Monday, June 29, 2009

Independence Day!

Enjoy the fourth of July in style

City of San Marino's Annual 4th of July Celebration 4 - 9pm Lacy Park,1485 Virginia Rd, San Marino (map) Ongoing game booths and bingo from 4 to 7 pm, a community parade at 5 pm, stage entertainment from 5:30 to 9pm and a fireworks display at approximately 9pm. The park's Virginia Road entrance opens at 7am. No entrance via St. Albans Road until 3pm. Guests may reserve areas using blankets, chairs and ropes. No stakes will be permitted in the ground. Wristbands must be purchased for the park festivities. Contact the city Recreation Department 626.403.2200.

FREE Sierra Madre 4th of July Celebration 10am – 4pm Memorial Park, 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd, Sierra Madre (map) Celebrate with a parade, FREE Dixieland music, and outdoor games. The parade “where half the town marches and the other half watches,” starts at 10am followed by outdoor games and festivities in the park. The Nightblooming Jazzmen performing noon - 4pm; food booths and beer garden 10am - 4pm. More info: 626. 355.7394.

FREE Lakeshore Fun Firecracker Craft, 11am - 3pm 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena (map) Kids celebrate our nation's birthday by creating kid-safe firecracker decorations. No reservations required. Store closes at 4pm for the holiday.

West Covina Independence Day Celebration Edgewood Middle School 2 - 11pm 1625 W. Durness St. West Covina (map) A carnival, live music and, of course, fireworks for fun on the fourth also benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This is the 19th annual celebration and the entrance fee to the carnival is only $1. Carnival lasts until 11pm with extra costs for rides & food. FREE live music 5 - 9pm with FREE fireworks afterwards. Make it a full day with a $4 pancake breakfast 8 - 11am @ Hurst Ranch, 1227 S. Orange Ave. More info: 626.939.8430

South Pasadena Festival of Balloons Parade, 11am Mission and Diamond Streets, South Pasadena (map) A Fourth of July parade and more for the whole family. Start with a 7am pancake breakfast at the Fire Dept. Parade open ceremonies at 10:30a.m; parade kicks off @ 11am. Gates open @ 5:30pm at the Southa Pasadena High School Field for the 9pm fireworks. Buy $7 tickets at the pancake breakfast or $10 tix at the gate. More info: 626.818.8000

Americafest 4th of July Celebration @ the Rose Bowl 2 - 9:30pm. Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena (map) The Rose Bowl's 4th of July celebration in has kept the Star Spangled spirit flying for 83 years. The day combines a safe and entertaining family activity and the biggest and best fireworks show in Southern California.
The fun begins outside the stadium with food vendors, entertainment, crafts, exhibits and inflatable rides for kids outside the stadium starting at 2pm. The stadium gates open at 6pm with the Drum Corps International (DCI) Marching Music's Major LeaguesTM, presenting five of the nation's best Drum and Bugle Corps performing field shows and music at 7pm. At 9:05pm the fireworks show lights the night. The 30-minute show is choreographed and produced by world-renown Pyrospectacular.
General admission tickets are $13, children under age 7 are free. Preferred seating tix for adults and children: $25. Call 800.745.3000 for tickets, or use www.ticketmaster.com. Parking is $15.


Palisades Americanism Parade Old fashioned Independence Day Parade followed by entertainment and a fireworks display.When: July 4th, 2:00 parade, 7 pm entertainment, 9 pm fireworksWhere: Parade on Sunset Blvd. in Pacific Palisades between via de la Paz and Drummond St., Entertainment and fireworks at Palisades Charter High School.Info: www.palisadesparade.org

July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza, Marina Del Rey A traditional fireworks extravaganza over the main channel in Marina del Rey programmed to patriotic music broadcast over FM radio KXLU, 88.9 and relayed over loudspeakers in Chase Park. When: July 4, 9 p.m. Where: Chase Park, 13650 Mindanao Way (1 block west of Admiralty Way), Marina del Rey. Also viewable from
Fisherman's Village and Marina BeachCost: FreeInfo: 310-305-9545, http://www.visitmarinadelrey.com/sg/july_4/index.html

Mr. & Mrs. Muscle Beach, Venice BeachBody building pageant on the beach. When: July 4th, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., pre-judging 10 am, finals 1 pm Where: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice BeachCost: Free to watch, $80 to competeSponsor: City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and ParksInfo: http://musclebeachvenice.com, 310-399-2775

Annual Vision Outside 4th of July Jazz and Blues Festival in Leimert ParkCelebrate the 4th of July at the Vision Theatre in Leimert Park with the rich cultural heritage of the diverse sounds of jazz and blues. There will also be children’s arts and crafts, face painting, delicious food available, and free watermelon.When: July 4, 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Where: Vision Theatre back lot, 3341 W. 43rd Pl., Los AngelesCost: FreeSponsor: City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural AffairsInfo: 213-202-5500, www.culturela.org

4th of July BBQ at the Aquarium of the PacificEnjoy the Aquarium at night and get a fish-eye view of the Queen Mary fireworks. Guests can also choose special combo tickets to enjoy admission to the aquarium plus an Independence Day B-B-Q buffet with home-style entrees hot off the grill and decadent deserts. When: July 4, 5:00 - 10:00 pm Dinner 6 - 8 pm, Aquarium opens at 9 amWhere: Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, 320 Golden Shore, Long BeachCost: Aquarium Admission for the evening will be $11.95 for everyone after 5 pm. Regular admission is $20.95 Adult, $11.95 child 3-11, $17.95 seniors, Aquarium plus dinner $34 Adult, $27 Child. Advance reservations required for dinner.Info: 562-590-3100, www.aquariumofpacific.org

Long Beach Sea Festival July 4th Festival Festival activities from Belmont Pier to the Shoreline Marina with a view of the fireworks over the Queen Mary. There will be live music, BBQ and Beer Garden, boat rides, and reserved seats for fireworks viewing on the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier. Marina Green off Pine Avenue and Shoreline Drive will host the Long Beach Car Show with live bands and art exhibits July 4th and 5th with a view of the fireworks. The Queen Mary herself is also a great place to view the fireworks if you get there early enough to beat the traffic and enjoy the street performers, karaoke and nightclub acts.When: July 4 noon to 10 pm at the Pier, Fireworks at 9:00 pm. Car Show July 4 and 5, entertainment 3-10 pm. Where: Car Show at Marina Green Park east of Shoreline Village, Party on the Pier 99-39th Place, Long Beach, CA 90803 Cost: $20 for Party on the Pier, Car Show TBDParking: Outdoor pay lots are at Shoreline Village and the Shoreline Marina (get ticket from parking machine). There’s a metered all-day lot at Alamitos Beach. Street meters are 9 am - 9 pm daily. Pay parking structures are available at the Aquarium, the Pike and the Convention Center. Pay lot at Belmont Pier. Red Passport buses run between downtown and Belmont Shore. Info: Party on the Pier, www.longbeachcarshow.com, www.queenmary.com

4th of July Celebration in San PedroLive music, U.S. military exhibits, tours of a Navy frigate, armed forces, and U.S. Coast Guard demonstrations, displays by the LA City Fire Department’s firefighting boat, and the Washington Artillery Reenactment group firing cannons along the coastline followed by fireworks.When: July 4, 12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m.Where: Cabrillo Beach, 3720 Stephen M. White Dr., San PedroCost: FreeInfo: 310-548-7401, www.laparks.org

Annual San Fernando Valley Independence Day Celebration A holiday celebration in the San Fernando Valley featuring music and other live entertainment, food, and fireworks. Take a swim in the 1.5-acre swim lake available for use during the day. When: July 4, 12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m. Where: Hansen Dam Recreation Area, 11770 Foothill Blvd., Lake View TerraceCost: FreeSponsor: City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and ParksInfo: 1-888-LA PARKS (527-2757), www.laparks.org

Irwindale Speedway NASCAR Races and Fireworks Show California Highway Patrol 200, NASCAR Camping World West Series Race and Auto Club Late Model Firecracker 100 races followed by a fireworks show.When: July 4, 4 pm – 10 pm, Gates open at 4, Autograph sessions at 5:45, races start at 7 pmWhere:Toyota Speedway at Irwindale, 500 Speedway Drive, Irwindale, CA 91706Cost: General Admission $15, Reserved $35, Senior $12, Youth 6-12 $7.50, Children 12 and under free (free ticket required).Info: www.toyotaspeedwayatirwindale.com

July 4th Fireworks Festival in Studio City This is a fun-filled family festival featuring exhibits, music, food, fireworks, a children’s fun zone, and a business exposition in a back lot at CBS Studios.When: July 4, 4:30 – 9:30 pmWhere: CBS Studio Center, 4024 Radford Ave., Studio City, Los AngelesCost: Adults $15 advance, $20 at the gate, Children 6-12 $8 advance, $10 at the gate, add $20 for rooftop viewing access or pay $100 for VIP tickets.Sponsor: Studio City Chamber of CommerceInfo: 818-655-5916, www.studiocitychamber.com

Annual Dennis P. Zine July 4th Extravaganza in Woodland HillsHuge Fourth of July fireworks festival in the West Valley with food vendors, play zone, a free concert and fireworks show.When: July 4, Concert begins at 6:00 pm, fireworks to live music at 9:05 pm Where: Warner Park, 5800, Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland HillsCost: FreeParking: $15 in any of the Warner Center structures between Topanga and Canoga or Califa and Oxnard Sponsor: Valley Cultural CenterInfo: 818-704-1358, www.valleycultural.org

Independence Day Celebration and Parade in Huntington Beach The “largest and oldest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi,” a 5K run/walk, bands, clowns, celebrities, floats and fireworks on “Surf City’s” famous Main Street. When: Parade July 4, Festival July 3, 4, 5Where: Festival at Pier Plaza at Huntington Beach Pier, Parade runs along Main Street from Pacific Coast Highway to Clay Ave.Cost: Free, reserved parade seating and fireworks seating is available for a fee.Info: www.hb4thofjuly.orgView HB Parade Photos.

City of Diamond Bar’s Annual 4th of July BlastSpend the summer afternoon at the park with family, friends, and neighbors. Bring a picnic or enjoy a variety of concessions available. Kids’ crafts, face painting, and patriotic musical performances lead up to the fireworks display.When: July 4, 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.Where: Diamond Bar High School, 21400 Pathfinder Rd, Diamond BarCost: FreeSponsor: City of Diamond BarInfo: 909-839-7070, www.cityofdiamondbar.com

Old Glory Boat Parade Decorated boats parade through Newport HarborWhen: July 4, 1-5 pmWhere: Newport Harbor/Balboa IslandCost: FreeInfo: www.balboa-island.net, (949) 673-5070

Dana Point 4th of July Fireworks Show The City of Dana Point presents an aerial sky show, featuring a musical simulcast presented by radio station KSBR 88.5 FM. Arrive early to picnic over the Harbor on the cliffs of Blue Lantern Park or Heritage Park. When: July 4, 9 pm, beach opens at 6 amWhere: Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629Cost: FreeInfo: www.danapoint.org, (949) 248-3530Note: Fireworks are NOT permitted on the beach.

Fullerton Community Fireworks Show and Festival An old-fashioned Fourth of July party, the festival features live entertainment, games for all ages, food booths and a special aerial fireworks display. When: July 4, 5-9:30Where: Fullerton High School Stadium, Lemon St. & Berkeley Ave. Fullerton, CA 92832Cost: Free. Fee for some activitiesInfo: www.cityoffullerton.com, (714) 738-6545