Looking for something to do this Independence Day? We have you covered.
UPDATE: Due to the length of this post, we had to split this list into two posts. Events in cities located in the Central County and The Coast can be found in this post. When you click on North County and South County, you will be taken to a new post.
Orange County has a little bit of everything when it comes to Independence Day celebrations.
Starting June 28 and extending to July 6, you have your pick of parades, 5Ks, carnivals, slip and slides, harbor cruises, patriotic concerts, pub crawls, fancy meals, free picnics and yes, fireworks.
We have assembled this comprehensive list that includes it all. (And if we are missing something, email us. We'll add it to the list!)
We created maps and spelled out the details for every event we could find, organized by city. We also did research on the parameters of purchasing and setting off safe and sane fireworks and when and where you can do it.
Find a Celebration Near You
In order to find your local holiday celebrations, we've divided the county into four sectors and created maps to help you find the celebrations near you.
Click on the sector name to jump to that section:
CENTRAL COUNTY
Click on the town name to jump to that section for details:
Anaheim | Costa Mesa | Fountain Valley | Garden Grove | Irvine | Orange | Santa Ana | Tustin | Villa Park | Westminster
You can also click on the red icons on the map for details.
Or jump to another section:
Anaheim
Personal fireworks are LEGAL in designated areas of this city.
Jump to our FIREWORKS STANDS section for a map and details.
JULY 4 | Fourth of July Celebration
This all-day event starts with the Firecracker 5K/10K Run, Yankee Doodle Dog Show and a parade. The afternoon festival includes food booths and entertainment, ending with fireworks in Peralta Park.
SCHEDULE
Canyon High School, 220 S. Imperial Highway, Anaheim Hills
7 a.m. Firecracker 5K/10K Run | $40 for 5K; $45 for 10K; $35 for untimed 5K
9 a.m. Yankee Doodle Dog Show | $10 for first entry; $5 for additional entries
1 p.m. Fourth of July Parade
Peralta Canyon Park, 115 N. Pinney Drive, Anaheim Hills
3 p.m. Food, Activities, Entertainment
9 p.m. FIREWORKS
JULY 4 | Disneyland Fireworks
On JULY 4 only, the nightly fireworks show will be accompanied by patriotic music.
SCHEDULE
9:30 p.m. FIREWORKS
Best Viewing Spots in the Park
In front of Sleeping Beauty Castle
Main Street, U.S.A., between Central Plaza and the Main Street Train Station
In front of "it's a small world"
Along the Rivers of America in Frontierland
Costa Mesa
Personal fireworks are LEGAL in this city.
Jump to our FIREWORKS STANDS section for a map and details.
JULY 3 | Independence Day Celebration
This celebration includes music by the Tijuana Dogs and 80's All-Starz, contests, kids activities, food and drinks. Parking and admission is free.
OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive – Lot A, Costa Mesa
SCHEDULE
4 p.m. Gates open
5 p.m. Celebration begins
9:30 p.m. FIREWORKS
11 p.m. Gates Close
Fountain Valley
Personal fireworks are LEGAL in this city.
Jump to our FIREWORKS STANDS section for a map and details.
City Celebrations
No community celebrations planned in this city.
Garden Grove
Personal fireworks are LEGAL in this city.
Jump to our FIREWORKS STANDS section for a map and details.
City Celebrations
No community celebrations planned in this city.
City parks will be closed by 5:00 p.m. on July 4,
including tennis and handball courts, with park sprinklers activated.
Irvine
Personal fireworks are ILLEGAL in this city.
From JULY 1 – 14, members of the community are invited to honor veterans, active duty, and fallen service members by visiting the flag display.
Irvine Civic Center Lawn, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine
COST
Flag Sponsorship | $65. Proceeds from flag sponsorship benefit the 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee.
JULY 3 | Pretend City 4th of July Celebration
Details will be announced on their Instagram account @pretendcity
Pretend City Children's Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine
Schedule
11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
This run, which starts with live fife and drums, is a fast flat course on the Irvine Valley College campus.
Irvine Valley College, 5500 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine
Schedule
6:45 – 7:45 a.m. Shirt and bib distribution; race day registration
7 – 7:45 a.m. Fife and drums
8:00 a.m. First races begin (see website for the start schedule)
COSTS
Race Registration | $25 - $56 depending on the race. Prices increase after July 2.
The Woodbridge Village Association hosts a days worth of activities which includes an 5K/10K/Kids Run and a neighborhood parade open to anyone, an afternoon of activities at the South Lake Beach Club for association members, ending with fireworks in the evening.
Schedule
North Lake Gazebo, 4615 Barranca Parkway, Irvine (starting location)
6:30 – 9 a.m. Ralph J. Redington 5K/10K and Kids Run
Barranca Parkway between Lake Road and Creek Road, Irvine
10 a.m. Wheels on Parade.
South Lake Beach Club, 2 Blue Lake South, Irvine
Wristbands required for Beach Club activities.
11 a.m. DJ starts
Noon – 4:30 p.m. Beach Club activities.
9 p.m. FIREWORKS
10 p.m. Beach club closes
FREE VAN SHUTTLE
The van route will travel clockwise and pick up people who are on East or West Yale Loop, at the North Lake Beach Club, or at the South Lake Beach Club. There is only one shuttle and it can take up to a minimum of 30 minutes to make it around the loop.
COSTS
Ralph J. Redington 5K/10K and Kids Run | 5K/10K registration, $40; Kids run, $10. Sign up online by noon on July 3. All registration is available online only.
Wheels on Parade | Free
Wristband | $12 per wristband sold online through June 30. For purchase in person after June 30 for $14 at the Woodbridge Community Center. $15 on the day of the event. NOTE: There are 3,000 wristbands available for purchase. Children 2 and under are free. Wristbands are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis to adult WVA members with a proper facility ID only.
Patriotic music performed by the Pacific Symphony at the new Great Park Live venue. After intermission will be The Music of Chicago with Brass Transit. Fireworks finish the evening with live music from the symphony.
Great Park Live, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine
Schedule
6 – 7:45 p.m. Pre-ordered boxed meals pickup
8 p.m. Concert start time
Approx. 10 p.m. FIREWORKS
Cost
Single ticket concert seats | $40 to $450
See picnic menu for pre-ordered boxed meal prices.
Orange
Personal fireworks are ILLEGAL in this city.
Illegal Fireworks Use or Possession | $1,000 or up to one year in jail.
JULY 3 | 3rd of July Celebration
Games, vendor booths, activities and patriotic music. Various food trucks supporting local non-profits will be on-site selling food and drinks.
Grijalva Park, 368 N Prospect St., Orange
Schedule
4 p.m. Celebration begins
8 p.m. Patriotic music program
9 p.m. FIREWORKS
The community's 5k weaves through the beautiful Orange Park Acres community. The Orange Park Acres Parade follows the race.
Salem Lutheran Church/School, 6500 E. Santiago Canyon Road, Orange
Schedule
7:30 a.m. OPA 5K race begins
10 a.m. Parade begins
COST
Online Registration | $45
Santa Ana
Personal fireworks are LEGAL in this city.
Jump to our FIREWORKS STANDS section for a map and details.
This free community event will include live music, kid’s zone, trivia, food vendors, and a 20-minute firework show.
Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana
Schedule
3 p.m. Festival and entertainment begins
7 p.m. Patriotic Pup Contest
8:45 p.m. FIREWORKS
9:05 p.m. Glow Party
Tustin
Personal fireworks are ILLEGAL in this city.
Music, food trucks, fireworks on the baseball fields at Tustin High School. A "traditional marshmallow fight" is also on the itinerary.
Tustin Park High School, 1171 El Camino Real, Tustin
SCHEDULE
6 p.m. Festivities begin
9 a.m. FIREWORKS
COST
Parking at Tustin High | $10 per vehicle. All proceeds go towards the Tustin High Dance Team.
Villa Park
Personal fireworks are LEGAL in this city.
Jump to our FIREWORKS STANDS section for a map and details.
JULY 4 | 4th of July "Stars on Parade"
The Parade starts and ends at Villa Park High School, 18042 Taft Ave., Villa Park
Parade Route: Starts at Villa Park High School, Spartan Way/Nichols, Right on Serrano, Right on Lemon, Right on Jocotal, Right on Center, Left on Taft and end at VPHS.
Schedule
8:30 a.m. Line up
9 a.m. Parade start
Westminster
Personal fireworks are LEGAL in this city.
Jump to our FIREWORKS STANDS section for a map and details.
City Celebrations
No community celebration planned in this city.
THE COAST
Click on the city name to jump to that section for details:
You can also click on the red icons on the map for details.
Or jump to another section:
Dana Point
Personal fireworks are ILLEGAL in this city.
Fireworks are shot from a barge on the water, located off the coastline at Doheny State Beach.
Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point
Schedule
9 p.m. FIREWORKS
Special Viewing Locations
Chart House, 34442 Street of the Green Lantern, Dana Point
The Chart House is serving a three-course menu and will provide VIP outdoor seating with cliffside views of the Dana Point Harbor and the fireworks show.
5 p.m. Chart House dinner service begins
Cruises which depart from Dana Wharf, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point
Two cruises, one serving dinner and one serving drinks only, will provide ocean views of the fireworks show.
7:30 p.m. Dana Pride Dinner Cruise departs
8 p.m. Fireworks Display Cruise departs
Costs
Chart House | $150 per person (price includes fees, tax, and gratuity)
Dana Pride Dinner Cruise | $139 for adults.
Fireworks Display Cruise | $89 for adults.
Fireworks will be discharged from the golf course. Resort guests may watch the show with unrestricted views from their private balcony or terrace. Complimentary seating is also available for guests on the Grand Lawn.
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point
Schedule
9 p.m. FIREWORKS
Cost
Contact the Waldorf Astoria for reservations.
Huntington Beach
Personal fireworks are LEGAL in this city.
Jump to our FIREWORKS STANDS section for a map and details.
Huntington Beach claims to host the largest Independence Day celebration west of the Mississippi River. fThe day includes the Surf City Run, a parade that will be televised on ABC7 and fireworks in the evening.
Huntington Beach Pier, Main and Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
Schedule
7 – 9 a.m. Surf City Run
10 a.m. – Noon. Parade
Approximately 9 p.m. FIREWORKS OVER THE OCEAN will begin at dusk
Special Viewing Locations
Paséa Hotel and Spa, 21080 CA-1, Huntington Beach, for reserved firepits. Firework show not guaranteed.
6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Private beach firepit seating opens
Pier Bleachers, set up at Main and Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach for parade viewing in the morning and fireworks in the evening.
10 a.m. Parade begins.
7 p.m. Early entry seating for fireworks opens to ticket holders.
7:30 p.m. General admission seating for fireworks opens to ticket holders.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, 21500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, is the only hotel in the city with direct access to the beach via pedestrian sky bridge. See their website for info on reserving firepits.
COSTs
Surf City Fun Run | 5Ks Registration, $45; Kids Fun Run Registration, $25 (Prices will increase on July 3.)
Bleacher Seating for Parade | $27. General admission ticketed bleacher seating is first-come first-served. Bleachers and folding chairs will be provided on a first come first served basis. Parking is NOT INCLUDED in the cost of this ticket.
Bleacher Seating for Fireworks | Early entry seating, $42; General admission, $32. No alcohol will be permitted. Coolers and bags are permitted but will be subject to inspection. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Chairs will be provided. Parking is NOT INCLUDED in the cost of this ticket.
Paséa Hotel and Spa | Beach Bonfire Experience for 4, $750, includes private beach firepit, beach chairs, s'mores kits and discounted parking. Blue Room Experience for 12, $750, includes private firepit on the blue room terrace for 12, seating for 8, one bottle of sparkling wine and discounted parking. Ocean Lawn Firepit Experience for 10, $500, includes private firepit on the ocean lawn for 10, seating for 5, one bottle of sparkling wine and discounted parking.
Laguna Beach
Personal fireworks are ILLEGAL in this city.
Illegal Fireworks Use or Possession | $1,000 and jail time up to 6 months.
In lieu of fireworks, the City of Laguna Beach will host a drone light show will launch 300 drones from Monument Point in Heisler Park and last approximately 15 minutes.
Drone light shows are performed by illuminated, synchronized and choreographed groups of drones that arrange themselves into various aerial formations.
Tune into the Voice of Laguna and KXFM Radio 104.7 FM for a live audio simulcast of patriotic music during the drone show.
Schedule
9 p.m. Approximate DRONE SHOW start time
TROLLIES AND PARKING
The city encourages visitors to utilize the exterior parking lots (Lot 15, 16, 17 and 19) and take the trolley into town. Parking meters and city parking lots are enforced on July 4.
City trolleys will run under a revised timetable on July 4. The Coastal Route will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the Canyon Route from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
CLICK HERE to get information on the Trolley Tracker app.
Newport Beach
Personal fireworks are ILLEGAL in this city.
Festival activities include carnival games, arts and crafts, lawn games, music and food for sale.
Schedule
Between W. Balboa Boulevard and 36th Street, Newport Beach
9 a.m. Bike parade
Channel Place Park, 4400 Channel Place, Newport Beach
9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Community festival
JULY 4 - 6 | 4th of July Old Glory Boat Parade and Centennial Celebration
In addition to the American Legion Yacht Club's annual boat parade, the post is opening its doors to celebrate its 100-year Anniversary. During the Old Glory Boat Parade, owners adorn their boats in red white and blue decorations, balloons, streamers and waving flags accompanied by patriotic music.
Newport Harbor, American Legion Post 291, 215 15th St., Newport Beach
Schedule
JULY 4 & 6 | 7:30 – 11 a.m. Pancake breakfast, open to the public.
JULY 4 | Noon – 3 p.m. Old Glory Boat Parade
JULY 4 – 6 | Afternoons, Live music, lunch, silent auction and raffle
JULY 5 | 5 – 10 p.m. Black Tie Gala
Costs
Pancake Breakfast on July 4 | Adults, $12 on July 4, $10 on July 6. Kids 12 and under, $8 on July 4, $7 on July 6.
Lunch | 2 Tacos or 2 Hot Dogs or 1 Hamburger, $5
Live entertainment, activities, inflatable water park, water sports, food trucks, full bars and a firework show.
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach
Schedule
8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Public beach is open
9 a.m. Resort opens
9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Inflatable water park and water sports rentals
Noon – 9 p.m. Food trucks and full bars
3 – 8 p.m. Live entertainment
9 p.m. FIREWORKS
Cost
This annual celebration is free and open to the public.
Pre-paid Reserved Parking | $100. Available in the main paved lot (located off Jamboree & Back Bay Drive).
Same Day Parking | $50. Available in a further, unpaved lot (enter off Bayside Drive and Pacific Coast Highway). Day-of parking is on a first-come, first-served basis.
JULY 3 & 4 | 4th of July Cruises by Cruise Newport Beach
The Fireworks Cruise will find a spot off shore to park the boat in the Newport area which gives good views of the fireworks at Newport Dunes, Emerald Bay and Dana Point. Typically, fireworks can be seen in the distance from Long Beach to Laguna Beach.
Cruise Newport Beach, 400 Main St., Newport Beach (Balboa Island)
Schedule
JULY 3 – 4 | 1 – 3:30 p.m. and 4 – 6:30 p.m. 4th of July Cruise
JULY 4 | 7 – 9:30 p.m. Fireworks Cruise
COST
Tickets | $75 per person, plus 4% processing fees
A pub crawl ticket and wrist band gets you: free entry into the bars, free after party, detailed digital pub crawl map, drink specials with themed drinks at reduced prices, select food specials and live music/bands/DJs at select venues.
Starts at Baja Sharkeez, 114 McFadden Place, Newport Beach
Schedule
4 p.m. First stop
COST
Tickets | Early Bird, $14.99 through June 27; General Admission, $19.99; Late Bird, $24.99. Plus processing fees
San Clemente
Personal fireworks are ILLEGAL in this city.
JULY 4 | 4th of July Events and Activities
San Clemente will host activities during the day and fireworks over the pier in the evening.
Three slip 'n slides will be set up, including a 300-foot slip ‘n slide (ages 8+ years), a 17-foot water slide (ages 2+ years) and a giant inflatable 75-foot obstacle course. Other activities include pop-a-shot basketball contest, community sidewalk chalk art mural, water balloon toss competitions, face painting and temporary tattoos, bubble display, laser tag arena, military vehicle display by Camp Pendleton and entertainment.
Schedule
10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Free San Clemente Trolley Service
On the 200 blocks of Avenida Rosa and Avenida Victoria
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Stars, Stripes and Slip 'N Slides
San Clemente Municipal Pier, 622 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente
8 a.m. pier closes for the entire day
6 p.m. Condor Squadron Flyover
8 – 10 p.m. All ocean access, including swimming, surfing and wading, will be closed 1,000 feet in both directions from the pier.
9 p.m. FIREWORKS
TROLLIES
Trolley Map: The trolleys are free to ride, and riders can expect a trolley at each stop about every 15 minutes. Trolley stops are clearly marked with signs.
COST
Admission: Free
An all-access activity wristband for unlimited runs on the San Clemente Slip ‘N Slide and other activities:
Presale rate: $7/person (non-residents are $12/person pre-sale) until July 3
On-site rate: $10/person (non-residents are $15/person).
Additional family discounts may be available at checkout.
Seal Beach
Personal fireworks are ILLEGAL in this city.
Lakeside activities, food, live music and fireworks.
Old Ranch Country Club, 3901 Lampson Ave., Seal Beach
Schedule
5 – 7:30 p.m. BBQ Buffet
5 – 8 p.m. Activities
5 – 9 p.m. Live entertainment
9 p.m. FIREWORKS
Cost
Adults | Starting at $99
Kids 4-12 | Starting at $85
Jump to another section:
FIREWORKS STANDS
The legality of selling and setting off fireworks varies from city to city.
We have put together this list of all the cities in Orange County in 2024 where you can purchase your own fireworks and set them off.
According to the Orange County Fire Authority, only the cities listed below allow the the sale and discharge of personal fireworks. They are illegal in all other cities.
Personal fireworks must be certified with the "Safe and Sane" seal. A firework is considered illegal if it can leave the ground or explode. Illegal fireworks include those described as cherry bombs, bottle rockets, mortars, aerial shells, M-80s, and firecrackers.
For details, the OCFA safety guidelines for discharging fireworks.
Click on the green icons on the map for locations and sale hours.
See the list below the map for details about when you can discharge your personal fireworks, and the fines to expect in each city for discharging illegal fireworks or misusing fireworks in any way.
Anaheim
DISCHARGE HOURS: July 4 | 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
FINES
Illegal Fireworks | $1,000 first offense; $2,000 second offense; $3,000 third offense
Safe and Sane Misuse | $250 first offense; $500 second offense; $1,000 third offense
Buena Park
DISCHARGE HOURS: July 4 | 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
FINES FOR ILLEGAL FIREWORKS AND MISUSE: $1,000 fine.
Costa Mesa
DISCHARGE HOURS: July 2 – 4 | 4 to 10 p.m.
FINES FOR ILLEGAL FIREWORKS AND MISUSE: May result in a $1,000 fine and jail time.
Fountain Valley
DISCHARGE HOURS: July 2 – 4 | 4 to 10 p.m.
FINES FOR ILLEGAL FIREWORKS AND MISUSE: $1,000 fine.
Fullerton
DISCHARGE HOURS: July 4 | 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
FINES FOR ILLEGAL FIREWORKS AND MISUSE: $1,000 fine. Fireworks are not allowed in the areas marked on this map.
Garden Grove
DISCHARGE HOURS: July 4 | 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
FINES FOR ILLEGAL FIREWORKS AND MISUSE: $1,000 fine. Multiple fines will be given to repeat offenders.
Huntington Beach
DISCHARGE HOURS: July 4 | Noon to 10 p.m.
FINES FOR ILLEGAL FIREWORKS AND MISUSE: $500 fine.
Los Alamitos
DISCHARGE HOURS: July 4 | 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Santa Ana
SALE and DISCHARGE HOURS:
July 1 | Noon to 10 p.m.
July 2 – 3 | 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
July 4 | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
FINES FOR ILLEGAL FIREWORKS AND MISUSE: May result in a $1,000 fine and jail time.
Stanton
DISCHARGE HOURS: July 1 – 4 | 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
FINES FOR ILLEGAL FIREWORKS AND MISUSE: Fines range from $1,000 – $80,000 per violation.
Villa Park
DISCHARGE HOURS: July 4 | Noon to 10 p.m.
FINES FOR ILLEGAL FIREWORKS AND MISUSE: $500 fine or imprisonment.
Westminster
DISCHARGE HOURS: July 4 | 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
FINES FOR ILLEGAL FIREWORKS AND MISUSE: $1,000 fine
