Best Fourth Of July Parties Around LA
The Los Angeles metropolitan region loves to party, especially on the Fourth of July. This is the time the City of Angels and its extended family of communities wrap themselves in the red, white and blue colors of the American flag to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Throughout LA's chirpy landscape, festivals, parades, concerts and barbecues will be in full swing to celebrate in grand fashion the rich history and traditions of the United States. In LA's standard melodramatic style, expect to see over-the-top fireworks displays to command the darkened sky. Of LA's plentiful Fourth of July shindigs scheduled for 2013, here is a select list of some parties you may want to consider.
Josh Grobin July 4th Fireworks Spectacular
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 850-2000
July 2-4, 7:30 p.m.
www.hollywoodbowl.com
Known for its historic band shell, mountainous backdrop and first-class live musical extravaganzas, the Hollywood Bowl is also recognized for putting on dazzling patriotic parties. This year welcomes multi-platinum LA native Josh Groban and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. Waving the baton for this explosive performance will be Sarah Hicks, a musical prodigy that represents a new wave of young female conductors. Because of limited parking options at the venue, it's best to consider some stress-free and eco-responsible commuting choices. Park and Ride allows guests to leave their vehicles in their own neighborhoods and take a shuttle bus for a pre-purchased, round-trip fee of $5 per person. Or patrons can drive to a lot that's closer to the venue, then hop on a bus for a round-trip tab of $5 per passenger. The Metro bus and rail lines also present safe and affordable family options, too.
Fourth of July Fireworks Festival
CBS Studio Center
4024 Radford Ave.
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 655-5916
July 4, 4:30 to 9 p.m.
www.studiocitychamber.com
This film and television studio is not only celebrated as being one of LA's more active producers of sitcoms, it also knows how to throw together a rousing Fourth of July party. During the late afternoon hours, families flock to the back lot at CBS Studios for an America-themed festival that includes a children's fun zone, exhibits and plenty of activities and live entertainment for teenagers, adults and seniors. It is a fun place to be for an all-out, make-believe street party. An annual hit for the career-minded is a business expo that allows job seekers to spend their holiday pressing the flesh with potential employers. The day, of course, wraps with a brilliant fireworks display. In addition to a general admission price, VIP passes are available for adults preferring to get their party started in a more spirited manner with special access to additional amenities and viewing areas. Proceeds from this event benefit local charities.
Fourth of July Aboard The Queen Mary
The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 499-1771
July 4, noon to 11 p.m.
www.queenmary.com
A patriotic mainstay in this maritime center, it's where hoards of celebrants will gather to recognize Independence Day. The Queen Mary, a retired ocean liner that dates back to 1936, will host a zealous ship-wide event to pay homage to the 1940's, World War II veterans and their families. Prior to a 9 p.m. fireworks display, guests aboard the luxurious superliner will get a chance to shake their tail feathers to modern-day and traditional tunes provided by tribute bands, a barbershop quartet, bugle boy trios and talented DJs. This venue, located in the second largest city within the greater LA metropolitan area, promises to offer one of the more magnificent views of fireworks presentations in the region. Ticket prices start at $19.99, with special discounts arranged for military personnel.
Related: Best Concerts To Look Forward To In Los Angeles In 2013
4th of July Celebration on Casino Point
Catalina Island Museum
1 Casino Way
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-1520
July 4, 1 to 10 p.m.
www.catalinachamber.com
Residents and tourists will join the Catalina Island Museum at Casino Point for a day filled with live entertainment and great food. The highly anticipated community party continues after sunset with a joyous concert and fireworks display over the harbor in Avalon, the only incorporated city on Santa Catalina Island of the California Channel Islands. Revelers may also want to check out the Chamber of Commerce's golf cart parade that is scheduled to putter down Crescent Avenue at 1 p.m., followed by a barbecue buffet at the Casino Ballroom, a venue that will offer astonishing views of the fireworks display. Music and showmanship will be provided by USC's The Spirit of Troy, a world-renowned marching band that has been featured in numerous major motion pictures, on television shows and at influential sporting events, including the Summer Olympics.
Claremont's Fireworks Spectacular
Pomona College
333 N. College Way
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 399-5460
July 4, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
www.ci.claremont.ca.us
Those who are into the popular music genre of rock and roll will relish in delight when The Ravelers shake the stage at Pomona College, an ambitious coeducational school. Influenced by English rock band The Beatles, expect the quartet to perform a slate of familiar tunes to suit the interests of several generations of music lovers. Following what promises to be a boisterous concert, a resplendent fireworks display will explode to synchronized music over this enchanting town that sits comfortably at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Claremont's day-long party begins at 7 a.m. in Memorial Park at 840 North Indian Hill Boulevard, where festivities will encompass a pancake breakfast, game and food booths, children's activities and 5K walk/run. Before heading over to Pomona College, you won't want to miss the city's annual parade. The 4 p.m. patriotic procession will kick up its heels at Memorial Park, ending at Larkin Park.
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.
