Los Angeles

Fourth of July Events: Parades, Celebrations, Music

Southern California has more to offer than fireworks on the Fourth of July. Check out a parade and some of the region's other celebrations

For those lucky enough to live in the Southland, the Fourth of July holds more than just the promise of an explosive ending to the night. Sporting events, educational experiences and parades are just a sampling of the things that Southern California has to offer this weekend.

Below, a collection of non-firework events you can enjoy on this year's Independence Day:

Pacific Palisades Fourth of July Parade: Steve Kerr, the newly appointed coach of the Golden State Warriors, stays close to his roots, acting as the Grand Marshal of the 66th annual Pacific Palisades Fourth of July Parade. The parade is set to begin at 2 p.m. on Sunset Boulevard, between Via de la Paz and Drummond Street.

Shakespeare Orange County: The date of Independence Day represents, of course, the signing of the Declaration of Independence. So why not visit a celebration of the document that started it all? Shakespeare Orange County is conducting their free annual reading of the Declaration of Independence at Festival Amphitheater in Garden Grove. The reading starts at 10:30 a.m.

Westchester Fourth of July Parade: Westchester is holding their 15th annual Fourth of July Parade, which has 50 entries giving their own take on the theme of "Love My America!" The display is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and will be held along Loyola Boulevard from Westchester Park to Loyola Marymount University.

Battleship Iowa: For a unique Fourth of July experience, how about a visit to the real-life American battleship sitting in the Port of Los Angeles. Climb aboard the USS Iowa to enjoy heaps of barbecue, vintage military vehicles, face-painting, an obstacle course and more. Tickets start at $7. Address for the event is 250 S Harbor Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90731

Santa Monica Fourth of July Parade: Those who want a science-fiction twist to their Independence Day celebrations can visit Santa Monica's eighth annual Fourth of July parade and its theme of "May the 4th Be With You!" The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Main Street and Pico Boulevard.

Aquarium of the Pacific: During Fourth of July most people look up the sky, but The Aquarium of the Pacific is offering a trip under the sea. The aquarium is open all day so visitors can grab a barbecue buffet while exploring the depths of the worlds' oceans. Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802. Regular tickets start at $25.95 for Adult, $14.95 for children and $22.95 for seniors.

San Gabriel Fourth of July Parade: San Gabriel's 4th of July Parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Plaza Park, in front of the San Gabriel Mission, then head north through the Mission district, continue east on Broadway and conclude at Smith Park.

Fourth of July Bike Parade: Children are the stars of the Long Beach Kids' Fourth of July Bike Parade, which invites kids to decorate their bikes and pedal in a patriotic procession. The event also includes an oratory competition, watermelon seed spitting, and costume contest. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at 1 Granada Ave. on the beach bike path in Long Beach.

Valley Village Fourth of July Parade: The Valley Village Homeowners Association Fourth of July Parade bring snacks into the mix, with the association providing tasty treats that include corn dogs, watermelon, and cupcakes. The procession will begin at Colfax Elementary School at 10 a.m. and conclude at Valley Village Park.

Sierra Madre Fourth of July Parade: Sierra Madre's 4th of July Parade will have children on decorated bicycles, classic cars and the band from The Gooden School. The 1.3-mile parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the corner of Sierra Madre Boulevard and Sunnyside Avenue, and travel the length of Sierra Madre Boulevard to Sierra Vista Park.

LA Galaxy Soccer: The United States may have been knocked out of this year's World Cup, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy soccer this Independence Day. Head over to the Stubhub Center in Carson to watch the L.A. Galaxy take on the Portland Timbers. Kick-off for the match is 7:30 p.m. and tickets to the event start at $20.

Sunland-Tujunga Independence Day Parade: The Sunland-Tujunga Independence Day parade is set to be adorned with the theme Its theme is "Celebrating Arts in the Foothills." The event is set to begin at 10 a.m. at Foothill Boulevard and Mt. Gleason Avenue, head west along Foothill Boulevard and end at Sunland Park.

Independence Day Jazz and Blues Festival: The Vision Theatre in Leimert Park plays the host to a free Independence Day Jazz and Blues Festival. The event, which begins at 1 p.m. at 3341 W. 43rd Pl., Los Angeles, also features children's arts and crafts and delicious food.

Huntington Beach Celebration: Huntington Beach is certainly no stranger to Fourth of July celebrations, the first Independence Day event in the city was all the way back in 1904. This year's version includes a 5K run/walk, live music, clowns and floats. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and runs along Main Street from Pacific Coast Highway to Clay Ave.

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