The Insider: 4th of July In San Diego, Los Angeles & Las Vegas

A weekend that every American looks forward to, 4^th of July is just around the corner!  With our nation’s Independence Day falling on a Monday this also means an extended holiday weekend is upon us once again.  Here is a little rundown of some not to miss 4^th of July soirees if you are passing up the backyard barbecue in favor of a trip to San Diego, Los Angeles or Las Vegas.

San Diego

July 4

• Big Bay Boom Fireworks Show – Back for its 11^th year and expecting to draw more than 850,000 people waterfront to watch the show over San Diego Bay.  Beginning at 9 p.m. fireworks will be discharged from barges placed strategically around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Seaport Village, Embarcadero South Marina Park, Coronado Ferry Landing and Imperial Beach with the show expected to last 17 minutes.
• Coronado  Independence Day Celebration – a plethora of events are planned for July 4 on Coronado Island including the 36th Annual Independence Day 15K Run-5K Run/Walk which starts off the morning at 5:30 a.m., 63^rd Annual Independence Day Parade at 10 a.m. with this year’s theme being, “An American Pageant, Art in the Park from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Spreckels Park,  plus a whole lot more.  Details along with a full schedule can be viewed at coronadovisitorcenter.com
• USS Midway – 4^th of July celebration from the USS Midway where families are invited to spend the day enjoying activities, entertainment, simulator rides, games, eating contests and more along with one of the best views for the fireworks.  Tickets are $15.00
• LEGOLAND - 4^th of July “Red, White and BOOM!” celebration.   Throughout the day, kids of all ages can participate in all-American family picnic games including water-balloon tosses, burlap sack races and paper airplane contests.  The festivities wrap up at 8:30 p.m. with a fireworks show choreographed to music.

Los Angeles

July 4

• 85^th AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl – One of the largest fireworks displays in southern California.  Arrive early as the food court located outside the stadium opens at 2 p.m.   The stadium itself opens at 6 p.m. with Drum and Bugle performances at 7 and fireworks at 9:05 p.m.  Tickets are $13 while kids under seven and active Military with ID are free.
• Independence Day Baseball – The Los Angeles Dodgers take on the New York Mets with first pitch at 6:10 p.m.  A fireworks spectacle will follow the final out of the evening.  Tickets and additional information can be found at dodgers.com
• Hollywood Bowl July 4^th Spectacular – The legendary music venue bridges together its famed fireworks show with musical legends Daryl Hall and John Oates along with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.  Showtime is set for 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased from the Hollywood Bowl website.

Las Vegas

July 2

• The Springs Preserve will play host to Red, White and Tunes, a family friendly evening with music performed by the UNLV Community Band. Gates open at 7 pm with live music from 8 pm to 10 pm. The show will be held in the Springs Amphitheater. Adults are $5; Children 6 to 17 are $2, Children 5 and under are free. Family Packs including 2 adult and 4 children are $12 and guests are encouraged to bring low-back chairs or blankets for seating.

July 3

• Caesars Palace and the Las Vegas Hilton will unleash fireworks shows both at 9 p.m.
• Las Vegas 51’s take on the Colorado Sky Sox at Cashman Field, fireworks will follow the conclusion of the game.
• Night of Fire at Las Vegas Motor Speedway complete with Super Late Models (76-lap feature), SMRA Supermodifieds (76 laps), Chargers, Outlaw Enduro Bombers (76 laps), twin Legends Cars features and Bandoleros.  Tickets for adults are $15, children $5 and family value packs are available for $38 (admits two adults, two kids).
• The Village at Lake Las Vegas will celebrate with a live DJ, face painting, a balloon artist, a performance by the Henderson Symphony Orchestra and a fireworks display. The festivities will take place beginning at 3 p.m. The orchestra will perform at 8:00 p.m. and the fireworks show starts at 9 p.m.

July 4

• Looking for a parade in Las Vegas?  The 17^th annual Patriotic Parade in Summerlin is your destination starting at 8:30 a.m. The parade begins at the corner of Hillpoint Road and Hills Center Drive in the Trails Village of Summerlin, then travels south on Hills Center Drive ending on the corner of Trailwood Drive and Spring Gate Lane. Admission is free.
• Station Casino’s - A nine minute fireworks show from five of its properties; Aliante Station, Green Valley Ranch, Fiesta Rancho, Texas Station and Red Rock Resort will light up the Vegas sky.  The fireworks show will also celebrate the company’s 35^th anniversary.  Showtime is set for 9 p.m.
• Mandalay Beach – Grab a seat in the sand and watch the fireworks at 9 p.m. followed by a performance by Mystic Roots.  Admission is $25 and doors open at 8 p.m.
• The City of Henderson will host its Independence Day Celebration at the Basic High School football field, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. The event will feature live entertainment and an 18-minute fireworks show by Lantis, which begins at 9 p.m. Admission is complimentary.