A fun Fourth of July in Southern California with many choices

Planning a July Fourth weekend in Southern California isn’t just about picking one hottest spot. Many places are mixing things up this year. Some skip the loud fireworks and go for light displays from drones instead. The FoodieLand Food Festival at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl is a major food event with over 250 vendors offering dishes from around the world. This three-day festival also features games and live bands, along with a drone show on the holiday itself. Music lovers have several big concerts to choose from. The Beach Boys are playing at Hollywood Bowl with John Stamos, performing songs from their famous 1966 album. The show ends with fireworks. At Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Chris Stapleton, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Queen Latifah are headlining a block party with free food and another drone light show. For a smaller event, Air Supply will perform in Irvine with a fireworks finale.Families on a budget will find free options worth checking out. Santa Anita Park in Arcadia hosts watermelon-eating contests and family-friendly live music before a drone show. Baseball fans can see the Dodgers play the Padres at Dodger Stadium, where fireworks follow the game. Mission Viejo holds a free street fair with rides, food trucks, and shops, complete with shuttle buses for easier travel. Dana Point offers a stunning fireworks show over the ocean, accompanied by a World War II airplane flyover. Lake Forest organizes a classic parade with American flags lining the streets. The Inland Empire mixes history and excitement with aviation displays at Riverside Municipal Airport, skydiving at Rancho Cucamonga, and classic cars on display. Temecula wraps up the celebrations with a park full of grills, live music, and a nighttime fireworks show.