2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood
(323) 850-2000; www.hollywoodbowl.com
This year’s fireworks salute to the L.A. Dodgers celebrates the team’s 50th anniversary in the city. Randy Newman will be there, and I’m betting he might play the city’s unofficial anthem, “I Love L.A.” (a couple of times.) Tickets range from $10 to $114.
Gridlock 4th of July Celebration at The Queen Mary
1126 Queen’s Highway, Long Beach
(562) 435-3511; www.queenmary.com
Go big or go home at this event. Boasting one of the largest fireworks displays in California, more than 15 live bands rockin’ throughout the day and carnival rides to boot, it’ll be sure not to disappoint. The only downer: a $45 entrance fee.
4th of July BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific
320 Golden Shore, Long Beach
(562) 590-3100; www.aquariumofpacific.org
Sneak a peak at the Queen Mary’s fireworks display from a fish’s point-of-view. A special package also includes an Independence Day BBQ buffet, including desserts. Admission: $20.95; $31.75 including the BBQ.
Palisades Americanism Parade
Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades
www.palisades4thofjuly.org
A parade celebrating the birth of the nation precedes an entertainment and fireworks display determined to dazzle. As with all parades, make sure to grab a good spot on the route before somebody else snatches it up.
Annual Vision Outside 4th of July Jazz and Blues Festival in Leimert Park
3341 W. 43rd Pl., Los Angeles
(213) 202-5500; www.culturela.org
The Vision Theatre in Leimert Park plays host to the mecca of jazz and blues in Los Angeles for the night. This festival, put on by the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs, will also have plenty of food ready to eat.
AmericaFest 2008 at The Rose Bowl
1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena
(626) 577-3101; www.rosebowlstadium.com
Enjoy the 82nd Annual celebration of America’s independence in the place where your Bruin favorites regularly play. This year music comes courtesy of the California Philharmonic Orchestra. By the title, I’m guessing it will be appropriately patriotic-themed. Tickets: $13. Parking: $15.
LA Coliseum 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza
3939 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles
(213) 748-6136; www.lacoliseum.com
Helping to raise funds for the USO, this fireworks display pays tribute to the men and women in uniform. The Coliseum will not actually have seating available, but spots on Christmas Tree Lane or the South Lawn near the Natural History Museum should provide great visibility of the festivities. FREE.
Mondo America!: The 1st Annual Cinefamily 4th of July BBQ Blowout
611 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles
(323) 655-2520; www.silentmovietheatre.com
The Silent Movie Theatre plays host to ’70s musical celebrations of the 4th of July in the afternoon and a “virtual” fireworks display starting when the sun sets. They will show off the best of international fireworks competitions, experimental films and good old American imagery, before lampooning the whole 4th of July experience with the feature movie: Jabberwalk – a sort of proto-Borat film. Tickets: $12. $8 for members.
July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza
13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Ray
(310) 305-9545; www.visitmarina.com
Get back to the basics at Burton Chace Park with this classic 4th of July presentation featuring patriotic music blaring out of loudspeakers and fireworks launched over the open water from a floating barge. FREE. Parking is available in 14 self-pay lots.
Comment
