Despite the fact that fireworks are banned in Los Angeles and many of its sister cities, they really know how to do the Fourth of July right.
My wife loves firework displays. In LA alone, we've seen fireworks from the Colorado St. bridge in Pasadena for the Rose Bowl show and from the deck of a home in the Palos Verdes hills watching the panorama from Carson's Home Depot to San Pedro's Queen Mary.
We watched with neighbors from a bridge over Ballona Creek for Culver City and hiked to the top of the Aztec Pyramid like steps of the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook for a 360 degree view of fireworks from Redondo Beach to Century City to the Coliseum (and all the illegal home shows in between).
Last year we celebrated Independence Day watching the show over the Ohio River in Louisville, Ky., the city of my birth.
But to this day nothing beats laying back on a blanket in Christmas Tree Lane outside the Coliseum in Exposition Park and seeing that spectacular show go off directly above my head.
The show starts at 9 and features "contemporary" music. Free parking at the King and Hoover entrance to the Coliseum.
But first don't forget the 4th of July Jazz and Blues Festival in Leimert Park at the Vision Theatre. The music is from 1 to 7 p.m. and ends just in time to get a good spot at the Coliseum. Info: 213-202-5500, www.culturela.org
Culver City
The Culver City show and festival originates at Culver City High School. Gates and can be seen for miles around. Gates open at 5:00 pm, and the fireworks begin at 9:00 pm. There is a suggested donation of $2.00 per person and $5.00 parking fee (so ride your bike!)
Celebrate Independence Day at Culver City High School. Purchase hotdogs, soda, and Kettle Corn. You can also get tickets for the Exchange Club's raffle, which features grand prizes of an LCD flat screen TV and $100 gift certificates good at Westfield Fox Hills Mall. There will be great live music for entertainment.
If you're still not convinced, you can actually watch last year's show on YouTube.
Residents can head to Cheviot Park on Motor, bring a picnic, some sports equipment, blankets and chairs and watch the Hillcrest Country Club fireworks show from right across the street.
Great views, no crowds. The show starts at 9:00 p.m.
Marina Del Rey County budget cuts put a damper on the celebration - NO fireworks this year over the main channel in Marina del Rey
San Pedro Live music, U.S. military exhibits, tours of a Navy frigate, armed forces, and U.S. Coast Guard demonstrations, displays by the LA City Fire Department’s firefighting boat, and the Washington Artillery Reenactment group followed by fireworks. When: July 4, noon – 10 pm Where: Cabrillo Beach, 3720 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro Cost: Free Info: 310-548-7401, www.laparks.org
Long Beach The Queen Mary
When: Noon to 10 p.m.
• Strolling performers, Balloon Artists, Face Painters and Uncle Sam! • GRAMMY Nominated, Lisa Haley and the Zydekats, 4:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. • Dance the night away on the Verandah Deck located on the stern of the ship.
Carson LA Galaxy will play the Seattle Sounders FC with post game fireworks at the Home Depot Center. When: 7:30 PM Info:www.lagalaxy.com, 1-877-342-5499
Pasadena Rose Bowl "Americafest 2011" - 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
7:00 pm Jan & Dean Show featuring Dean Torrence
9:05 pm Americafest Fireworks: The Biggest Fireworks Show in Southern California Produced by PyroSpectaculars by Souza
The two-time Emmy Award-winning L.A. County Holiday Celebration joyously returns to The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to celebrate its 64th anniversary with a free, live, in-person holiday spectacular. The annual event will feature 23 music ensembles, choirs and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures of L.A. County. Entrance to the in-person event is free, with seating available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Parking is free in The Music Center parking garage.…See More
On Sunday, December 3; between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., celebrating its 13th year of catalyzing vibrant public spaces, active transportation and good health through car-free streets, CicLAvia – South LA, presented by Metro, welcomes everyone of all ages and abilities to its 49th car-free open streets event connecting Leimert Park and Historic South Central so participants can jog, ride, bike, skate, run, walk, skateboard, spectate, play, and enjoy the 6-mile route. Always free, CicLAvia participants…See More
You need to be a member of University Park Family to add comments!
Join University Park Family