If you're enjoying this article, you'll love our daily morning newsletter, How To LA. Every weekday, you'll get fresh, community-driven stories that catch you up with our independent local news.As we near the hottest time of the year, Los Angeles and Orange counties are gearing up to celebrate July 4th in a number of ways, from parades, to concerts, drone shows, movie nights and, of course, plenty of fireworks.
Here are four events in the area to celebrate, or enjoy a spectacular show of fireworks. Plus, a tribute to a San Clemente tradition that has met its end this year.This one is for the early birds. Santa Monica is hosting their Fourth of July parade along its “classic” route on Main Street to Marine, and ending at Barnard Way. Expect Americana at its best: sea breeze, classic cars, a local celebration.
LAFC takes on their cross-town rivals the LA Galaxy at the Rose Bowl. The game will be followed by what the organizers call the “longest-running firework display on the West Coast.” The game starts at 7:30 p.m. But head to the stadium early to enjoy the pre-match tailgating and FanFest at 2:30 p.m. It’s billed as the largest free Fourth of July event on the West Coast, and Grand Park as usual is serving up a big party with everything from DJs spinning sets to live music, as well as tons of food trucks. The kid-friendly event boasts a 75-foot ferris-wheel, as well as a 90-foot-long “Super Slide.'' The night will be capped with a drone show.
Few movies scream USA better than the underdog story of Rocky Balboa. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is hosting a movie night screening the OG classic,A firework show is scheduled after the movie. A free photo booth is also included at the cemetery for movie lovers.on its Fourth of July chair races . The unpermitted event drew more than 7,000 people last year, and saw such unorthodox entries as couches on wheels that raised safety concerns.