July 4th in LA County: Where old-school fireworks evolve into high-tech drone shows

Big booms replaced by high-tech buzz? In some places in Los Angeles County, the rockets’ red glare and ear-bending bangs will be replaced by the precision light shows and the whirr of precision-programmed drones.

The night sky over Redondo Beach’s King Harbor will light up with a 10-minute performance by 200 drones, composing Independence Day vignettes synchronized to patriotic music.

The drone show — by the company Sky Elements, which had a cancellation and is offering the show at a discount — received unanimous City Council approval during a Thursday, June 29, special meeting.

“People were very, very disappointed about the cancellation of fireworks,” Mayor Bill Brand said before he polled councilmembers for the vote. This way, he said, the city is offering something celebratory for residents.

Meanwhile, in Downtown L.A., what is billed as California’s longest-running Independence Day fireworks show won’t happen Tuesday for financial reasons but the Gloria Molina Grand Park 4th of July Block Party will present the first 3-D drone show in its 10-year history.

For advice, see: Valuable tips if you’re headed to the beach for the July 4th

The 12-minute show will consist of 500 remote-controlled drones flying above Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center forming larger-than-life representations. The 9 p.m. show will be orchestrated to a special playlist of hip-hop music curated DJ J Rocc of the DJ collective The Beat Junkies as a tribute to the genre’s 50th anniversary.

The playlist will showcase the park’s yearlong theme “Reflections,” acknowledging Angelenos’ inner strength and power.

The party will run from 4 to 9:30 p.m. and cover six blocks from Grand Avenue to Los Angeles Street and from Temple Street to Second Street.

The party’s Backyard Stage on Block 4 of Gloria Molina Grand Park’s event lawn across the street from City Hall, between Broadway and Spring Street, will have artists paying tribute to hip-hop. The headliners are Bahamadia, who is set to perform from 7:15 to 8 p.m., and Cut Chemist and Chali 2na, who will perform from 8:15 to 9 p.m.

The Beat Junkies will present a celebration of the past, present and future of Los Angeles’ DJ culture featuring the Beat Junkie Institute of Sound, Ladies of Sound and special guests on the Front Yard Stage on Block 2 of Gloria Molina Grand Park’s performance lawn between Grand Avenue and Hill Street.

There will also be a digital playground for children and families to explore digital and Augmented Reality experiences, arts, crafts and games.

Parking for $10 will be available at The Music Center garage and Walt Disney Concert Hall garage. Because of the large number of people expected, taking public transportation is highly encouraged.

After 96 editions, the AmericaFest Celebration won’t be at the Rose Bowl after losing more than $500,000 last year, Rose Bowl General Manager Jens Weiden told the Pasadena Star-News.

Instead, the stadium will be the site of game between the Los Angeles Football Club and Los Angeles Galaxy, which is expected to draw the largest crowd in Major League Soccer’s 28-season history. The record is 74,479 for Charlotte FC’s first game, March 5, 2022, a 1-0 loss to the Galaxy.

A fireworks show will follow the game.

Fireworks will also follow the Los Angeles Dodgers-Pittsburgh Pirates game at Dodger Stadium, The Beach Boys concert at the Hollywood Bowl, the freestyle motocross show at the AV Fair & Event Center in Lancaster and the concert by the Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Brand tribute band The Rising at Starlight Bowl in Burbank.

Fireworks shows are also scheduled at Six Flags Magic Mountain and Universal Studios Hollywood.

The Culver City Independence Day Fireworks Celebration at West Los Angeles College will include food trucks, music and prizes. Gates will open at 3:30 p.m. with the fireworks show set for dusk. Admission is $10 with children 5 and under free. Parking is $20.

Funds raised from the show produced by the Culver City Exchange Club will benefit local youth-focused charities.

Kaboom!, which combines monster trucks and freestyle motocross exhibitions, musical performances, a food fest and fireworks, begins at 4 p.m. at Fairplex. Tickets are $25 for a general admission seat and $30 for a reserved box seat in advance and $35 for general admission seat and $50 for a reserved box seat in advance.

Councilmember Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza at Warner Center Park will run from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and includes food from more than 15 local restaurants, arts and crafts vendors, a performance by the 1960s tribute band BEACH St. A Go Go and a 20-minute fireworks show.

Marina del Rey’s 20-minute fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m., synchronized to music played over loudspeakers at Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village.

The approximately 9 p.m. fireworks show over Avalon Bay on Catalina Island will be followed by a performance by the USC Trojan Marching Band on the Wrigley Stage.

And that’s not all, folks. Here’s a sampling of other fireworks and light shows planned for July 4:

ARTESIA

City of Artesia 4th of July Celebration: The event includes family games, 4 p.m., music by Amor Prohibido, a Selena tribute band, 6 p.m. and the fireworks show, 9 p.m. Artesia Park, 18750 Clarkdale Ave. Flyer on Facebook, www.facebook.com/officialcityofartesia. www.cityofartesia.us/Calendar.aspx?EID=1092

BURBANK

Starlight Bowl: A concert with Hollywood U2 and the Rising, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band, 6:30 p.m. Tickets: lower area, $28; upper area, $23 (grass area and box seats sold out). Parking $10 (cash only). Parking lot opens, 4:30 p.m. Gates open, 5:30 p.m. Location, 1249 Lockheed View Drive. 818-238-5300. www.starlightbowl.com. Details and to purchase tickets in advance here: starlightbowl.com/events/the-rising

CALABASAS

City of Calabasas 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular: Gates open, 5 p.m.; Family Fun Zone with arts and crafts, a DJ, games, stilt walkers, 5-8:30 p.m.; concert and dance party with the Suffragettes, 7:15 p.m.; fireworks, 9 p.m. Bring your own blanket or low-back chair. Limited stand seating and temporary chairs on a first come-first seated basis. Bring your own picnic/snacks or purchase items from food trucks. Admission $12 in advance (no ticket sales at the door). Check website for parking suggestions, prohibited items including no alcohol, no glass bottles and no seeds; and other rules. Calabasas High School, football field, 22855 Mulholland Highway. 818-880-6461. www.cityofcalabasas.com. www.cityofcalabasas.com/government/community-services-parks-recreation/special-events

CAMARILLO

City of Camarillo Fourth of July Fireworks Show: Fireworks, 9 p.m. (listen to musical soundtrack on KBBY-95.1 or online at 951kbby.com; 30-second delay for streaming). Free admission. Watch from parking lots at Camarillo Premium Outlets (740 E. Ventura Blvd.) or surrounding area. Parking is first come, first served. www.ci.camarillo.ca.us/news_detail_T2_R163.php. cityofcamarillo.org/fireworks

CLAREMONT

City of Claremont Fourth of July Celebration – Happy and Free in 2023!: Concert by Upstream, 6:45-8:45 p.m., followed by fireworks show, 9 p.m. Gates open, 6:30 p.m. Admission $10 pre-sale (and at the gate if available). Purchase admission in advance at Alexander Hughes Community Center (1700 Danbury Road); Claremont City Hall (207 Harvard Ave.); Vons (550 Baseline Road). Pomona College, Strehle Track (check the map for parking: bit.ly/3CwQJbz). Details: bit.ly/3zx0eoa

EL SEGUNDO

El Segundo’s the 4th of July at Recreation Park: Daytime events include contests, games, races, arts and crafts vendors, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nighttime events include live music, food booths and fireworks, 5-9 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Bring a blanket for seating. Admission is by wristband (four free wristbands per adult with an updated 2023 Rec ID Card for residents of El Segundo; $5 for non-residents and available for purchase at the Clubhouse and Checkout Building in Recreation Park through July 3; $5 at the door; see details and the requirements needed for the recreation ID card here: bit.ly/3bk4JL9). Recreation Park, 401 Sheldon St. City of El Segundo Recreation and Parks, 310-524-2700.

HOLLYWOOD

July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at the Hollywood Bowl: The Beach Boys perform, with Thomas Wilkins conducting the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and with special guest John Stamos, 7:30 p.m. July 4. Gates open, 5:30 p.m. Tickets $39 and up. 2301 N. Highland Ave. 323-850-2000. www.hollywoodbowl.com.

HUNTINGTON BEACH

Fourth of July Fireworks: 9 p.m. Tickets for reserved pier seating $30; VIP seating $45 (purchase in advance on the website). Huntington Beach Pier, 325 Pacific Coast Highway. huntingtonbeachca.gov/residents/fourth-of-july-info. Tickets: www.hb4thofjuly.org/fireworks.

LA CRESCENTA

A Star Spangled Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration – Crescenta Valley Fireworks Association: The 16th event includes music by the Mary Dyer band and food trucks. Limited bleacher seating. Bring a blanket or chairs for seating (no stakes allowed). Water-only on the football field. Gates open, 4 p.m. Fireworks show, 9 p.m. Tickets in advance $9; $10 at the gate. Check the Facebook posting for locations to purchase tickets in advance. Spectators will also be able to watch from areas around Crescenta Valley High School, 2900 Community Ave. Entrance to the field, in the 4200 block of Ramsdell Avenue. 818-275-4959. www.cvfireworks.com/event.

LANCASTER

Fourth of July Extravaganza: The City of Lancaster present the event that includes a free-style motocross show, family activities and food vendors, 5-10 p.m. Antelope Valley Fair and Event Center, 2551 W. Ave., H. avfair.com/event/4th-of-july-fireworks-extravaganza. www.cityoflancasterca.org

LONG BEACH

Fourth of July Fireworks at the Waterfront: City of Long Beach presents the event, 9 p.m. with fireworks launched from Queensway Bay. Viewing areas on the downtown waterfront include Marina Green, Rainbow Harbor, Lions Lighthouse for Sight and Shoreline Village. Also, Harbor Breeze Cruises offers ticketed cruises for viewing (562-432-4900; 2seewhales.com/long-beach-whale-watching). Queensway Bay and Rainbow Harbor. www.visitlongbeach.com/blog/4th-of-july-in-long-beach

MARINA DEL REY

Marina del Rey’s Fourth of July Fireworks: The fireworks display will be launched from a barge off of the Marina’s south jetty, 9 p.m. Viewing areas include Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way and Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way (synchronized music at both locations). Check website for harbor side dinner and parking tips. Also, check cruising options here: visitmdr.com/sailing/yacht-charters-and-boat-rentals. Many surrounding roads close at 1 p.m. Fireworks are visible from Dockweiler Beach, Playa Vista and Venice Pier.

MONROVIA

City of Monrovia’s 4th of July Concert & Fireworks Show: The event includes dancing and a concert by OC Groove 7-8:30 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. Library Park, 321 S. Myrtle Ave. 626-256-8246. www.cityofmonrovia.org/your-government/recreation/special-events/4th-of-july-fireworks-show

OJAI

Ojai 4th of July Celebration: Musical entertainment by Jimi Nelson Band, featuring Ruben Duarte Jr. on drums, and food trucks, 5:30 p.m. Fireworks, 9:15 p.m. Bring a blanket or low-back chair. No alcohol, glass or pets. Tickets $10; $5 children; price options for families of 4, 6 and 8 (in advance on the Eventbrite link, or in Ojai at: American Hay, 101 W. Short St. or Attitude Adjustment Shoppe, 1129 Maricopa Highway). Tickets at the gate $12; $5 children. Nordhoff High School, football stadium, 1401 Maricopa Highway. www.4thofjulyinojai.com. www.4thofjulyinojai.com/fireworks-info. Updates on Facebook: tinyurl.com/22p44p94. www.4thofjulyinojai.com/schedule-of-events. To purchase tickets in advance online on Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/3ew83cfm

OXNARD

Fireworks by the Sea – Channel Islands Harbor: 9 p.m. Check the website for daytime activities at the harbor. Location, 3900 Pelican Way. 805-973-5950. Updates on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChannelIslandsHarbor. Details: bit.ly/46d41au

PACIFIC PALISADES

Palisades Fireworks Spectacular: Gates open, 6 p.m. and fireworks, 9 p.m. Bring a blanket to sit on the field. Bleacher and stadium seats available for seating. No coolers, food or drinks allowed inside the field. There will be food trucks onsite; see the facts here: palisades4th.com/fireworks/fireworks-faq. Tickets $10; free for ages 6 and younger (however, all must have a ticket for admission including children and babies). No cash ticket sales at the door. Purchase tickets and parking ($25) in advance on the website (no ticket sales at the gate). Gates close at 8:45 p.m. (no admittance after that time even if you have a tickets; no refunds). Palisades Charter High School, baseball field, 15777 Bowdoin St. More Pacific Palisades July 4 activities (palisades4th.com). Details, rules, parking information and to purchase tickets: palisades4th.com/fireworks

PASADENA

LA Galaxy vs Los Angeles Football Club: Game, 7:30 p.m. Fireworks after the game. Tickets $35 and up. Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive. www.lagalaxy.com/tickets/singlegame

POMONA

Kaboom! Fireworks Spectacular: Event includes free style motocross, monster trucks, Quad Wars and music.  Doors open, 4 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Tickets in advance online $25; $30 reserved box seat; at the gate on July 4 $35; $50 reserved box seat. Parking $17. Use Gate 17 for parking (credit card only). Credit card only for admission and alcohol sales; some food stands may accept cash. Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Drive. Tickets:  www.fairplex.com/events/kaboom

PORTER RANCH

Fourth of July Spectacular at Shepherd Church: Fireworks, about 9 p.m. No tailgating. Use parking areas around the church. Location, 19700 Rinaldi St. 818-831-9333. www.shepherdchurch.com/4th

ROSEMEAD

City of Rosemead Fourth of July 2023 Carnival and Fireworks— Celebrating Heroes in Our Community: Carnival, noon-10 p.m. Event includes community performers, noon-3:30 p.m.; family activities and games, 1-4 p.m. (some events require sign-up in advance, tinyurl.com/2h73znta; details on contest/games sign-ups on the Facebook link). Opening ceremony, 5 p.m. Music by Detroit Nights, 7-9 p.m. Fireworks, around 9 p.m. Rosemead Park, 4343 Encinita Ave. 626-569-2160. Fourth of July flyer: tinyurl.com/yc7uwukz. www.facebook.com/rosemeadca

SAN MARINO

City of San Marino 4th of July Fireworks Celebration: Event includes entertainment and food booths (see program link for schedule and times). Fireworks, 9:05 p.m. Entry fee for required wristband, $15 for non-residents; $5 for residents; day of event $20 for everyone. Check the website link for where to purchase the wristbands in advance. Lacy Park, 1485 Virginia Road. 626-943-2627. Updates on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CityofSanMarinoCA. Details and wristband purchasing here: bit.ly/3n5ARVI

SAN PEDRO

John Olguin July 4th Spectacular: A private party with a barbecue and viewing at the Cabrillo Beach Youth Waterfront Sports Center. Tickets $75; $25 ages 16 and younger. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite, or at the Corner Store (1118 W. 37th St.; 310-832-2424) or at San Pedro Chamber of Commerce (390 W. Seventh St.; 310-832-7272). Fireworks, 9 p.m. Fireworks may be viewed from Cabrillo Beach (3720 Stephen M. White Drive) or higher points in San Pedro including Angels Gate Park (3601 Gaffey St.). Cabrillo Beach Boosters: www.facebook.com/cabrillobeach.boosters. Eventbrite ticket link: tinyurl.com/5t5x2c4m

SANTA BARBARA

Fourth of July Celebration: Event includes DJ and live music at the West Beach bandstand beginning at noon (sponsored by the PARC Foundation). Fireworks, 9 p.m. West Beach (West Cabrillo Boulevard and State Street). 805-897-1962. santabarbaraca.gov/events/fourth-july-celebration. www.facebook.com/visitsantabarbara.  santabarbaraca.com/events/the-santa-barbara-fourth-of-july-celebration

SIMI VALLEY

Star Spangled Rock & Country Jam & Fireworks  Extravaganza: Event includes music, a kid’s fun zone, beer and wine garden, food booths and arts and crafts vendors. Doors open, 3 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Free admission; VIP admission, $100 and $45 ages 12 and younger (includes barbecue dinner, dessert, shaded seating near the stage and other perks; more information and to purchase here: starspangledsimi.com/vip-tickets). Entertainment by the Mod Squad, Forever Rod and Justin Honsinger; music begins at 3:15 p.m.; details here: bit.ly/3Oh4O0T. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Event is sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley, the City of Simi Valley, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District and Adventist Health Simi Valley. Parking: Simi Valley Metrolink Station, 5050 E. Los Angeles Ave., or Simi Valley High School, 5400 Cochran St. Location, Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 E. Los Angeles Ave. 805-587-5100. Flyer: simi-valley.kiwanisone.org. starspangledsimi.com

SOUTH GATE

Fourth of July Festival and Independence Day Fireworks: Festival includes games, rides and live music, 2-11 p.m. July 1-2; 5-11 p.m. July 3; 1-11 p.m. July 4. Fireworks, around 8:30 p.m. July 4. 323-563-5479. South Gate Park, 4900 Southern Ave. (Tweedy Boulevard and Pinehurst Avenue). Details and the flyer: www.cityofsouthgate.org/Events-directory/4th-of-July-Festival

SOUTH PASADENA

South Pasadena’s 4th of July Festival of Balloons, Parade and Fireworks: The day kicks off with a Kiwanis pancake breakfast, 7 a.m. at the South Pasadena Fire Station, 817 Mound Ave. The opening ceremony for the parade, 10:30 a.m., at the South Pasadena Public Library community room, 1115 El Centro St. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Mission Street at Diamond Avenue and ends at Garfield Park (1000 Park Ave.), and is followed by games and a concert by U.S. 99, noon-3 p.m. at the park. Pre-sale tickets for the fireworks show at South Pasadena High School, stadium (1401 Fremont Ave.) are $11; $13 on event day.  southpasadenaca.gov/events. Details: tinyurl.com/z9b2jkpu

THOUSAND OAKS

Fireworks Spectacular: Conejo Recreation & Park District and the City of Thousand Oaks present fireworks, 9 p.m. Listen to synchronized music from KHAY-100.7 FM radio. Viewing spots include: Janss Marketplace, Hillcrest Drive and Moorpark Road (janssmarketplace.com/events/july-4th-spectacular-2/; bring folding chairs and arrive early to ensure access to the shopping center’s rooftop event area; distribution of the free wristbands, required to enter the roof top event area, begins at 5 p.m. at the event booth, near the main fountain at Janss Marketplace). The Oaks, 350 W. Hillcrest Drive (details on viewing here: bit.ly/3xGGeQ8). 805-495-6471. www.crpd.org/events/fourth-of-july-activities

TORRANCE

Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration: 9 p.m. Watch from Los Angeles County Courthouse, west parking lot (825 Maple Ave.) or at the LA Galaxy Sports Complex (opens at 7 p.m.; first come, first seated; bring a blanket or a beach chair for seating on the turf; 555 Maple Avenue). Updates: www.facebook.com/TorranceCA. www.torranceca.gov/services/community-services/july-4-fireworks-celebration-2023

UNIVERSAL CITY

Universal Studios Hollywood: The theme park will have a fireworks display around 9 p.m. Park hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission $144 July 4 with online purchase; check the website for other ticket prices including Universal Express for bypassing general queue at most rides and shows. Parking $30 and up ($10 after 5 p.m.); see other parking option fees on the website. Location: 100 Universal City Plaza. General information, 800-864-8377. Admission, 866-258-6546. www.universalstudioshollywood.com

VALENCIA

City of Santa Clarita’s Spirit of America Fireworks Show: View the display around 9:15 p.m. Fireworks will be launched near the Westfield Valencia Town Center, 24201 Valencia Blvd. Listen to synchronized music from KHTS-98.1 FM or 1220 AM radio. 661-250-3787. santa-clarita.com/events

VENTURA

Ventura Rotary 4th of July Fireworks and Family Picnic: The event includes live entertainment, children’s activities and food trucks, gates open 5 p.m. Fireworks, around 9 p.m. Tickets $10 ages 13 and older; $5 ages 4-12; a family-of-four admission is $28, only available as pre-sale on the website. Cash-only at the gate. Bring your own blanket for seating and picnic items. No alcohol, no glass, no pets, no smoking (see other rules on the website). Ventura College Athletic Fields, 4667 Telegraph Road. www.venturafireworks.com. Details and to purchase admission: bit.ly/3NidLYm

WEST COVINA

City of West Covina’s Centennial 4th of July Firework Spectacular: Event includes a Heroes Recognition, interactive and picnic games, jumpers, a rock climbing wall and food vendors, 2-9 p.m. Musical entertainment by DJ Phil Perez, Bruno and the Hooligans and Remix. Fireworks, 9 p.m. West Covina Sportsplex, 2100 S. Azusa Ave. 626-919-6966. Parking and shuttle information and other details: tinyurl.com/ytt999v8

WESTLAKE VILLAGE

Fireworks Spectacular: Event includes activities, music and food trucks, 5 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Fireworks can be seen from the area surrounding Westlake Village Golf Course and at Calvary Community Church (5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village; gates open 6 p.m.; bring blanket or chair; food trucks; www.facebook.com/CalvaryWestlake). There is no parking on-site at the golf course; only drop-offs; follow signage for free, off-site parking off of Lakeview Canyon and Townsgate roads. Westlake Village Golf Course, 4812 Lakeview Canyon Road. 818-706-1613. wlv.org/366/4th-of-July-Fireworks-Show

WHITTIER

City of Whittier 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular: Listen to music by Candela plus family activities and food trucks. Watch the fireworks display from the park and surrounding areas, 9 p.m. Gates open, 5 p.m. Admission wristband $5; free for ages 17 and younger (purchase admission in advance at Parnell Park, 15390 Lambert Road (at Scott Avenue). York Field, 9110 Santa Fe Springs Road. Whittier Parks, Recreation and Community Services, 562-567-9400. www.whittierprcs.org/home-communityservices. Details: tinyurl.com/mty7xwph. See the flyer posted on June 15: www.facebook.com/WhittierPRCS

WOODLAND HILLS

Councilman Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza: Concert with Beach Street a Go Go, arts and craft vendors and food vendors, 6 p.m. Fireworks, around 9 p.m. Free admission, or reserved seats (with or without parking) are donations to Valley Cultural Foundation. Reserved seat, $20; reserved seat and parking, $35; VIP backstage seating and parking, $100. Check website for parking tips and security rules. Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd. 818-704-1358. valleycultural.org/concerts-events/july-4th/

City News Service contributed to this report