Category : Things to do

11 years, 8 months ago 0
Posted in: Things to do

It’s that time again, the Fourth of July, and the fireworks will be out! This list courtesy of the San Diego Union Tribune. Of note, fireworks in La Mesa and Oceanside have been cancelled.Get out and enjoy the holiday no matter how you spend your time.
 
~Kerry

Central San Diego
 
Big Bay Boom Fireworks Show: This show features fireworks discharged simultaneously from four barges placed around San Diego Bay as well as off the Imperial Beach pier. The display lasts about 15 minutes and is accompanied by a patriotic score simulcast on radio station Walrus 105.7 FM. Check the website for recommended viewing locations and information about transportation, parking and free shuttles. 9 p.m. at San Diego Bay, North Harbor Drive, Midway District. (619) 686-6200, bigbayboom.com. Free.
 
Coronado Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks: Festivities will take place throughout the day, beginning with a 7 a.m. run/walk at Tidelands Park, the Art in the Park art show from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Spreckels Park, a 9 a.m. rough-water swim at Central Beach, a 10 a.m. parade down Orange Avenue, and a patriotic 4 p.m. concert at Spreckels Park featuring the Coronado Community Concert Band. Celebrations end with the Glorietta Bay Fireworks display at 9 p.m. Glorietta Bay Park, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado. (619) 437-8788, ecoronado.com/4th. Free.
 
Fireworks and barbecue on the Berkeley ferry: Enjoy an Independence Day barbecue dinner aboard the Berkeley ferry, followed by some of the best fireworks viewing on San Diego Bay as the Big Bay Boom fireworks display is launched overhead. 5 p.m. at Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 N. Harbor Drive, Harborview. (619) 234-9153, sdmaritime.org. $30 in advance for adults; $18 for children.
 
Fireworks Dinner Cruise: Savor a boarding cocktail served in a take-home souvenir glass, enjoy a buffet dinner and watch the Big Bay Boom Fireworks Show from the deck of the Inspiration Hornblower. 7 p.m. at Hornblower Cruises & Events, Hornblower Landing at Grape Street Pier, 1800 N. Harbor Drive, Harborview. (619) 686-8715, hornblower.com. $119 per guest for a three-hour cruise.
 
Historic Old Town Fourth of July: Participate in one of the most authentic Independence Day commemorations with 1880s music and dancing, period costumes, sack races, cake walks and a pie-eating contest. Children 12 and under may enter the patriotic-hat-making contest. Registration starts at 10 a.m. in front of the visitor information center. There will also be a parade, games, flag-raising events and lots of food and drinks. No fireworks. 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, 4002 Wallace St. Free. (619) 220-5422, oldtownsandiego.
 
Independence Day Sunset Sail: Enjoy a fireworks show with a sunset sail on San Diego Bay aboard the tall ship Californian. A cannon salute on board the Californian initiates the Big Bay Boom fireworks display. Hors d’oeuvres will be offered, and a cash bar is available. 5 p.m. at Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 N. Harbor Drive, Harborview. (619) 234-9153, sdmaritime.org. $50-$85.
 
La Jolla Fireworks: Fireworks will blast off at 9 p.m. from La Jolla Cove. The display can best be seen from Ellen Browning Scripps Park, La Jolla Shores and Kellogg Park. Ellen Browning Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove, 1180 Coast Blvd., La Jolla. Free.
 
Mission Hills Celebration: The Mission Hills Town Council presents their annual Fourth of July celebration beginning with a 10:30 a.m. neighborhood parade that winds up in Pioneer Park at 11 a.m. The party continues with the annual barbecue competition and games for the kids. From noon until 2 p.m. the G String Daddies perform as families picnic in the grass. Pioneer Park, 1521 Washington Place, Mission Hills. ourmissionhills.com. Free.
 
Ocean Beach Fireworks:Enjoy a day at the beach and a fireworks display launched at 9 p.m. from the Ocean Beach Pier, followed by the infamous marshmallow fight. Ocean Beach waterfront, Newport Avenue to Saratoga Park, Ocean Beach. oceanbeachsandiego.com. Free.
 
San Diego Symphony:“Star-Spangled Pops” with Marvin Hamlisch: Get an early start on your Fourth of July celebration with a patriotic extravaganza complete with all-American hits from Main Street to the Great White Way. Mr. Marvin Hamlisch will lead the symphony in a salute featuring John Philip Sousa marches, a tribute to the military and a fireworks display. Embarcadero Marina Park South, 206 Marina Park Way, Marina. June 29-July 1. (619) 615-3906, sandiegosymphony.org. $18-$76.
 
Scripps Mesa Fireworks Extravaganza:The Mira Mesa/Scripps Ranch Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza, a 37-year tradition, will continue in 2012. Enjoy a full day of celebration, including a pancake breakfast, a parade and other activities, followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. Fireworks will be simulcast with KYXY-FM 96.5. Mira Mesa Community Park, 8575 New Salem St., Mira Mesa. scrippsmesafireworks.org. Free.
 
SeaWorld Park Celebrates Independence Day With a Bang:On the Fourth of July, SeaWorld will present an extended display of red, white and blue fireworks set to patriotic music at 9:30 p.m. 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego. (800) 257-4268, seaworldparks.com. Free with park admission.
 
University City 24th annual Fourth of July Celebration:Start your day with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Onstage entertainment begins at 9:30 a.m. and continues throughout the day. Show your spirit by decorating your bike and/or pet for the Bike/Pet parade at 11 a.m. Join the photo scavenger hunt at noon, and check out games and food booths along the way. There will be a rock-climbing wall, jumpers for the kids, a beer garden and free swim at Swanson Pool from noon to 4 p.m. Free trolley service will be available along Governor Drive. No fireworks. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Standley Park, 3585 Governor Drive. Free. (858) 552-1652, universitycitynews.org.
 
USS Midway Family Fireworks Celebration: Wild West Fourth of July Fandango: Enjoy country music and dancing, a mechanical-bull-riding contest, the Alpine Outlaws Gun Fighting Show, a performance of the national anthem, and one of the best viewing locations for the Big Bay Boom fireworks show. Additional entertainment includes face painting, balloon twisters, bounce houses, optional simulator rides, games and bar and food services. USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Drive, Marina. 6 p.m. (619) 544-9600, midway.org. $15 adult; $10 ages 0-17.
 
East CountyEl Cajon’s Kennedy Park Picnic and Fireworks:The annual Fourth of July picnic begins at noon, followed by a fireworks show at 9 p.m. City recreation staff members and outside vendors will sell food and beverages. Disabled parking will be available, with general parking limited. Kennedy Park is a smoke- and alcohol-free park; El Cajon police will patrol the event. John F. Kennedy Park, 1675 E. Madison Ave., El Cajon. Free.
 
Rancho San Diego’s “Celebrate the USA” Festival:Enjoy an old-fashioned Independence Day festival at an event for the entire family, with crafts and food for sale, antique cars on display, games and craft activities for the kids, free popcorn and cake, and music by Trails and Rails performing old-time songs. The afternoon wraps up with a decorated-bike contest and a parade featuring decked-out bikes, big wheels, strollers, wagons and walkers. Rancho San Diego Branch Library, 11555 Via Rancho San Diego, El Cajon. 10 a.m. June 30. (619) 660-5370, sdcl.org. Free.
 
“Santee Salutes” Fourth of July Celebration:Beginning at 3:30 p.m., enjoy music by the 80z All Stars, an ’80s tribute band; kids will enjoy inflatable attractions and carnival games. New this year will be gourmet food trucks offering barbecue and Thai cuisine. A color guard from the Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 based at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station will begin at 6 p.m. The fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive, Santee. (619) 258-4100, ext. 201, or ci.santee.ca.us. Free admission; $5 parking (free parking and shuttle available at Costco).
 
North County4S Ranch Fourth of July Carnival and Street Faire:Activities include water slides, jumpers, crafts and games for members of the 4S Ranch Homeowners Association and guests; food and snacks available for purchase. Advance tickets: $6 per child until June 30. $10 per child at the gate. Adults and children under 2 are free. 1 to 4 p.m. at Linear Park, 17117 4S Ranch Parkway. Fireworks begin at dusk at Del Norte High School (see below). 4sconnect.com. $5 parking.
 
4S Ranch Fourth of July Fireworks:Fireworks begin at dusk at Del Norte High School. Gates open at 7 p.m. at Del Norte High School, 16601 Nighthawk Lane, San Diego. 4sconnect.com. $5 parking.
 
Escondido Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks: Pack a picnic basket, grab a blanket and head to Grape Day Park. Free entertainment includes musical performances, magicians, baton twirlers, children’s arts projects, old-fashioned contests and, of course, fireworks. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Grills, alcohol, pets and tall chairs should not be brought to the park. 4 to 9:30 p.m. at Grape Day Park, 321 N. Broadway, Escondido. (760) 743-8207, (760) 839-4138, escondido.org. Free.
 
Fallbrook’s eighth annual July Fourth Celebration and Fireworks Display:This family-friendly fundraiser supports the Fallbrook Beautification Alliance. Tickets include food, beverages, beer and wine, music, children’s activities, silent auction and fireworks display. Activities include the Rubber Raft Regatta Race, the Rubber Duck Race, a military tribute, dancing and more. 4 to 9:30 p.m. (no admittance after 8 p.m.) at Grand Tradition, 1602 S. Mission Road, Fallbrook. $38 adults (in advance), $43 (at door); $12 children; free for ages 5 and younger. (760) 731-7313, fallbrookbeautification.org.
 
Julian Community Fourth of July Parade:This historic gold rush town’s pre-parade activities feature a Marine Color Guard, a flyover by vintage military aircraft, a mock gunfight and robbery performed by the Julian Doves and Desperadoes, music by the Emerald Society Pipe Band and Blake Rogers, followed by the national anthem and a cannon shot to start the parade at noon. Known as the “best little small-town parade in America,” the parade begins at Julian High School, marching along Main Street to Frank Lane Park, followed by an American Legion barbecue at 1:30 p.m. No fireworks are planned. 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in downtown Julian. (760) 765-1857 or julianparade.com.
 
LegoLand’s Red, White and BOOM!:Enjoy a picnic, games, water toss and sack races along with patriotic music and entertainment. 8:30 p.m. fireworks. All activities included with admission to the park. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad. (760) 918-5346 or california.legoland.com.
 
Oceanside’s Independence Day Parade: The annual parade will take place Saturday, June 30 along Coast Highway going from Wisconsin Avenue to Civic Center Drive. The parade starts at 10 a.m. Food, vendors and music will be available at the Oceanside Pier from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. July Fourth. The Strand between Wisconsin Avenue and Breakwater Way will be closed to cars July Fourth. No fireworks are planned. (760) 754-4512, oceansideparade.com.
 
Poway Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration:Enjoy patriotic music and daylong family activities, including face painting, train robbery re-enactments and old-fashioned games along with an arts-and-crafts market and photos with Uncle Sam. See displays of antique clocks, cars, model trains and quilts. Cool off with a scoop at the ice cream social. Storyteller Charles Johnson will perform on the Gazebo Stage. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road, Poway. Free. (858) 668-4576, poway.org/oldpowaypark.
 
Poway July Fourth Fireworks:Enjoy DJ music, recreational games and snacks, followed by a 9 p.m. fireworks display. 7 to 10 p.m. at Poway High School, 15500 Espola Road, Poway. $2 admission; free for children 11 and younger accompanied by an adult. poway.org.
 
Ramona Rotary Club Family Picnic and Fireworks Show: Presented by the Ramona Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club. The gate opens at 5:30 p.m. with DJ entertainment, raffle prizes, games for kids and adults, food, drink and fun booths. The fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. in sync with patriotic music by KYXY-FM 96.5. Bring chairs, blankets, etc. No pets, no alcohol, no smoking. Olive Peirce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Lane, Ramona. (760) 787-3206.
 
Rancho Bernardo “Spirit of the Fourth” Freedom Club Concert:Bring your blanket and picnic for this Tuesday, July 3 celebration, featuring a free concert by the U.S. Marine Recruit Depot Band. 6 p.m. at Webb Park, Avena Place off Bernardo Center Drive, Rancho Bernardo. spiritofthefourth.org. Free admission; dinner available for purchase.
 
Rancho Bernardo “Spirit of the Fourth” Celebration and Fireworks:Beginning at 6 p.m., enjoy entertainment by Grammy Award-winning artists Sara and Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek and the 2012 RB Idol winners, followed by a fireworks display at 9 p.m. Bernardo Heights Middle School, 12990 Paseo Lucido, San Diego. spiritofthefourth.org/4th-of-july-activities. Suggested donation is $5 per person, $20 per family.
 
Rancho Santa Fe Independence Day “Concert on the Green”:Catch a concert by the Coastal Communities Concert Band. Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy the patriotic and popular music. Food and drinks are available for purchase. 1:30 p.m. at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, 5951 Linea del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe. cccband.com. Free.
 
San Diego Botanic Garden Fourth of July Parade: Bring decorated strollers and wagons (no bikes or scooters) and wear red, white and blue for a parade through the garden. Meet at Seeds of Wonder at 9:30 a.m.; parade starts at 10 a.m. sharp. Activities continue until 11:30 a.m. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at 230 Quail Gardens Drive. (760) 436-3036, sdbgarden.org. Free with admission: $12 adults; $8 seniors and students; $6 for ages 3-12; free for active-duty military.
 
San Diego County Fair Fireworks: On this last day of the fair, enjoy entertainment all day, including a Hometown Heroes parade and patriotic contests. Navy Band Southwest performs before the fireworks, which start at 9 p.m. Fairgrounds open from 10 a.m. to midnight. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Free with fair admission ($13 adults; $7 for ages 6-12 and ages 62 and older). (858) 755-1161, sdfair.com.
 
Scripps Ranch July Fourth Parade:At 10 a.m. the Scripps Ranch Civic Association presents the 42nd annual parade, themed “The Many Faces of Scripps Ranch,” beginning at Red Cedar Drive and Ironwood Road, and ending with a community festival from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hoyt Park, Scripps Ranch Boulevard at Aviary Drive. scrippsranch.org. Free.
 
Vista’s Red, White & Boom! Celebration: Celebrate Independence Day in grand Vista style, with festivities to include music beginning at 3:30 p.m. and fireworks displays at 9 p.m. cityofvista.com. $5 per person admission; $5-$15 parking.
 
South BayBig Bay Boom Fireworks Show (Imperial Beach): In addition to the fireworks discharged simultaneously from four barges around San Diego Bay, a barge is also anchored off the Imperial Beach pier. The display lasts approximately 15 minutes and is accompanied by a patriotic score simulcast on radio station Walrus 105.7 FM. Check the website for recommended viewing locations and information about transportation, parking and free shuttles. Imperial Beach Pier, Elm Avenue and Ocean Lane, Imperial Beach. bigbayboom.com. Free.
 
National City Fourth of July Carnival and Fireworks: National City and the National City Lions Club will host the annual Fourth of July Carnival at Kimball Park from June 29 through July Fourth, featuring games, rides, food and drinks for sale by local nonprofit organizations, and entertainment throughout the week. A fireworks display wraps up the festivities at 9 p.m. July Fourth. Kimball Park & Recreation Center, East 12th Street. and National City Boulevard, National City. (619) 336-6754, ci.national-city.ca.us/.