Celebrating Independence Day 2021 is a little different again this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. There will be fireworks displays but some organizations have had to cancel, modify or restrict the customary concerts, parades and other activities — including no spectators on football fields or concert venues.
Here is a sampling of regional July 4th weekend events in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
JULY 2-4
Valencia
Six Flags Magic Mountain Coca-Cola July 4th Fest: The theme park is open and fireworks and laser show with patriotic music, July 2-4. Hours: 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. July 2-4. Admission $70 and up for July 2-4 (see add-on specials; parking $25). 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia. www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/events/coca-cola-july-4th-fest
JULY 3-4
Hollywood
July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at the Hollywood Bowl: Music from Kool & the Gang and Thomas Wilkins conducts the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra in patriotic music favorites, 7:30 p.m. July 3-4. Tickets $26 and up. 2301 N. Highland Ave. 323-850-2000. www.hollywoodbowl.com
JULY 3
Arcadia
Patriotic Reverse Parade & Food Drive: Drive on the parade route and wave to the “stars of the parade” who are stationed on the sidewalk as you pass by, 9-11 a.m. The “stars” include firefighters, medical and police who have helped the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bring canned food to be donated to Foothill Unity Center (foothillunitycenter.org). The route: From First Avenue make a left turn onto Huntington Drive; from Huntington make a right turn on Santa Anita Avenue; from Santa Anita make a right turn on Wheeler Avenue; from Wheeler follow the signs back to First; and from First make a left turn back onto Huntington. Check here for details and special deals at downtown Arcadia businesses: bit.ly/3xlJEFY
Duarte
City of Duarte Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks: Live music and entertainment, 6 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Gates open, 5 p.m. Check here for tickets and more details: bit.ly/3wxCjDl
Moorpark
Third of July Fireworks Extravaganza: Gates open, 4 p.m. Concerts, 5 (performer to be announced) and 7:30 p.m. (the band Young Dempsey). Flag presentation, 6:45 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Bring a blanket or low-back lawn chair and picnic. Food court. Admission, $5 for all ages including infants. Tickets need to be purchased in advance (no ticket sales at the door). Limited parking at the park; fee for parking. Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road. 805-517-6300. www.moorparkca.gov. Details about the event here: bit.ly/2TB41Ar
Ojai
Ojai 4th of July Celebration (but on the July 3): Music by the band CVR with special guest Ruben Duarte Jr., food trucks and fireworks, 5:30 p.m. Bring a blanket or low-back chair. No alcohol, glass or pets. Tickets $10; $5 children; $25 for family of four. All tickets must be purchased in advance (no tickets sold at the door). Nordhoff High School, football stadium, 1401 Maricopa Highway. Details on the event here: www.4thofjulyinojai.com/fireworks-info. Purchase tickets in advance in Ojai at: American Hay, 101 W. Short St. or Attitude Adjustment Shoppe, 1129 Maricopa Highway. To purchase tickets in advance online: bit.ly/35tjQfg
JULY 4
Burbank
Burbank 4th of July Fireworks Display: The City’s Starlight Bowl cancelled the annual July 4 concert but invites the community to watch a fireworks display, launching off from the Starlight Bowl area, from the surrounding area, 9 p.m. 818-238-5300. www.starlightbowl.com
Calabasas
City of Calabasas 4th of July Hometown Celebration: Gates open, 6 p.m.; concert with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, 7:15 p.m.; fireworks, 9 p.m. Bring your own blanket or low-back chair. Bring your own picnic or snacks (little or no concessions this year). Admission $10 in advance (no ticket sales at the two ticket selling locations or at the door on July 4). Ticket sale locations: Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center, 23400 Park Sorrento (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday only); Juan Bautista de Anza Park, 3701 Lost Hills Road (9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday). Check website for parking, prohibited items and other rules. Calabasas High School, football field, 22855 Mulholland Highway. www.cityofcalabasas.com. Details about the event here: bit.ly/3wwS3GN
Camarillo
City of Camarillo Park & Watch Fireworks Show: Fireworks, 9 p.m. (listen to musical soundtrack on KBBY-95.1 or online at 951kbby.com). Free admission. Watch from parking lots at Camarillo Premium Outlets (740 E. Ventura Blvd.) or surrounding area. Parking is first come, first served. www.ci.camarillo.ca.us/calendar.php. Details here: bit.ly/2TxmXA5
Carson
LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park: The major league soccer team plays Sproting Kansas City, 7:30 p.m., followed by a fireworks show at approximately 9:30 p.m. Tickets $27 and up. 18400 Avalon Blvd. (on the campus of Cal State University, Dominguez Hills). www.lagalaxy.com/tickets; see the flyer from Dignity Health Sports Park announcing the post-game fireworks here: www.facebook.com/cityofcarson/
El Segundo
The July Fourth Community Celebration and Fireworks Spectacular will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at multiple city parks. The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. at Recreation Park, 300 E. Pine Ave. Information: 310-524-2700.
Glendale
City of Glendale – Jewel City Sparkles Fireworks Show: Watch from areas surrounding Brand Boulevard and Harvard Street, 9 p.m. (no tickets required). Co-sponsored by Caruso. 818-548-2792. bit.ly/3gC5EqR
La Crescenta
Crescenta Valley Fireworks Association July 4 Fireworks: The association is presenting a fireworks show but this year spectators will watch from areas around Crescenta Valley High School, 2900 Community Ave. — not on the field — at 9 p.m. 818-248-2271. www.cvfireworks.com
Lancaster
Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza at Antelope Valley Fairground: The City of Lancaster and the City of Palmdale are planning to present a fireworks show. The event will require tickets. Antelope Valley Fairground, 2551 W. Ave. H. Check here closer to July 4 for details: bit.ly/3wKOxc1
Long Beach
Harbor Breeze Cruises and the Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau will host a fireworks show in the city’s waterfront at 9 p.m. The show will take place in Queensway Bay, with viewing points available throughout the area, including at Lions Lighthouse for Sight, Shoreline Village, Rainbow Harbor, Marina Green and the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center parking lot. Information: visitlongbeach.com.
Los Angeles
Hollywood Forever Cemetery: Screening of “Dirty Dancing” (1987), 9 p.m., followed by fireworks show. Gates open for picnicking or food purchases, 7:15 p.m. Tickets $42. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. cinespia.org/event/dirty-dancing-fireworks-2/
Marina del Rey
Marina del Rey’s Fourth 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, view from a special July 4 cruise from City Cruises (citycruises.com). Many surrounding roads close at 1 p.m. Fireworks are visible from Dockweiler Beach, Playa Vista and Venice Pier. www.visitmarinadelrey.com/events/july-4-fireworks-marina-del-rey
Monrovia
City of Monrovia’s 4th of July Concert & Fireworks Show: The event includes dancing and a concert by Night Owl, 7-8:30 p.m., followed by fireworks at 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
Pacific Palisades
Pacific Palisades Fourth of July Parade: The 72nd annual parade, 2 p.m. The route: Via de la Paz to Sunset Boulevard, east on Sunset to Drummond Street. No grandstand seating. See details here: bit.ly/3vyQ2sj
Palisades Fireworks Spectacular: Gates open, 8 p.m. and fireworks, 9 p.m. Bring a blanket to sit on (no chairs allowed). No food or drinks allowed, and there will be no food or drink sales; see the facts here: palisades4th.com/fireworks/fireworks-faq. Tickets $5; free for ages 6 and younger. No ticket sales at the door. Purchase tickets in advance here: palisades4th.com/fireworks/. Palisades Charter High School, baseball field, 15777 Bowdoin Street. bit.ly/3vyQ2sj.
Pasadena
AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl: Program, 7 p.m. (details to be announced). Fireworks, 9 p.m. Doors open, 5:30 p.m. Tickets $20 and up. Parking $47 and up. 1001 Rose Bowl Drive. 626-577-3100. www.rosebowlstadium.com; rosebowlstadium.com/events/details/204/the-95th-annual-americafest
Porter Ranch
Drive-Up Fourth of July Spectacular at Shepherd Church: Stay in your car to watch the fireworks that begin at sunset (about 9 p.m.). Music and announcements on 87.9 radio. No tailgating. Click on the parking map tab on the website.19700 Rinaldi St. 818-831-9333. www.shepherdchurch.com/4th
Redondo Beach
The city’s annual fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. at Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way. The lagoon will open at 2 p.m. and feature music and various events. Information: 310-318-0681.
The Riviera Village Association will host a fireworks celebration from 2 to 10 p.m. on Avenue I, between Catalina Avenue and Esplanade. The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. Information: rivieravillage.net/july-4-fireworks.
Santa Barbara
Fourth of July Celebration: Check the website for an update on approval for a fireworks show on the beach. 805-897-1962. www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/waterfront/events/july4.asp
Simi Valley
Simi Valley Days Foundation’s All American Fireworks Show: Event includes food trucks and vendor marketplace, 2-8 p.m. Hannah Rose is scheduled to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and country music singer Justin Honsinger is scheduled to perform. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 E. Los Angeles Ave. Find updates on the event here: www.facebook.com/SimiValleyDays/
Thousand Oaks
Fireworks Spectacular at Janss Marketplace: Conejo Recreation & Park District and the City of Thousand Oaks presents fireworks, 9 p.m. Listen to synchronized music from KHAY-100.7 FM radio. Viewing spots include: Janss Marketplace, Hillcrest Drive and Moorpark Road; The Oaks, 350 W. Hillcrest Drive. 805-495-6471. www.crpd.org/events/fourth-of-july-activities; www.crpd.org/calendar/fireworks-spectacular/
Universal City
Universal Studios Hollywood: The theme park will have a fireworks display around 9 p.m. Hours, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. July 4. Tickets $99 and up for California resident online; $109 and up general admission online; check website for other ticket prices including Universal Express for bypassing general queue at most rides and shows. Parking $28 and up ($10 after 5 p.m.). 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. General information, 800-864-8377; Tickets, 866-258-6546. www.universalstudioshollywood.com
Valencia
City of Santa Clarita’s Spirit of America Fireworks Show: View the display around 9:15 p.m. Fireworks will be launched near the corner of Citrus Street and Magic Mountain Parkway. Listen to synchronized music from KHTS-98.1 FM or 1220 AM radio. 661-259-2489. Details here: bit.ly/3wzM0RB
Whittier
City of Whittier 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular: Watch the fireworks display from surrounding areas, 9 p.m. from York Field, 9110 Santa Fe Springs Road. (The event has sold out “zone” spaces at the field, $10 and maximum of eight people, but there is a waiting list; bit.ly/3iQ7zcv). www.whittierprcs.org/home-communityservices
Woodland Hills
Councilman Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza: Concert with Beatles tribute band Ticket to Ride and the band Illunis, 6 p.m. Fireworks, around 9 p.m. Free admission. Reserved seats (with or without parking) are donations to Valley Cultural Foundation: reserved seat, $20; reserved seat and parking, $35; VIP backstage seating and parking, $100. Check website for parking tips and security rules (including five designated points of entry to the park). Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd. 818-704-1358. www.valleycultural.org/concerts_events/july-4th-extravaganza
Cancelled fireworks and parades in 2021