2014 Guide to 4th of July Events in Orange County

Orange County’s going patriotic so raise your flags and break out the red, white and blue. It’s time to celebrate our Nation’s independence at one of these grand Southern California 4th of July events.

Old Glory Boat Parade- Newport Harbor/Balboa Island
If you love the Newport Beach Christmas parade then this is where you should be. This annual event by the American Legion Yacht Club is known as “the most patriotic boat parade around”. It starts promptly at 1pm. Boats line up at Collins at 12:30.
http://www.alyc.com/

110th Huntington Beach 4th of July Celebration
If you are looking for a fantastic parade, family entertainment, food vendors and fireworks over the ocean, then this three day event is where you will want to be. The parade starts at 10:00 am and you will need to get there very early. You can also purchase bleacher seating for the parade and fireworks online.
http://www.hb4thofjuly.org/

Dana Point Harbor and the 4th of July Firework Display
Spend a beautiful day at the beach ending with an incredible firework display. This is the busiest day of the year, so you will want to get there early and plan on staying all day. Parking and shuttle service is available at Dana Hills High School.
http://www.danapoint.org

Lake Forest 4th of July Parade
Kids love parades and this one will thrill everyone. It begins promptly at 10:00am. Parking is available at El Toro High School.
http://www.lakeforestca.gov/4thjuly

Mission Viejo Street Faire and Fireworks Spectacular
Carnival, games, rides, food, crafts and spectacular fireworks help create a traditional 4th of July atmosphere which keep people coming back year after year. It is located on Olympia Road next to the Mission Viejo Lake.
http://www.mvactivities.com/events.htm

Pretend City-Celebrate the 4th of July!
Irvine
Pretend City knows how to throw a party for the pre-school through elementary age children. This year they are celebrating the 4th on the 3rd with Pretend City’s Fourth of July Celebration.
http://pretendcity.org/ai1ec_event/celebrate-4th-july/

YMCA 36th Annual Run in the Parks
Laguna Niguel
Before you break out the barbeques, why not start your day with a little family fitness? This annual run in the park is for all ages, so break out your inner athlete and pre-register for the fun.
http://www.ymcaoc.org/run-in-the-parks

Pacific Symphony Concerts: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy 4th of July
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Irvine
Pack a picnic dinner, bring the kids and enjoy music under the stars with “America’s Favorite Big Band”, complete with fireworks! Kids love the lawn seats where they can move around and stretch out.
http://www.pacificsymphony.org/tickets/concerts

Disneyland 4th of July Fireworks in the Park
Nothing is more magical than a holiday event at Disneyland, and the Fourth of July is no exception. Your family will love the inspirational fireworks set to patriotic songs.
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/entertainment/disneyland/fireworks/

An Orange County mother of four, Tonya Goodbrand, loves exploring the world and sharing it with her family. She has a passion for travel which is quite contagious. Tonya hopes to inspire families to venture out of their comfort zone and see the world through their children’s eyes.