Fourth of July in Los Angeles is looking a little different this year, with a little less boom and more buzz. Organizers of the Gloria Molina Grand Park Summer Block Party in Downtown LA have postponed the annual celebration “out of an abundance of caution and in light of ongoing events across LA County,” according to a recent Instagram post.
And they’re not alone in rethinking tradition. For the first time in nearly 100 years, Pasadena’s iconic Rose Bowl will swap its famous fireworks show for a drone light display, ending a decades-long run of the Bowl’s most visible July 4 pyrotechnics. There won’t be a soccer match this year, but there will be a ticketed FoodieLand night market event and a drone show that’s only visible from inside the venue. Tickets are required to attend the FoodieLand event, and they run about $12.
The change comes amid growing concern about the environmental toll of fireworks, with experts citing risks to wildlife, spikes in air pollution, and leftover debris in coastal areas. In Long Beach, this year’s Big Bang on the Bay could be the final fireworks display before a Coastal Commission mandate switches the show to drones in 2026.
Still, not everyone is on board with the drone takeover. Cities like Redondo Beach and Laguna Beach have already tried the high-tech alternative and returned to traditional fireworks after a lukewarm reception.
So, whether you’re a fireworks purist or a drone display convert, LA has plenty of options to light up your Fourth of July. From classic explosions over Dodger Stadium to eco-conscious aerial art in the skies above Laguna, here’s your guide to the biggest and brightest shows across Southern California—complete with times, prices, and links to make planning a breeze.
4th of July Fireworks & Drone Shows in the LA Area
1. Aquarium of the Pacific – Long Beach
- Time: BBQ reservations at 12 PM & 1 PM; fireworks follow at ~9 PM from Rainbow Harbor
- Price: $70 adults / $55 kids (includes aquarium admission + BBQ)
- Location: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach
- More info: Aquarium of the Pacific website
2. Grand Park Drone Show – Downtown LA
- Postponed according to an Instagram post
- Location: Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave, Los Angeles
3. Starlight Bowl (via McCambridge Park) – Burbank
- Time: Evening (estimated fireworks around 9–9:30 PM)
- Price: Free concerts; confirm park entry fees
- Location: McCambridge Park, Burbank
- More info: Starlight Bowl website
4. Hollywood Bowl Concert & Fireworks
- Time: Concerts begin ~7:30 PM (July 2–4); fireworks immediately after
- Price: Tickets from ~$15; parking ~$45 or shuttle fare $7–10 round-trip
- Location: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Ave, Hollywood
- More info: Hollywood Bowl website
5. Dodger Stadium Post-Game Fireworks – Elysian Park
- Time: After the Dodgers game on July 4 (game starts at 6:10)
- Price: Included with game ticket
- Location: 1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles
- More info: https://www.mlb.com/dodgers
6. Cinespia Fireworks – Hollywood
- Time: Doors 7:15 / Movie starts at 9 PM
- Price: Starts at $45
- Location: Hollywood Forever Cemetery
- More Info: https://cinespia.org/
7. 4th of July Extravaganza – Lancaster
- Time: Gates open at 5 PM
- Price: Free entry
- Location: AV Fair and Events Center
- More Info: https://avfair.com/
8. Rose Bowl FoodieLand 4th of July – Pasadena
- Time: Gates open at 3 PM
- Price: $12
- Location: Rose Bowl
- More Info: https://rosebowlstadium.com/
Notable OC & Coastal Events
9. Huntington Beach Pier Fireworks
- Time: Pier access 7 PM (early), 7:30 PM general; shooter show starts ~9 PM
- Price: Tickets via HB4thofJuly.org (chairs & entry included)
- Location: 325 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach
- More info: https://www.hb4thofjuly.org/fireworks
10. Laguna Beach Drone Show – Heisler Park
- Time: Drone show begins ~9 PM
- Price: Free (area closed after 5 PM)
- Location: Monument Point, Heisler Park, Laguna Beach
- More info: https://www.visitlagunabeach.com/events/holidays/4th-of-july/
11. Newport Dunes Fireworks – Newport Beach
- Time: Gates open 8 AM for festivities; fireworks at ~9 PM
- Price: Parking $50–100; day use optional
- Location: 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach
- More info: https://www.newportdunes.com/independence-day-on-the-back-bay/
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