One of the most amazing parts of living in a large city like Los Angeles is there’s always something fun to do, and Independence Day is no exception. Whether it’s BBQs, sports, nightclubs or family friendly activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy for the Fourth of July holiday this year.
4th of July AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl
AmericaFest is one of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in Southern California. The festival begins at 2pm, followed by a motorcycle stunt show and live music from Liverpool Legends and Ian Thomas at 7pm. The night ends with a fireworks show. Tickets start at $13 and active military and children under 5 get in for free.
July 4th at Grand Park
Grand Park in Downtown LA hosts a free four-hour block party in honor of the holiday. Two stages feature live music, including headlining performances by Phantogram and Semi Precious Weapons. Picnic baskets are welcome, but there are street vendors selling food of all kinds throughout the event, as well. The music starts at 4pm and a rooftop fireworks display begins at 9pm.
4th of July at the Hollywood Bowl
Celebrations at the Hollywood Bowl stretch from July 2-4. Each night will feature fireworks and a performance of patriotic music by the Los Angeles Philharmonic along with Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers and Edie Brickell. Picnic baskets are welcome and tickets start at $15.
Fourth of July at Queen Mary
The Queen Mary’s BBQ, Brews and Red, White & Blues event is a tribute to classic Americana through the decades. Different rooms will have different themes starting from the 1920s all the way until to present day. There will be live music, DJs, entertainers, activities for kids and a huge fireworks display to end the night. The event is from noon to 11pm with tickets for children starting at $19.99 and $39.99 for adults.
Soccer with Fireworks
On July 4, Major League Soccer team LA Galaxy swill take on the Portland Timbers at the Stubhub Center. Spectators can enjoy post game fireworks and a light show display. The game kicks off at 7:30pm and tickets start at $20.
Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach
The Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach bodybuilding pageant takes place at the Venice Recreation Center. Prejudging begins at 10am and finals start at 1pm. There’s an entry fee of $80 for participants and the competition is open to all amateur athletes. The pageant is free to the public.
Westchester 4th of July Parade
This LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce sponsored parade adopts the theme is “Love My America!” this year. The parade route extends from Loyola Park Blvd at Westchester Park to Loyola Marymount University, and goes from 11am to 1pm.
4th of July BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts a a special BBQ from 6pm to 8pm. The buffet BBQ includes grilled entrees, sides and desserts. Attendees will also get a bird’s eye view of the Queen Mary’s fireworks display. Tickets for the Aquarium can be bought at the door, but reservations are required dinner.
4th of July Fireworks, Marina Del Rey
Marina Del Rey’s 20-minute fireworks show includes choreographed music that will be simultaneously playing on KXLU 88.9 FM while the fireworks are shot from a floating barge between Fisherman’s Village and the Breakwater. This event is free to the public, but attendees will want to arrive early as traffic and crowds at this event can be overwhelming for surface streets.
CAAM
The California African American Museum in downtown is hosting a free special live program in honor of the holiday. There’s no word yet on what the special performance will include, but it will take place after the museum closes from 6pm-8pm. This timing allows those interested in seeing the Exposition Park fireworks display at 9pm ample time to find a perfect viewing spot.
NIGHTLIFE
Lure
Lure nightclub is starting celebrations early with a huge Independence Day party on July 3. The club is known for having one of the biggest Fourth of July celebrations in all of Hollywood nightlife. This year will not disappoint, with the “Moonlight Beach” themed party including an open-air patio, LED walls, a laser show, and multiple Dj’s spinning everything from EDM to Top 40. Tickets start at $20.
Create
Fourth of July celebrations will take place July 5 at Create nightclub and will feature the sounds of Australian DJ and producer Hook N Sling. Contrary to popular belief Hook N Sling is not a duo, it’s made up of one guy, real name Anthony Maniscalco. He moved to LA in 2012 to pursue his career and has since remixed for the likes of David Guetta, Fedde Le Grand, Miike Snow, and toured all over the world. Tickets start at $20.
Venice Gets Deep at the Del Monte
Venice Gets Deep is celebrating the Fourth with their In-Deep-En-Dance Day party. Deep is LA’s longest running weekly house music night event and aims to highlight EDM DJ’s and artists from all over the world. The night at the Del Monte Speakeasy will include the sounds of five DJ’s; Marques Watt, Doc Martin, DJ Big Cee, DJ Heidi, and Ricardo Torres. Tickets start at $15.
Hooray Henry’s
Some people may think it’s weird to celebrate Independence Day at a British themed nightclub, but we think it’s a great way to show there are no hard feelings. Known as one of Hollywood’s best kept secrets, Hooray Henry’s will feature sounds by LA’s very own DJCJ on July 5. Known for his trap style remixes and love of wearing beanies, DJCJ has played in Hollywood’s biggest clubs, and his high energy sets keep the party going all night long.
