Boom! Kablooie! Fireworks Shows Abound

July 4th is nothing without a spectacular fireworks display illuminating the night sky. Here's a lengthy list of where to find the shows, starting locally and moving south. Enjoy. 

1. 54th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Show at Veterans Memorial Stadium
When/Where: Gates will open at 4 p.m. this Monday at the Veterans Memorial Stadium located on 5000 Lew Davis Drive. The firework display will begin at 9 p.m.
Why you should head on over: Enjoy a demonstration by the Long Beach Fire Department, watch clowns create beautiful balloon art, indulge in the handful of concession stands on location, and there will be flags given out during the event. No alcohol or ice chests allowed.
Pricing: Tickets will be sold at the stadium starting at 4 p.m. on Monday. It will be $5 per person and children under 4 are free. Parking will be $5.
For additional information: http://www.visitlongbeach.com/calendar/index.cfm?eventid=2204

 2. 4th of July Party on the Pier
When/Where: 12 p.m. – end of the Firework show on Monday, July 4th at the Belmont Memorial Pier
Why you should head on over: There will be a jam packed party right on the pier with tons of food and entertainment for everyone. You will also have the opportunity to purchase prime seating on the pier through their website.
Pricing: BBQ & Beer garden separate pricing. Reserved seating is $20 per person. 
For additional information:
http://belmontpier.com/4th-july-party.html

 3.4th of July Fireworks Cruise
When/Where:  This Monday at 7:30 p.m.- 10:30 p.m. (boarding will begin at 7:30 p.m. and departing at 8:30) at Dock #2, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach.
Why you should head on over: Forget watching the fireworks displays from land, spice things up by watching the fireworks display on a boat in the Long Beach Harbor. It will be something to tell your friends when you return from your voyage. 
Pricing: General admission is $30 (ages 3 and up) and children under 3 are free. Book tickets by calling (562) 983-6880.
For additional information: www.harborbreezecruises.com

 4. July 4th Celebration at the Aquarium of the Pacific
When/Where:  5 p.m. -10 p.m. at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach 
Why you should head on over: Enjoy the aquatic animals at the Aquarium of the Pacific after 5 p.m. for a discounted rate of $12.95 per person. You have the option of purchasing a ticket that includes a BBQ buffet picnic on the Aquarium’s front lawn from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. 
Pricing: $12.95 per person after 5 p.m. for admission for Aquarium, BBQ ticket for adults $35 general and $25 for member, children $27 general and $17 member. 
For additional information: http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/newsevents/eventsdetail/4th_of_july/

 5.Red, White, & Blues – July 4th at the Queen Mary 
When/Where: 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach
Why you should head on over: Live music on a main stage and several different acts going on all day. The Queen Mary has the best location for the firework show on the Long Beach Harbor and it will give you the opportunity to dance the night away with the DJ Craig.
Pricing: Adults- $24.95, Children (5-11) $12.95, Senior Citizens (65+) $21.95, tours, food, and parking is an additional cost.  Tickets can be purchased online and at the box office. 
For more information: http://www.queenmary.com/July-Fourth.aspx

6.Los Alamitos Fireworks Celebration

When/Where: 4 p.m. to the end of Fireworks show at the Joint Forces Training Base, 11206 Lexington Drive, Los Alamitos, CA
Why you should head on over:  It is a large event hosted by the city of Los Alamitos, Cypress, Rossmoor, Seal Beach, and Joint Forces Training Base to give families a safe environment to celebration July 4th. There will be a food court, sponsor booths, and Kids Fun Zone. All adults needs to show valid I.D. to enter the base and those without I.D. needs to be accompanied by a parent/guardian. 
Pricing: $5 per vehicle and FREE parking with military I.D., it will be CASH Only.
For more information: http://www.ci.los-alamitos.ca.us/recreation/special_events/4th%20of%20July.html

FARTHER SOUTH FOR THOSE ITCHING TO GET OUT OF TOWN:

ANAHEIM: The Disneyland Resort will celebrate Independence Day with a fireworks display celebrating America. 9:30 p.m. July 4. Disneyland Resort, 1313 S. Harbor Drive, Anaheim.

EMERALD BAY: A private fireworks display will be shot off from a barge.

IRVINE: Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 8808 Irvine Center Drive. The Pacific Symphony will perform patriotic favorites and will back an internationally renowned tribute artist performing hits by Elvis. Then the night sky will explode with spectacular fireworks to end a spectacular evening. Tickets may be ordered from the Pacific Symphony at (714) 755-5799 or online at pacificsymphony.org.

LAGUNA BEACH: A public show sponsored by the city will be shot from Monument Point at Heisler Park on Cliff Drive with the best viewing from Main Beach. Bring a blanket and a picnic. The show will start after dusk.

LAGUNA BEACH: Three Arch Bay will have a private show shot from a barge.

LAGUNA BEACH: Irvine Cove will sponsor a private fireworks display.

LOS ALAMITOS: A food court, sponsor booths and a kids fun zone are all part of the July 4 celebration at the Joint Forces Training Base. The gates open at 4 p.m. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. Bleachers are not available this year. Free. Parking: $5 cash per vehicle. Joint Forces Training Base, 11206 Lexington Drive, Los Alamitos.

LOS ALAMITOS: Head over to the Queen Mary for a day of fun in the sun and an unforgettable 4th of July celebration. The day’s festivities include strolling performers, balloon artists, face painters and Uncle Sam! On the main stage you can groove to the tunes of Flattop Tom & His Jump Cats, an energetic and dynamic band playing blues and swing (12:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.)  Grammy nominated Lisa Haley and the Zydekats, one of the most joyful Americana/Cajun/Zydeco acts on tour today (4:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.) Dance the night away on the verandah deck located on the stern of the ship with a DJ Craig playing your favorite dance mixes from classic rock and disco to the hottest jams of today (7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.) The fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m.

NEWPORT BEACH: Big Canyon Country Club will have a private show after dusk.

NEWPORT BEACH: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive. The Dunes will present the 53rd Annual Fireworks Extravaganza. There will be family fun and games throughout the day with 3 Tribute Bands providing musical entertainment. Concessions are available. The day ends with a spectacular fireworks finale at 9 p.m. Get there early and save a spot to watch the show. The park opens at 7 a.m. The cost is $50.00 per car (up to 6 wristbands); walk-ins are $10 for per wristband. For more information call (949) 729-3863 or visit newportdunes.com.

CITY OF ORANGE: Fred Kelly Stadium at El Modena High School, 3920 Spring Street. The 16th Annual 3rd of July celebration will be held on Sunday, July 3, at 4 p.m. The celebration includes live music, inflatable activities and a hometown carnival atmosphere. There will be a patriotic musical performance by the Orange Community Master Chorale leading up to a spectacular fireworks show choreographed to music. Only blanket seating is allowed on the field. Ticket price is $7.00 (age 3 or older); kids two and under are free. Tickets may be purchased from the Community Services Department, located at 230 E. Chapman Avenue or at the gate. For information call (714) 744-7278 or log on to www.cityoforange.org.

ALISO VIEJO: Grand Park. The AVCA will hold a 4th of July Celebration starting at 6 p.m. There will be live entertainment, a homemade apple pie baking contest, carnival games, complimentary bounce houses, and face painting. Support your local non-profit organizations. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. There will be a low-level fireworks display choreographed to patriotic music at dusk. Please leave pets at home. For pre-recorded event information, call (949) 243-7411 or go to www.avca.net.

DANA POINT: Dana Point Harbor area. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and are shot from a barge outside of the harbor. The fireworks are synchronized to music being simulcast on Radio Station 88.5 FM KSBR. Bring your radio for the full experience. Limited tickets are on sale for a festive dinner cruise featuring a BBQ buffet available aboard the Dana Pride boarding at 7:30 p.m. ($79 adults, $39 kids 3-12). There is another cruise for those who would like to watch the fireworks from a boat from 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m. ($29 adults, $19 kids 3-12.) Please contact Dana Wharf Sport Fishing for tickets and information. The parking lots in the harbor and at Doheny State Beach fill up early. Parking, with a free round trip shuttle to the harbor, will be provided at Dana Hills High School, 33333 Street of the Golden Lantern, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. No cars will be allowed into the harbor area after 7:30 p.m. For more information, call (949) 248-3530 or log on to www.danapointharbor.org.

DANA POINT: St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, One Monarch Beach Resort. On July 3, the St. Regis will host a holiday BBQ with a variety of grilled meats, summer salads and pies from 5:30-9 p.m. for their registered guests. Tickets for the BBQ are $95.00 for adults and $36.00 for children (6–12 years.) Children under 5 eat free. The BBQ will be followed by a fireworks show being shot from the golf course for everyone to enjoy. Call (949) 234-3900 for information.

LADERA RANCH: Founders’ Park. Ladera Ranch will be celebrating the 4th of July this year with the Freedom Run, a pancake breakfast starting at 7:45 a.m., a community parade at 10:30 a.m., followed by games, attractions, and food sales starting at 2:00 p.m. The Antix Band will be in concert at 6 p.m. The fireworks show starts after 9 p.m.

LAGUNA HILLS: The Community Center and Sports Complex, 25555 Alicia Parkway. This year’s Annual Fourth of July Celebration opens at 4 p.m. Carnival rides and games, live music, patriotic crafts, and face painting will be a part of the celebration. This is a free event. Food, drink, and ride tickets will be available for purchase. Seating is not provided. Bring your lawn chairs and pick out your spot early for the fireworks display which starts at 9:10 p.m. Admission is free. Call (949) 707-2680 for additional information.

LAGUNA NIGUEL: Laguna Niguel Regional Park. On the 4th of July, a concert by Catch a Wave & PaperBack Writer will take place at the Crown Valley Park Amphitheater from 6-8 p.m. At 8:15 p.m., join the community in a ¾ mile walk to the Regional Park for a spectacular fireworks display at 9 p.m. Seating will be on the grass. Bring a flashlight! For additional information, call (949) 425-5100.

LAKE FOREST: The Sun and Sail Club. The club will have a private low-level show shot from a barge on the lake.

MISSION VIEJO: Olympiad Road between Marguerite Parkway and Melinda. The 4th of July Street Faire and Fireworks Spectacular will start at 12 pm. Admission is free. There will be live entertainment on 2 stages featuring This Side Up from 1-3 p.m., Grand Junction from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. and BMZ from 6 - 9 p.m. There will be all new rides, food and game booths, a wine and beer garden, contests and prizes, and crafters. Please – No pets, skateboards, roller blades, wheelies, bicycles, or barbeque grills. Shuttle service will be provided from 12 locations between 1 – 8 p.m. See a list of stops and a map at www.mvactivities.com. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. For more information, call (949) 830-7066.

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA: Lago Santa Margarita. The Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club, 21472 Avenida de las Fundadores, will be the site for Rancho’s 4th of July Star Spangled Spectacular. Residents must have tickets to get into the Beach Club before 3 p.m. Tickets must be picked up in person at the Beach Club (limit 9 per household.). Only 1,000 tickets are available. Games, activities, and music start at 2 p.m. The lake shore will be all open seating for the fireworks show. A low-level fireworks show begins on the lake at 9 p.m. For more information, contact the Beach Club at (949) 858-1390.

SAN CLEMENTE: Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. from the end of the San Clemente Pier. (Marines and their families are invited to watch from the Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi. Tickets are required. No charge. For information, call 949-498-4958 or go to www.marinemonument.com.)

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO: San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, 25925 Camino del Avion. A 4th of July spectacular will be hosted by the city of San Juan Capistrano from 3-9:30 p.m. It includes food , rides, games, and exhibits. Unlimited-use wristbands are on sale through July 1 for $20 at the Community Center. The wristbands and $1 tickets may also be purchased at the event. Family Style will perform classic rock ‘n’ roll from 6 – 9 p.m. A spectacular and moving fireworks display starts at 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets but no bikes, barbeques or pets. Personal fireworks are illegal in San Juan; please do not bring any with you. Free parking is available reserved.