Celebrating July 4th at a fireworks show after a barbecue or a picnic with family and friends is a tradition all across the United States.

This year we’re celebrating the 249th birthday of the founding of the United States of America — of the document stating the “Unanimous Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen United States” from Great Britain — that was approved by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

Start planning to see professional fireworks or drone shows beginning June 27 this year — some events include a festival before the “light up the sky” displays. Most shows have free admission. Some shows, however, require advance ticket purchase.

In addition, these annual events (but no fireworks) are popular on July 4 day: the Sunland-Tujunga 4th of July Parade in Sunland, and the Fourth of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. These are included under the July 4 entry.

Here is a sampling of July 4th events listed first by date, city/neighborhood, and time of festival (if any) before the 9 p.m. fireworks or drone shows in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

June 28

Lakewood

City of Lakewood Block Party and Fireworks Show: The event includes a “Family Fun Zone” and “On the Block Food Court,” 4-9 p.m. Fireworks show, 9:15 p.m. Free admission. Check the website for details. The Block Party stretches from the city’s civic center parking lot at Hardwick Street, southbound on Clark Avenue to Del Amo Boulevard. www.lakewoodcity.org/News/Annual-programs-community-event-stories/Civic-Center-Block-Party

Montebello

Independence Day Spectacular: The city of Montebello presents the event that includes games, live music and food, 4-9:30 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Bring a blanket or low-back chair for seating. Parking: Shuttle service, 3-11 p.m., every 30 minutes, from various parking areas including Applied Technology Center, Montebello City Hall, Chet Holifield Park and Montebello Intermediate School (see other locations listed on the link). Grant Rea Park, 600 Rea Drive. Details and flyer: tinyurl.com/243dcy8c

Monterey Park

Independence Day Celebration – Monterey Park: The city of Monterey Park presents the event that includes live music and food trucks, 4 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Barnes Park, 350 S. McPharrin Ave. 626-307-1388. www.montereypark.ca.gov/687/Independence-Day-Celebration

Arcadia

Downtown Arcadia Patriotic Festival and Drone Show: The festival with vendor booths and live entertainment, 5-9:30 p.m. on First Avenue between Diamond Street and Huntington Drive. Sign up on the website link to enter the “Big Give Away” drawing. You must be present to win. Drawing is at 7 p.m. on the First Avenue Middle School stage. Drones fly, 9 p.m. First Avenue Middle School, 301 S. First St. Flyer and details on the “Big Give Away,” www.arcadiadt.com

June  29

Lake View Terrace

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez’s Independence Day Drone Show and Beach Party: The fourth annual event includes swimming, a children’s zone and food trucks, 5-9 p.m. Drone show at 9 p.m. Hansen Dam Aquatic Center, 11798 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace. cd7.lacity.gov/events/4th-annual-drone-show-beach-party

July 2-4

Hollywood

Hollywood Bowl’s July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular: Earth, Wind & Fire and Thomas Wilkins conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic, 7:30 p.m. July 2-4. Tickets $47 and up (depending on the date; see children’s tickets on the website). Location, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. www.hollywoodbowl.com/. https://tinyurl.com/3z7atve3

July 3

Moorpark

Third of July Fireworks Extravaganza: Gates open and activities and games begin, 4 p.m. Concerts: 5 (Ignition) and at 7:30 p.m. (Raymond Michael, a tribute to Elvis Presley). Flag presentation and National Anthem, 6:45 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Bring a blanket or low-back lawn chair and picnic dinner. Food court. Admission, $8, in advance (free for babies younger than one year); $10 at the door (cash-only). Limited parking at the park; $5 for parking (must be purchased in advance and also, everyone in vehicle must have tickets purchased in advance). Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road. 805-517-6300. Details about the event, rules to follow and parking: tinyurl.com/22szjudy

Norwalk

Independence Day Festival and Fireworks: Event includes a Kids Zone and food trucks, 4-9:30 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Holifield Park, 12500 Excelsior Drive. 562-929-5702. Click on the July 3 date to see the flyer: tinyurl.com/33szvh4z

Lynwood

City of Lynwood Independence Day Celebration: The event includes live entertainment, lawn games, bounce houses and food trucks, 5 p.m. Fireworks, around 9 p.m. Lynwood City Park, 11301 Bullis Road. 310-603-0220, Ext. 319. www.lynwoodca.gov. www.facebook.com/mylynwood.ca

Baldwin Park

Independence Day Spectacular: Activities include carnival rides, giant slides and food vendors, 5:30-10 p.m. Music by Trouble Man, a tribute to Marvin Gaye, 6:45 p.m. Acrobatic dancers, 8 p.m. Fireworks, around 9:30 p.m. Sierra Vista High School, 3600 Frazier Ave. 626-813-5245. Details: tinyurl.com/msfprj2y

Duarte

City of Duarte Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Show: Live music by Latin Soul Band, family play area and food trucks/vendors, 5:30 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Duarte Sports Park, upper baseball fields, 1401 Central Ave. 626-357-7931. Details: tinyurl.com/3s8nx9bn

San Gabriel

Independence Day Drone and Laser Light Show – San Gabriel: The city presents the celebration that includes craft activities, a watermelon eating contest, games, live music and food trucks, 5:30 p.m. The drone and laser light show, 9 p.m. Must be pre-registered to attend.  Bring your own blanket or low-back lawn chair for seating. Gabrielino High School, 1327 S. San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel. Gabrielino High School, 1327 S. San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel. Preregistration: click on the link from here and go to Special Event: tinyurl.com/yrbcd7dr

South El Monte

Independence Day Fireworks Festival – South El Monte: The city kicks off Independence Day early with games, music and food vendors, 6-9:30 p.m. Live music by Steel Rod, 7-9 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. South El Monte High School, 1001 N. Durfee Ave., South El Monte. 626-579-2043. Email: rec@soelmonte.org. Flyer: tinyurl.com/w6bajph3

Hawaiian Gardens

Independence Day Celebration: Event includes live music and food trucks, 7 p.m. Fireworks, around 9 p.m. Fedde Sports Complex, 21409 Elaine Ave. 562-420-2644. Details: tinyurl.com/3mxkncfh

July 4

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood: The theme park is open 9 a.m.-10 p.m. (see website for early access ticket, 8 a.m.). Fireworks display around 9 p.m. Admission $149 July 4 with online purchase, ages 10 and older; $143 ages 3-9; check the website for other ticket prices including Universal Express for bypassing general queue at most rides and shows. Parking $35 ($10 after 5 p.m.); $55 preferred ($20 after 5 p.m.); $75 at the front gate. Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. General information, 800-864-8377. Admission, 866-258-6546. www.universalstudioshollywood.com. Details on July 4th event: tinyurl.com/mrepb3tp

El Segundo

El Segundo’s The 4th of July at Recreation Park: Daytime events include contests, games, races, arts and crafts vendors, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nighttime events include live music, food booths and fireworks, 5-9 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Bring a blanket for seating. Admission is by wristband (four free wristbands per adult with an updated 2025 Rec ID Card for residents of El Segundo; $5 for non-residents and available for purchase at the Clubhouse and Checkout Building in Recreation Park through July 3; $5 at the door; see details and the requirements needed for the recreation ID card on the website). Recreation Park, Stevenson Field, Holly Avenue and Eucalyptus Drive. City of El Segundo Recreation and Parks, 310-524-2700. Details and flyer: tinyurl.com/2fdfvu5e

Sunland

Sunland-Tujunga 4th of July Parade – Star, Stripes and Mountain Vibes: The Sunland-Tujunga and Shadow Hills Rotary Club and the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council host the parade, 10 a.m. July 4. Route: Foothill Boulevard at Mount Gleason Avenue/Summitrose Street; west on Foothill to Sunland Park Recreation Center (8651 Foothill Blvd.). www.facebook.com/Sunlandrotary. Flyer: tinyurl.com/ypt8ptda

Simi Valley

Fourth of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library: Event includes craft activities, old-fashioned lawn and picnic games, patriotic music, presidential bingo and special appearances and talks by presidents (look-alikes), 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 4. Free for outdoor activities. Admission is charged for the museum, Air Force One Pavilion and the special exhibit “Dead Sea Scrolls” (purchasing a timed tickets for museum exhibits in advance is recommended). Location, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. 800-410-8354. www.reaganlibrary.com/events. Schedule details: www.reaganfoundation.org/events/annual-4th-of-july-celebration-2025

Santa Barbara

Fourth of July Celebration: Food and vendor booths, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (Cabrillo Boulevard, sidewalk at West Beach). Also, live music at the West Beach, beginning at noon. Fireworks, around 9 p.m. West Beach (West Cabrillo Boulevard and State Street). 805-897-1962. calendar.santabarbaraca.gov/event/fourth-july-celebration-4136. santabarbaraca.gov/things-do/city-events/fourth-july-celebration

Commerce

Independence Day Celebration – July 4-5: The city of Commerce presents its two-day event: carnival (tinyurl.com/2zxdxf8m)  and recreational swim beginning at noon, with a Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem, 4 p.m., and a Laser Light Show, 9 p.m. July 4. Day two, noon-10 p.m. with carnival and activities, and with music by Sangria (5 p.m.) and Fast Times (7 p.m.) and a fireworks show, 9 p.m. July 5. Fees for carnival and recreational swim. See the flyer for details for both days and for area neighborhood shuttle bus information (free shuttle). Rosewood Park, 5600 Harbor St. Flyer: tinyurl.com/2tjhrtdp  

Alhambra

City of Alhambra’s Fourth of July Celebration: Event includes games, live entertainment and food vendors, 4-9 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Almansor Park, 800 S. Almansor St., Alhambra. 626-570-3242. Details and flyer: tinyurl.com/4zykx4uh

Simi Valley

Star-Spangled Rock ‘N Country Jam and Fireworks Celebration: Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley presents the event that includes music, a kid’s fun zone, beer and wine garden, food booths and arts and crafts vendors. Doors open, 3 p.m. July 4. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Free admission. A VIP admission is available: $100; $45 ages 12 and younger (includes barbecue dinner, 4-6:30 p.m., dessert, 5:30-8 p.m.; shaded seating near the stage and other perks; more information and to purchase here: starspangledsimi.com/vip-tickets). Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Parking: Simi Valley Metrolink Station, 5050 E. Los Angeles Ave.; Simi Valley High School, 5400 Cochran St.; 5-Star Parking onsite, $25, purchase here: https://starspangledsimi.com/event-info). Location, Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. Kiwanis Club, 805-807-5100. starspangledsimi.com

La Crescenta

Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration – Crescenta Valley Fireworks Association: The 18th event, gates open at 4 p.m. and fireworks around 9 p.m. Live music and food trucks (food and beverages sold separately). Bring a blanket or chairs for seating (no stakes allowed). Tickets in advance $9 (answering machine gives ticket purchase locations before July 4 or see the flyer on the website); $10 at the gate. Ages 7 and younger are free to attend. Check the website for locations to purchase tickets in advance. La Crescenta Elementary School, 4343 La Crescenta Ave. (enter from the 2800 block of Prospect Avenue), La Crescenta. 818-275-4959. Email: info@cvfireworks.com. Details: www.cvfireworks.com/

Pomona

Fairplex presents Kaboom!: Event includes monster truck show and music by Past Action Heroes, 4 p.m. Fireworks, 9:15 p.m. Tickets in advance online $14 (grass viewing); $28 (bleacher); $42 (trackside) (at the gate on July 4, respectively, $15; $35; $45). Parking: at Gate 17, in advance online $21.50 (at the gate on July 4, $25 and credit card only). Also, credit card only for admission and alcohol sales (some food stands may accept cash). Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Drive. www.facebook.com/fairplex. and www.fairplex.com/events/kaboom

West Covina

Independence Day Celebration: The event includes a variety of activities games, DJ Phil, live music by the Dreamboats, and food vendors, gates open 4 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Parking: limited at the venue; check link for parking and shuttle options. West Covina Sportsplex, 2100 S. Azusa Ave. 626-919-6966. Event details: tinyurl.com/9rm2ee2c. Flyer on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WestCovinaCity/

Lancaster

Fourth of July Extravaganza – Antelope Valley Fair and Event Center: The City of Lancaster presents the event that includes a car show, family activities and food trucks, 5-10 p.m. Gates open, 5 p.m. (free to enter the grounds); grandstand seating, opens at 6 p.m. (grandstand seating requires a ticket, $8); band performs, 7 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Antelope Valley Fair and Event Center, 2551 W. Ave., H. www.cityoflancasterca.org. Flyer: tinyurl.com/ursnwbh

Porter Ranch

Fourth of July Spectacular at Shepherd Church: Gates open, 5 p.m. Fireworks, about 9 p.m. Food vendors. No tailgating. Use parking areas around the church. Location, 19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch. 818-831-9333. www.shepherdchurch.com/4th

Westlake Village

Fireworks Spectacular – Westlake Village: The 10th annual event includes activities, food and beverages for sale. Gates open, 5 p.m.; Event begins, 6 p.m.; Fireworks, 9:10 p.m. Also, fireworks may be seen from the area surrounding Westlake Village Golf Course, including the Westlake Village Golf Course Range, and at Calvary Community Church (5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village; gates open 7 p.m.; bring a blanket or chair; no pets allowed; calvarywestlake.org). There is no parking on-site at the golf course; only drop-offs; follow signage for free, off-site parking off of Lakeview Canyon and Townsgate roads. Westlake Village Golf Course, 4812 Lakeview Canyon Road, Westlake Village. 818-706-1613. Flyer: www.facebook.com/wlv.org. Details: tinyurl.com/54ueyszb

Whittier

Whittier’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular: Listen to music by Legacy plus family activities and food trucks, gates open 5 p.m. Watch the fireworks display from the park and surrounding areas, 9 p.m. Admission $5; free for ages 17 and younger and veterans with ID. York Field, 9110 Santa Fe Springs Road. Whittier Parks, Recreation and Community Services, 562-567-9400. www.whittierprcs.org/home-communityservices. Flyer: tinyurl.com/376sx45r

Palmdale

Palmdale Amphitheater – Concert and Fireworks Celebration: Event opens at 6 p.m. Check website for details. Fireworks, around 9 p.m. Tickets $6; free for ages 12 and younger (with a complimentary reserved ticket). This is a cash-free event; see website for credit cards accepted. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Check the website for parking ideas; limited on-site parking. Palmdale Amphitheater, 2723 Rancho Vista Blvd., Palmdale. www.palmdaleamphitheater.com/events/2025/scs-fireworks-celebration

San Fernando

City of San Fernando Independence Day Festival and Drone Light Show: Family fun with arts and crafts, carnival games, a watermelon eating contest and food vendors, 6-9:30 p.m. July 4. Live music by Full Clip. Patriotic drone light show, 9 p.m. Recreation Park, 208 Park Ave., San Fernando. https://ci.san-fernando.ca.us/sfrecreation/#independence-day-celebration

Woodland Hills

Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza: Event includes arts and crafts vendors, local businesses promoting their services/selling items and food trucks, 6-9:30 p.m. July 4. Strange Days, a tribute to the Doors, perform before the fireworks show. Fireworks around 9 p.m. July 4. Free admission (bring your own blanket or low-back chair for seating). Or: $25 VIP seat; $40 VIP seat and paid parking (purchase in advance). Parking: $25 is cash only; event parking begins at 4 p.m. (see the website’s Directions and Parking section for addresses and more information, valleycultural.org/concerts-events/concerts/). Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills. 818-888-0822. www.valleycultural.org

Los Angeles

LA Dodgers vs Houston Astros: Game, 6:10 p.m., followed by a fireworks show. Tickets $72.60 and up. Prepaid parking: $35; $60 for preferred lot (www.mlb.com/dodgers/ballpark/transportation/parking). Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles. www.mlb.com/dodgers/tickets/single-game-tickets

Torrance

Fourth of July Fireworks Show: Gates open and food trucks, 6:45 p.m. and DJ Ozzie, 7-8:45 p.m. Fireworks show, approximately, 8:45 p.m. LA Galaxy Sports Complex (opens at 6:45 p.m.; first come, first seated; bring a blanket or a beach chair with round-bottom feet for seating on the turf; 555 Maple Avenue). Also, watch from Watch from Los Angeles County Courthouse, west parking lot (825 Maple Ave.)Updates: www.facebook.com/TorranceCA. Details and rules: www.torranceca.gov/services/community-services/4th-of-july-fireworks-show

Monrovia

City of Monrovia’s 4th of July Concert and Fireworks Show: The event includes dancing and a concert by Blue Breeze Band, 7-8:30 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Library Park, 321 S. Myrtle Ave. 626-256-8246. www.cityofmonrovia.org/your-government/recreation/special-events/4th-of-july-fireworks-show

Marina de Rey

Marina del Rey 4th of July Fireworks: The fireworks display will be launched from a barge off of the Marina’s south jetty, 9 p.m. Viewing areas include Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way and Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way (synchronized music at both locations). Check website for harbor side dinner and parking tips. Also, check cruising options here: visitmdr.com/sailing/yacht-charters-and-boat-rentals. Many surrounding roads close at 1 p.m. Fireworks are visible from Dockweiler Beach, Playa Vista and Venice Pier. 424-526-7900. marinadelrey.lacounty.gov. www.visitmarinadelrey.com/events/july-4-fireworks-marina-del-rey. Details and 2025 flyer: https://beaches.lacounty.gov/4thofjuly/

Oxnard

Fireworks by the Sea – Channel Islands Harbor: 9 p.m. Check the website for daytime activities at the harbor. Location, 3900 Pelican Way, Oxnard. www.facebook.com/ChannelIslandsHarbor/

Redondo Beach

Classic 4th of July Fireworks Show: City of Redondo Beach presents, 9 p.m. For map location purposes: King Harbor Marina, 208 Yacht Club Way or Redondo Beach Pier, 415 Diamond St. Flyer: tinyurl.com/2u8yhrcr

Thousand Oaks

Fireworks Spectacular: Conejo Recreation & Park District and the City of Thousand Oaks present fireworks, 9 p.m. Listen to synchronized music from KHAY-100.7 FM radio. Viewing spots include: Janss Marketplace, Hillcrest Drive and Moorpark Road (details on how to get free or paid tickets for required wristbands: janssmarketplace.com/events/4th-of-july-fireworks-spectacular-2/). The Oaks, 350 W. Hillcrest Drive (details on viewing here: tinyurl.com/9e8bp228). 805-495-6471. Also, “Fireworks on the Hill,” fundraiser. Tickets $100 per car (limited space; see flyer for details: tinyurl.com/y4n3kv4v). www.crpd.org/events/fourth-of-july-activities

Camarillo

City of Camarillo Fourth of July Fireworks Show: Fireworks, 9 p.m. (listen to musical soundtrack on KBBY-95.1 or online at 951kbby.com; 30-second delay for streaming). Free admission. Watch from parking lots at Camarillo Premium Outlets (740 E. Ventura Blvd.) or surrounding area. Parking is first come, first served. Road closures in effect at 8:45 p.m. (no vehicle access to parking lot after that time). cityofcamarillo.org/fireworks. Flyer: tinyurl.com/y8r8tybe

July 5

Culver City

Independence Day Drone Light Show: Culver City Downtown Business Association present the second annual event that includes live music and an aerial drone light show, 6-9:30 p.m. Free admission. Town Plaza, 9500 Culver Blvd. Flyer: tinyurl.com/3332x9a4

July 6

Agoura Hills

Concerts in the Park: DSB, a tribute to Journey, 6 p.m. A Patriotic drone show follows the concert. Chumash Park, 5550 Meda Valley Drive. Agoura Hills Recreation Center, 818-597-7361. www.agourahillsrec.org. Flyer: tinyurl.com/457t9wvh

Cancelled July 4th events

City of Bell Gardens has cancelled its Independence Day Celebration including a Multi Media and Laser Show that was scheduled for 6-9 p.m. July 3 at Veterans Park, 662 Loveland St., Bell Gardens. Cancellation notice: tinyurl.com/yc65b9vx 

The 178th anniversary commemorating Los Angeles’ first Independence Day flag-raising on July 4, 1847, scheduled for 10-11 a.m. July 4 at Fort Moore Pioneer Memorial, 451 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, “per advice from public safety officials in light of planned political protest activity.” Email: fortmoore@ymail.com

Postponed July 4th events

City of Cudahy has postponed its Independence Day Celebration event a fireworks show that was scheduled for 3-9:30 p.m. July 3 at Cudahy Park, 5220 Santa Ana St. Cudahy (see the June 18 Facebook posting for the flyer: www.facebook.com/CityofCudahy). Postponement announcement, see June 25 posting on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CityofCudahy

Gloria Molina Grand Park’s 4th of July Block Party: The 2025 event with a drone show scheduled for July 4 has been rescheduled for later in the summer. Location, 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 213-972-8080. grandparkla.org/newsroom/significant-updates-to-some-of-downtown-l-a-s-most-popular-summer-events/

Send calendar listings at least two weeks in advance to handres@scng.com.