Events

Summer Spectacular at Frontwave Arena

July 3. Celebrate Independence Day early at Oceanside’s Frontwave Arena, which hosts its 3rd of July Summer Spectacular—an evening of live music, interactive games, food, drinks and fireworks. Highlights include a concert performance by the headlining Morgan Leigh Band, known for its high-energy country hits and original music; elevated food offerings and specialty cocktails; raffles and giveaways; and prime views of the Oceanside fireworks and drone show (9 p.m.). 5:30-10:30 p.m. See website for ticket pricing and seating options (21+). 3475 Hero Drive, Oceanside. Details 

“Big Bay Boom” Fireworks Spectacular

July 4. Presented by Port of San Diego Experiences, the annual “Big Bay Boom” Independence Day Spectacular is the largest fireworks show in California. Displayed from four barges and set to a musical simulcast on 91X FM radio (you can also watch it live on Fox 5 San Diego), the 20-minute show spans all of San Diego Bay—visible from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the North Embarcadero, Coronado Ferry Landing and the Marina District. (Bring lawn chairs and blankets!) See website for all viewing locations and parking tips. 9:15 p.m. bigbayboom.com

Coronado Fourth of July

July 4. Don your red, white and blue and head to Coronado to celebrate. Highlights of the day include the 77th annual Independence Day Parade along Orange Avenue, featuring live music, decorated military vehicles and more (10 a.m.); a Frog-X parachute demonstration over the 16th fairway of the Coronado Golf Course (2 p.m.); several concerts throughout the afternoon; and a fireworks show over Glorietta Bay (9 p.m.), viewable from the Coronado Golf Course and sponsored by the City of Coronado. See website for full schedule and all locations. Details

Crown City Classic 5K & 12K Run

July 4. The 53rd annual Crown City Classic comprises a 5K run and 12K run—in which you’ll essentially be running 7.4 miles to celebrate 7/4! The races take participants along scenic Coronado Bay, starting and finishing at Tidelands Park, and offering views of the Coronado Bridge. The kiddos are welcome to race, too, in the Kids Half Mile. Runners will receive a commemorative finisher medal and T-shirt. 7 a.m. (5K and 12K); 8:30 a.m. (kids half-mile). See website for all details and to register. 2000 Mullinex Drive, Coronado. crowncityrun.com

Julian Main Street Parade 

July 4. Head to Julian for its 2026 Fourth of July Parade, with Julian Pie Companies as this year’s Grand Marshal, and the theme “As American As Apple Pie.” The celebration is highlighted by the Julian Main Street Parade—beginning with an enormous American Flag being carried down the main drag five minutes prior. Festivities also include a flyover of vintage airplanes as the National Anthem plays; live music; a western reenactment by the Julian Doves & Desperados; and pie-eating contests. Festivities begin at 9:30 a.m.; parade starts at noon. julianparade.com

San Diego County Fair Fireworks

July 4. It’s a patriotic celebration all day at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, which presents its 2026 Fireworks Spectacular as part of the San Diego County Fair—best viewed from the Corona Grandstand Stage area. Fair gates open at 11 a.m.; doors for Corona Grandstand Stage open at 6 p.m.; a performance by Marine Band San Diego begins at 7:30 p.m.; fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. Free general admission to fireworks show (included in same-day fair admission); $28-$33 for reserved seating. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. sdfair.com

Food + Drink

“Sunset & Spritz” at 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar

July 3. Kick off the holiday weekend at Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, which hosts “Sunset & Spritz” at its rooftop 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar. Presented in partnership with La Marca Prosecco, the celebration includes a welcome spritz, live DJ music, passed hors d’oeuvres, downtown skyline views and a photo booth. Guests are encouraged to wear white, orange or pink. 6-8 p.m. (followed by DJ sets through 9 p.m. and full bar service until 11 p.m.). See website for ticket pricing. 435 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.819.9500. Details

Arts + Culture

The Rady Shell: America the Beautiful: 250

July 4. San Diego Symphony presents a special Independence Day concert at The Rady Shell, in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. You’ll enjoy patriotic performances of “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” Stars and Stripes Forever” and many more compositions that capture the spirit and story of America; along with special guest musicians and vocalists, such as Byron Stripling, Mamie Parris, Leo Manzari, Bobby Floyd, Rick Shaw and Reggie Jackson. 7:30 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. South Embarcadero Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. theshell.org

The Old Globe: Measure for Measure

Through July 12. Live theater under the stars, anyone? Head to The Old Globe’s outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre for William Shakespeare’s timeless tale, Measure for Measure. When the Duke of Vienna secretly disguises himself as a friar to observe his corrupt city (thereby suddenly “disappearing”), his deputy steps in and begins to rule as a religious tyrant. Power struggles and plot twists ensue. (Pictured L-R: Charlie Alguera, Max Lorn-Krause and Ato Blankson-Wood.) See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org

New Village Arts: Hairspray

Through July 19. New Village Arts theater in Carlsbad Village brings us the epic musical Hairspray, following a Baltimore teenager with big hair and bigger dreams, circa 1962. Based on the 1988 film written and directed by John Waters, and the book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, the musical (a winner of eight Tony Awards) centers on Tracy Turnblad, whose dream is to perform on a TV dance show—even though she doesn’t quite “look the part.” See website for showtimes and tickets. 2787 State St., Carlsbad, 760.433.3245. newvillagearts.org

Photo credits: Frontwave Arena is by Meredith Jarvis. “Big Bay Boom” is by Rinus Baak. San Diego County Fair is by John and Katharina Notarianni. The Rady Shell is by Gary Payne.” “Measure for Measure” is by Rich Soublet II. “Hairspray” is by Jason Sullivan / Dupla Photography. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.