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For most Angelenos, 4th of July is synonymous with fireworks. But fireworks draw crowds. And with large holidays gatherings you might expect the usual L.A. complications. You know… street closures (traffic) and exorbitant parking fees (ugh). So what’s the remedy?
In our list below we’ll start you off with three solid ideas for free events for the 4th that you can also access by Metro. From there, we’ll throw out another 10 ideas sprinkled throughout the county. Not every suggestion is admission-free, and some don’t have direct access to public transit, but we’re all about giving you options. And options are what you need if you aim to formulate a plan.
So let’s start planning below!
Three Big (and free) Events
Fireworks at the Long Beach Waterfront -> Long Beach’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display goes off around 9 p.m. over Queensway Bay, with choice viewing spots at Rainbow Harbor, Shoreline Village, and Lions Lighthouse for Sight. Keep in mind there will also be ticketed events hosted at The Aquarium of the Pacific and the Queen Mary on the same day if you want to add to the fun, but either way the fireworks are free. Just make sure you arrive a bit early if you want to grab a spot. Go Metro: Take the A Line to Downtown Long Beach station.
Councilmember Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza -> The Valley Cultural Foundation’s massive 4th of July event at Warner Ranch Park includes a performance by 60’s tribute band Beach St. a GoGo plus a 20-minute fireworks display after sundown. The event listing says the park can acommodate up to 20,000 attendees, so… expect a crowd! Go Metro: Take Line 150/169 to Topanga Canyon / Collins.
Gloria Molina Grand Park’s 4th of July Block Party -> Ironically, L.A. County’s biggest free 4th of July event will not include a fireworks display this year. Instead, expect an evening-long celebration (starting at 4 p.m.) featuring two stages of live music and a plentiful array of food trucks, all capped with a 12-minute light show orchestrated by 500 remote-controlled drones. Still sounds pretty cool! Go Metro: Take the B or D Lines to Grand Park / Civic Center station.
Ten More Ideas…
Marina Del Rey Fireworks Show -> Marina del Rey will offer a free 20-minute fireworks show along the coast with viewing spots at Burton Chace Park or Fisherman’s Village. Show begins at 9 p.m. Go Metro: Take the 108 Line to Mindanao / Lincoln.
July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at The Hollywood Bowl -> The Bowl is hosting a three-day event (July 2-4) featuring a concert The Beach Boys followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the iconic shell. Go Metro: Take the B Line to Hollywood / Highland station then catch the Bowl Shuttle at Ovation Hollywood, which is free if you show your valid tap card from the ride.
4th of July Celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood -> Universal Studios themes out for the holiday with special live performances and decor, followed by a fireworks display around 9 p.m. All festivities included with theme park admission. Go Metro: Take the B Line to Universal / Studio City station.
Dodgers Post-Game Fireworks -> The Dodgers take on the Pirates at a special 6:10 p.m. start time this Tuesday, with a post-game fireworks show to follow the action. Go Metro: Ride the Dodger Stadium Express from Union Station, or from multiple South Bay locations.
City of Gardena Fireworks Show -> The City of Gardena will host a free 4th of July celebration at Rowley Memorial Park from 5 to 10 p.m., featuring food trucks and live music. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.
South Gate Fourth of July Festival -> There will be a four-day (July 1-4) 4th of July 4th Festival held at South Gate Park featuring live music, games, rides, and food, with a big fireworks show on Tuesday night capping things off. Admission is free. Fireworks start at 8:30 p.m.
City of Torrance Fireworks Show -> The City of Torrance will put on a fireworks show at the Torrance Civic Center with viewing locations at the West parking lot of the LA County Court House, and the L.A. Galaxy Sports Complex. You don’t have to buy a ticket, but attendance is limited and based on first-come, first-served. Starts at 9 p.m.
Culver City 4th of July Fireworks Display -> Culver City hosts a 4th of July event at West Los Angeles College featuring live music, food trucks, and an evening fireworks display. Admission is $10 per person (kids 5 and under free), and parking is $20 per car.
4th of July Concert at The Starlight Bowl -> Burbank’s Starlight Bowl amphitheater will host a live performance by cover bands The Rising and Hollywood U2, followed by a fireworks display. Tickets for the show range from $12-$150, and parking is $10.
Whittier’s 4th of July Spectacular -> The City of Whittier will host July 4th festivities at York Field featuring live bands, food trucks, and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Admission is $5. Gates open at 5 p.m.
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