BY KAREN YOUNG
It’s always fun to go out to the beaches to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July, but there’s something to be said about staying close to home (like not facing the 405!). Check out this list of spectacular firework festivals happening here and around the 818— from free to a paid ticket. Happy 236 th Birthday, America!
The 14th Annual July 4th Fireworks Festival at CBS Studio Center in Studio City
This one-of-a-kind fireworks festival takes place on a studio backlot with two different prices levels —general and VIP. There is nothing like this Los Angeles. This year there’s a tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with the acclaimed band, Petty Theft. This fun-filled annual family festival is hosted by CBS meterologist Josh Rubenstein and features magicians, All American Smokehouse BBQ, a children’s fun zone, a green and business exposition for general admission ticketholders.
If you really want to light up the celebration, get the VIP ticket which includes dining in an air conditioned soundstage and rooftop fireworks viewing. Extra VIP perks include gourmet BBQ dinner, Gertie & BB candy, Daily Grill, Outtake Cafe, taco bar, gourmet popcorn, cheese bar, beer and wine, vodka and whiskey tasting, boutique sake, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Horchata Bar, music with the Pete Anderson trio — and of course, a spectacular aerial fireworks display! Proceeds benefit The Children’s Tumor Foundation. Pricing: General admission: Adults $20, Children 6-12 $10. Add $20 each for rooftop viewing access. VIP tickets: Adults $100; child 5-12 $50, children under 5 FREE. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Get your tickets at the Studio City Farmer’s Market on Sunday or the Studio City Chamber of Commerce.
Salute to the Soul of America in Burbank
Celebrate America and our heritage at this fun and festive Independence Day event for the entire family. Join the Starlight Bowl and The United States Air Force for an evening of great entertainment filled with surprises. See a flyover, Presentation of Colors, the induction of new enlistees, United States Air Force Technical Sergeant Oscar G. Lopez Jr. singing the National Anthem, Stone Soul performing with the Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra, surprise performances by the Red Chair School of Performing Arts and of course the best fireworks show in Los Angeles Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Entertainment from 6:15 p.m. Fireworks starts at 9 p.m. Tickets: $8-$22; children under 2 and seniors are free. Parking, $8. 5:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. Starlight Bowl, 1249 Lockheed View Drive, Burbank.
Fireworks Spectacular at Calabasas High School
It’s a fun family 4th of July with fireworks at Calabasas High School. In addition to the fireworks, they will feature live music from the band Mrs. Robinson a free family fun zone with a balloon artist, rides, crafts, games and the grand fireworks display! Food and beverages will be offered for sale at the site including barbequed meats, sausages, roasted corn, kettle corn, snow cones and more. Please note that the Fireworks Spectacular is an alcohol and tobacco free zone. No bottles, pets or umbrellas are permitted. No alcohol. Monday, 5 p.m., Fireworks at 9 p.m., Calabasas High School 22855 W. Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas. Children under 2 Free. $11 person.
Annual San Fernando Valley Independence Day Celebration at Hansen Dam
This 4th of July Celebration at Hansen Dam is in its 18th year and celebrates “hometown heroes” commemortating Ritchie Valens is in its 18th year. This is a free Fun filled family oriented event which includes a HomeTown Hero Award presentation for Ritchie Valens, Isaac Avila,Marie Harris, Lily Rodriguez and the Alfred Anthony Flores Jr. Scholarship. Along with Musical performances, Military Fly-over, Food Vendors, Exhibitors, Free Water Slide KidZone, Raffles and other entertainment, which culminates with one of the most dramatic fireworks displays in the area. Check out gourmet food trucks, music, raffles and prizes, free water slide, kid zone and other entertainment. Take a swim in the 1.5-acre swim lake which is available for use during the day.The fireworks show is orchestrated with patriotic music. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hansen Dam Recreation Area, 11770 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace.
July 4th Fireworks Spectacular with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl
Celebrate America’s birthday three nights straight under the stars with the Los Angeles Philharmonic with Barry Manilow and the famed firework display. Fri-Sun, Jul 2-4, 7:30pm – Hollywood Bowl, 2301 North Highland Avenue, Hollywood. For tickets and more info, www.hollywoodbowl.com. Tickets: $12-$168
Americafest 2012 at The Rose Bowl in Pasadena
There’s music, food and fireworks at ths 87th Annual Rose Bowl event. family fun in the early afternoon with live entertainment, crafts, exhibits and inflatable ride, including motorcycle jumping, the Drum Corps , flyover and 30-minute pyrotechnic show (that is choreographed and produced by Pyrospectaculars) General Admission tickets are priced at $13.00. Children 7 and under will be admitted free. Advance tickets are ON SALE NOW at Ticketmaster! Call (800) 745-3000, or go to www.ticketmaster.com and the Biggest Fireworks Show in Southern California Tickets $13. Children 7 & under FREE. Active Military with ID FREE. 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena.
4th of July Spectacular in Northridge (Porter Ranch)
This free festival and fireworks show at Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch includes moon bounces and face painting for the children, an outdoor stage show as well as optional food purchases from over a dozen local food vendors. Bring lawn chairs.The finale is an aerial fireworks display. July 4, 4:30 pm – 10 pm, Gates open at 4:30 p.m..Shepherd of the Hills Church , 19700 Rinaldi Street, Porter Ranch, CA 91326. http://www.theshepherd.org/4th
Annual Dennis P. Zine July 4th Extravaganza in Woodland Hills
This Fourth of July fireworks festival in the West Valley is part of the Concert on the Green series. Horace Heidt Jr’s Big Band and Friends will take the stage at Warner Park at 6 p.m. with a full program of patriotic favorites and classic big band tunes that will inspire everyone to tap their toes or get up and dance. The entire family will find something to enjoy in the park with over 20 food booths, arts and crafts activities, and local business vendors. The United States Army will offer an interactive display on Mary Lee Street and kids can enjoy the children’s play zone. The event is FREE to the public. Parking is available in any of the Warner Center parking structures between Topanga and Canoga and Oxnard and Califa. Portions of the Westfield Promenade parking lot will also be available. Parking fees support Valley Cultural Center (producers of the show). Rates are $15, $10 and $5, depending upon location. Street parking is free, but fills up fast. Opening festivities begin at 5:45 p.m. Just before the 6:00 p.m. concert, crowds can watch a flyover of a C-17 aircraft . Fireworks begin at 9:08 pm. Warner Park, 5800, Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills.
Karen Young is the Founder/Editor of MyDailyFind. Email: karen@mydailyfind.com
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