4th of July

The 4th of July is a national holiday celebrating the separation of the United States of America from Great Britain. On July 2, 1776, Congress had voted to be Independent of the mother land but the Declaration of Independence was approved two days later, on the 4th.

Today, July 4th is considered Independence Day and it is celebrated by attending barbecues, picnics, outdoor concerts, parades, and fireworks. Houses are often decorated with American flags and patriotic themes. Friends, family, and food - what could be better?

Celebrate in your own backyard; celebrate at your local park; or go all out and enjoy an all inclusive dinner-followed-by-fireworks package. Whatever you choose, don't be afraid to show your red, white and blue.

You can see a list of 4th of July fireworks here
or celebrations with no fireworks here.

Big Bay Boom 2010 at the Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego’s 10th Annual Big Bay Boom will light up the sky July 4. Fireworks start at 9 pm and will last for 17+ minutes. Live broadcasted music on 105.7 FM radio and televised live on San Diego FOX 5 HD & Cox 4 HD. Expect more than 850,000 people attending: consider car pooling or public transit. More...

Fireworks at the La Jolla Cove
Grab a lawn chair and enjoy a day on the grassy area called Scripps Park. There will be concert in the park (7 pm) followed by fireworks (9 pm). Heavy traffic and limited parking.

Fireworks at SeaWorld
Have a funtastic day at SeaWorld followed by fireworks at night. Firework display "Shamu's SkySplash USA" on July 4 beginning at 9:30 pm. In the summer, SeaWorld offers firework displays every night according to this schedule.

Fourth of July in Mira Mesa
Celebrations start at the Mira Mesa Recreation Center with food and entertainment: parade (1 pm), Fun Day, and fireworks (9 pm) More...

Fourth of July Fireworks at San Diego County Fair
Traditional firework display starts at approximately 9 pm and will be visible throughout the Fairgrounds. Lots of nightime entertainment; fairgrounds close at midnight (kiddieland closes at 11 pm). Firework display is included in the price of admission. More...

Red, White and BOOM! Celebration at Legoland
Why not spend a day at Legoland. Enjoy all-American games and performances by entertainment groups. Festivities start at 10 am, and finishes with fireworks at 8:30 pm. All fourth of July activities included in the price of admission. In addition, Legoland offers fireworks at 8:30 pm on all Saturdays in July. More...

Independence Day Celebration in San Marcos
Bring your blankets and enjoy an evening of family-fun at William R Bradley Park. Activities begin at 6 pm: carnival games, jumpers and food for sale. Fireworks begin at 9 pm. Entire event is funded by donations from the people of San Marcos. Way to go! More...

Spirit of the 4th Independence Day Celebrations in Rancho Bernardo
Rancho Bernardo is pleased to commemorate the declaration of Independence with shows, games, competitions, contests, food & drinks: pancake breakfast (7:30 am), crafts (9 am), games (10 am), veterans memorial service, a parade (3:30 pm) and fireworks (9 pm). Activities are held at Webb Park and Bernardo Heights Middle School. More...

4th of July Fireworks Celebration in Poway
Enjoy an Old-Fashioned 4th of July at Old Poway Park (14134 Midland Rd). Featured: ;live music, steam train, face painting, arts & crafts, old fashion games, antique quilt display, ice cream hot dogs, and treats. Fun starts at 10 am to 4 pm. Fireworks in the evening. More...

Red, White and Boom Celebrations in Vista
Enjoy the annual fireworks show and celebration in the new Moonlight Amphitheatre in Brengle Terrace Park (1200 Vale Terrace Drive). The park opens at 7 am with family-friendly activities; food & beverage booths, picnicking and static display of vintage military equipment. Moonlight Amphitheatre opens at 1 pm with live music starting at 3 pm. Gourmet BBQ fundraiser at 5:30 pm ($65 per person). Fireworks at 9 pm. Event is free but parking is $10 per vehicle. More...

Coronado 4th of July
Celebrations begin on the 3rd with Art in the Park, Parade along Orange Ave, demonstrations, and Concert in the Park. On the 4th activities begin at 7 am with 15K Run - 5K Walk; Art in the Park, Rough Water Swim, Concert in the Park and then finish with fireworks at 9 pm. More...

Fireworks over Ocean Beach Pier
As a finale to the Ocean Beach Street Fair, fourth of July fireworks will be at the pier starting at 9 pm for 25 minutes. More...

Santee Salutes 4th of July
Come celebrate with inflatables, food, carnival rides, games, live entertainment, and fireworks. Activities start at 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm in the Town Center Community Park West Ball Fields (9400 Cuyamaca Street). Free! More...

Ramona 4th of July Fireworks
Annual celebration starts at 5 pm with fireworks at 9 pm. Location: Olive Peirce Middle School (Hanson Lane.). More...

Spring Valley Fireworks
Spring Valley Swap Meet parking lot. Fireworks will be on Monday July 5th at 9 pm. No alcoholic beverages allowed. Call to confirm (619) 479-1832.

Many City districts celebrate the 4th of July but do not have a firework display. These include:

Julian Fourth of July Parade: parade begin at 12 noon on Main street. Includes Quilt show, Craft show, BBQ Specials, and Farmers Market. More...

Oceanside: street fair and carnival from 9 am to midnight. More...

University City: all day from 7 am to 8 pm at Standley Park. more...

31st Annual 2010 Beaumont Ave 4th of July Celebrations: in Bird Rock: start at 11 am on Sunday July 4th. $20 donation per family requested. More...

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------------------ Last Years Fun: 2009-------------------------

Independence Day Celebrations in Escondido
Celebrate the 4th of July with free entertainment (4 pm onwards) and fireworks (9 pm) at Grape Day Park. You will find magicians, arts & crafts, shows, and contests. Bring picnic food and a blanket. Some refreshments available for purchase. Please do not bring BBQs, alcohol, pets, or tall chairs. More...

Lake Murray July 4th Music Fest & Fireworks
Five bands will perform from 9 am to 9 pm at Lake Murray Community Park. Fireworks over Lake Murray at 9:15 pm. More...

National City's Annual Fourth of July Carnival
Sponsored by the National City Host Lions Club, this carnival celebration will be held in Kimball Park from 12 noon to 12 midnight. Fireworks at 9 pm. More...

Scripps Ranch: at Hoyt Park; ice cream social, hot dogs, DJ, clowns, face painting, inflatable jump and parade (10 am). More...