Events
Santa Monica 4th of July Parade
July 4. Start your Fourth of July off with a burst of hometown spirit at the annual Santa Monica Independence Day Parade. The festive procession travels down Main Street from Pico to Barnard Way, bringing colorful floats, community groups, classic cars and coastal cheer. Free and open to the public, it’s great way for early risers to kick off a day of celebration by the sea. Friday at 9:30 a.m. Main Street, Santa Monica. santamonicaparade.com
July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with Earth, Wind & Fire
July 3-4. Celebrate the Fourth of July in legendary style as Earth, Wind & Fire returns to the Hollywood Bowl for three nights of timeless hits, fireworks and funk. Joined by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and conductor Thomas Wilkins, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers will perform classics like “September” and “Shining Star” in a joyful, genre-defying set that spans generations. Expect a soul-stirring soundtrack and a sky full of fireworks in one of L.A.’s most iconic settings. Thursday-Friday at 7:30 p.m. 2301 Highland Ave., Los Angeles. hollywoodbowl.com
Stars, Stripes and Palisades Pride
July 4. Resilience takes center stage as Pacific Palisades hosts its 78th annual Fourth of July celebration, even in the aftermath of the devastating Palisades Fire. While the beloved Will Rogers 5K and Kids Fun-Run will be temporarily relocated to Venice for the morning, the heart of the evening festivities returns to Paul Revere Charter Middle School. Expect live music, family activities, food trucks and a dazzling drone show in lieu of fireworks. This year’s celebration is reserved for Palisadians and their guests, with complimentary tickets available online later this month. Friday at 5 p.m. 1450 Allenford Ave., Los Angeles. palisades4th.com
FoodieLand
July 4-6. Replacing the traditional Americafest celebration at the Rose Bowl, this year’s Fourth of July brings a massive, family-friendly food festival to the iconic stadium. More than 150 vendors will take over the field all weekend, serving everything from deep-fried giant squid to smashburgers and Oreo churros. On Friday, July 4, stick around for a front-row view of the Rose Bowl’s new drone show—an eco-friendly spectacle lighting up the night sky in place of fireworks. Friday at 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday at 1 p.m. 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Los Angeles. rosebowlstadium.com
Golda Zahra In Concert
Starts July 12. Discover the magic when soprano Golda Zahra returns to the Broad Stage with the Dream Orchestra conducted by Daniel Suk performing an unforgettable blend of beloved opera arias, Broadway favorites and popular vocal classics for all music lovers. Don’t miss the chance to experience a rising star whose radiant voice, emotional depth and magnetic stage presence are captivating audiences around the world. The evening also includes a complimentary champagne and dessert reception, courtesy of Urth Caffé. Saturday at 7:30 pm. 1310 11th Street, Santa Monica. Saturday July 12 at 7:30 pm. goldainconcert.com
Food + Drinks
Rooftop Pop Up Bar: Moët Bubbles Bar
Starts July 4. Soak in the season at The Rooftop Bar at Pendry Hollywood, where panoramic Sunset Strip views meet Moët & Chandon, seasonal cocktails and a relaxed menu of shareable bites. This summer series runs Fridays and Saturdays from 2 to 8 p.m., kicking off this weekend and continuing through September 6. No reservations needed—just show up and sip. 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. pendry.com
Celebrate the Fourth with a Rooftop BBQ & Fireworks at Shade Redondo Beach
July 4. Celebrate Independence Day with ocean breezes and sky-high views at Shade Hotel’s Sky Level rooftop in Redondo Beach. The family-friendly Fourth of July BBQ bash includes a festive buffet of pulled pork, Angus burgers, tri-tip sandwiches, sides and salted Tajín-dusted watermelon. Kids can enjoy face painting while everyone takes in panoramic views of the South Bay fireworks at 9 p.m. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75 for adults and $35 for kids 10 and under. 655 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach. Reserve Now
Cinque Terre West Finds New Home
Now Open. The beloved family-run Italian restaurant formerly nestled in Pacific Palisades, has reopened in a new home on Venice’s Rose Avenue after being displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Gianba and Marlo Vinzoni, the menu stays true to its Ligurian roots with dishes like trofie al pesto, roasted branzino, housemade spaghetti di mare and slow-braised short ribs, plus focaccia sandwiches and cornetti for breakfast. A tight list of Italian wine and beer pair well with the offerings. Open daily, hours vary. 523 Rose Ave, Venice. cinqueterrewest.com
Gladstones Returns: A Coastal Comeback with Local Love
July 4. The popular coastal seafood spot reopens this holiday weekend after months of renovation following the Palisades fires. A beloved beachfront staple for over 50 years, the restaurant returns with signature views and crowd favorites like fish tacos, ceviche and lobster rolls. To celebrate its comeback, Gladstones is offering 50% off food and drinks throughout July for Malibu and Palisades residents and first responders. This Friday at 11 a.m. 17300 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades. gladstones.com
Fourth of July with a View at La Lo La Rooftop
July 4. Head 34 stories above DTLA for “A Celebration of the California Cowboy” at La Lo La Rooftop atop the AC Hotel. The rooftop affair features smoked baby back ribs, mac and cheese, coleslaw, red, white and blue sangria and gooey butter cake, all set to live music and panoramic skyline views. As dusk sets in, catch fireworks bursting in every direction—from the Hollywood Hills to the horizon. Friday at noon. 1260 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. lalolarooftop.com
Arts + Culture
Anime Expo
Until July 6. The annual Anime Expo returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center for four immersive days of panels, signings, gaming and cosplay. A cornerstone for anime fans across the country, the expo draws thousands to celebrate Japanese pop culture with appearances by industry icons, special events and a massive gaming hall dedicated to both digital and tabletop play. Thursday-Sunday, hours vary. 1201 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. anime-expo.org
Free Concerts on the Pier
Starts July 3. The Redondo Pier Summer Concert Series kicks off with free waterfront performances every Thursday and Saturday evening through August 30. Held on the west end of Fisherman’s Wharf, the series blends throwback tribute acts and contemporary SoCal bands in a breezy coastal setting. Thursday nights spotlight acts like Higher Ground (disco) and Grateful to the Core (Grateful Dead tribute), while Saturday brings original artists like Ernando and the Nandos. Music runs from 6 to 8 p.m. each night. Torrance Blvd., Redondo Beach. redondopier.com
Hololive night Collaboration Event Returns to Dodger Stadium
July 5. Hololive Night returns to Dodger Stadium for a second year, blending baseball and virtual entertainment in a groundbreaking collaboration featuring the first-ever VTuber livestream broadcast. Fans will experience real-time in-game appearances by hololive English stars Ninomae Ina’nis, IRyS and Koseki Bijou, including a special “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” singalong and postgame field festivities like the new “WHO’S got the MOVES?!?!” dance segment. You can score exclusive Dodgers x hololive trading cards, snap photos with life-size cutouts and enjoy themed stadium eats. Sunday, 4:15 p.m. 1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles. mlb.com
SOAR: Tropical Butterflies at South Coast Botanic Garden
July 3. Wander through a dreamy pavilion of tropical butterflies at South Coast Botanic Garden’s seasonal exhibition, where rare species flutter freely in an immersive, lush setting. Watch metamorphosis in action inside a live pupae chamber and for an added $6, grab a nectar-filled flower vial to feed the butterflies by hand. Stick around to stroll the rest of the garden’s scenic grounds. Opens this Thursday at 10 a.m. 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes. southcoastbotanicgarden.org
Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival
Now Playing. Shakespeare in the park returns to Griffith Park’s Old Zoo as Independent Shakespeare Co. celebrates 15 years of free summer performances. This season features the witty comedy Love’s Labour’s Lost followed by Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus, staged in the intimate dell above the main lawn while a permanent stage is under construction. Pack a picnic, claim a spot on the grass and don’t forget—reservations are now required due to limited space. Every Wednesday-Sunday at 7 p.m. Griffith Park Drive, Los Angeles. indieshakes.org
Photo credit: People at the park courtesy of Independent Shakespeare Co. Festival setting courtesy of Anime expo. 4th of July Fireworks courtesy of the Hollywood Bowl. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
