Where to Celebrate 4th of July This Summer Independence day in Los Angeles is one of the summer’s biggest highlights, and no Independence Day would be complete without traditional 4th of July fireworks. After a relaxing day at one of L.A.’s beautiful beaches and barbecuing in your backyard, cap off the evening with a fireworks show and celebration near you, from waterfront and beaches to high above Hollywood. Here are some of our favorites: Americafest at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena 1001 Rose Bowl Drive Pasadena, CA 91103 (626) 577-3100 www.rosebowlstadium.com This a great place to join thousands of fellow L.A. denizens as they celebrate the 4th of July with one of the area’s biggest fireworks shows. The family friendly celebration begins at 2pm, with a grand fireworks show at 9pm. There are inflatable bounce houses, games and crafts for the kids, motorcycle stunts by the TNT Freestyle Motocross Show, a live musical performance by the Beatle’s tribute band “Liverpool Legends”, and a special salute to America’s space program. General admission is $13 with kids under 5 admitted free. Parking is $20, so come early and enjoy a full day of fun. The Hollywood Bowl July 4th Fireworks Spectacular 2301 N Highland Ave Los Angeles, CA 90068 (323) 850-2000 www.hollywoodbowl.com Ring in another year of independence with legendary rock band Chicago! Known for their famed horn section, Chicago is one of the most successful rock groups of all time, having sold more than 100 million records and scoring chart-topping hits with songs like “Saturday in the Park,” “25 to 6 to 4,” “You’re the Inspiration” and many more. There will also be patriotic music, thrilling fireworks and other fun too. Be sure to get your tickets early before they sell out. There’s a 50% discount for kids under 12, so you can celebrate with the whole family. It’s well worth the price of admission as one of LA’s most popular fireworks displays year after year. Marina Del Rey Fireworks Celebration Burton Chace Park 13650 Mindanao Way Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (310) 305-9595 www.visitmarinadelrey.com There’s nothing quite like an awe-inspiring fireworks show over the water. In Marina del Rey, fireworks will be launched from the waters of the main channel between Fisherman’s Village and the Breakwater, so anywhere near the waterfront will offer great views. Most parking lots will be full by 6pm, so be sure to arrive early. Fireworks start at 9pm, with synchronized music from 88.9 FM. Come early and enjoy the shops and entertainment in Fisherman’s Village. A great viewing spot is on the sand at Mother’s Beach at 4101 Admiralty Way. Or if you’re a boater or have a sea-going friend, watch from the back of a craft in the marina! Queen Mary All-American Fourth Of July 1126 Queens Hwy Long Beach, CA 90802 (877) 342-0738 www.queenmary.com Climb aboard the Queen Mary for a full day of 4th of July fun. Each section of the ship will take inspiration from a different part of the USA, including a Nashville country band and line dancing, a game of Texas hold ’em, New Orleans dueling pianos and marching band, a Coney Island-style circus with aerialists and acrobats, Hollywood Hip Hop DJs and dancers and a Hawaiian luau with hula dancing. There will also be strolling performers, carnival games, face painting, caricature artists, an inflatable jumper & trackless train rides. You’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime view of the fireworks from the deck of this historic ocean liner. CBS Studios Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Festival 4024 Radford Ave Studio City, CA 91604 (818) 655-5916 www.cbssc.com CBS Radford Studios will stage its annual family Fourth of July event complete with live music, food, and a grand finale fireworks display. Kid’s attractions include magic shows, a kids’ zone, exhibits and more. This year’s theme is a Hawaiian luau, complete with strolling pirates and mermaids. There will be an Elvis Tribute featuring James Kruk and the Big Boss Men, and a display of Black Sheep Squadron model airplanes. Tickets are available by phone, on the website, or at the Studio City Farmers’ Market. Come celebrate 4th of July at a real Hollywood studio! While celebrating this Independence Day, don’t forget your own home’s décor. 4th of July decorations add to the fun and help to put people in a festive holiday mood. In addition to American flags and bunting, consider stringing red, blue, and white light strings in celebration areas, and hanging patriotic color-changing European spheres from trees. You can even wash your home or business walls in red, white and blue with large-scale LED projection lighting. For ideas about how Mobile Illumination can help you with lighting design and installation for any holiday, visit mobileillumination.com.