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 from the 818 to Pasadena and Downtown (the 134 and the101/5 aren’t so bad) — from free to a paid ticket. Happy 237 th Birthday, America!
The 15th Annual July 4th Fireworks Festival at CBS Studio Center in Studio City
This one-of-a-kind fireworks festival takes place on the CBS studio backlot with two different prices levels —general and VIP. This year the theme is “Fun in the Sun” with the Beach Boys tribute band, The Dukes of DuWop. This fun-filled annual family festival emceed by CBS’ own Josh Rubenstein will include an All-American Smokehouse BBQ, a food court, a children’s fun zone, pirate photos and make-overs, magicians, the Black Sheep Squadron, the television motion picture car club, 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 a full dinner, wine and cheese from the Daily Grill, eats and drinks from Tuning Fork, beer and wine, vodka and whiskey tasting, boutique sake, sweets, music, balloons, face painting, tattoos, caricatures, pictures with Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty, and so much more — and of course, the 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 the Pride 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 when it kicks off its Summer Concert Series with a celebration of the “Pride of America” an evening of fun for the entire family filled with upbeat and patriotic music featuring the U.S. Marine Corps, followed byHigh Street Band from the Pacific Northwest whose repertoire includes cover songs and originals in a mixture of swing, blues, R&B, latin, oldies and ballads, and a spectacular fireworks show. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Entertainment from 6:30 – 9 p.m. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Tickets: $8-$22; children under 2 and seniors are free. Parking, $8.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. Gates open at 5 p.m., Fireworks at 9 p.m., Calabasas High School 22855 W. Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas. Children under 2 Free. $11 person.
19th Annual San Fernando Valley Independence Day Celebration at Hansen Dam
This 4th of July Celebration at Hansen Dam is in its 19t h year and celebrates “hometown heroes” commemorating Ritchie Valens. This is free, family oriented event which includes 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. The fireworks show is orchestrated with patriotic music. 4 p.m. to 9:30 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 for three nights straight under the stars. Josh Groban headlines with Los Angeles Philharmonic and the famed firework display, July 2-4, 7:30pm – Hollywood Bowl, 2301 North Highland Avenue, Hollywood. For tickets and more info, www.hollywoodbowl.com. Tickets: $12-$168
Americafest 2013 at The Rose Bowl in Pasadena
There’s music, food and fireworks at ths 87th Annual Rose Bowl event.starting in the early afternoon with live entertainment, crafts, exhibits and inflatable ridesj, 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.
Grand Park’s 4th of July Block Party
Grand Park’s 4th of July Block Party is a downtown first . With a highly dynamic and creative use of light, projections and pyrotechnics will literally light up downtown Los Angeles. This free event is hosted by DJ Anthony Valadez of KCRW and will transform Grand Park into a celebration of the global nature of the community with world music performances from such Los Angeles-based artists as Ethio Cali, Jungle Fire and La Santa Cecilia. Get Lit will be there doing a poetry slam. Bring a picnic or buy from an array of food trucks, including: Greasy Weiner, All American Gourmet Grill, Game On Gourmet, S’cream Balls, and Rollin Rib BBQ Joint. Music begins at 3:00 p.m. Light show spectacle begins at 9:00 p.m. It’s happening on all four blocks of Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles, 200 N. Grand Avenue, between Grand Avenue and Spring Street: Main stage and viewing area: located between Hill Street and Grand Avenue: Best picnic and alternate viewing area: between Spring Street and Broadway. No alcohol allowed; Blankets permitted; no outside chairs and tables allowed.Dogs permitted but must be leashed at all times.
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.
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. The 110-piece Los Angeles Pierce Symphonic Winds will take the stage at 6 p.m. and is lead by Steve Piazza and comprised of semi professional musicians and talented music educators.They are one of the most nationally recognized and critically acclaimed community bands in the United States. Fireworks will begin shortly after 9 p.m. The entire family will find something to enjoy in the park with over 20 food booths, arts and crafts activities, and local business vendors. TThe 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 . Warner Park, 5800, Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills.
Karen Young is the Founder/Editor of MyDailyFind. Email: karen@mydailyfind.com
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