If you’re still deciding how to celebrate Independence Day, Orange County has no shortage of parades, fireworks, concerts, family festivals, harbor cruises, and community celebrations.
Whether you’re looking for a beachfront fireworks show in Dana Point, a patriotic parade in Huntington Beach, or a family festival close to home, here’s a city-by-city guide to some of the biggest Fourth of July events happening across Orange County.
Huntington Beach
Few cities celebrate the Fourth of July quite like Surf City USA.
Surf City 5K
July 4 | 7:00 AM–10:00 AM
Main Street & Pacific Coast Highway
Start your morning with one of Orange County’s most popular Independence Day traditions.
122nd Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade
July 4 | 10:00 AM
Begins near Pacific Coast Highway and Ninth Street
One of the largest Fourth of July parades west of the Mississippi.
Fireworks Over the Ocean
July 4 | 9:00 PM
Huntington Beach Pier
A classic Southern California fireworks display over the Pacific.
SeaLegs Fourth of July Weekend
July 3–5
17851 Pacific Coast Highway
Live music, beachfront dining, and holiday festivities throughout the weekend.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach offers one of the most family-friendly Fourth of July celebrations in Orange County.
Families Bike Parade
July 4 | 9:00 AM
West Balboa Boulevard & 36th Street
Decorate your bikes, wagons, and strollers before joining this local tradition.
Community Festival
July 4 | 9:30 AM–11:30 AM
Channel Place Park
Games, entertainment, food, and activities for families.
Old Glory Boat Parade
July 4 | 1:00 PM–3:30 PM
Newport Harbor
Watch patriotic boats cruise through Newport Harbor.
Newport Dunes Fireworks
July 4 | 9:00 PM
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
One of the county’s premier fireworks shows.
Fireworks Harbor Cruises
July 3–4
Enjoy the fireworks from the water aboard one of Newport Harbor’s evening cruises.
Anaheim, Buena Park & Fullerton
Anaheim
Anaheim Fourth of July Celebration
July 4 | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM
Canyon High School & Peralta Canyon Park
Disneyland Fireworks
Holiday weekend
Disneyland Park
Celebrate Independence Day with Disney’s famous nighttime spectacular.
Buena Park
Knott’s Berry Farm Fireworks
July 4
Knott’s Berry Farm
Enjoy fireworks after a full day at the park.
Fullerton
Fullerton Fourth of July Festival
Downtown Fullerton Plaza
Community festivities, entertainment, and family activities.
Dana Point & Laguna Beach
If you’re spending the holiday near the coast, South Orange County offers some incredible viewing opportunities.
Dana Point
Fireworks Show
July 4 | 9:00 PM
Doheny State Beach / Dana Point Harbor
One of Southern California’s most scenic fireworks displays.
Condor Squadron Flyover
July 4 | 5:50 PM
A patriotic flyover along the Dana Point shoreline.
Dana Wharf Fireworks Cruises
Watch the fireworks from the water aboard Dana Wharf’s evening cruises.
Laguna Beach
Fireworks are expected around 9:00 PM near Monument Point and Heisler Park, continuing a long-standing community tradition.
San Clemente & San Juan Capistrano
San Clemente
Movie on the Beach: Top Gun: Maverick
July 2 | 8:00 PM
San Clemente Pier
Concert on the Beach
July 3
San Clemente Pier
Fireworks Show
July 4 | 9:00 PM
San Clemente Pier
San Juan Capistrano
Fourth of July Celebration
July 4 | Begins at 3:00 PM
Marco Forster Middle School
A family-focused celebration with live entertainment and fireworks.
Costa Mesa, Cypress & Los Alamitos
Costa Mesa
Fourth of July Celebration
July 3
OC Fair & Event Center
Cypress
Salute to America
July 3
Cypress College
Los Alamitos
3rd of July Fireworks Spectacular
Joint Forces Training Base
A longtime Orange County tradition that takes place the evening before Independence Day.
Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills & Laguna Niguel
Aliso Viejo
Fourth of July Celebration
Grand Park & Town Center Amphitheater
Laguna Hills
Fourth of July Celebration
Laguna Hills Community Center
Laguna Niguel
Fourth of July Festivities
Crown Valley Park
Expect family activities throughout the day followed by evening entertainment and fireworks.
Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita & Ladera Ranch
Mission Viejo
July 4th Street Faire & Fireworks Spectacular
One of South Orange County’s largest Independence Day celebrations.
Rancho Santa Margarita
SAMLARC Star Spangled Spectacular
Festivities around Lago Santa Margarita with fireworks to end the evening.
Ladera Ranch
Fourth of July Celebration
A full day of community events, entertainment, and fireworks.
Irvine, Santa Ana & Tustin
Irvine
Pacific Symphony July 4 Spectacular
Great Park Live
One of Orange County’s premier Independence Day concerts.
Santa Ana
Fourth of July Celebration
Centennial Park
Tustin
Fourth of July Celebration
Tustin High School
A local tradition featuring family activities, food vendors, live entertainment, and fireworks.
Plan Ahead
Many of these events draw thousands of visitors each year, so arriving early is highly recommended. Parking fills quickly, and several cities offer shuttle services or encourage rideshare transportation.
Whether you’re watching fireworks from the beach, cheering on a parade, or spending the day with family at a community festival, Orange County offers something for everyone this Fourth of July.
Have a safe and happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸
Source: The Thrive OC Events Calendar and individual city event organizers.
