The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate America’s independence with friends, family and a whole lot of fun. Los Angeles, with its endless entertainment options, is an ideal place to spend this festive holiday. From spectacular fireworks displays to fun dining experiences, L.A. has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, a romantic evening, or a day of adventure, this guide will help you plan the perfect Independence Day celebration in the City of Angels.
Santa Monica Fourth of July Parade
July 4. The 17th annual Santa Monica 4th of July Parade will take place early morning as this event showcases the creativity and spirit of the Santa Monica community, highlighting a rich tapestry of arts and culture. More than just a parade, it is a celebration of unity and tradition that brings together residents and visitors alike to experience the unique charm of Santa Monica.
Time: Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
Address: 2601 Main Street, Santa Monica
santamonica.com
Fourth of July Fireworks Show at the Torrance Civic Center
July 4.The City of Torrance will host a fireworks display at the Torrance Civic Center, with prime viewing locations at the West parking lot of the LA County Courthouse and the LA Galaxy Sports Complex. Admission is free and on a first-come, first-served basis and benefits for veterans and their families. This free event is open to the public with no RSVP required.
Time: Thursday at 9 p.m.
Address: 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance
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Desert 5 Spot
June 7. Swimsuits and Cowboy Boots returns for its third year at Desert 5 Spot, the Country rooftop bar. This holiday weekend, dance by the pool to DJs spinning Country and Rock n’ Roll tunes. Visit Jada & Jon’s Trading Post featuring local vendors or enjoy the Cowboy Cookout serving burgers and hot dogs all day. As evening falls, join Cowboy Karaoke in the lounge for a fun-filled Fourth of July Weekend.
Time: Sunday, from 2 p.m.-sunset
Address: 6516 Selma Ave., Los Angeles
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Hotel Erwin
July 4. Enjoy an oceanfront Independence Day event at the High Rooftop Lounge Hotel Erwin, featuring live DJs, signature cocktails, savory bites, a photo booth and prime time view of Marina del Rey’s fireworks. Tickets start at $50 per person for standing room (includes first drink), with reserved seating options starting at $75 per person (includes one round of drinks) and premium oceanfront seating available for $50 per person for an all-day party and firework viewing.
Time: Thursday, starts at noon. Fireworks at 9 p.m.
Address: 1697 Pacific Ave., Venice
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July 4th Pool Party & BBQ at The Godfrey Rooftop
July 4. Observe the holiday weekend in style at The Godfrey Hotel’s rooftop pool party. Escape to the luxurious poolside oasis, lounge on plush sunbeds, take a dip in the sparkling waters and unwind with friends amidst the tropical ambiance. Enjoy music by GDNSS & Mark Da Spot, mouth-watering BBQ food prepared by top chefs and panoramic rooftop views of LA’s biggest fireworks displays. Mingle with a vibrant crowd, embrace the red, white and blue theme and experience a blend of luxury and celebration. This 21+ event promises the most anticipated pool party of the summer. For bottle service, email info@affinitynightlife.com.
Time: Thursday, 2-8 p.m.
Address: 1400 Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles
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Councilmember Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza
July 4. This event offers one of Southern California’s most stunning fireworks displays, complemented by a free concert and a 20-minute firework spectacle. It attracts up to 40,000 attendees in the park, with thousands more tuning in from nearby residences. The celebration features over 15 food trucks, arts and crafts vendors and local businesses showcasing their products. Parking fees, which support the Valley Cultural Foundation, help maintain the tradition of bringing music and arts to the West Valley. Arrive early to have the chance for parking.
Time: Thursday, 6-9:30 p.m.
Address: 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills
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Pacific Palisades Fourth of July Parade
July 4. Head to the Palisades for a festive Independence Day celebration. The event starts with a parade on Sunset Boulevard, from Via de la Paz to Drummond, often featuring a flyover. Enjoy an early-evening concert and a 9 p.m. fireworks display at Palisades Charter High School (tickets required).
Time: Thursday at 2 p.m.
Address: 5777 Bowdoin Street, Los Angeles
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El Encanto, A Belmont Hotel
July 4. With the long holiday weekend just around the corner, consider El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel in Santa Barbara. This historic property will be offering a festive bbq experience at the El Encanto Infinity Pool overlooking the American Riviera. The menu features snake river farms wagyu hot dogs, New England style lobster rolls and blackened cauliflower tacos. Inside the dining room, they will be serving Mary’s Jack Daniels bbq chicken, smoked brisket and smoked and grilled Maitake mushrooms, accompanied by King’s Hawaiian rolls, smoked mozzarella sundried tomato pasta salad, prosciutto and melon and grilled peaches.
Hours: Thursday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Indoor Dining, 5:30-10 p.m.
Address: 800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara
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626 Night Market
Now Open. The ultimate midnight snack adventure awaits over the holiday weekend at one of America’s largest Asian food markets, set in Santa Anita Park’s front Paddock Gardens. This bustling summer market features over 250 vendors offering Asian street food, beverages, live music, art, games and more. Open until midnight, it’s the perfect destination for night owls and food enthusiasts.
Time: Friday-Sunday, starts at 4 p.m.
Address: 285 W. Huntington Drive, Los Angeles
626nightmarket.com
National Fried Chicken Day with Chimmelier
July 6-13. Celebrate National Fried Chicken Day during the Fourth of July weekend at Chimmelier in Koreatown, with their signature special Sijang Tongdak and caviar package. This limited-time offer features Sijang Tongdak, a traditional Korean whole fried chicken inspired by corea’s outdoor markets, paired with Kaluga hybrid caviar for a modern twist. The package includes Hawaiian rolls, coleslaw, mac salad and soy vinegar pickles, perfect for crafting a delectable chicken sandwich. Available for $105, serving two people. Additional caviar can be purchased at checkout.
Time: Starts Saturday at 11 a.m.
Address: 2500 West 8th Street #103, Los Angeles
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All-American Cruise-In
July 7. The Petersen Automotive Museum will host its annual All-American Cruise-In for the Independence Day Weekend, showcasing hundreds of American muscle cars and hot rods. The event includes a panel discussion featuring automotive legends and offers complimentary bagels, coffee and on-site parking for attendees.
Time: Sunday, 8 a.m.-11 a.m.
Address: 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
petersen.org
Latin Sounds: Susie Hansen Latin Band
July 6. Celebrate the exhibition “Painting in the River of Angels: Judy Baca and The Great Wall” with a series of free Saturday evening concerts at the Dorothy Collins Brown Amphitheater, located just north of the La Brea Tar Pits Museum. Latin Sounds, hosted by ACMA, features world-renowned artists performing a diverse array of music, from Indigenous tunes to contemporary sounds from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, Peru and Los Angeles. This week, enjoy a performance by the Susie Hansen Latin Band, celebrating their 35th anniversary with an infectious blend of salsa, Latin jazz, cumbia, charanga, merengue, bachata and cha cha cha. The event offers open seating and picnicking on the grounds.
Time: Saturday, 5-7 p.m.
Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
lacma.org
Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the venues featured.
