Our Web Editor Christina Xenos visited NBC Los Angeles to chat about 4th of July fun in Los Angeles. View more videos at: http://nbclosangeles.com.
FIREWORKS
AmericaFest
July. 4. One of the biggest and brightest fireworks displays in Southern California, choreographed and produced by Pyrospectaculars, can be found at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. Food and entertainment offerings precede the explosive finale. 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m. $13, under 8 free. Parking $20. 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, 800.745.3000. rosebowlstadium.com
Hollywood Bowl July 4th Fireworks Spectacular
July. 2-4. In the Hollywood Bowl’s annual great American extravaganza, iconic singer and songwriter Barry Manilow joins the Los Angeles Philharmonic for a night of his favorites plus spectacular fireworks and good old-fashioned American music to celebrate the country’s birthday. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.850.2000. HollywoodBowl.com
LA Dodgers vs. Cincinnati Reds
Nothing is more American than spending the weekend at the ballpark with a Dodger dog and fireworks to top it off. The Boys in Blue only need two more wins to lead the NL West. They take on NL Central pack leaders the Cincinnati Reds. Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., L.A., 323.224.1507. Dodgers.mlb.com
CAAM
July 4. Celebrate America’s 236th birthday “CAAM Style” with a patriotic performance in song, dance and spoken word. CAAM’s outdoor plaza stage provides the perfect lead into Exposition Park’s annual fireworks display. Free. Museum opens at 11 a.m.; special live performances 6-8 p.m.; Exposition Park fireworks 9 p.m. 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, 213.744.7432. caamuseum.org
Exposition Park
July 4. For the 10th consecutive year, the Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza comes to Exposition Park. Entertainment commences around noon on Christmas Tree Lane. Fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. and is a full 60 minutes worth of entertainment. Exposition Park, 700 Exposition Park Drive, 213.744.7458. expositionpark.org
Redondo Beach
July 4. See a wide variety of fireworks synced to patriotic music broadcast live on Jack FM 93.1. Events throughout the day include paddle board races, live music, children’s parade and more. Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach. redondofireworks.com
Queen Mary
July 4. Celebrate Independence day in style, arrive early and spend the day touring, dining and shopping on the Queen Mary. Listen to live music, enjoy family-friendly entertainment and get front and center to their giant fireworks extravaganza. Queen Mary, Sea Walk area, 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach, 800.437.2934. queenmary.com
Marina Del Rey
July 4. Arrive early and get a prime spot for Marina Del Reys seaside fireworks extravaganza. The 20 minute show of movement and color, bursts into an explosive skyline display, mirrored by the water below. Fireworks are launched from a floating barge located in the waters of the main channel between Fisherman’s Village and the Breakwater. Popular viewing locations include: Fisherman’s Village (13737 Fiji Way), Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way) and (Mother’s) Beach (4135 Admiralty Way). 9 p.m. visitmarinadelrey.com
EVENTS
“Red White & Brew” Bar Crawl
July 4. Celebrate our nation’s birthday with an aptly-themed Santa Moinca pub crawl. More than a half dozen venues along Main St. offer drink specials, food, DJs, and more. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to The Surfrider Foundation to help protect our oceans. ournightlife.com/4thofjuly
Beer Belly Backyard Boogie
July. 4. The Park’s Finest teams up with Beer Belly for a backyard BBQ not to be missed. Starting at noon, dine on pulled park, hot links, cocoanut beef, cornbread bibingka and more. Wash it all down buckets of craft beer cans (four for $12). Noon-5 p.m. 532 South Western Ave., L.A., 213.387.2337. beerbellyla.com
Summer Sweets & Treats
July 7. The Langham Huntington, Pasadena offers a special series of pastry classes just for kids. During this session, Kids can celebrate Independence Day with red, white and blue cookies, which they will learn to decorate with fondant and royal icing. $60/pp. Children ages 8-12. Reservations required. 1401 South Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, 626.585.6218. pasadena.langhamhotels.com
TREATS
Magnolia Bakery
Grab patriotic treats perfect for a BBQ. Also, in honor of national blueberry month, special Blueberry items such as blueberry jamboree or classic blueberry pie and more, are available. Magnolia Bakery, 8389 West 3rd St., L.A., 323.951.0636. magnoliabakery.com
EAT
Gladstones Malibu
July. 4. Stop by Gladstones Malibu for an all-American bbq on the beach. Dine Papaya King’s classic hot dogs, gourmet burgers hot off the grill, and Fourth-themed cocktails. Get there early and/or stay late for a perfect view of the Malibu fireworks. 17300 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades. sbe.com/gladstones
Cafe Del Rey
July. 4. Dine on a three-course Americana-themed menu while you gaze out on the Marina Del Rey firewords display from the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Menu highlights include watermelon gazpacho, dry-rub tri tip, lavender sorbet float and more. 4451 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, 310.823.6395. cafedelreymarina.com
Susan Feniger’s Street
July. 4. Bring Susan Feniger’s global cuisine to your backyard bbq with an array of takeout options Backyard Barbecue (serves 4) includes Jamaican Gingerbrew Chicken; slider Assortment: Yuzo Kosho Burger, Black Bean Veggie Burger, Fried Chicken & Korean BBQ Shortrib); sides: Malaysian Baked Beans, Chilled Soba Noodle Salad, Corn on the Cob, Burmese Melon Salad and Japanese Potato Salad; dessert: Mexican Spiced Dulce de Leche Double Chocolate Fudge and Toasted Coconut Jello. ($100, $25/pp minimum order is 4, plus tax). 742 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.203.0500. eatatstreet.com
Papaya King
July. 4. Wear your red white and blue into Papaya King on the 4th and grab four classic Franks for $4. 1645 Wilcox Ave., Hollywood, 323.871.8799. papayaking.com/hollywood
Rock & Reilly’s on the Sunset Strip
July. 4. Rock & Reilly’s is firing up the grill for the Fourth of July at “Reilly’s Backyard BBQ,” where you can play corn hole and enjoy delicious brats and burgers on the backyard patio. Rock & Reilly’s will also be serving their speciality July 4th cocktail “Miss American Pie” all day.8911 West Sunset Boulevard West Hollywood, CA 310.360.1400. rnrpub.com
Pink Taco
July. 4. Think red, white, and pink this Independence Day with the finest of top shelf beverages. Enjoy margaritas with Pink Taco’s signature Pink Tacos and fresh guacamole, 2 for 1 pitchers of margaritas from 3-7pm and then again from 10pm-11pm on the Sunset Strip’s largest patio or on Century City’s outdoor deck.Festivies will be going on at both Pink Taco spots, located on the Sunset Strip at 8225 Sunset Blvd. and in Century City at 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard. pinktaco.com
Napa Valley Grille
July. 4. Celebrate the 4th with an extended happy hour that offers Executive Chef Taylor Boudreaux’s 50¢ Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Wings, $2 PBRs, as well as the vibrant Firecracker Cocktail ($4), a delicious layered red, white, and blue cocktail reminiscent of the classic childhood summertime favorite, Bomb Pop popsicle. 1100 Glendon Ave., Westwood, 310.824.3322. napavalleygrille.com
City Tavern
July. 4. To get you in the festive mood, City Tavern offers a $15 pretzel and beer special that features their popular cheddar-bacon pretzel and a growler of your choice. 9739 Culver Blvd., Culver City. citytavernculvercity.com
The Pub at Golden Road
July. 4. Raise a glass of Golden Road brew to toast the 4th and dine on food specials like BBQ Special, $18: Half Rack of Pork Spare Ribs (8-10 per order), served with corn bread and bacon baked beans; or Vegan BBQ Special, $11: Vegan Veggie Skewers served with corn Bread and vegan baked beans. 5410 West San Fernando Blvd., downtown, 213.373.4677. goldenroad.la