FIREWORKS
Disneyland Resort Fireworks
July 4. America, the land where more than Eagles soar! Salute the stars and stripes as you commemorate Independence Day with this vibrant, inspirational fireworks show. Set to rousing patriotic songs, the fiery bursts of red, white and blue remind viewers of the hopes and dreams that continue to shine throughout the land of the free and the home of the brave. 1313 N. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.781.4000. disneyland.disney.go.com
Dana Point Fireworks Extravaganza
July 4. The City of Dana Point presents an aerial sky show, featuring a musical simulcast presented by radio station KSBR 88.5 FM. A free shuttle bus is available from Dana Hills High School to Dana Point Harbor from 10 am to 11:30 pm. Enjoy a full day at Doheny State Beach or arrive early to picnic over the harbor on the cliffs of Blue Lantern Park or Heritage Park. Fireworks will be launched off of a barge outside of the harbor beginning at 9 pm. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. danapoint.org
Fourth of July Festival & Fireworks Show
Jul. 4. Celebrate the Fourth with family activities, food stalls, fun and fireworks in Fullerton. Enjoy live music and additional entertainment before the fireworks display at 9 pm. Fullerton High School Stadium at the corner of Lemon and Berkeley, 714.738.3167. cityoffullerton.com
Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks Display
July 4. San Juan Capistrano celebrates the Fourth of July with bounce houses, children’s activities, delicious food, exhibits and a beer garden. Live music plays all night leading up to a spectacular fireworks show. 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911. sanjuancapistrano.org
San Clemente Fourth of July Fireworks Show
July 4. Enjoy a patriotic fireworks display over the San Clemente pier beginning at approximately 9 pm. A potluck precedes the show beginning at 6 pm at Park Semper Fi’s Marine Monument. 949.498.4958. sanclemente.org
EVENTS
Newport Beach Independence Day on the Bay
Jul. 4-5. The scenic Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina in Newport Beach hosts its inaugural Newport Beach Independence Day on the Bay two-day celebration of America featuring iconic girl-rock band The Bangles. The two-day festival features live performances by top tribute bands, carnival games, crafts, face painting, a gourmet food truck competition, aquatic park activities and the biggest fireworks display being held along the southern California coast. On Jul. 5, the music festival resumes at 3 pm along with food trucks and even more family fun. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.3863. newportdunes.com
Old Glory Boat Parade and Festivities
July 4. Newport Beach celebrates Independence Day with a multitude of fun events for the whole family. The annual Old Glory Boat Parade sails through Newport Harbor beginning at 1 pm. Boats and watercraft festooned with their most patriotic decorations cruise through Newport Harbor beginning at 1 pm as part of the Old Glory Boat Parade. Even a water-powered jet pack from Jetlev Southwest will carry a flag 30 feet above the parade. Other celebrations throughout the city include a celebration and parade at Mariner’s Park, a community festival and bike parade through West Newport and a fireworks extravaganza at the end of the night at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Check website for locations. nbpd.org
Huntington Beach Fourth of July Celebration
July 4. Surf City USA hosts its 108th 4th of July celebration in honor of our nation’s birthday. The day begins with the biggest pancake breakfast in the Western United States at Lake Park Breakfast hosted by the Kiwanis. Once you’ve had your fill of pancakes, cheer on participants in the Surf City 5K run and check out the Fitness Expo at Worthy Park. Enjoy a picnic on the beach or explore the sights and sounds of Main Street before celebrating with a giant fireworks show over the ocean. Check website for locations. hb4thofjuly.org
Fourth of July Country Fair
July 4. Experience good times and old-fashioned fun at the 33rd Annual Country Fair on July 4 at Brea City Hall Park. This traditional celebration begins at 7 am with a pancake breakfast, but the fair officially opens at 10 am. Enjoy free entertainment such as live music, an antique car display, market place craft area, petting zoo and much more. 401 S. Brea Blvd., Brea, 714.529.5645. ci.brea.ca.us
Knott’s Berry Farm
July 4. Knott’s celebrates the Fourth with a spectacular fireworks show at 10 pm as well as fun entertainment throughout the park all day long. In addition to the park’s renowned roller coasters, enjoy the ice show “Happiness is… Snoopy!” or watch gravity-defying BMX bikers, in-line skaters and other athletes in the “All Wheels Extreme” show, among others. Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City offer free admission and discounted admission for family members to active and retired United States Military personnel July 2-6 as part of their tribute to the armed forces program. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200. knotts.com
MUSIC
July 4 Spectacular: Music of the Eagles
July 4. The Pacific Symphony presents a showcase of The Eagles’ mega-hits like “Take it Easy” and “Hotel California.” The extravaganza also includes an 80th birthday tribute to celebrated film composer John Williams, patriotic favorites, and a traditional salute to the U.S. armed forces topped off with a brilliant fireworks finale. Gates open at 6 pm for picnicking. 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 714.755.5799. pacificsymphony.org
DINING
Bruxie Fourth of July Specials
July 4. Renowned purveyor of savory and sweet gourmet waffle sandwiches, Bruxie celebrates the 4th of July in culinary style with holiday specials worthy of fireworks. For the second year, Bruxie is flying in live Maine lobsters to create the ultimate New England Lobster Bruxie made with tender lobster, a touch of mayo, fresh chives and racked black pepper. Other holiday specials include the Vermont Apple Pie Bruxie, a red, white and blue shake and black cherry cane sugar soda. 292 N. Glassell St., Orange, 714.633.3900; 215 W. Birch Street, Brea, 714.255.1188; 22205 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, 949.207.6570. bruxie.com