Best places to spend 4th of july in california
California has a 4th of July event for everyone, whether you want to see spectacular fireworks displays or have a quiet day on the sea. Here are a few Fourth of July celebrations to think about.
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Best Places to go for 4th of July in Southern California
The Fourth of July is a symbol of summer, and Southern California celebrates it to the fullest. This list is ideal for you if you’re seeking for the best place to celebrate and spend time with friends and family. We have collected a list of some of the greatest locations to see the fireworks and celebrate your independence here in SoCal, whether you are in Los Angeles, Orange County, or San Diego.
1. Concert on the Green – Irvine
Irvine Police association hosts it 33rd annual independence day celebration. Food, music, raffles and more will start at 3pm at the Irvine High School Stadium and the festivities will conclude with a beautiful fireworks show. Admission is $15 with discounts available for young children and seniors.
2. Los Angeles
- Americafest – Pasadena Rose Bowl
Enjoy classic American eats, a motorcycle stunt show and a world renowned fireworks presentation at this family friendly 4th of July celebration. While the fireworks may not start until 9pm, the Rose Bowl will open it’s doors at 2pm for a variety of festivities. Parking is $20, but you can make the most of it by tailgating with friends and family all afternoon!
- Independence Day in the Palisades
If you are all about fun in the sun, then this beachy celebration is the one for you. The festivities will kick off at 2pm as a band of patriotic skydivers descend from the clouds marking the start of a colossal parade. The fun continues with a concert followed by an epic fireworks display. Event tickets are $10 and kids get in for free.
- Pentatonix at the Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl brings you another not to be missed 4th of July celebration with a must see performance by the Pentatonix. Enjoy the beautiful harmonies of these young acapella stars followed by a dazzling fireworks display. Can’t get tickets or just looking to catch the fireworks? Check out the Hollywood Bowl Overlook. While parking may be challenging, if you can score a parking spot the views of the city are spectacular. Tickets for the show will start at $28 and fireworks will immediately follow the concert.
- 4th of July at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Catching a flick at Cinespia in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a must try for all visitors and residents of the Hollywood area. This 4th of july you can take you celebration to the next level as you enjoy a screening of Jurassic Park followed by a stunning fireworks display. Event complete with themed photo booth and Dj. Make sure you bring your own blankets or chairs as seating is not provided. Arriving early is necessary for this event as parking can be difficult to find and the lines will be long.
3. Orange County
- Disneyland Celebrates the 4th of July
From July 1st-4th you can catch an inspiring fireworks presentation as it lights up the night to the sounds of patriotic music. Enjoy a day at the park with the whole family or just grab a bite at downtown disney and catch the show from the courtyard. The park opens at 10am and the fireworks will begin at 9:30pm.
- Laguna Hills Celebrates the 4th of July
Grab your family and friends and head on down to this Independence Day celebration. Carnival rides, games, music, face painting and more will be available starting at 4pm. Enjoy a day of fun in the sun and as the sun sets you can settle in and get ready for an exciting fireworks display starting at 9pm. Food and drinks will be available and don’t forget to bring your own blankets and lawn chairs as seating will not be provided.
- Independence Day at Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm will be celebrating this Independence Day with their very own fireworks spectacular. Spend the day riding coasters, enjoying park fare and soaking up some sun before the festivities begin. The fireworks will start at 9:30pm and admission will start at $45.
4. San Diego
- Big Bay Boom
This will be the largest fireworks display in the county. The show will be visible from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero area and Seaport Village/ Coronado Landing. The score for the show will be live cast from 1090AM and 105.7FM. All you have to do is find a spot along the bay to settle in and you can enjoy the spectacular display to come. Show starts at 9pm. Make sure to plan ahead and be prepared for traffic.
- 4th Fest – Chula Vista
Looking for a great location to catch some fireworks? Chula Vista will be offering a FREE fireworks spectacular at the U.S Olympic Training Center. The show will be set to a custom soundtrack and the event is open to all. Grab you friends and family and make sure you arrive early so you can secure yourself a spot. The show starts at 9pm.
- Red, White and Boom – Lego Land
Celebrate this Independence Day with a family funday in the park. Enjoy more than 60 rides, shows and attractions all day long. The days celebrations will be concluded with an awe-inspiring fireworks display set to patriotic music. The park will open at 10am and the fireworks will begin at 8:30pm. If you can’t make it to the park there are plenty of local spots nearby where you can catch a glimpse of the fireworks. Make sure to plan for traffic and plan ahead so you don’t miss out.
- The County Fair Celebrates 4th of July – Del Mar
If you love the San Diego County Fair the you won’t want to miss out on their Independance Day celebration. They will pulling out all the stops with amazing food and entertainment. The evening will come to a close with a stunning fireworks display that is not to be missed. The fairgrounds will open at 9:30am and the fireworks spectacular will begin at 9pm.
Best places to spend 4th of july in california
Families in California have a wide range of Fourth of July vacation alternatives, from relaxing to exhilarating. Why not travel deep into the state to unwind on a family-only vacation? Alternately, you can go to one of the numerous city fireworks shows and mix it up with the crowd.
This is a list of Best places to spend 4th of july in california;
1. San Francisco
The City by the Bay is one of the best places to see fireworks in Northern California, as San Francisco puts on not one set of fireworks but two simultaneous and synchronized shows. The dual show starts at 9:30 p.m. each year and lasts for about 30 minutes, but you’ll have to arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
The best place to see fireworks—and most crowded—is near Fisherman’s Wharf and Aquatic Park, but you should arrive around midday or early afternoon. Thankfully, there are Fourth of July festivities happening around the area all day long to keep you entertained. The hills around Chrissy Field also give great views and have some more breathing room, or you can cross the Bay and watch them from Sausalito.
If your budget allows it, watching the show from the water is the most memorable way to spend July 4. Several bay cruises host special holiday voyages so spectators can enjoy a front-row experience. If you want to be on the water without paying for a cruise ticket, head early in the day to Treasure Island to reserve a spot and enjoy the show from there, which is accessible by car from the Bay Bridge.
Many visitors head to the Golden Gate Bridge during the day to wait for the evening show, only to be shooed away at 9 p.m. when the bridge closes to pedestrians. Don’t make that mistake.
2. East Bay
The city of Alameda—across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco and adjacent to Oakland—claims to host the longest Fourth of July parade in the country. The 3.3-mile route covers a large part of this small waterfront town, but it brings out over 2,500 participants and more than 60,000 spectators (significant considering Alameda’s population is only 80,000 people). The parade starts at 10 a.m. and has an authentic hometown feel, with marching bands, classic cars, floats, dance groups, and lots of red, white, and blue.
3. Lake Tahoe
The big celebration at Lake Tahoe is Lights on the Lake, the largest synchronized fireworks display in the western United States. The fireworks are launched from barges just off the South Shore in the town of Stateline, right at the border of California and Nevada.
Incline Village on the North Shore also has an Independence Day celebration, the Red, White, and Tahoe Blue Festival. It includes a parade, fireworks, and duck races, featuring an adorable bunch of rubber duckies floating down the stream toward the lake.
In a rare year with lots of late snow, you might have a hard time deciding whether to pack the water skis or the snow skis for Tahoe on the Fourth, with skiing still going on at some of the area’s bigger, higher-elevated resorts like Squaw Valley.
4. Sacramento
Celebrating Independence Day around the state capital isn’t difficult with all of the options around Sacramento. The biggest fireworks event in the city is the July 4th Festival at Cal Expo, home of the state fair. It’s free to attend if you don’t mind bringing a blanket or lawn chair and sitting on the ground, although grandstand seat reservations are available for purchase. Don’t forget a picnic basket to enjoy snacks and drinks while you watch the choreographed show above.
If you want to escape the city for the day for a more local celebration, several nearby suburbs also throw their own Fourth of July festivals and fireworks shows, such as Davis and Elk Grove.
The Elk Grove fireworks show is confirmed for July 4, 2020, but without a centralized viewing area. Spectators are encouraged to watch the show from their front yard or an open area while maintaining the recommended social distance.
5. Lake Oroville
About an hour and a half north of Sacramento, the small town of Oroville and the nearby lake host a gorgeous fireworks display over the water in the scenic foothills of the Sierra Nevadas.
The July 4, 2020, event starts at 9 p.m., but without a designated viewing area. The fireworks will be launched from the Oroville Airport on the west side of town in 2020, so it will be easier for residents to view the show from their front yards. Viewing is also possible from higher elevation points in the city or around Forebay or Afterbay, all while maintaining social distance from other spectators.
6. California Gold Country
The Gold Rush town of Columbia puts on a very old-fashioned Fourth of July Celebration, with a community parade that anyone can march in. After that, there’s live music performances, street dancing, and a delicious barbecue. Activities throughout the day include quintessential festival games, such as a watermelon eating contest, a five-way tug of war, greased pole climbing, and a nail pounding contest. You can also enjoy the year-round activities of the state park such as panning for gold or exploring the local shops.
7. Hollywood
The Hollywood Bowl is a massive outdoor amphitheater and consistently voted as one of the best music venues in the entire U.S. If you’re in town for the Fourth of July, it’s one of the best places to celebrate America’s birthday in all of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra is joined every year by a different headlining act, creating a dramatic show that ends with a fireworks show perfectly timed with the accompanying music. The fireworks are so close to the stage that you’ll need to crane your neck just to see them.
Like in all parts of Los Angeles, parking at the Hollywood Bowl is extremely limited and traffic on a holiday will be especially bad. Hire a ridesharing service to avoid the hassle, or use the Metro Red Line to the Hollywood/Highland stop. From there, you can jump on the Hollywood Bowl Express Bus or walk to the amphitheater in 20 minutes.
8. Downtown Los Angeles
The downtown block party at Grand Park is a free event that fills with revelers every single year, but for 2020 it will all be held online. The typical festivities have been put on hold, including the fireworks show over downtown Los Angeles. The details are still in the works, but continue to check out the official webpage for updates on what to expect and how you can tune in.
9. Marina del Rey & Venice Beach
Being a coastal city, many people seek out Fourth of July fireworks in Los Angeles that go off over the water. In that case, the Marina del Rey show is the one for you. This is the largest public show in the city and it’s free to enjoy for all, meaning it also gets crowded quickly. Marina del Rey is near the ocean right between Santa Monica and LAX Airport, so you get views of the fireworks and the Pacific Ocean.
The show can be viewed from anywhere along Marina del Rey, Venice Pier, Playa Vista, and Dockweiler Beach, but because of the number of people who attend it’s recommended to arrive by 1 p.m. and spend the afternoon in the area. Parking is extremely limited and roads around the Marina are shut down by late afternoon, so plan to arrive early if you’re coming in a vehicle—even if it’s an Uber or Lyft.
10. Pasadena
AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena is a massive event just outside of Los Angeles. This all-day event begins with a tailgate party in front of the stadium and culminates with a fireworks show overhead, with plenty of festival activities and music in between them to fill up the day. Paid admission is required to enter, so buy tickets early to get into this popular Southern California event.
11. Disneyland
It can feel like the Independence Day all year long at Disneyland in Anaheim with their nightly fireworks extravaganza, but the July 4 show is an extra special one to commemorate the holiday. Red, white, and blue explode over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle all while synced to the sound of patriotic tunes.
Summer is already a busy time at Disneyland, but coupled with the holiday weekend means the park is especially packed—sometimes to the point of cutting off the entrance to new visitors. Arrive early, stay for the day, and find a spot to sit and enjoy the show before it gets dark.
12. San Diego
The Big Bay Boom is the event to attend for Independence Day festivities in San Diego, but for 2020 it will have to be enjoyed from home. The typical fireworks spectacular is canceled and, in its place, San Diego and Southern California residents can tune into local news programming to watch highlights from past Fourth of July celebrations. The show starts at 8 p.m. local time and can be viewed on Fox 5 in San Diego or KTLA 5 in Los Angeles.
Firework shows in nearby Coronado and Imperial Beach are also canceled for 2020.
13. Catalina Island
The town of Avalon on Catalina Island hosts one of the quirkiest Independence Day events that you’ll see: a Fourth of July golf cart parade (golf carts outnumber residents on the island). Later, head to the Catalina Casino—which is a venue on the island, not a gambling casino—for a barbecue, live music, and other patriotic festivities. In the evening, fireworks shoot off over the island with the California mainland in the background.
Get to Catalina Island by hopping on one of the ferries from the docks at San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach, or Dana Point. Some boats travel to Two Harbors and others to Avalon, so make sure you choose the Avalon option.
14. Pomona
The KABOOM celebration on July 4 at the Pomona Fairplex includes a fireworks show, but that’s not even the most exciting part of this thrilling event. KABOOM begins with a wild show of monster truck brawls, motocross stunts, and quad wars, where teams of quad drivers perform tricks on their vehicles to beat the other team. This can’t-miss event is made for those who want to add even more excitement to their holiday plans, and it’s only 30 minutes east of downtown Los Angeles.
15. Simi Valley
The Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley offers a fun look into American politics and the presidency, including a real Air Force One airplane on display. On Independence Day, they provide patriotic concerts and family entertainment, with free admission to outdoor activities.
The 2020 celebration will be a little different, with all of the activities taking place online. There is a virtual program including a performance of the National Anthem, monologues by past presidents, and an interactive lesson about Betsy Ross and the creation of the American flag.
San Francisco 4th of July
San Francisco always has a crowded Fourth of July. This well-known holiday, which falls on a Monday in 2022, always draws a sizable crowd to the waterfront. On this day, you can take in the waterfront fireworks, the day’s worth of events at Fisherman’s Wharf, and a ferry ride around the bay.
No city does Independence Day quite like San Francisco. Thanks to meteorological hurdles and a famously rebellious spirit, non-traditional events abound alongside classic fireworks displays and parades.
The festivities were largely canceled in 2020 due to Covid-19, and while some are still on pause this year, many of the best 4th of July events in San Francisco are returning in 2021 with a bang. San Francisco fireworks are officially on, as are the annual events along the waterfront. Various Bay Area cities are holding parades and concerts. And, of course, restaurants and bars are open to full capacity once again.
With vaccines rolled out and virus transmission at an all-time low since the start of 2020, this 4th of July may very well be the first chance you’ve had to gather with others in a holiday celebration for a year and a half. To make sure you make the most of it, we’ve rounded up all the events, festivals, and parades that are officially taking place around the Bay Area this year.
Whether you’re joining the crowds with our guide to Fisherman’s Wharf, staking out a spot at one of the best places to watch fireworks in the Bay Area, or making a tour of the best ice cream in San Francisco—there’s something for everyone.
San Francisco 4th of July events
1. 4th at the Wharf | SF
Spend the day at Pier 39 for what’s become the go-to firework-watching party in SF. Enjoy street performers, live music and delectable bites. Fireworks will be shot off from barges at Aquatic Park and Pier 39. Pro-tip: The walking areas next to the Franciscan Crab Restaurant offer phenomenal, usually less-crowded views of the sky. July 4, 9:30am–11pm (fireworks start around 9:30pm)
2. SF Symphony’s Stern Grove Concert | SF
The SF Symphony holds an annual Fourth of July performance, typically at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View alongside fireworks. This year the symphony will be joining the Stern Grove Festival for a special Fourth of July performance featuring pianist Aaron Diehl. Given Covid-19 protocols, the festival will have limited capacity, and advanced reservations will be required. Reservations open on June 22 at 2pm — make sure to snag your seat then. Admission is free, and you can book for up to four people. July 4, Gates open at noon, concert starts at 2pm
3. San Francisco Pub Crawl | SF
Join CrawlSF for a day of pub hopping on July 3 and July 4. Bar stops include Mayes, El Lopo, Jackalope, Wreck Room, McTeagues and more. Guests will get a selection of discounted cocktails, beers, and shots. July 3 and 4, 2–10pm
4. Oakland A’s Patriotic Fireworks | Oakland
Oakland Athletics games at the Oakland Coliseum have been closed to fans during the pandemic, but now they’re welcoming people back with a bang. On July 2, you can watch the game against the Boston Red Sox and stay for a postgame fireworks celebration. July 2, 6:40pm (fireworks after the game)
5. Concert at Rocky’s Market Brooklyn Basin | Oakland
If you’re looking to take in some live music this holiday, consider heading to Rocky’s Market Brooklyn Basin along the waterfront in Oakland. IMAGINE: NATION, an innovative percussion duo, will be “bringing songs of freedom and celebration from around the world” with songs from Brazil, West Africa and the USA. The restaurant’s full drink and food menus will be available. Tickets are $20. July 4, 6-8pm
6. USS Hornet’s 4th of July Celebration | Alameda
If you’re proud to be an American, pay salute at the USS Hornet Sea, Air and Space Museum. This retired aircraft carrier served for three decades, seeing action in WWII, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and the recovery of the first two lunar landing space missions. The old vessel is taking it easy nowadays, hosting a 4th of July party that will feature a live DJ, great views, and food and drink. The annual fireworks display is canceled on the ship this year, but the daytime party is on. So explore the ship, chow down, drink up and then head to your favorite spot to watch the San Francisco fireworks. July 4, 10am–6pm
7. Bolinas vs Stinson Beach Tug-of-War | Marin
Every summer, residents of Bolinas and Stinson engage in an all-out tug-of-war battle at Bolinas Lagoon. Even if you’re not an ID-carrying resident of either town, you’re still welcome to show up, pick a side, and dig your heels into the sand. July 4, 9pm
8. Music in the Vines | Livermore
Spend the day before the big party in the sun with a bottle of wine. On July 3, McGrail Vineyards is hosting a party on its front lawn with live music by Lavender Fields Band, fantastic views, Big C BBQ, and of course, wine. Reservations are available for up to 10 people in one group; $10/person and $5 for wine club members. Make sure to bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. July 3, 12pm
9. Rose, White & Blue 4th of July Parade | San Jose
Taking place from Stockton Avenue to Magnolia Avenue in San Jose, the Rose, White and Blue Parade & Festival is planning to have an in-person event this year to showcase and celebrate local residents, businesses, and organizations. Get ready for a car show, live music, food, and shopping from local vendors – and it’s free to attend! July 3, 11am-3pm
10. Ol’ Fashioned July 4th Parade & Fest | Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco, is bringing back its charming Fourth of July festivities. The day will kick off with a pancake breakfast in the City Hall parking lot from 8am-12pm. The parade will then start at noon, going down Main Street. The day is largely music-focused – with a Coastside Rising ‘So Happy Together’ Music Fest from 11am-4pm at Main and Kelly streets. Don’t miss the slew of craft beer, wine, cocktail, and food vendors there to keep you refreshed. July 4, 8am-4pm
Best 4th of July parades
Independence Day is one of the merriest holidays in the US, making it a fantastic opportunity to go on vacation. Large Fourth of July fireworks displays, patriotic parades, and street parties are held in cities across the nation to mark the day.
In Washington, D.C., the skies above the Capitol Building are ablaze with patriotic color, while fireworks are set off above the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. However, you are not have to live in a large metropolis to celebrate the holiday because some of the best events take place in small New England towns or urban suburbs. There is always a fun way to celebrate America’s birthday, no matter where you are.
Below is a list of Best 4th of July parades;
1. Chicago
The Navy Pier Fourth of July celebration were canceled in 2020.
Navy Pier has firework shows all summer, but on July 4 the iconic downtown Chicago destination puts on a special red, white, and blue fireworks display. On the Fourth of July, Navy Pier is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Organizers expect large crowds filling parking garages and the pier itself so it’s wise to go early and spend time there in advance of the evening celebrations.
It actually gets so crowded that they may close the pier and grounds, allowing entry only to people with approved advance tickets or official reservations.
2. New England
The historic towns and cities scattered across New England played a big role in America’s independence, so it’s no surprise that they go all out for Fourth of July with parades, family-friendly events, and lavish fireworks displays. Many of the largest events—such as those held in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, and Bristol, Rhode Island—have been canceled in 2020.
At least one event that is still planned to take place, albeit with modifications, is the Fourth of July parade in Bar Harbor, Maine. On July 4, 2020, the city will host a “reverse parade,” where businesses decorate their shopfronts so spectators can walk around and enjoy the displays instead of all congregating in one place.
3. Boston
Beantown is famous for its fireworks display accompanied live by the world-famous Boston Pops Orchestra, which always ends the night with Tchaikovsky’s iconic “1812 Overture,” complete with cannon fire. Fireworks blast off from seven barges along the Charles River while fans watch from the DCR Hatch Shell on the Esplanade or along the Longfellow Bridges.
The 2020 event is called “Boston Pops Salute to Our Heroes,” and it pays tribute to frontline workers and healthcare employees. There won’t be a fireworks display this year nor a live show, but instead, America’s Orchestra will play the regular patriotic classics to be enjoyed from home via television or radio. It starts at 8 p.m. EDT on July 4, 2020, so tune in to accompany your at-home festivities with this New England classic.
4. Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg Fourth of July celebrations were canceled in 2020.
Colonial Williamsburg is living history—real-life actors take over the historic houses and bring to life the days before the American Revolution. You’ll have a chance to ask a Thomas Jefferson or Patrick Henry replica a few history questions.
Fireworks are launched at 9:20 p.m. from behind the Governor’s Palace. Arrive early enough to find a seat in the Palace Green for viewing and listen to the concerts.
5. New York City
An Independence Day highlight in New York City is Macy’s stupendous Fourth of July fireworks, exploding in the skies over the Brooklyn Bridge. Fireworks are set off from barges close to Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport and smaller fireworks will be shot from the bridge itself. This pyrotechnic spectacular is billed as the largest fireworks event in the U.S. on July 4.
While you can normally see the fireworks from anywhere near New York’s most famous bridge, public viewing areas for the 2020 event will be closed down. If you’re staying in an apartment or hotel near the water in Brooklyn or downtown Manhattan, you may be able to see the live show right from your accommodations. Otherwise, it will air on NBC across the country to be enjoyed from the comfort of your own living room, starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT or 7 p.m. CT/MT.
6. Washington, DC
The National Independence Day Parade and fireworks show were canceled in 2020.
Nothing tops the afternoon National Independence Day Parade along Constitution Avenue. Then, at the U.S. Capitol, sit on the lawn and enjoy “A Capitol Fourth” concert which begins at 8 p.m. and features noted musicians and a performance of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” by the National Symphony Orchestra. The day in Washington, D.C., is topped off with a massive fireworks display over the National Mall.
7. Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach’s Stars & Stripes Explosion were canceled in 2020.
Virginia Beach puts on its annual Stars & Stripes Explosion for the Fourth of July. Thousands of visitors flock to the waterfront stages to see marching bands, tribute bands, and local entertainers followed by spectacular fireworks over the ocean in this free patriotic celebration.
8. Addison, Texas
The Dallas suburb of Addison has a population of only 19,000 residents, but every year on July 3, the town swells to a staggering half-million people as visitors flow in for one of the nation’s greatest firework displays. Kaboom Town, as the event is called, is a 30-minute show and not one to miss, as 3,500 pounds of fireworks light up the sky.
Kaboom Town is held on the day before the Fourth of July each year. For the July 3, 2020, event, this legendary fireworks show will go on at 9:30 p.m. but without the traditional daytime festivities around the city, including the Watch Party in Addison Circle Park. The show can be viewed from virtually anywhere in the city with an unobstructed view, so hang out on the patio of a nearby restaurant, at your Addison hotel, or in your parked car. If you’re out of the area but want to see this famous show, you can watch Kaboom Town from home by streaming it live.
9. Nashville
Fourth of July celebrations in Nashville were canceled in 2020. A scaled-down fireworks show will air at 9 p.m. on local television.
Music City hosts one of the biggest fireworks shows in the country along the Cumberland waterfront. Accompanied by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, the fireworks and music start at 9:30 p.m. on July 4, 2019, and are the finale of a jam-packed day of entertainment and music.
The main concert stage is located at Fifth Avenue and Broadway and the celebration includes a DJ and live music starting at noon.
10. Houston
In the heart of downtown Houston, the annual Freedom Over Texas event is celebrated each year on July 4 with a festival and massive fireworks display at Eleanor Tinsley Park. In 2020, the park will be closed and the outdoor festival is canceled, but spectators can still enjoy the annual fireworks show and a performance by the Houston Symphony Orchestra, both of which will be broadcast live on television and online.
If you’re around the Houston area, there are no public places open to gather and watch the fireworks. However, you could always enjoy it from the safety of your car by parking near the park and seeing the show live.
11. New Orleans
Go 4th on the River in New Orleans is canceled in 2020.
Ring in America’s birthday in New Orleans style at the Go 4th on the River bash, which features vintage victory bands and the “Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza” over the riverfront. The fireworks begin at 9 p.m. after the music which starts at 5:30 p.m.
12. St. Louis
On the banks of the Mississippi River, Fair St. Louis is a massive Fourth of July event that spans an entire weekend and usually culminates with a show consisting of over 15,000 pounds of fireworks. However, the in-person festivities are canceled in 2020 and instead will be moved to a fully virtual event that can be accessed from the event Facebook page. Tune in from home to see musical acts, a variety show, and a patriotic salute to the nation and frontline workers. The show begins at 10 a.m. on July 4, 2020.
13. Los Angeles
There are Fourth of July festivals to celebrate all over Southern California, from Grand Park in downtown L.A. to AmericaFest in the Rose Bowl of Pasadena. Many of the most iconic events in the area, such as AmericaFest, Disneyland fireworks, and KABOOM in Pomona, are canceled in 2020.
One large event still taking place is the Grand Park Block Party, although the entire show will be held virtually and streamed online. Grand Park will be closed to spectators, but check out the official event web page for updates on how to tune in from home.
14. Lake Tahoe
Lights on the Lake is canceled in 2020.
The fireworks reflecting on the calm waters of Lake Tahoe, with the gorgeous Sierra Nevada mountains in the background, really make this one of the most scenic celebrations. The 25-minute “Lights on the Lake” show attracts some 125,000 people to the area.
Head to the south end of the lake, in areas like El Dorado Beach, Nevada Beach, and Timber Cove Marina for the best views.
15. Salt Lake City
The Park City fireworks show may be canceled in 2020. Check local news for the most up-to-date information.
Salt Lake City celebrates Independence Day in western style, with rodeos, live country music, horse races, and more. Don’t miss Park City’s fireworks displays, which are the largest in the area.
Park City, located 32 miles from central Salt Lake City, is a historic mining town and ski area. The parade there begins at 11 a.m. on Main Street. Starting at 3 p.m., musicians play on the Green until the fireworks light the skies at dusk.