Explore the various pre-fireworks festivities across California, offering everything from family-friendly activities to lively music and food before the night skies light up:
The Angels
• Hollywood Forever Cemetery: Before the fireworks, enjoy classic movie screenings. Gates open at 7:15 PM, with movies followed by fireworks. Cost: $20-$35. Address: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038. More Info
• Grand Park: The celebration begins in the afternoon with live music, food trucks, and various activities, culminating in fireworks at 9 PM. Admission: Free. Address: 200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Event Details.
• Rose Bowl, Pasadena: The festivities include food vendors, musical performances, and games from the afternoon, leading up to the 9 PM fireworks. Cost: Starting at $20. Address: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103. More Details.
San Francisco
• Fisherman’s Wharf: A full day at the Wharf includes street performers and local dining, topped off with a 9:30 PM fireworks display. Admission: Free. Address: The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf.
San Diego
• Big Bay Boom: Enjoy parks and eateries along the bay during the day. Fireworks start at 9 PM. Admission: Free. Address: North Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101. Big Bay Boom Details.
• Cal Expo: Features carnival games, live music, and food courts before the 9:30 PM fireworks. Admission: Free, parking around $10. Address: 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815. Cal Expo Events.
Marina del Rey
• Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village: Spend your day with live music and water activities, followed by fireworks at 9 PM. Admission: Free. Addresses: Burton Chace Park - 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292; Fisherman’s Village - 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292. Marina del Rey Tourism.
Disneyland, Anaheim
• Disneyland: The park hosts themed entertainment and patriotic parades throughout the day before the 9:30 PM fireworks. Cost: Park admission required (starting at $104). Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802. Disneyland Events.
Saint Joseph
• Downtown San Jose: Begins in the early evening with family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts, food vendors, and live entertainment, with fireworks at 9:30 PM. Admission: Free. Address: 1 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113. San Jose Celebrations.
This guide ensures you can plan a full day of celebration this Fourth of July, from early festivities to the grand finale of fireworks. Check each event’s official website for the most up-to-date information, and enjoy a safe and spectacular holiday!