Add some spark to your 2023 Independence Day celebration with fireworks displays, parades, dinner cruises, and other star-spangled happenings.
Fireworks, Parades, Concerts and July 4 Festivities
FREE Military, Fire & Law Day. Active or retired military, firefighters and law enforcement personnel receive free admission with a valid ID. 10 am–4 pm. The Wave Waterpark, 101 Wave Dr., Vista. www.thewavewaterpark.com
Fourth of July Fireworks in Poway. Enjoy two spectacular firework shows as they light up the sky over the Poway High School Stadium ($5, gates open 6 pm for games, activities and more) and Poway Sportsplex (12349 McIvers Ct.). Fireworks, 9 pm. www.poway.org
July 4th Picnic & Fireworks Viewing. Enjoy spectacular fireworks viewing from the McKinney Deck of the 1898 Berkeley. Dinner for purchase. 7–9:30 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. $25. Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 N. Harbor Dr. www.sdmaritime.org
FREE Fireworks in El Cajon. Train rides, crafts, live music and more. Starting at 2 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. Kennedy Park, 1675 E. Madison Ave. www.elcajon.gov
FREE San Marcos Red, White and Boom. Carnival games, jumpers and more. Entertainment, 5 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. Bradley Park, 1587 Linda Vista Dr. www.san-marcos.net
FantaSEA of Dreams Fireworks Spectacular. Nightly, 10 minutes prior to park close. SeaWorld, Interstate 5, exit SeaWorld Dr. www.seaworldsandiego.com
Red White & Boom! Unforgettable fireworks that explode into 3D LEGO bricks right before your eyes with special viewing glasses. Pre-show entertainment, 7:45 pm; fireworks, 8:30 pm. Included with admission. LEGOLAND, 1 LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. Tickets: www.legoland.com
4th of July Fireworks Viewing Party. From Midway's iconic flight deck with live entertainment, activities and the best view in town. 6:30–9 pm. $30. 910 N. Harbor Dr. www.midway.org
FREE Big Bay Boom Fireworks. Four barges on San Diego Bay. Watch from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embacadero, Marina District and Coronado Ferry Landing. 9 pm. www.bigbayboom.com
FREE Santee Salutes. Patriotic ceremony, fireworks and more. 2–10 pm. Parking $10. Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Dr. www.cityofsanteeca.gov
FREE Ramona July 4th Family Picnic & Fireworks Show. 4–9:15 pm; fireworks 9 pm. Donations accepted. Olive Peirce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Ln. www.ramonachamber.com
FREE 4th of July Parade & Concert. Kids games, pie contest and more. 10 am–2:30 pm. Bike parade, 10 am; concert, 12 noon. Pioneer Park, 1521 Washington Pl. www.missionhillstowncouncil.org
FREE Lake Murray Music Fest & Fireworks Show. Music Fest, 11 am–9 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. Lake Murray Community Park, 7001 Murray Park Dr. www.lakemurrayfireworks.org
UC Celebration. 5K & 1-mile fun run ($25), jumpies, food and more. Standley Park, 3585 Governor Dr. Details: https://uccelebration.com
July 4th Run & Ride. 10K & 2 mile run or 25-mile gravel bike ride. Starting on Red Cedar Dr. & ending at Hoyt Park, Scripps Ranch. Register: www.runride.org
Spirit of the Fourth. Theme “The Sounds of Freedom.” Activities start at 9 am at Webb Park; parade, 3:30 pm; concert, 6 pm. Fireworks, 9 pm at Rancho Bernardo High School, 13010 Paseo Lucido. $10 donation requested. www.spiritofthefourth.com
FREE Chula Vista 4th Fest & Fireworks. 7–10 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, 2800 Olympic Pkwy. www.chulavistaca.gov
FREE Coronado Fourth of July. Parade, 10 am; concert, 4 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. Schedule: https://coronadofourthofjuly.com
Fireworks Spectacular at the Fair. 9 pm. $20–$25; includes fair admission. Corona Grandstand Stage, Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. www.sdfair.com
FREE 4th of July Extravaganza: Parade & Fireworks. Parade, 10 am at Old Town Temecula, then head to the Ronald Reagan Sports Park for live music, vendors and fun zone. 2–10 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. www.temeculaca.gov/1087/4th-of-july
Independence Day at Petco Park. Celebrate with a limited-edition themed Padres hat and watch the Angels at 3:40 pm. Tickets: www.padres.com
FREE Imperial Beach 4th of July Fireworks. 9 pm. Imperial Beach Pier. www.ib-chamber.com
4th of July Fireworks Cruise. The William D. Evans sternwheeler boat features a live DJ, snacks and a memorable setting to watch the firework show. 6:50–9:55 pm. $50. Bahia Resort Hotel, Mission Bay. Reservations: www.bahiahotel.com
FREE Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade & Festival. Theme “Red, White and Boots: Honoring American Cowboys.” Parade, 10 am from Ironwood to Aviary Dr.; festival, 11 am–1 pm at Hoyt Park, 10800 Canyon Lake Dr. www.scrippsranch.org
FREE Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration. Celebrate our country’s independence “turn-of-the-20th-century-style” with patriotic entertainment, crafts, train displays and old-fashioned games. 10 am–4 pm. Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd. Poway. www.poway.org
FREE Balboa Park Twilight in the Park Concerts. Every Tues., Wed. & Thurs. 6:30–7:30 pm. Through Aug. 24. Spreckels Organ Pavilion. www.balboapark.org/twilight-concerts
Crown City Classic. 12K & 5K and kids half mile run along the Coronado Bay. Start & finish at Tidelands Park. $25–$75. Register: www.crowncityrun.com
FREE Julian’s 4th of July Parade. Theme “Century of Commitment.” Antique cars, vintage tractors, belly dancers and more. Main St. Details: www.julianparade.com
FREE Movies on the Bay. Catch a family-friendly outdoor movie with a stunning backdrop of Mission Bay. Tuesdays, 9 pm. Catamaran Resort & Hotel, 3999 Mission Blvd. www.discovermissionbay.org
July 4th Fireworks Cruise. Music synced to fireworks. 8:30–9:45 pm. $45–$60; under 4 free. 990 N. Harbor Dr. www.flagshipsd.com
Make sure to check websites for the most up-to-date information.
Planning a July 4 party? Find tasty recipes and patriotic crafts in our Red, White and Blue: July 4th Round-Up.
Updated: June 2023
