News Summary
Orange County communities are preparing for vibrant Fourth of July celebrations, featuring fireworks, parades, and family activities. Events across various cities, including Aliso Viejo, Anaheim Hills, and Huntington Beach, promise free or low-cost festivities that bring residents together in a patriotic spirit. With diverse activities ranging from fun runs to fireworks over the water, there’s something for everyone as families gather to celebrate independence.
Orange County Communities Prepare for Spectacular Fourth of July Celebrations with Fireworks, Parades, and Family Activities
Orange County communities are gearing up for a festive Fourth of July, offering a range of celebrations that include parades, fireworks, and family-friendly activities. Most events are free or come at a very low cost, ensuring that all residents can join in the patriotic spirit.
Aliso Viejo
The celebration at Grand Park runs from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and features a concert, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks display at 9 p.m. More information can be found at avca.net.
Anaheim Hills
The annual event kicks off with a Firecracker 5K/10K Run/Walk at Canyon High starting at 7 a.m. Following this, the Yankee Doodle Dog Show entertains at 9 a.m. A parade sponsored by Disneyland will commence at 1 p.m., and from 3 p.m., food booths and live entertainment will be available at Peralta Park. Fireworks are scheduled for 9 p.m., with additional details at anaheim.net/fourthofjuly.
Brea
Brea’s 45th Country Fair will open at City Hall Park from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include a pancake breakfast, entertainment, food, car shows, contests, games, and rides. A Kiddie Parade is set for 10:45 a.m., and admission to Brea Plunge is free starting at noon. More details can be found at cityofbrea.net.
Costa Mesa
Celebrations on July 3 at the OC Fair & Event Center will begin at 5 p.m. and end at 11 p.m., featuring family activities and free entertainment, with fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m. Information is available at costamesaca.gov.
Dana Point
A fireworks show is planned for 9 p.m. over the harbor, with optimal viewing from various parks and beaches in the area. More information is listed at danapoint.org.
Fullerton
The Fourth of July celebration at Downtown Plaza is from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring live music, activities for families, and food vendors, culminating in a fireworks show. Further information can be found at cityoffullerton.com.
Huntington Beach
Starting at 7 a.m., the Surf City Run 5K unfolds, leading to the Main Street Parade at 10 a.m., recognized as the largest west of the Mississippi. Fireworks will be launched at 9 p.m. over the water, and additional festivities will take place from July 5-6. More information is available at hb4thofjuly.org.
Great Park, Irvine
This inaugural celebration runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., featuring a community parade at 5 p.m. with patriotic decorations encouraged. Live music, food, and family activities will be offered, alongside a drone show at 8:45 p.m. and fireworks at 9:45 p.m. More details can be found at cityofirvine.org.
Laguna Beach
A fireworks display is scheduled for 9 p.m. at Heisler Park, with Monument Point and certain park areas closing at 5 p.m. for the festivities. Further information is available at lagunabeachcity.net.
Laguna Niguel
The Family YMCA will host a Run in the Parks at 8 a.m., followed by a pancake breakfast at Crown Valley Park from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Free swimming will be available from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with fireworks set for 9 p.m. More information can be found at cityoflagunaniguel.org.
Lake Forest
Lake Forest will feature a community parade titled “Lake Forest Thrives in 2025,” starting at 9:30 a.m. For more details, visit lakeforestca.gov.
La Habra
At La Bonita Park, a party will commence with live music and a military flyover. Gates open at 4 p.m., and fireworks will follow at 9 p.m.; wristbands will be available for presale. More information can be found at lahabraca.gov.
Los Alamitos
The annual fireworks show in Los Alamitos will be livestreamed on social media on July 3 at 9 p.m. More details are available at cityoflosalamitos.org.
Mission Viejo
The July 4th Street Faire and Fireworks Spectacular will open at noon, featuring live entertainment, rides, and food trucks. Fireworks will commence at 9 p.m. Information is available at cityofmissionviejo.org.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach will host multiple events, including a Bike Parade at 9 a.m. and a fireworks extravaganza at the Newport Dunes at 9 p.m., along with carnival games and food at the community festival. More information can be found at newportbeachca.gov.
San Clemente
A fireworks display from the pier is scheduled at 9 p.m., alongside a carnival starting at 2 p.m. at Marco Forster Intermediate School. For more details, visit san-clemente.org.
Santa Ana
Santa Ana’s Fourth of July celebration at Centennial Park will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with fireworks at 8:45 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food vendors and inflatables will also be present. More information can be found at santa-ana.org/fourth-of-july.
Tustin
Tustin’s annual Fourth of July celebration will start at 6 p.m., with fireworks set for 9 p.m. Admission is free, but parking will cost $10. More information is available at tustinca.org.
Yorba Linda
The Fourth of July Spectacular will kick off at 5 p.m. with food vendors and activities, culminating in fireworks at 9 p.m. Further information can be found at yorbalindaca.gov.
These events highlight the community spirit as Orange County celebrates its independence with various festivities that cater to families and residents of all ages.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Orange County Independence Day Celebrations
Aliso Viejo Celebrates Independence Day with Festivities
Mission Viejo to Host Annual Street Faire and Fireworks Spectacular
Rancho Santa Margarita Water Festival to Promote Conservation
Water Festival Set to Make Waves in Rancho Santa Margarita
Additional Resources
- Orange County Register
- Los Angeles Times
- Picket Fence Media
- Patch
- LAist
- Wikipedia: Fourth of July
- Google Search: Fourth of July celebrations in Orange County
- Google Scholar: Fourth of July festivities
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fourth of July
- Google News: Fourth of July events Orange County
