of July Celebration includes live patriotic music, family entertainment, picnic games, arts & crafts, photo ops with presidential lookalikes, and more. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

All outdoor activities are free - no reservations needed. Admission rates apply to view the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum, Air Force One Pavilion, and the special exhibit, Secrets of WWII.

Led by Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, the LA Galaxy will take the pitch against Montréal at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 4. Kickoff is at 7:30pm. Following the match, the club will host a fireworks show for all fans in attendance - it's "one of the longest-running fireworks shows in all of professional sports during an active season."

Located in northern L.A. County, Castaic Lake is the largest state water project reservoir in Southern California, with more than 11,000 acres of parkland and open space habitat. For a truly unique night at the movies, head out to Castaic Lake for Boat Cinema, presented in partnership with the Dept. of Parks & Recreation.

On Fourth of July Weekend, Boat Cinema is screening Jaws (July 1-2) and Top Gun (July 3). Rent an electric mini-boat for up to five people (combined 850 lb weight limit) to enjoy LA's first and only on-the-water film experience. Or bring your own beach chairs, towels or blankets and enjoy the movie from the beach. Food & Beverage Add-Ons include prepared picnics, charcuterie boxes, an artisan pizza delivered to your boat, and BYOP (Bring Your Own Picnic) with a corkage fee.