4th of July AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl
The largest fireworks display in Southern California accompanied by a a musical performance and food vendors in the nearby Arroyo.
When: July 4th, Outside food court opens at 2 pm; stadium opens at 6 p.m., Drum and Bugle performances begin at 7, Fireworks at 9:05 pm.
Where: The Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena
Cost: $13 General Admission, Kids 7 and under free, advance tickets go on sale in May through www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets go on sale at the gate about a week before the event. Cash only at the stadium.
Parking: $15 cash for cars
Info: 626-577-3100, www.rosebowlstadium.com/RoseBowl_Americafest.htm

Palisades Americanism Parade
Old fashioned Independence Day Parade followed by entertainment and a fireworks display.
When: July 4th, 2:00 parade, 7 pm entertainment, 9 pm fireworks
Where: Parade on Sunset Blvd. in Pacific Palisades between via de la Paz and Drummond St., Entertainment and fireworks at Palisades Charter High School.
Info: www.palisadesparade.org

Palisades Americanism Parade
Old fashioned Independence Day Parade followed by entertainment and a fireworks display.
When: July 4th, 2:00 parade, 7 pm entertainment, 9 pm fireworks
Where: Parade on Sunset Blvd. in Pacific Palisades between via de la Paz and Drummond St., Entertainment and fireworks at Palisades Charter High School.
Info: www.palisadesparade.org

July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza, Marina Del Rey
A traditional fireworks extravaganza over the main channel in Marina del Rey programmed to patriotic music broadcast over FM radio KXLU, 88.9 and relayed over loudspeakers in Chase Park.
When: July 4, 9 p.m.
Where: Chase Park, 13650 Mindanao Way (1 block west of Admiralty Way), Marina del Rey. Also viewable from Fisherman's Village and Marina Beach
Cost: Free
Info: 310-305-9545, http://www.visitmarinadelrey.com/sg/july_4/index.html

Mr. & Mrs. Muscle Beach, Venice Beach
Body building pageant on the beach.
When: July 4th, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., pre-judging 10 am, finals 1 pm
Where: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach
Cost: Free to watch, $80 to compete
Sponsor: City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks
Info: http://musclebeachvenice.com, 310-399-2775

Annual Vision Outside 4th of July Jazz and Blues Festival in Leimert Park
Celebrate the 4th of July at the Vision Theatre in Leimert Park with the rich cultural heritage of the diverse sounds of jazz and blues. There will also be children’s arts and crafts, face painting, delicious food available, and free watermelon.
When: July 4, 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: Vision Theatre back lot, 3341 W. 43rd Pl., Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Sponsor: City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs
Info: 213-202-5500, www.culturela.org


4th of July BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific
Enjoy the Aquarium at night and get a fish-eye view of the Queen Mary fireworks. Guests can also choose special combo tickets to enjoy admission to the aquarium plus an Independence Day B-B-Q buffet with home-style entrees hot off the grill and decadent deserts.
When: July 4, 5:00 - 10:00 pm Dinner 6 - 8 pm, Aquarium opens at 9 am
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach
Cost: Aquarium Admission for the evening will be $11.95 for everyone after 5 pm. Regular admission is $20.95 Adult, $11.95 child 3-11, $17.95 seniors, Aquarium plus dinner $34 Adult, $27 Child. Advance reservations required for dinner.
Info: 562-590-3100, www.aquariumofpacific.org

Long Beach Sea Festival July 4th Festival
Festival activities from Belmont Pier to the Shoreline Marina with a view of the fireworks over the Queen Mary. There will be live music, BBQ and Beer Garden, boat rides, and reserved seats for fireworks viewing on the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier. Marina Green off Pine Avenue and Shoreline Drive will host the Long Beach Car Show with live bands and art exhibits July 4th and 5th with a view of the fireworks. The Queen Mary herself is also a great place to view the fireworks if you get there early enough to beat the traffic and enjoy the street performers, karaoke and nightclub acts.
When: July 4 noon to 10 pm at the Pier, Fireworks at 9:00 pm. Car Show July 4 and 5, entertainment 3-10 pm.
Where: Car Show at Marina Green Park east of Shoreline Village, Party on the Pier 99-39th Place, Long Beach, CA 90803
Cost: $20 for Party on the Pier, Car Show TBD
Parking: Outdoor pay lots are at Shoreline Village and the Shoreline Marina (get ticket from parking machine). There’s a metered all-day lot at Alamitos Beach. Street meters are 9 am - 9 pm daily. Pay parking structures are available at the Aquarium, the Pike and the Convention Center. Pay lot at Belmont Pier. Red Passport buses run between downtown and Belmont Shore.
Info: Party on the Pier, www.longbeachcarshow.com, www.queenmary.com

4th of July Celebration in San Pedro
Live music, U.S. military exhibits, tours of a Navy frigate, armed forces, and U.S. Coast Guard demonstrations, displays by the LA City Fire Department’s firefighting boat, and the Washington Artillery Reenactment group firing cannons along the coastline followed by fireworks.
When: July 4, 12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m.
Where: Cabrillo Beach, 3720 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro
Cost: Free
Info: 310-548-7401, www.laparks.org

Annual San Fernando Valley Independence Day Celebration
A holiday celebration in the San Fernando Valley featuring music and other live entertainment, food, and fireworks. Take a swim in the 1.5-acre swim lake available for use during the day.
When: July 4, 12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m.
Where: Hansen Dam Recreation Area, 11770 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace
Cost: Free
Sponsor: City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks
Info: 1-888-LA PARKS (527-2757), www.laparks.org

Irwindale Speedway NASCAR Races and Fireworks Show
California Highway Patrol 200, NASCAR Camping World West Series Race and Auto Club Late Model Firecracker 100 races followed by a fireworks show.
When: July 4, 4 pm – 10 pm, Gates open at 4, Autograph sessions at 5:45, races start at 7 pm
Where:Toyota Speedway at Irwindale, 500 Speedway Drive, Irwindale, CA 91706
Cost: General Admission $15, Reserved $35, Senior $12, Youth 6-12 $7.50, Children 12 and under free (free ticket required).
Info: www.toyotaspeedwayatirwindale.com

July 4th Fireworks Festival in Studio City
This is a fun-filled family festival featuring exhibits, music, food, fireworks, a children’s fun zone, and a business exposition in a back lot at CBS Studios.
When: July 4, 4:30 – 9:30 pm
Where: CBS Studio Center, 4024 Radford Ave., Studio City, Los Angeles
Cost: Adults $15 advance, $20 at the gate, Children 6-12 $8 advance, $10 at the gate, add $20 for rooftop viewing access or pay $100 for VIP tickets.
Sponsor: Studio City Chamber of Commerce
Info: 818-655-5916, www.studiocitychamber.com

Annual Dennis P. Zine July 4th Extravaganza in Woodland Hills
Huge Fourth of July fireworks festival in the West Valley with food vendors, play zone, a free concert and fireworks show.
When: July 4, Concert begins at 6:00 pm, fireworks to live music at 9:05 pm
Where: Warner Park, 5800, Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills
Cost: Free
Parking: $15 in any of the Warner Center structures between Topanga and Canoga or Califa and Oxnard Sponsor: Valley Cultural Center
Info: 818-704-1358, www.valleycultural.org