From north to south, here are the 4th of July events and firework shows we’re tracking at South Bay Foodies!
Marina Del Rey
Marina del Rey’s Fourth of July fireworks will be shot off a barge in the Main Channel at 9 p.m. The 20-minute show can be viewed from various spots around the waterfront, with the best spots at Burton Chace Park (where spectators can listen to synchronized music on KXLU-FM 88.9) and Fisherman’s Village. The park is at 13650 Mindanao Way (one block west of Admiralty Way) and Fisherman’s Village is at 13755 Fiji Way. Find out more about the show and places to park at visitmarinadelrey.com/events/4th-of-july.
El Segundo
El Segundo’s annual Fourth of July celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. in Recreation Park, 401 E. Sheldon St. There will be food, games, contests and music. Daytime events, including a hula hoop contest, water balloon toss, pie-eating and watermelon-eating contests, will go until 3 p.m. Evening events will run from 5-9 p.m. The fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. To buy wristbands for grandstand seats and resident priority seating, call 310-524-2700.
Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach’s Seaside Lagoon will host daylong Fourth of July festivities and offer a good viewing spot for a pyrotechnics show launched from a barge about 300 yards away. (The city pier at the foot of Torrance Boulevard is another good choice.) The fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. The gates to Seaside Lagoon at 200 Portofino Way will open at 2 p.m. to paying ticket holders. The lineup of events includes swimming, kids arts and crafts, entertainment from the Free to Be Me drum circle, paddleboard races, a kids parade and more. Find out more details and purchase tickets online at http://redondofireworks.com.
Torrance
Oh no! The City of Torrance doused the fuse on their annual fireworks show a couple years back.. And now, according to the Daily Breeze, “The annual fireworks show off Torrance beach, privately funded each year by the Briles family, has not yet been confirmed for this year.” They suggest checking for “Internet updates on the popular pyrotechnics display, which traditionally is presented at 9 p.m. from a barge just off at the coast”. Doh!
Carson
The city’s fourth annual Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration, “Lights Over Carson,” will kick off at 6 p.m. at the StubHub Center (formerly Home Depot Center) with food, vendors, a kiddie carnival, nonstop entertainment and raffle prizes, with fireworks compliments of the L.A. Galaxy, who will play against the Columbus Crew at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will start about 9:40 p.m. Attendees are invited to picnic with family and friends; carpooling is suggested. Paid parking will be available at the StubHub Center and shuttle service will be offered from the Carson Civic Center, 801 E. Carson St., starting at 5 p.m.
Rancho Palos Verdes
The city’s 37th annual Independence Day celebration will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Upper Point Vicente Park, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd. Highlights include music by the Palos Verdes Symphonic Band and a country band, arts and crafts, rides, games, hula hoop contests, a petting zoo, helicopter rides and more. Admission is free, and a complimentary shuttle will run from the Hawthorne Boulevard Ralphs store to the lot adjacent to the Point Vicente Lighthouse on Palos Verdes Drive West. On-site parking is $5 per vehicle.
Palos Verdes Estates
The Palos Verdes Independence Day Committee will hold its 52nd annual celebration at Malaga Cove School, 300 Paseo del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates. The free event starts at 9:30 a.m. and will feature an All-American pie contest, bike parade, guest speakers and presentation of the Kenneth T. Norris Heritage Freedom Award to the Rev. Gregory Boyle. Go to pvjuly4.org for more information.
San Pedro
The 37th annual Community Observance and Ringing of the Korean Friendship Bell ceremonies will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Angels Gate Park. Highlights include keynote speakers and music. Assembled guest speakers and dignitaries will ring the bell 33 times, including 13 times for the original states. Families are invited to stay the day and watch the fireworks later that evening that can be seen from Cabrillo Beach. Admission is free.