Looking for fun activities for an unforgettable Fourth of July celebration? Coastal Orange County has many Independence Day events taking place, including fireworks, parades, cruises, festivals, and more. Here are some festivities for the entire family to enjoy while commemorating America’s birthday.
Newport Beach goes all out for its Fourth of July celebrations, including the city’s annual Independence Day on the Back Bay event at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. Starting at 3 p.m., this popular event includes live music by the Tom Solis Band, DSB (Journey tribute) and Mirage (Fleetwood Mac tribute), plus food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and a spectacular fireworks display at 9 p.m. visitnewportbeach.com
Parade cruises are another great way to experience the July 4th holiday, and Hornblower’s two outings this year include the Old Glory Boat Parade 4th of July Brunch, and the July 4th Fireworks Cruise Aboard Wild Goose. Also, visitors to Newport Harbor can watch the Old Glory Boat Parade, one of the state’s longest-running patriotic boat parades, from public beaches, docks and boardwalks throughout the harbor area. The festive event begins at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at American Legion Post 291, and the celebration continues throughout the day with a lunch buffet, live music, and fireworks.
Other Fourth of July events around Newport include the 44th annual Independence Day Parade & Celebration, a collaboration between the city and Mariners Elementary School Foundation, and the Newport Peninsula Bike Parade and Community Festival, which features carnival games, arts and crafts, food, and a costume contest.
Huntington Beach is another OC city that goes big on Independence Day, and this year’s celebration theme is “America the Beautiful.” Since 1904, Surf City has presented the largest Fourth of July Parade west of the Mississippi. The city’s 112th parade will feature marching bands, parade floats, vintage cars, horses, performers, and celebrity guests, plus Mickey and Minnie Mouse from the Disneyland Resort will serve as this year’s Grand Marshalls. Huntington Beach also hosts the Pier Plaza festival, with a fireworks show set for 9 p.m. hb4thofjuly.org, in addition to the Surf City Run, a popular 5K run from Worthy Park that leads to the ocean and back. surfcityrun.com
The coastal cities of Laguna Beach, Dana Point and San Clemente all have incredible fireworks shows over the water planned as well. Additionally, there are several other Independence Day activities taking place throughout Orange County, including events in Irvine, Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Tustin, and more. Wherever you decide to celebrate America’s birthday this year, have fun and be safe!
