Dust off your red, white, and blue! The Fourth of July is just around the corner. Whether you’re in Orange County or the Coachella Valley, there’s a star-spangled celebration waiting for you.

From dazzling fireworks displays to lively music and festive gatherings, get ready for fun with the whole family. Grab your beach blanket, sparklers, and appetite for some delicious barbeque – we’re diving into the best ways to celebrate Independence Day in OC and the Coachella Valley!

Central Orange County

4th of July Neighborhood Parade + Celebration

When: Thursday, July 4 · Parade – 10 am; Celebration – 10 am – 9 pm; Fireworks – 9 pm (pier opens at 7pm)

Where: Parade + Celebration – Main Street and PCH (follow parade route), Huntington Beach; Fireworks – Huntington Beach Pier

Huntington Beach throws a legendary 4th of July bash, celebrating its 120th year this year! Witness the largest parade west of the Mississippi on July 4th at 10 am, featuring local flair from businesses, classic cars, and even the Mayor. The festivities culminate with the epic Fireworks Over The Ocean at 9 pm, visible from the beach (free!) or with reserved pier seating (limited tickets). Don’t miss this iconic Independence Day tradition!

Old Glory Boat Parade

When: Thursday, July 4 · 1 pm

Where: Newport Beach Harbor, Lido Island

Ahoy, mateys! Celebrate America’s birthday in style at the annual Old Glory Boat Parade! This festive flotilla sets sail around Newport Harbor on July 4th at 1 pm, presented by the American Legion Yacht Club. Gather on the shores or deck out your own boat to join the patriotic fun! ️

4th of July is for Families Bike Parade + Festival

When: Thursday, July 4 · Bike Parade 9 am; Festival 9:30 – 11:30 am

Where: Bike Parade – West Balboa Boulevard and 36th Street; Festival – Channel Place Park, 4400 Channel Place, Newport Beach

Calling all families! Celebrate Independence Day in style at the 13th Annual 4th of July is for Families Newport Peninsula Bike Parade and Festival! This festive event offers something for everyone. Decorate your bikes, scooters, wagons, or strollers for a patriotic parade, then head to the festival for a day of wholesome fun. Let loose with fun carnival games, unleash your creativity with arts and crafts, groove to live music, and fuel up on delicious food for purchase. Even your furry friend can join the fun (on a leash, of course!). It’s the perfect way to create lasting memories and celebrate America’s birthday together.

Independence Day on the Back Bay

When: Thursday, July 4 · 8 am – 10 pm

Where: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach

Celebrate Independence Day at Newport’s Back Bay bash! Free entry lets you enjoy live music, food trucks, and water sports rentals (until 4 pm). Fireworks ignite at 9 pm! Food, drinks, rentals, and parking sold separately.

South Orange County

Concert in the Park

When: Thursday, July 4 · 6 – 8 pm

Where: Crown Valley Community Park Amphitheatre, 29751 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel

Come out to a free summer concert on the Fourth! Rock out to classic rock tribute band The Suffragettes and bring your own chairs and blankets. You can grab food there and enjoy the tunes. Don’t forget the free shuttle from city hall!

San Juan Capistrano 4th of July Family Celebration

When: Thursday, July 4 · 2 – 9:30 pm

Where: Marco Forster Intermediate School – Athletic Fields, 25601 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano

Celebrate Independence Day in San Juan Capistrano! Head to Marco Forster Intermediate School for a family-friendly bash. Festivities kick off at 2 pm with live music (80s hits, blues, rock!), face painting, bounce houses, games, and food trucks. Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display later! Free parking; trolley runs from 11 am – 10 pm.

Aliso Viejo 4th of July Celebration

When: Thursday, July 4 · 4 – 6 pm

Where: Grand Park at Aliso Viejo Town Center, 26801 City Lights Drive, Aliso Viejo

Aliso Viejo Grand Park’s 4th of July erupts with classic rock! Tribute band 4X4 brings the hits of Foreigner, Journey, Styx & more. Mingle with friends, enjoy fireworks, and celebrate America! There will also be booths, kids’ crafts, face painting, balloon animals, airbrush tattoo artists, and carnival games!

4th of July Fireworks

When: Thursday, July 4 · 9 pm

Where: Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point

Don’t miss the BEST SoCal fireworks display lighting up Doheny State Beach on July 4th! The show explodes over the water for a dazzling spectacle.

Desert Cities

Independence Day Celebration in the City of Coachella

When: Wednesday, July 3 · 6 – 9 pm

Where: Bagdouma Park, 51723 Douma Street, Coachella

This free family event promises a fun-filled day for all ages. There will be exciting onsite games and carnival rides to keep everyone entertained. A variety of local food vendors will be on hand to satisfy your cravings, while live music sets the mood for a festive atmosphere. To top it all off, a dazzling fireworks grand finale will light up the night sky at 9 pm.

Palm Desert Independence Day Celebration

When: Thursday, July 4 · 7:30 – 9 pm

Where: Civic Center Park, 73510 Fred Waring Drive (corner of San Pablo Avenue), Palm Desert

Palm Desert celebrates Independence Day with a bang! Enjoy a free concert at 7:30 pm followed by a 20-minute fireworks display set to music at 9 pm in Civic Center Park.

4th of July Celebration at Palm Springs Power Baseball

When: Thursday, July 4 · 4:30 pm

Where: Sunrise Park, 1901 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs

Catch the Coachella Valley’s best Fourth of July celebration! Watch the Palm Springs Power battle the PSCL All-Stars at 6 pm, then enjoy a dazzling fireworks show after 9 pm at the stadium.

Desert Hot Springs Fireworks Spectacular

When: Friday, July 5 · 6 – 10 pm

Where: Mission Springs Park, 14510 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs

This event promises an unforgettable evening under the desert sky. They’ll have delicious food vendors to tantalize your taste buds, along with live music. But the real star of the show is the breathtaking fireworks display that will light up the night.

With all these amazing celebrations happening throughout Orange County and the desert this July 4th, it’s no wonder Southern California is a top place to live! Ready to embrace the ultimate Orange County or desert lifestyle? Contact our real estate specialists today at SurterreProperties.com.