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Grand Park’s 4th of July Block Party 2015. | Photo by Daniel Orth (CC BY-ND 2.0)
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“Boom clap, the sound of my heart. The beat goes on and on and on and on and…,” and like Charlie XCX’s heart that too will be the chorus of the skies over SoCal this 4th of July weekend. Read on for tips on where to watch fireworks and what else to do in LA County.
626 Night Market
Santa Anita Park | 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007 | July 1-3 | 626nightmarket.com
The 626 Night Market is back in the 626 for another summer of delectable treats and new finds. Featuring vendors selling dim sum, tacos, BBQ ribs, desserts, boba, aguas frescas, churros and ice cream, and various styles of apparel, jewelry, home goods and collectibles, you’ll want to arrive early enough to see and taste everything.
Bloom Bloom Room Drag Show & Karaoke
The Boulevard | 3199 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107 | July 1 | instagram.com/p/CePmrjipZ4h/
Hit the bar, enjoy a drag show, sing some karaoke, and bond with the local queer community.
Movies Under the Stars: “Casablanca”
One Colorado Old Pasadena | 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103 | July 1 | onecolorado.com
Walk the black carpet, experience the 360 video photo booth and get comfy before this black and white classic. VIP guests will receive snack packs with popcorn, candy and a soft drink.
Water at the Park Days
Cortez Park | 2441 E. Cortez St., West Covina, CA 91791 | July 1 | westcovina.org
It’s hot and the state is experiencing a historic drought which makes it hard to keep cool. Beat the heat every Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at a different park in West Covina with water activities, games and summer fun for kids 3 and older.
July 4th Fireworks Spectacular with Steve Martin & Martin Short
Hollywood Bowl | 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068 | July 2 | hollywoodbowl.com
The Los Angeles Philharmonic performs alongside two of comedy’s best, Steve Martin and Martin Short.
Downtown Arcadia Patriotic Festival & Fireworks
Downtown Arcadia | First Avenue between Huntington Drive and Diamond Street | July 2 | downtownarcadia.org
Arcadia is celebrating the 4th of July with live entertainment from guitarist Roger Espinoza in the Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation lounge where you’ll be able to purchase wine and beer from Mt. Lowe Brewing Co. and Vendome Wine, food trucks, vendor booths, a water balloon park, giveaways (four bikes from REI, two Dodger tickets behind home plate, and a one-night stay at Le Méridien), and a fireworks display at First Avenue Middle School.
Independence Day Celebration
Barnes Park | 350 S. McPherrin Ave., Monterey Park, CA 91754 | July 2 | montereypark.ca.gov
Kicking off with a military recognition and welcome, festivities get underway with live music from Electric Vinyl and conclude with a fireworks show at 9 p.m.
4th of July Spectacular
Sierra Vista High School | 3600 Frazier Ave., Baldwin Park, CA 91706 | July 2 | baldwinpark.com
Wild Child brings the music of The Doors to life before the synchronized fireworks show. The free event also features inflatable jumpers, carnival-style rides, and local merchants selling food and drinks.
Fireworks Spectacular
El Rancho High School Don Memorial Stadium | 6501 Passons Blvd., Pico Rivera, CA 90660 | July 2 | pico-rivera.org
Celebrate Independence Day early with inflatable amusements, food booths, live music, carnival games and a fireworks show to end the night.
Sara Evans
LA County Arboretum | 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007 | July 2 | pasadenasymphony-pops.org
Country star Sara Evans performs her top hits like “Born to Fly,” “A Little Bit Stronger” and “No Place That Far.”
Latin Sounds: Echo Park Project with Special Guest Ric Salinas
LACMA | 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 | July 2 | lacma.org
Actor and comedian Ric Salinas, co-founder of the comedy group Culture Clash, opens the 2022 Latin Sounds season alongside The Echo Park Project’s mix of original music and ‘70s covers.
Independence Day Celebration Night of Destruction
Irwindale Speedway | 500 Speedway Drive, Irwindale, CA 91706 | July 2 | irwindalespeedway.com
Featuring the ARCA Menards West Series, LKQ Pick Your Part Jet Car Burndown, Trailer Destruction Races, Skid Plate Races, Tucker Tire Enduro Races, Figure 8 Races and the largest fireworks show of the year, celebrate the 4th at the Speedway.
Wat Thai Street Food Market
Wat Thai | 8225 Coldwater Canyon, North Hollywood, CA 91605 | July 2-3 | watthailosangeles.com
Find some of the best Thai food in SoCal in the parking lot of this Thai Buddhist temple.
Night Market El Gato
941 S. Union Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90015 | July 2-3 | instagram.com/nightmarket_elgato
Night Markets are experiencing a sort of renaissance in Los Angeles and El Gato brings with it a variety of foods and carnival-style games.
Loving Life Music & Arts Festival
Los Angeles Center Studios | 450 S. Bixel St., Los Angeles, CA 90017 | July 2-3 | lovinglifefest.com
Spreading love and positivity through EDM, house, tech and bass, Loving Life will feature art and a lineup that includes Clément Leroux, Cut Snake, Grlskout, Kaysin, Klingande, Luke Mitrani, and many other artists.
Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival
Griffith Park | 4801 Griffith Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027 | July 2-Sept. 4 | iscla.org
The Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival returns for the summer with two shows. Up first, “Knight of the Burning Pestle,” a comedy written by a friend of Shakespeare, is an ode to inventive theater and will be on stage from July 2-31. Closing the season, “Macbeth” will transport audiences to its eerie world from Aug. 6-Sept. 4.
Candlelight: Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole
The Hollywood Roosevelt | 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 | July 3 | feverup.com
A jazz ensemble serenades you with classics from Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole in an intimate candlelight venue.
We, Too, Are America
South Pasadena High School Auditorium | 1401 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena, CA 91030 | July 3 | southpasadenaca.gov
This 4th of July theatrical presentation looks at American diversity.
Independence Day Celebration in Duarte
Duarte Sports Park | 1401 Central Ave., Duarte, CA 91010 | July 3 | accessduarte.com
Fireworks will light up the skies over Duarte after a day of eating some of LA’s best food trucks, and enjoying some of LA’s best food trucks, live music from Chico the Band, and family play area with rides and games, and vendor booths.
Americafest
Rose Bowl Stadium | 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103 | July 4 | rosebowlstadium.com
One of the country’s largest fireworks shows, Americafest will highlight key moments of the stadium’s past, welcome back TNT Freestyle Motocross, feature a musical performance by Drake Milligan, and fireworks will end the night.
Grand Park’s 4th of July Block Party
Grand Park | 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | July 4 | grandparkla.org
The party returns to Grand Park with a series of interactive multimedia artworks in tribute to those who have contributed to the spirit of Grand Park, food, musical performances, DJ sets, dancing and fireworks
Unity Day L.A.
Fairplex Grandstand | 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768 | July 4 | unitydayla.com
Celebrate Independence Day and help fund the restoration of the last stop on Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad, a Salem chapel. Hosted by comedians Paul Rodriguez and Tommy Davidson, Unity Day will feature live entertainment from Jacquees, Ray J, Lakeside and more; amateur, professional and celebrity boxing; celebrity guests like boxing legends Shane Mosley Jr. and Ruben Castillo and a family fun zone.
4th of July Parade & Celebration
Rosemead Park | 4343 Encinita Ave., Rosemead, CA 91770 | July 4 | cityofrosemead.org
Start your day with a parade followed by a day of fun activities, rides and attractions, food and craft vendors, live entertainment and end the night with a spectacular firework show. Wristbands for unlimited rides can be purchased prior to the event.
“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” & Fireworks
Hollywood Forever | 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038 | July 4 | hollywoodforever.com
If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss the fireworks and party at Hollywood Forever. Cinespia DJs provide the soundtrack, Ferris Bueller the laughs, and fireworks the awe.
July 4th Concert & Fireworks Show
Library Park | 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016 | July 4 | cityofmonrovia.org
Pack up a picnic or visit one of the many restaurants on Myrtle Avenue, then head to Library park for live music from courtesy of Cold Duck and a fireworks show to end the night.
Paranormal Cirque II
Ontario Mills | 1 Mills Circle, Ontario, CA 91764 | Through July 4 | paranormalcirque.com
This isn’t a regular circus! No children younger than 13 will be admitted and those under 17 will need to be accompanied by an adult 21 or older. Featuring acrobats, illusionists, mysterious creatures, and “freaks,” the show fuses a circus, theater, cabaret and fear.
Vino and Vinyasa – An Evening of Wine and Balance for Women
The Saltner Wine & Cicchetti | 108 E. Colorado Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016 | July 5 | eventbrite.com
This is an evening designed to relax you. Tough Love Fitness will guide attendees through one hour of mindful movement and stretching to get rid of those pesky aches and pains. After the class, taste some wines from around the world.
Citizen Public Market Comedy Night
Citizen Public Market | 9355 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232 | July 6 | eventbrite.com
Grab food and a drink, and get ready to laugh your worries away as approximately five comedians seen on Comedy Central, HBO, Netflix and more entertain you for 90 minutes.
Lola Boutée Presents TRiPTease Burlesque
TRIP Santa Monica | 2101 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405 l July 6 l eventbrite.com
Lower your inhibitions and see what’s hot at LA’s longest running weekly burlesque and variety show. Every Wednesday features a fresh new lineup of talent hosted by the original dame herself, Lola Boutée.
Vaughn Suponatime
Verdugo Park | 1621 Cañada Blvd, Glendale, CA 91208 | July 6 | glendaleca.gov
As the worst of the day’s heat is over, get together with family and friends to enjoy a tribute to Frank Sinatra.
Who’s Zeppelin
Morgan Park | 4100 Baldwin Park Blvd., Baldwin Park, CA 91706 | July 7 | baldwinpark.com
Check out the Downtown Street Market and enjoy a tribute to The Who and Led Zeppelin.
Fortunate Son
Dan Diaz Recreation Center | 16053 Calle de Paseo, Irwindale, CA 91706 | July 7 | irwindaleca.gov
Get pumped for Friday with this Creedence Clearwater cover band. Food is yet to be announced.
“Mulan” and The Smokin’ Cobras
City Hall West Lawn | 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007 | July 7 | arcadiaca.gov
Kick off the night with The Smokin’ Cobras playing hits from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Then travel to China to relive the bravery of Mulan. Kids can enjoy the fun zone area with plenty of games, crafts, and activities.
“Wibit”
Alamitos Beach | south of Ocean Boulevard and east of Shoreline Drive, between Fifth and Sixth places | Through end of summer season | longbeach.gov
The “Wibit” is an inflatable water park, free and open to the public, configured in a figure-eight shape to connect multiple floating play structures. Features will include a springboard, bouncer, monkey bars and other elements to encourage water play, such as swimming, balancing, climbing, jumping, sliding and swimming.
Art Live
Magic Box LA | 1933 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90007 | Through July 3 | thelume.com
Embark on a multi-sensory trip through the world of street. With 360-degree moving visuals and a curated musical score, you will be immersed in the era and location in which the piece was created like New York, London, São Paulo, Melbourne and Berlin.
“King James”
Mark Taper Forum | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Through July 3 | centertheatregroup.org
Written by Rajiv Joseph (“Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo”) and directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon (“A Raisin in the Sun”), “King James” chronicles the story of two LeBron James fans from Cleveland build a bond over 12 years.
Revive: A Soaring ‘20s Circus-Infused Dinner Experience
Vibiana | 214 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Through July 24 | feverup.com
This isn’t your typical dinner and show. Enjoy a four-course dinner with hors d’oeuvres and get immersed in the spectacle as circus and musical artists perform above, behind and in front of you.
“Dear Evan Hansen”
Ahmanson Theatre | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Through July 31 | centertheatregroup.org
After selling out in 2018, the Tony Award-winning musical returns to LA. A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told and a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. “Dear Evan Hansen” is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it.
Parks After Dark
LA County Parks | Through Aug. 6 | parks.lacounty.gov
Parks After Dark has returned for the summer with free activities like concerts and movie nights at 34 LA County parks.
Y Para Siempre…Marco Antonio Solís
Grammy Museum | Through Aug. 14 | grammymuseum.org
The Grammy Museum is honoring the multi-Latin Grammy-winning Mexican singer Marco Antonio Solís, who is currently touring with Los Bukis, with an exhibit exploring five major chapters of the artist’s career and life, including his childhood in Michoacán, the evolution of Los Bukis and his solo career.
100 Great British Drawings
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens | 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 | Through Sept. 5 | huntington.org
“100 Great British Drawings” will trace the practice of drawing in Britain from the 17th through the mid-20th century. The exhibition will feature rarely seen treasures, including works by William Blake, John Constable, Thomas Gainsborough, and J. M. W. Turner, as well as examples by artists associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and early 20th-century modernism.
This Is Not America’s Flag
The Broad | 221 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Through Sept. 25 | thebroad.org
Over 20 artists explore the complex, and often contradictory, meanings engendered by the flag of the United States of America. Conceptualized in 2020 during Black Lives Matter protests nationwide, the exhibit conceptualizes both the nation’s ideals and shortcomings.
Lee Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse
LACMA | 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 | Through Oct. 9 | lacma.org
Highlighting fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen’s tailoring and dressmaking skills, the exhibition examines the different disciplines, imagination, innovation and artistic process that defined McQueen’s career. The exhibition will display McQueen garments from the Collection of Regina J. Drucker alongside artworks from LACMA’s permanent collection.
New Babies Exhibit Opening
Aquarium of the Pacific | 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 | Through April 2023 | aquariumofpacific.org
Who doesn’t like baby animals? Meet baby sea otter pups, miniature sea jellies, baby cuttlefish and more baby animals to make you awww. You’ll also learn how they are cared for and about their ocean habitats.
