Cheers to our nation’s independence! Here’s a list of ways to celebrate Fourth of July in Orange County or from home with neighborhood parades, virtual concerts, backyard barbecues and more.
EVENTS
Drive-In Concert
July 2. Kick off Independence Day weekend with a drive-in concert featuring Southern California-based band Finnegan Blue at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center. With music rooted in traditional folk, Finnegan Blue’s high-energy performance pulls from a mix of genres. Gates open at 6 p.m.; concert starts at 7:30 p.m. $30 per car. 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton, 714.738.6595. themuck.org
Feels Like Summer by DJ Illanoise
July 4. Celebrate America indoors with an immersive audio-video experience led by L.A.-based DJ Illanoise. Spend the evening with a digital happy hour; a VIP livestream with a light show; and local restaurant giveaways, including the “Bring Summer to My Living Room” package valued at $500. Ticket sales benefit Los Angeles food banks. 6-9 p.m. $10. Get tickets
Four on the Fourth – Ruck, Walk & Run for Independence
July 4. USO is celebrating military service members and their families during this virtual fun run, presented by Delta Air Lines. It includes USO music playlists, a “rise and shine” warm-up featuring Robert Killian, the national anthem sung by the USO Show Troupe and a virtual celebration. Participants receive a USO branded T-shirt, downloadable bib, face mask and medal to show their support for America’s military service members. Whether you ruck, walk or run, participating directly benefits military service members and their families. Begins 7:30 a.m. $35. goneforarun.com
Grand Park Fourth of July Block Party: Home Edition
July 4. The eighth annual Independence Day block party, thrown by Grand Park and the Music Center, will be held virtually. The three-hour program will feature entertainment and performances by L.A. personalities such as Rapper D Smokes, Amindi, Ginger Root and San Cha; comedy sketches by Filipino AF; and a cooking demo on vegan street tacos by chef Jocelyn Ramirez. On air 7-8 p.m. (ABC7 and LA 36 broadcast); online 8-10 p.m. Watch on grandparkla.org, musiccenter.org and FB Live (@GrandParkLosAngeles).
Huntington Beach Fourth of July Celebration
July 4. In lieu of the traditional Fourth of July parade down Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street, come see this year’s OneHB Neighborhood Parade tour neighborhoods throughout Huntington Beach with a salute to a nostalgic “Front Yard Fourth of July” celebration. The parade caravans showcase veterans, high school seniors, frontline medical personnel, live entertainment and other community dignitaries within their individual vehicles. Other highlights include a decorating contest based on the theme of “Surf City Dreaming.” From south Huntington Beach to north Huntington Beach; An exact route will be announced on this webpage on the morning of July 4. Approximately from 8:30 a.m. to noon. 714.536.5486. hb4thofjuly.org
Livestream Fireworks Display
July 4. Can’t watch fireworks in person? The City of Tustin Parks and Recreation Department offers a livestream of fireworks this Independence Day from Tustin High School. While no admittance to the high school is allowed, residents can tune into 91.7 FM radio to listen to the music that accompanies the fireworks. Livestream 8 p.m., fireworks 9 p.m. 714.573.3326. tustin4thofjuly.com
Pacific Symphony’s Virtual Spectacular
July 4. Pacific Symphony invites the world to join together online for patriotic favorites, fireworks and musical festivities. Created by music director Carl St.Clair, this 50-minute streaming program to capture the sense of a free-wheeling summer celebration that is a star-spangled 244th birthday party for America. Begins 6 p.m. Sign up with an email address at the website to view; concert available on demand for 45 days after that. pacificsymphony.org/virtualjuly4
Rose Bowl Stadium’s Virtual AmericaFest
July 4. For the Rose Bowl’s 94th Annual AmericaFest, there will be an hourlong virtual event to celebrate the nation’s veterans, first responders and frontline workers. The fest will include live music by renowned cellist Cecilia Tsan, performing from the 100-inch telescope dome on the top of Mount Wilson, along with a special new art installation called Sunster. Plus, if you send 15-second videos about who your personal hero is, you will get a chance to appear live during the virtual celebration. 2 p.m. Register for free or submit your videos at rosebowllive.tv.
DINING
Adya
Order Before July 3. Spice up your Fourth of July weekend barbecue with Adya’s ready-to-grill black pepper and cumin steak. The grill package serves two ($50) and includes two 10-ounce black pepper and cumin-rubbed certified Angus beef with garlic-pomegranate glaze; watermelon chaat; Indian-style potato salad; naan; and mint Chutney. Pre-order for pick-up on Friday, July 3 at Adya’s Irvine location, Anaheim location or at the artisan pop-up at OC Baking Company. Must be ordered in advance; email info@adyaoc.com. Anaheim Packing House, 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., #201, Anaheim, 714.533.2392; University Center, 4213 Campus Drive, #P-166D, Irvine, 949.679.2299; OC Baking Company, 1960 N. Glassell St., Orange. adyaoc.com
Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen
July 4. Start Fourth of July morning with Cha Cha’s two-course brunch special and complimentary bottomless mimosas. The brunch features entree options such as huevos rancheros and short-rib chilaquiles. Guests celebrating at home can also online order popular cocktails such as margaritas, sangria and mojitos by the pint and quart. Purchase salsas by the pint or Cha Cha’s Fourth of July salsa and guacamole bundle featuring an order of guacamole, a choice of two housemade salsas and fresh tortilla chips. Free delivery for online orders over $75 through its website. Call or visit website to make reservations. 110 W. Birch St., Brea, 714.255.1040; 13126 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 714.408.7819. chachaslatinkitchen.com
Las Brisas
Available July 3-5. The historic cliffside restaurant presents a Fourth of July bundle to take home to feed 3 to 5 guests for $77. The bundle includes guacamole, chips, and salsa; Caesar salad; six tacos (choice of two types: sautéed shrimp, grilled rockfish, carne asada and mushroom); and bottled house margarita (pours 5 to 6). 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.497.5434. lasbrisaslagunabeach.com
Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge
July 3. Celebrate Independence Day early with Scarlet’s four-course pairing menu highlighting bourbon, burgers and beer on Friday. Chef Paige Riordan offers the menu with an option to add a beer and bourbon pairings. The menu features signature starters, appetizers and various grass-fed burgers including the Scarlet Burger and a special lamb burger. Complete the evening with dessert options such as apple pie a la mode or S’mores—each paired special after-dinner cocktails. Enjoy live music by The Battles from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Open 4:30 p.m.-midnight. $50 four-course, $30 additional for pairings. 30865 Gateway Place, Rancho Mission Viejo, 949.503.3086. scarletkl.com
Sol Mexican Cocina
Available July 3-5. Inspired by the best of coastal Baja California, Sol Mexican Cocina offers a Fourth of July bundle to take home to feed 3 to 5 guests for $67, available all weekend. The bundle includes Naked Guacamole, TJ Caesar salad with chicken, street taco 6-pack (choice of two proteins: grilled chicken, carnitas or black bean sweet potato) and bottle house margarita (pours 5 to 6). 251 Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.675.9800. solcocina.com
Solita Tacos & Margaritas
Available July 3-5. Celebrate the holiday weekend with Solita’s Fourth of July bundle to take home to feed 3 to 5 guests for $67, available all weekend. The bundle includes guacamole, ensalada ranchera, street taco 6-pack (choice of two proteins: grilled chicken, carnitas or black bean sweet potato) and bottle house margarita (pours 5 to 6). 7631 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.894.2792. solitatacos.com
Whitestone Restaurant & Bar
July 4. Celebrate the Fourth of July at Whitestone Restaurant & Bar in Dana Point. Chef Tony Celeste reinvents the All-American barbecue by incorporating global flavors and dishes. Enjoy fresh-from-the-grill dishes such as barbecue pork and wild boar tartine, baby back bibs. and barbecue half chicken with sides including citrus watermelon and smoked corn on the cob. Save room for dessert with housemade sweets such as berries and cream and a cast-iron peach cobbler. In the afternoon, enjoy live music by local musician Roderick Chambers known for his performances on NBC’s The Voice. Noon – 10 p.m. 34212 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.489.8911. whitestonerestaurant.com
Photos from top: By Camylla Battani via Unsplash. Courtesy Adya/Facebook.
