It’s July 4th weekend and sparks are flying with this week’s round-up of events! From parades to fireworks shows, and more, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday weekend ahead. Read on for our favorite happenings this Independence Day weekend!
Los Angeles Weekend Events | July 4th Edition
KCRW Summer Nights
When: Until September 21
Where: Exposition Park
What: Everyone’s favorite NPR member station, KCRW, is hosting a series of summer concerts at various public plazas and beloved museums. This summer’s schedule is packed with familiar KCRW DJs and local buzz bands providing free, open-air music on select nights through September. Venues include Union Station, CAAM, Descanso Gardens, Bowers Museum, Century Park, the Autry, KCRW’s Santa Monica headquarters, and the lively party-till-midnight bashes at Chinatown Central Plaza. Enjoy a diverse lineup of live music in beautiful settings across the city.
Cinespia Cemetery Screenings
When: Until August 24
Where: Hollywood Forever Cemetary
What: Summer in L.A. officially kicks off when the first cemetery screening at Hollywood Forever attracts throngs of movie enthusiasts. They come prepared with folding chairs, picnic blankets, lavish snack spreads, and plenty of drinks. This Fourth of July, Cinespia is showcasing “Rocky” with a fireworks finale, followed by screenings of “Charlie’s Angels” and “Shrek 2” over the next two evenings.
Fourth of July Block Party
When: July 4th
Where: Grand Park | DTLA
What: If you’re on the hunt for a cheap, lively way to celebrate Uncle Sam, shake it over to Grand Park, and watch Downtown L.A. light up for free—though this time around, the park has swapped out fireworks for 800 drones. This Fourth of July, Grand Park hosts a unique block party, featuring scrumptious food truck fare and two stages of live music.
Westside & Beach Communities Weekend Events | July 4th Edition
July 4th Fireworks in Marina del Rey
When: July 4
Where: Marina Del Rey
What: There’s something magical about watching fireworks over the ocean. Every year in Marina del Rey, fireworks illuminate the marina channel, drawing spectators to various vantage points: Burton Chace Park, Fisherman’s Village, Marina “Mother’s” Beach, waterfront hotels, restaurants, and boats. The show begins at 9 PM and lasts for about 20 minutes. Be sure to arrive early to secure parking in the area’s county lots.
Off the 405
When: Until August 24
Where: The Getty
What: Hilltop sunset views and emerging bands make this Getty tradition a must-visit for Angelenos from both sides of the 405. This year’s lineup of free Saturday night shows includes Hailu Mergia (June 1), Slauson Malone 1 (June 15), Helado Negro (July 20), Julia Holter (July 27), and Woods (August 24). Tip: To avoid traffic and crowds, arrive early, preferably after 3pm when the parking fee drops to $15 (or $10 if you wait until the show starts). This way, you can explore the exhibits, which remain open until 8pm on Saturdays, and avoid the dinner rush.
Pacific Palisades Fourth of July Parade
When: July 4
Where: Pacific Palisades
What: If you’re looking for a lively and budget-friendly way to celebrate the Fourth of July, head over to Grand Park. This year, instead of fireworks, the park will be lit up by a spectacular display of 800 drones. Grand Park’s block party will feature delicious food truck offerings and two stages of live music, making it a unique and exciting way to honor Uncle Sam.
San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | July 4th Edition
Burbank 4th of July Fireworks Display
When: July 4th
Where: Burbank
What: Burbank’s Starlight Bowl is hosting a full evening of Fourth of July festivities, kicking off with performances by Billy Joel and Fleetwood Mac tribute bands. The night culminates with a fireworks show around 9 PM. If the music isn’t your thing but you still want to catch the fireworks, consider heading to Castaway across the canyon. It usually offers fireworks seating and stunning views of the Valley.
4th of July Celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood
When: July 4th
Where: Universal City
What: The iconic movie studio and theme park will host a spectacular Fourth of July fireworks show, synchronized to Universal-themed music and patriotic tunes. While we await the full details for 2024, previous years have featured additional holiday touches such as themed décor and a fife and drum band. You can catch the 9 PM fireworks from two main locations: the Universal Plaza in the upper lot and near the Transformers ride in the lower lot. If you’re considering watching from CityWalk, be aware that visibility from the shopping district will be limited or nonexistent.
Movies on the Roof
When: Until July 27
Where: Sherman Oaks
What: Enjoy an open-air film series atop Westfield Fashion Square’s parking garage. Over the Fourth of July weekend, you can catch a screening of Top Gun on Saturday.
Conejo Valley Weekend Events | July 4th Edition
Westlake Village 4th of July Parade and Party in the Park
When: July 4th, 9:30am – 11:30am
Where: Lakeview Canyon Road and Agoura Road, Westlake
What: Join the City of Westlake Village for a festive 4th of July Parade! Participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes, scooters, skateboards, or wagons in patriotic colors and be part of this wonderful celebration. Residents are also welcome to cheer on the parade from the sidelines.
Rock & Country Jam & Fireworks Celebration in Simi Valley
When: July 4th | 3:00pm – 9:30pm
Where: 5005 E Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley
What: Celebrate the Fourth of July with the Star-Spangled Rock & Country Jam and Fireworks Celebration. Enjoy live music, food and craft vendors, a silent auction, and beer and wine. Kids can have fun in the free kids’ zone, courtesy of Adventist Health Simi Valley. The festivities culminate in a spectacular fireworks display at 9 PM, synchronized to music on 99.1 The Ranch. Don’t miss this exciting community event!
City of Thousand Oaks Annual Fireworks Display
When: July 4th | 9:00pm – 9:30pm
Where: Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
What: Experience the 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, coordinated by the Conejo Recreation and Park District, The City of Thousand Oaks, and other local sponsors. Enjoy a fantastic view of the fireworks from Janss Marketplace, The Oaks Mall parking lots, and the surrounding areas. Patriotic music will be simulcast by KHAY 100.7 FM to enhance your experience.