Assert your independence this 4th of July by taking advantage of fun summer activities in glorious Southern California! From explosive celebrations of fireworks in the night sky to summertime fun runs, Shakespearean delights and even a yacht race – this is the stuff So Cal is made of.
LA County
Sol y Mar in Rancho Palos Verdes
Set your alarm clock on the 4th and get your running gear down to Redondo Beach for the 8am kickoff of the Village Runner 5K. Prizes and cash awards given out to all divisions and kids competing in the Firecracker Dash all receive medals!
Shower up and spend the afternoon at the annual Rancho Palos Verdes 4th of July Fair. Arts & crafts, family friendly games, beer/wine garden and a scrumptious food court with plenty of Independence Day barbecue.
Explore Sol y Mar
Magnolia at West Covina
The City of West Covina’s 26th Annual 4th of July event is an all-day affair. Fill your gullet from 8-11am at the $5 pancake breakfast and stick around for carnival rides, concessions and games in the afternoon, live music in the evening and a spectacular fireworks show at 9pm.
And every Thursday evening from 6-9 all month long (and into August) the Civic Center hosts a free concert series, featuring the Sgt. Pepper Beatles tribute band on July 14th.
Learn More about Magnolia
San Diego County
Elms & Ivy in San Diego
The Big Bay Boom at the Port of San Diego is the area’s premier fireworks bonanza. Bring your lawn chairs and experience the epic beauty of 4 barges launching pyrotechnic delights.
From now through July 24, MacBeth will be performed at the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Enjoy an evening of thrilling tragedy as MacBeth murders his way to the crown. Advance tickets available online.
Discover Elms
Explore Ivy
Estancia at Cielo in Rancho Santa Fe
Floats, clowns, face painting and more. Celebrate Rancho Santa Fe’s 35th Annual 4th of July Parade & Picnic and ring in the summer with hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream and live music by the Harmony Grove Band.
Friday, July 15th is opening day at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Head down to the track for racing excitement and enter the Opening Day Hat Contest.
Discover Estancia at Cielo
Seagrove in Carlsbad
Outdoor excitement abounds in Carlsbad with the 35th Tamarack Surf Beach Triathlon on July 10th and the always popular C3 Village Scavenger Hunt. All ages teams of 4-6 people compete in a smartphone based quest through the village on July 29 from 6-9pm. Register in advance.
Explore Seagrove
Cottages at St. Cloud in Oceanside
Oceanside’s 128th Annual Independence Celebration will feature music, food trucks and a fireworks spectacular. Please note that the event takes place one day early on July 3rd at 9pm. See website for optimal viewing sites.
And for festive yuletide fun in the summer, visit the Christmas in July artisan market July 9-10.
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Orange County
Capella, Saviero, & Welton in Irvine
Celebrate the 4th with the Irvine Police Department’s 32nd Annual Concert on the Green & Fireworks Festival. You’ll find delicious food, live music, activities for the little ones and an evening extravaganza of bursting lights hosted by Pyro Spectaculars.
Looking for something completely different this summer? Head to Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm to help collect wildflower seeds and restore nearby animal habitats. Space is limited so sign up soon. The event takes place July 9 from 8-11am.
Explore Capella
Discover Saviero
Welton at Beacon Park
Sea Summit in San Clemente
Look no further than San Clemente Pier for the area’s top fireworks show. This free event kicks off just after dusk on the 4th (approximately 9pm).
Later in the month, the San Clemente Ocean Festival offers seaside fun like no other. Dubbed “The Greatest Show on Surf,” visitors enjoy a host of water based activities as well as art exhibitions, sand sculptures and the famous Great Rubber Duck Race. Swing by the pier July 17th from 6:30am-4pm and bring your sunglasses!
Visit Sea Summit in San Clemente
Camden Square in Lake Forest
The Lake Forest 4th of July Parade is an event your family won’t want to miss. The parade kicks off at 10am and you can find this year’s route here.
And for local golf enthusiasts – dust off your clubs and register to compete in the 25th Anniversary Lake Forest Golf Tournament on July 23 at Lake Forest Golf Center. The cost is just $30 per player and includes 9-holes, a commemorative t-shirt & ball marker plus lunch.
Visit Camden Square
Lighthouse & Superior Pointe in Costa Mesa
Huntington Beach has hosted 4th of July festivities for over 110 years and this season’s card features three days of fun with the Pier Plaza Festival running from the 2nd through Independence Day.
The OC Fair is back and you can now purchase a Super Pass to enjoy access to all 23 days for one crazy low price. Super Pass holders are also granted the right to purchase advance tickets to the hottest concerts and special events and discounted entrance to the OC Brew Haw! The 2016 OC Fair runs July 15 – August 14 (Wed-Sun).
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Learn More – Lighthouse
Echo 56 in Newport Beach
In Newport Beach boating is King. This summer, double down on seaworthy adventures by booking a 4th of July Cruise and attending the world’s oldest youth match racing regatta in the world at the Governor’s Cup hosted by the Balboa Yacht Club.
Discover Echo 56 in Newport Beach
