Independence Day is right around the corner, and here are a few ways to bring in the holiday, whether it’s at the beach, at a pool, at a jazz festival or a soul dance party.
Check it the #WilsonsGuide Top 10 Independence Day in LA List!
10. 4th of July Block Party @ Grand Park
The Merriment: Coining itself as downtown’s biggest rooftop fireworks display, the Grand Park Block Party will have multiple stages with live entertainment in the afternoon and fireworks at night.
The Location: Downtown
The Vibes: Outdoors, musical, big crowds, lively, dancing
Good for: All ages
When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, 1 p.m. doors open; 4 p.m. live music begins; 9 p.m. fireworks start
The $ Factor: Free
Parking Situation: Options include Pershing Square, FIGat7TH (beginning at 4 p.m., you can get the $5 PARK + PLAY). Additional parking recommendations can be found at PARKME.COM. You can also take the Metro Red and Purple lines to PERSHING SQUARE STATION or the Gold Line to UNION STATION or LITTLE TOKYO/ARTS DISTRICT STATION.
The 4-1-1: Venture off to one of downtown’s newest parks for food vendors, live music and of course, fireworks. The ALTimate Main Stage and the SOULNIC Stage will feature musical performances by acts such as Brick + Mortar, Echosmith, DJ ALA, Tailwind Turner and Derrick Wize. Also, several eateries like the Grand Central Market, a #WilsonsGuide pick, are providing discounts before and after the party if you show a valid TAP card, Metro employee ID or LA County employee ID. Check the Grand Park website for more details, which also has an extensive list of what not to bring (including alcohol, water bottles with liquid and large coolers...make sure to read that carefully before going). And if you do attend, use the hashtag #GO4THDTLA for all your social media posts.
For more information: Website
9. SOULNIC at the 4th of July Block Party @ Grand Park
The Merriment: Part of the previously mentioned Grand Park Block Party, SOULNIC is the 4th annual summertime outdoor dance music event, presented by Extra Mild sauce, highlighting soulful house, deep house, disco and everything that’s the “soulful side of EDM/House music.”
The Location: Downtown
The Vibes: Funky, energetic, dance
Good for: Anyone who loves soul music
When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, starts at 4 p.m.
The $ Factor: Free
Parking Situation: Options include Pershing Square, FIGat7TH (beginning at 4 p.m., you can get the $5 PARK + PLAY). Additional parking recommendations can be found at PARKME.COM. You can also take the Metro Red and Purple lines to PERSHING SQUARE STATION or the Gold Line to UNION STATION or LITTLE TOKYO/ARTS DISTRICT STATION.
The 4-1-1: SOULNIC is technically part of this year’s Grand Park Block Party, but it’s actually been its own separate event for the past three years, previously held at Griffith Park. With the venue change comes DJ sets by Extra Mild Sauce residents Tailwind Turner, Drack Muse and Derrick Wize, and also from a special guest, DJ ALA. Comedian Deon Cole will be the host. And of course, stick around for the fireworks!
Parking Situation: Options include Pershing Square, FIGat7TH (beginning at 4 p.m., you can get the $5 PARK + PLAY). Additional parking recommendations can be found at PARKME.COM. You can also take the Metro Red and Purple lines to PERSHING SQUARE STATION or the Gold Line to UNION STATION or LITTLE TOKYO/ARTS DISTRICT STATION.
The 4-1-1: SOULNIC is technically part of this year’s Grand Park Block Party, but it’s actually been its own separate event for the past three years, previously held at Griffith Park. With the venue change comes DJ sets by Extra Mild Sauce residents Tailwind Turner, Drack Muse and Derrick Wize, and also from a special guest, DJ ALA. Comedian Deon Cole will be the host. And of course, stick around for the fireworks!
For more information: Website
8. Redondo Beach Seaside Lagoon Independence Day Celebration @ Redondo Beach
The Merriment: Water, sport and kids activities, music and fireworks in the Redondo Beach lagoon.
The Location: Redondo Beach
8. Redondo Beach Seaside Lagoon Independence Day Celebration @ Redondo Beach
The Merriment: Water, sport and kids activities, music and fireworks in the Redondo Beach lagoon.
The Location: Redondo Beach
The Vibes: Outdoors, beach, packed, lively
Good for: Families, especially those with young children
Good for: Families, especially those with young children
When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, 2 – 9:30 p.m.
The $ Factor: $15 – $22 for individual tickets; $100 - $250 for tables of seats
Parking Situation: Nearby lots, including the Redondo Beach Marina, City Hall/Library lot, the Redondo Beach Pier parking structure and the Pier Plaza parking structure (some ticket packages include parking already).
The 4-1-1: Redondo Beach is providing a variety of active, hands-on experiences, including a Big Slide Obstacle course, a Beach Sports Piano Run, free paddleboard experiences and swimming in the lagoon. Music will be diverse, with an iPod playing, a DJ, a drum circle where everyone can participate and several performances from live bands. There’s also a lot of activities to keep the kiddies occupied, from traditional arts & crafts to an educational “Sounds Like Science Show” and the eighth annual Kids’ Parade. The night culminates with fireworks over the water; seating is available in tables and on the sand for the show.
For more information: Website
7. Special Target Sundays/Celebration with Fireworks @CAAM
The Merriment: Museum exhibits, a free concert and fireworks at the California African American Museum.
The Location: South Los Angeles
The Vibes: Cultural, informational, educational
Good for: All ages
When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, 11 a.m. – evening
The $ Factor: Free
Parking Situation: $10 in the lot adjacent to Fig and 29th. Or, take the Exposition Line and exit EXPO PARK/USC STATION.
The 4-1-1: One of L.A.’s most prominent museums, CAAM will be open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Currently, there are several exhibitions on display, including: Hands On Design and The March on Washington: A Tribute, 50 Years Later. At 6 p.m., CAAM’s outdoor Plaza Stage will feature a concert, and you can stick around to see the fireworks from Exposition Park that will start at dusk.
For more information: Website
6. Jazz on the Hill @ Norman O. Houston Park
The Merriment: Several prominent jazz musicians will be giving performances throughout the afternoon at this Baldwin Hills park.
The Location: Baldwin Hills/Ladera Heights/View Park
The Vibes: Outdoors, musical, parks & recreation
Good for: All Ages
When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, noon – 5 p.m.
The $ Factor: Free
Parking Situation: Shuttles will be bringing guests to and from the park in 20 minutes intervals from the free parking lots at the nearby Park Hills Community Church. Or, you can walk from the parking lots to the park; it’s about two blocks away.
The 4-1-1: Eighth District Councilmember Bernard C. Parks and the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs are hosting this mellow afternoon of live jazz music. Expected to perform are Derf Relaw, Karen Briggs with Jazz in Pink and someone I personally think is quite amazing, Barbara Morrison. As of last week, sewage construction adjacent to the park has been going on for months, so let’s hope it’s finished in time for the event.
For more information: Website
5. 12th Annual Fireworks Spectacular @ Van Ness Park
The Merriment: “Family-friendly Independence Day festivities” featuring food trucks, activities for children and a fireworks show by Pyrospectaculars.
When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, noon – 5 p.m.
The $ Factor: Free
Parking Situation: Shuttles will be bringing guests to and from the park in 20 minutes intervals from the free parking lots at the nearby Park Hills Community Church. Or, you can walk from the parking lots to the park; it’s about two blocks away.
The 4-1-1: Eighth District Councilmember Bernard C. Parks and the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs are hosting this mellow afternoon of live jazz music. Expected to perform are Derf Relaw, Karen Briggs with Jazz in Pink and someone I personally think is quite amazing, Barbara Morrison. As of last week, sewage construction adjacent to the park has been going on for months, so let’s hope it’s finished in time for the event.
For more information: Website
5. 12th Annual Fireworks Spectacular @ Van Ness Park
The Merriment: “Family-friendly Independence Day festivities” featuring food trucks, activities for children and a fireworks show by Pyrospectaculars.
The Location: South Los Angeles
The Vibes: Outdoors, lively, parks & recreation
Good for: All Ages
When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, noon – 10 p.m.
The $ Factor: Free
Parking Situation: There are several shuttle parking pick up and drop off locations on W. Slauson Ave., Crenshaw Blvd. and Degnan Blvd. Shuttle service will run every 15 minutes, from noon – midnight.
The 4-1-1: Eighth District Councilmember Bernard C. Parks will be rather busy this Independence Day! While he’s hosting a jazz in the park event in the Baldwin Hills area, farther east in L.A., he’s also putting on this Fireworks Extravaganza along with the City of Los Angeles at Van Ness Park. He originally started this event 12 years ago to help prevent illegal firework activity in the city. Event partners include Unity One, Inc., the Regalettes and 94.7 Wave, which will have a DJ synchronize music along to the fireworks show. Fireworks will be produced by the same company producing the fireworks show at the Rose Bowl. This is the first year that Parks’ Fireworks Spectacular will be held at Van Ness Park; the previous 11 years, it’s been at other locations, including the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
For more information: Website
4. IndepenDANCE Pool Party @ The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
The Merriment: Poolside DJ sets
The Location: Hollywood
When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, noon – 10 p.m.
The $ Factor: Free
Parking Situation: There are several shuttle parking pick up and drop off locations on W. Slauson Ave., Crenshaw Blvd. and Degnan Blvd. Shuttle service will run every 15 minutes, from noon – midnight.
The 4-1-1: Eighth District Councilmember Bernard C. Parks will be rather busy this Independence Day! While he’s hosting a jazz in the park event in the Baldwin Hills area, farther east in L.A., he’s also putting on this Fireworks Extravaganza along with the City of Los Angeles at Van Ness Park. He originally started this event 12 years ago to help prevent illegal firework activity in the city. Event partners include Unity One, Inc., the Regalettes and 94.7 Wave, which will have a DJ synchronize music along to the fireworks show. Fireworks will be produced by the same company producing the fireworks show at the Rose Bowl. This is the first year that Parks’ Fireworks Spectacular will be held at Van Ness Park; the previous 11 years, it’s been at other locations, including the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
For more information: Website
4. IndepenDANCE Pool Party @ The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
The Merriment: Poolside DJ setsThe Location: Hollywood
The Vibes: Lounge, pool, outdoors
Good for: 21+
When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, noon – 8 p.m.
The $ Factor: $40
Parking Situation: Valet parking is available at the hotel; there’s also limited street parking and a nearby parking structure across the street.
The 4-1-1: If stereotypical 4th of July festivities like BBQs, the beach and fireworks aren’t really your thing, head to a #WilsonsGuide favorite, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel for a poolside function featuring rotating DJs throughout the afternoon. Headlining the party is Mark Farina and there will be other acts, including Anthony Shah, Shanto and David Bullock.
For more information: Website
The Merriment: An outdoor concert, voter registration and vinyl records "Beat Swap Meet" at the California Plaza.
The Location: Downtown
The Vibes: Eclectic, outdoors, musically vibrant
Good for: All ages, music-lovers
When-To-Go: Saturday, July 5, doors open at 5 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m.
The $ Factor: Free
Parking Situation: $7.50 cash-only at the Cal Plaza parking structure, beginning 90 minutes prior to the 7 p.m. show time.
The 4-1-1: Let the celebrations continue the day after 4th of July with a special appearance of Stones Throw Records Label artists Peanut Butter Wolf, Madlib, DâM-FunK, the Lions and others at the Cal Plaza’s Grand Performances. Arguably one of the most significant labels to come out of L.A., Stones Throw Records has a track record of having represented many industry game changers and trailblazers, including Madlib (a.k.a. Quasimoto), Aloe Blacc and the late J Dilla. This year marks the record label’s 10th anniversary and this special set is part of the 28th annual Grand Performances at Cal Plaza that will run until September.
For more information: Website
2. Independence Day Weekend @ Battleship Iowa
The Merriment: Three days of Independence Day festivities on a U.S. navy warship.
Good for: All ages, music-lovers
When-To-Go: Saturday, July 5, doors open at 5 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m.
The $ Factor: Free
Parking Situation: $7.50 cash-only at the Cal Plaza parking structure, beginning 90 minutes prior to the 7 p.m. show time.
The 4-1-1: Let the celebrations continue the day after 4th of July with a special appearance of Stones Throw Records Label artists Peanut Butter Wolf, Madlib, DâM-FunK, the Lions and others at the Cal Plaza’s Grand Performances. Arguably one of the most significant labels to come out of L.A., Stones Throw Records has a track record of having represented many industry game changers and trailblazers, including Madlib (a.k.a. Quasimoto), Aloe Blacc and the late J Dilla. This year marks the record label’s 10th anniversary and this special set is part of the 28th annual Grand Performances at Cal Plaza that will run until September.
For more information: Website
2. Independence Day Weekend @ Battleship Iowa
The Merriment: Three days of Independence Day festivities on a U.S. navy warship.
The Location: South Bay
The Vibes: Informational, patriotic, outdoors
Good for: All Ages
When-To-Go: Friday, July 4 – Sunday, July 6
The $ Factor: Single day tickets range from $7 – $15
Parking Situation: Park at the Port of Los Angeles lot, $2 per hour.
The 4-1-1: Experience what this holiday is really all about by going onboard a massive battleship that’s been involved in three wars—World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War—and is one of only four open museum ships stationed on the West Coast. Take a historic tour to learn about the ship’s legacy of defending the U.S., and also try your luck on the obstacle course. Food and drinks are an additional cost at the All American BBQ and Beer Garden, and there will also be live entertainment.
For more information: Website
1. AMERICAFEST @ The Rose Bowl Stadium
The Merriment: The Rose Bowl’s 88th time celebrating Independence Day.
When-To-Go: Friday, July 4 – Sunday, July 6
The $ Factor: Single day tickets range from $7 – $15
Parking Situation: Park at the Port of Los Angeles lot, $2 per hour.
The 4-1-1: Experience what this holiday is really all about by going onboard a massive battleship that’s been involved in three wars—World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War—and is one of only four open museum ships stationed on the West Coast. Take a historic tour to learn about the ship’s legacy of defending the U.S., and also try your luck on the obstacle course. Food and drinks are an additional cost at the All American BBQ and Beer Garden, and there will also be live entertainment.
For more information: Website
1. AMERICAFEST @ The Rose Bowl Stadium
The Merriment: The Rose Bowl’s 88th time celebrating Independence Day.
The Location: Pasadena
The Vibes: Massive, impressive, grand, outdoors, the ultimate fireworks show of all shows.
Good for: All ages
When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, 2 – 9 p.m.
The $ Factor: $13 - $25, depending on seating location in the stadium; veterans and up to three of their guests receive complimentary admission.
Parking Situation: Parking at the stadium is available in advance for $20 and for $25 on actual event day.
The 4-1-1: The Rose Bowl has one of the largest fireworks productions in the L.A. region, produced by Pyro Spectaculars by Souza. Doors technically open at 2 p.m., but most of the action doesn’t start until later, around 7 p.m. That’s when you can expect to see motorcycle stunts and the Liverpool Legends and Ian Thomas take the stage. And, the grand finale, the fireworks show is at 9 p.m. For an additional fee of $8-$10, you can take guided tours of the stadium between 2:30 and 6:30 p.m.
For more information: Website
When-To-Go: Friday, July 4, 2 – 9 p.m.
The $ Factor: $13 - $25, depending on seating location in the stadium; veterans and up to three of their guests receive complimentary admission.
Parking Situation: Parking at the stadium is available in advance for $20 and for $25 on actual event day.
The 4-1-1: The Rose Bowl has one of the largest fireworks productions in the L.A. region, produced by Pyro Spectaculars by Souza. Doors technically open at 2 p.m., but most of the action doesn’t start until later, around 7 p.m. That’s when you can expect to see motorcycle stunts and the Liverpool Legends and Ian Thomas take the stage. And, the grand finale, the fireworks show is at 9 p.m. For an additional fee of $8-$10, you can take guided tours of the stadium between 2:30 and 6:30 p.m.
For more information: Website
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