As the sun sets behind the palm-fringed skyline and the warm air fills with the scent of barbecue and beach bonfires, Los Angeles prepares to celebrate America’s birthday with its signature blend of laid-back charm and big-city energy. Whether you’re catching a classic concert at the Hollywood Bowl, watching fireworks over the Pacific or finding serenity in a family-friendly park picnic, the 2025 festivities promise something for every Angeleno and visitor alike. Here’s your curated guide to the best ways to mark Independence Day across the Southland.
DINING & EVENTS
Stars, Stripes & Spiked Sips at The Culver Hotel
July 4-5. Patriotic, playful and perfectly timed for golden hour, The Culver Hotel is hosting a garden patio celebration in the evening for this holiday. Guests can cool off with a $10 build-your-own spiked lemonade bar featuring Ketel One Botanicals, along with festive lawn games, summer small plates and giveaways.
Hours: Friday and Saturday, from 4-7 p.m.
Address: 9400 Culver Blvd, Culver City
More Information
Hotel Maya’s Waterfront Fourth
July 4-6. Celebrate bayside at Hotel Maya in Long Beach with three days of themed BBQ brunches, poolside steel drum performances and a waterfront fireworks dinner at Fuego. On July 4, the $89 prix-fixe dinner offers city views, New York Strip and Portobello steaks, followed by live music and a DJ set through midnight. Festivities continue all weekend with Latin jazz brunches and a Sunday pool party.
Hours: Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday until 9 p.m. Sunday at 11 a.m.
Address: 700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach
hotelmayalongbeach.com
Red, White & Aqua at Shade Hotel Redondo
July 4. Shade at the Marina celebrates with two waterfront options. Head to the Aquadeck Rooftop Lounge at 7 p.m. for front-row fireworks, two drinks and DJ sets ($45 GA, $25 kids). Or opt for the Sky Level’s BBQ buffet and family fun ($75 adults, $35 kids) featuring pulled pork sandwiches, face painting and panoramic firework views.
Hours: Starts Friday at 4 p.m.
Address: C655 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach
Reserve Now
Ètra x Little Fish BBQ Fundraiser
July 3. Melrose Hill’s Ètra teams up with Little Fish for a no-reservation block party starting at 5 p.m. Expect smash burgers, seafood dogs, fried fish sandwiches, oysters and desserts from Karla Subero Pittol, paired with natural wines and beer. A portion of proceeds supports Mad Collective’s food programs for immigrant communities.
Hours: Thursday at 5 p.m.
Address: 737 N. Western Ave. Suite B, Los Angeles
More Information
Queen’s Crabiversary Boil
July 6. Eagle Rock’s Queen’s Raw Bar & Grill rings in its second anniversary with a Lowcountry seafood boil for lunch and dinner. Expect a generous spread of shrimp, corn, sausage and a jar of their signature “New Bay” blend. The raw bar and cocktail menu will also be available à la carte. Tickets are $30.
Hours: Sunday, 12-9 p.m.
Address: 4701 York Blvd., Los Angeles
Reserve Now
Level 8 Rooftop Bash
July 4. Downtown LA’s Level 8 throws a rooftop blowout with back-to-back events. From 2 p.m., Never Dull spins funky, jazzy house tracks poolside. At 8 p.m., Adam Auburn (of Day Trip) takes over with an after-dark edition of Lifted. Expect summery cocktails, rooftop views and all-day DJ energy.
Hours: Friday at 2 p.m. and at 8 p.m.
Address: 1254 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles
Reserve Now
Fourth of July Weekend with FoodieLand at the Rose Bowl
July 4. Celebrate Independence Day with bites, beats and big flavors as FoodieLand takes over the Rose Bowl for a weekend-long food festival. This traveling outdoor event brings together dozens of vendors, live entertainment, family games and small business pop-ups. Expect a rotating lineup of global cuisines and a lively atmosphere perfect for families and food lovers alike.
Hours: Friday at 3 p.m.
Address: 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena
rosebowlstadium.com
FIREWORK & PARADE CELEBRATIONS
Santa Monica 4th of July Parade Celebrates 150 Years with Artistic Spirit
July 4. Main Street will come alive with color and creativity as the Santa Monica 4th of July Parade returns. In honor of Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary, this year’s celebration invites the community to embrace its artistic roots with a lively procession of families, musicians, civic groups and performers. Kicking off at the Ocean Park Library, the free event turns the street into a canvas for local pride. Whether marching, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, all are welcome to join the celebration.
Hours: Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Address: Main Street, Santa Monica (starting at Ocean Park Library)
santamonicaparade.com
Marina del Rey’s Free Waterfront Fireworks Show
July 4. Celebrate Independence Day by the sea at Marina del Rey’s beloved 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, a free, family-friendly display set to launch at 9 p.m. This 20-minute show lights up the sky over the marina with synchronized music and unbeatable waterfront views. Prime viewing spots include Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village, where guests are encouraged to bring picnics and blankets. Arrive early and explore the harbor on the $1 Summer WaterBus, running from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., or cruise the bike trails before settling in for the show.
Hours: Friday at 9 p.m.
Address: 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey
visitmdr.com
Spectacular Firework Show and Full Day of Entertainment at The Queen Mary
July 4. All aboard for an unforgettable Fourth of July on the Queen Mary, as the historic ship hosts its All-American celebration. Guests can explore the decks and ballrooms with live swing and country music, karaoke, DJs, family-friendly games and more. Highlights include a WWII-era aircraft flyover, dancing in the Grand and Queen’s Salons and classic carnival fun on the Promenade Deck. The night caps off with one of SoCal’s most dazzling fireworks displays, synced to patriotic tunes and launched from the ship’s stern. VIP tickets offer premium fireworks views and access to exclusive parties.
Hours: Friday, 3-10 p.m.
Address: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach
queenmary.com
Dodger Stadium 4th of July Fireworks
July 4. Watch the boys in blue face off against the Houston Astros, then stick around as Dodger Stadium lights up the sky with an epic fireworks show you can view from your seat—or even better, from the outfield grass.
Hours: Friday at 6:10 p.m.
Address: 1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles
More Information
4th of July Celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood
July 4. This Hollywood blockbuster of a celebration includes a themed fife and drum band, patriotic decor and a dazzling evening fireworks show synced to Universal’s iconic film scores and national anthems. Best viewing spots include the Upper Lot’s Universal Plaza and the Lower Lot near Transformers: The Ride.
Hours: Friday, 9 p.m.
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
universalstudioshollywood.com
Burbank 4th of July Drone Light Show at McCambridge Park
July 4. With the Starlight Bowl under repair, Burbank brings the celebration downtown with Starlight on Tour. The evening features a performance by Bruno Mars tribute band Bruno & the Hooligans followed by a 9 p.m. drone light show illuminating the skies over McCambridge Park.
Hours: Friday at 5 p.m.
Address: McCambridge Park, 1515 N Glenoaks Blvd, Burbank
burbankchamber.org
Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
