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: Free ice cream, baseball nostalgia, and a chance to celebrate one of the biggest days in MLB broadcast history.
Day and Hours: Friday, 1-7 p.m.
Address: 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: 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: 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: Rooftop pools, skyline views, cocktails, and one of dance music’s fastest-rising international acts.
Day and Hours: Saturday, 2-8 p.m.
Address: 1254 S. Figueroa Street 8th Floor, Los Angeles
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Pacific Palisades July 4th Celebration
July 4. The Pacific Palisades community comes together once again for its 79th annual Independence Day celebration as rebuilding efforts continue following the Palisades Fire. This year’s festivities include the return of the Palisades Will Rogers 10K/5K Run and Kids Fun Run through scenic Will Rogers State Park, a community parade through the Palisades at 4 p.m., and an evening celebration at Palisades Charter High School featuring live entertainment, family activities, food trucks, and a drone show finale at 9 p.m.
Why Go: This year’s celebration represents more than a Fourth of July tradition—it’s a powerful community gathering and a symbol of resilience for Pacific Palisades.
Day and Hours: Saturday at 8:15 a.m. Parade at 4 p.m. Drone show at 9 p.m.
Address: For specific location, visit website to know which stops to go to
palisades4th.com
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: 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: One of L.A.’s most uniquely Southern California takes on Independence Day.
Day and Hours: 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: Live DJs, drum circles, family activities, bike rides, food vendors, and Prosperity Market’s traveling marketplace.
Why Go: A vibrant community-centered celebration connecting food, culture, and mobility.
Time: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Address: Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Metro Station
prosperitymarketla.com
Fourth of July Celebration at Terranea Resort
July 4. 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: Live music, magic shows, barbecue buffet, s’mores, and Pacific Ocean sunset views.
Why Go: One of Southern California’s most scenic Fourth of July celebrations.
Day and Hours: Saturday, 6-10 p.m.
Address: 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes
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Marina del Rey’s Waterfront Fireworks Spectacular Returns for the Fourth of July
July 4. One of Southern California’s most beloved Fourth of July traditions returns to Marina del Rey, where fireworks light up the marina channel and reflect across the water in a dazzling coastal celebration. Spectators can watch from Burton Chace Park, Fisherman’s Village, Marina Beach, waterfront hotels and restaurants, or aboard boats throughout the harbor for one of Los Angeles County’s most scenic Independence Day displays.
Why Go: Few places in Southern California offer a more picturesque Fourth of July experience than watching fireworks burst over the Pacific coastline and marina waters.
Day and Hours: Saturday, Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and last approximately 20 minutes
Address: 13737 Fiji Way, Los Angeles
beaches.lacounty.gov
America’s Block Party Benefiting Giving 4th
July 4. Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum with a star-studded evening featuring performances by The Smashing Pumpkins and Chris Stapleton, hosted by Queen Latifah. The celebration begins with a 3 p.m. Block Party Village offering free food, drinks, and giveaways before the main concert kicks off at 6 p.m., culminating in a spectacular fireworks and drone show. Tickets are priced at $17.76, with proceeds benefiting Feeding America and thousands of complimentary tickets provided to local first responders and veterans.
Why Go: It’s a rare chance to celebrate the Fourth of July with two major headliners, a patriotic drone and fireworks spectacular, and a charitable cause at one of Los Angeles’ most iconic venues.
Day and Hours: Saturday, 6-10 p.m.
Address: 3939 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles
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“Cheers to 250 Years” on the Queen Mary
July 4. Experience one of Southern California’s most unique Independence Day celebrations aboard the historic Queen Mary, where a full day of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, themed parties, food, dancing, and a WWII aircraft flyover leads up to the longest fireworks display in the ship’s 90-year history. Guests can explore eight themed experiences, from the country-inspired “Barn in the USA” to Old Hollywood glamour in the Grand Salon and Motown classics in the ship’s hidden No. 3 Speakeasy, before the evening concludes with a spectacular 20-minute fireworks show over the Long Beach waterfront.
Why Go: Few Fourth of July celebrations combine history, live entertainment, themed parties, and a waterfront fireworks display quite like the Queen Mary.
Day and Hours: Saturday, Festivities begin during the day; WWII flyover at 5 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m.
Address: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach
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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: One of the biggest anime community parties during Anime Expo weekend.
Day and Hours: Saturday, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Address: 1254 S. Figueroa Street 8th Floor, Los Angeles
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Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the venues featured.
