As Los Angeles celebrates both Independence Day and the nation’s milestone 250th anniversary year, SoCal is leaning into a holiday weekend filled with rooftop parties, community celebrations, baseball nostalgia, anime culture, beachfront festivities and one of the country’s largest free Fourth of July gatherings. From Downtown L.A. drone shows and Santa Monica pool parties to FIFA-adjacent community festivals and anime after-hours events, here are some of the best ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in Los Angeles this year.
NBC Sports’ “Star-Spangled Sundaes” Pop-Up in Santa Monica
July 3. Celebrate America’s pastime with free ice cream ahead of one of baseball’s most ambitious television events ever. NBC Sports is bringing complimentary sundaes served inside exclusive baseball helmet bowls to Downtown Santa Monica as part of its “Star-Spangled Sunday” celebration, leading up to the first-ever national presentation of all 15 MLB games in a single day.
Why Go:Â Free ice cream, baseball nostalgia, and a chance to celebrate one of the biggest days in MLB broadcast history.
Day and Hours:Â Friday, 1-7 p.m.
Address:Â Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica Blvd. & Third Street Promenade
nbcsports.com
Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Summer Block Party
July 4. Returning for its 13th year, Grand Park’s Summer Block Party remains the largest free Fourth of July celebration on the West Coast. Tens of thousands of Angelenos will gather downtown for live performances, DJ sets, interactive art experiences, food vendors, splash zones, and a spectacular 12-minute drone show illuminating the Los Angeles skyline.
Highlights:Â Performances by Jungle Fire & Friends, Tatiana Tate, Anthony Valadez, Kaimera, and Pangea Sound, plus a 9:00 p.m. drone spectacular.
Day and Hours: Saturday, 4–9:30 p.m.
Address:Â 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles
grandparkla.org
Golden Hour Pool Party Featuring Young Franco
July 4. High above Downtown Los Angeles, Level 8 transforms into one of the city’s hottest Independence Day destinations. Australian producer Young Franco brings his energetic blend of disco, house, hip-hop, and dance music to Golden Hour’s rooftop pool party.
Why Go:Â Rooftop pools, skyline views, cocktails, and one of dance music’s fastest-rising international acts.
Day and Hours:Â Saturday, 2-8 p.m.
Address:Â 1254 S. Figueroa Street 8th Floor, Los Angeles
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DREAMBASH x DREAMER Anime Expo After Party
July 4. Anime Expo weekend wouldn’t be complete without an after-hours celebration. DREAMBASH returns with DREAMER x DREAMER, inspired by the highly anticipated return of Hunter x Hunter, welcoming cosplayers, anime fans, and nightlife enthusiasts for a late-night celebration.
Why Go:Â One of the biggest anime community parties during Anime Expo weekend.
Day and Hours:Â Saturday, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Address:Â 1254 S. Figueroa Street 8th Floor, Los Angeles
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The Dream Pool Party at Viceroy Santa Monica
July 4. Just steps from the Pacific Ocean, Viceroy Santa Monica hosts “The Dream,” a Fourth of July pool party presented with SHADES LA. Expect house music, cocktails, lawn games, and a lively crowd embracing classic California summer vibes.
Why Go:Â Beachside luxury with DJs, cocktails, and poolside celebrations.
Day and hours: Saturday, doors open at 6 p.m.
Address: 1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica
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Stars & Stripes Swimsuits & Cowboy Boots Pool Party
July 4. Cowboy hats meet poolside parties at Hollywood’s western-inspired rooftop celebration. The annual Stars & Stripes bash features country DJs, poolside cookouts, short shorts, and live performances from The Y’all Star Revue and Johnny.
Why Go:Â One of L.A.’s most uniquely Southern California takes on Independence Day.
Day and Hours:Â Saturday at 2 p.m.
Address: 6516 Selma Ave., Hollywood
desertfivespot.com
Roots and Routes: Willowbrook Weekend Celebration
July 4-5. This free community festival combines local culture, food access, family activities, and transit accessibility in the heart of South Los Angeles. Located directly along the route to the FIFA Fan Zone at Magic Johnson Park, the celebration features Prosperity Market’s new mobile trailer showcasing Black-owned food businesses and local chefs.
Highlights:Â Live DJs, drum circles, family activities, bike rides, food vendors, and Prosperity Market’s traveling marketplace.
Why Go:Â A vibrant community-centered celebration connecting food, culture, and mobility.
Time: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Address:Â Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Metro Station
prosperitymarketla.com
Fourth of July Celebration at Terranea Resort
May 24. Perched atop the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea Resort celebrates Independence Day with an evening of oceanfront festivities, barbecue favorites, live Beach Boys-inspired performances, line dancing, and family-friendly entertainment.
Highlights:Â Live music, magic shows, barbecue buffet, s’mores, and Pacific Ocean sunset views.
Why Go:Â One of Southern California’s most scenic Fourth of July celebrations.
Day and Hours: Saturday, 6-10 p.m.
Address:Â 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes
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Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the venues featured.
