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. Performers include Maya Jupiter, DJ Ethos, Cut Chemist, and The Beat Junkies. Performances will be followed with a dazzling drone show over The Music Center Plaza.

As an added attraction to the block party, a digital playground with Augmented Reality (AR) experiences, arts, crafts, and games will also be featured in Grand Park. 

Located on the 34th floor of the AC Hotel Downtown LA, La Lo La Rooftop is hosting "A Celebration of the California Cowboy" for lunch (noon to 3:30pm) and dinner (5pm to midnight). Priced at $55 per person, the festivities include a family-style Santa Maria BBQ from chef Isaac Gamboa; Red, White & Blue Sangria; and live music from 6pm to 8pm. Reservations required for dinner, walk-ins welcome for lunch.

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. Friday games in early July include a game against the Astros on June 23rd and the Angels on July 7th. Enjoy a fireworks show at the game on July 4th when the Dodgers host the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

The first Los Angeles location of the acclaimed Alamo Drafthouse theatre chain is located at The Bloc in Downtown LA. Alamo's Movie Parties are interactive experiences for fans that include fun props, themed drinks and more.

On July 4th, Alamo is screening Steven Spielberg's original Jaws (1975) - a bonafide classic with everything you need in a summer movie, from drunken sea shanties to Richard Dreyfuss in a shark cage and John Williams' iconic score.

Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates the Fourth of July with a dazzling fireworks display, 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 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 The Beach Boys are headlining one of LA's greatest summer traditions, the July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at the Hollywood Bowl. Spanning three days and featuring special guest John Stamos, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and dozens of The Beach Boys' chart-topping anthems, this spectacular lineup might just rival the fireworks show!

"I know you are, but what am I?" On Saturday, July 1, Cinespia presents an outdoor screening of Pee-wee's Big Adventure at the landmark Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Gates open at 7:15pm, the movie starts at 9pm, then fireworks and DJs after the film. Picnic on the lawn with beer and wine.

In June 2023, Vidiots celebrated its grand opening at the historic Eagle Theatre in Eagle Rock. The new 11,000 square-foot venue includes a 271-seat movie theatre, the MUBI Microcinema, a beer and wine bar, and the famed video store, which now boasts 60,000 titles on DVD, Blu-ray and VHS.

On Sunday, July 2nd and Tuesday, July 4th, Vidiots will screen the original Jaws (1975). Nearly 50 years after it first became one of the original summertime blockbusters, Jaws still thrills with its combination of shocks, humor and that unforgettable soundtrack. All together now — “Duh duuhh. Duh duuhhh. Dum dumm dum dumm…”

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.

On July 4th, MRT is screening Independence Day (1996) starring Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum. Doors at 7:30pm, screening begins at 8:30pm. Ticket options include General Admission, Movie Night for Two, Dinner & Movie for Two, which includes shared plates and entrees at Bombo.

This July 4th, director Quentin Tarantino's famous New Beverly Cinema brings you the double feature of a lifetime: the reimagining of the Western hero in Dennis Hopper's Easy Rider, paired with the adventures of America's favorite potty-mouthed pair of loveable losers in Beavis and Butt-head Do America. Tickets often sell out at the New Beverly...run don't walk!

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 Saturday, July 1, Street Food Cinema is screening Back to the Future at Los Angeles State Historic Park and La La Land 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 sights and sips cruise, and a Premier Dinner Cruise. 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.

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, June 30 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 9pm.

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 will host the postponed soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the LAFC instead of their annual AmericaFest on July 4th 2023. This game is the season opener and despite its lack of AmericaFest, it is guaranteed to put you in a festive spirit. 

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. This year, a statue of Sally Ride, the first American woman to go into space, will be ceremoniously unveiled at noon. Also, at 10:30 am author Todd Zimmermann will read from his book, Oliver Doodle Dandy. 

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, Auschwitz Exhibit: Not long ago, Not far away. 

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 Sandlot (July 1) and Armageddon (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.