This year the 4th of July falls on a Wednesday so it isn’t really a 4th of July weekend but here is what is going on this weekend and for a full list of fireworks displays in and around San Diego click here.
Friday, June 29
TGIF Concerts in the Park @ Stagecoach Park in Carlsbad – I love that you can pack snacks and wine to enjoy during the concert. The concerts are totally free not even a charge for parking. I would recommend getting there as early as you can because parking does become an issue. Remember that everyone wants to see the performers, so plan to bring LOW-BACKED chairs only. Shade structures are not allowed except along the back fences of the parks. The concerts begin at 6 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. See the full list below for locations, dates and shows. For more information click here.
Summer in the Park Concert Series @ University Heights located at Trolley Barn Park, Adams Avenue and Florida Street. Fridays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This week Graceland will be playing, for more information click here.
Concerts on the Promenade @ Prestcott Promenade in El Cajon – The Concerts on the Promenade (formerly Concerts on the Green) take place at Prescott Promenade, a small park in downtown El Cajon. Each Friday beginning at 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. from May through September. The free, weekly Summer music series features top entertainers, food, dancing and drawings. This week the band is Upstream Caribbean, for more information click here.
Crusin’ Grand @ Downtown Escondido– Cruisin’ Grand is called one of the best cruises in the country. Stop by and see 1973 and earlier American-made Classics, Customs, Vintage, Muscle, and Hot Rods cruising Grand Ave, just like they did 50-60- years ago, on a Friday night. The bands playing tonight are Stage 1 @ Maple: Moon Dance Band, Stage 2 @ Kalmia: Happy Endings, Stage 3 @ Juniper: Cover to Cover. For more information click here.
For more information click here.Crafts for Kids @ Lakeshore Learning – The craft this week is a Star-Spangled Shaker – Let freedom ring with a patriotic noisemaker that kids will love to shake! For more information or to find a Lakeshore Learning center near you click here.
Sunday, June 24
The Annual Independence Day Celebration @ La Costa Resort & Spa – This is a great fun family event for the whole family with activities like Bubble Making Magic with Whiskers, Family Scavenger Hunt, S’mores Nighttime Roast, Tattoos, craft, and face painting at Splash. The event comes to an end with a huge fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. Independence Holiday BBQ Buffet Dinner and Fireworks is held at Valley Pomenade from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., one seating $60 Adults, $35 Children, (does not include tax and service charge) * no member discount applied to this event. There are some of you who live close enough to watch from your house like my parents (lucky you!) or you may choose to sit over by the Batiquitos Lagoon for a nice view. The closest park is La Costa Canyon Park, (not the high school) at the top of the park there is an incredible view of the ocean and the fireworks. For more information on tickets click here.
Coronado Concerts in the Park @ Spreckles Park – Every Sunday at Spreckles park located at Orange Avenue, between Sixth and Seventh Streets at 6 p.m. enjoy free family concerts. This week the band is Tommy Price and the Stilettos, for more information click here.
4th of July Festival @ San Ysidro – This event will be held from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Cesar Chavez park at Larsen Field. This free family friendly event will have a car show, bounce houses for the kids, 2 dunk tanks, military show, 3 music stages, a revolutionary war re-enactment and will end with FIREWORKS! The fireworks will be from 9-9:30 p.m. For more information click here.
Tuesday, July 3
Westview High School Fireworks @ Rancho Penasquitos – Come out to Westview High School for a fireworks display! The football stadium gates open at 7:00 p.m., get there early to get a great seat! The fireworks being at 9:00 p.m., for more information click here.
Aviara Park Hyatt Resort celebrates the week of “Fourth of July” with tons of family fun. With live music throughout the Courtyard as guests enjoy food, drink and plenty of children’s activities. Then, as dusk approaches, guests will proceed to the resort’s Pool area in preparation for the 9:00 pm Fireworks Extravaganza. Please note, the Palm Courtyard celebration and fireworks viewing are strictly for registered hotel guests only. There are a lot of viewing options for those not staying at the Hyatt Aviara… The first would be the hiking trails at the Batiquitos Lagoon, for information how to get there click here. Another option would be parking on Batiquitos Drive and watch from the sidewalk. Enjoy!
Big Bay Boom – The 12th Annual “Big Bay Boom” Forth of July Fireworks Show @ San Diego Bay on Wednesday, July 4th, 2012 Fireworks Show starts at 9 p.m., listen to Special Musical Production Choreographed on the WALRUS 105.7FM Radio Watch at five locations around North San Diego Bay & the Imperial Beach Pier. Fireworks displayed from four barges on the San Diego bay, plus from the end of the Imperial Beach Pier.
Camp Pendleton – There will be a free family fun zone, pirates cove obstacle course, bounce houses, 4-person bungee,live music, carnival games, a rock climbing wall, paintball, ending with a fireworks show at 9:00 p.m. This is for military personal and their families, you will need a I.D., for more information click here.
Carlsbad @ Legoland California – Red, White and BOOM on July 4th! We love Legoland and visit often, it has fun rides and attractions for every age-group. The 4th of July celebration patriotic music with dazzling pyrotechnics and throughout the day, kids of all ages can enjoy live musical performances and participate in all-American family picnic games like water-balloon tosses, burlap sack races and building activities. The fireworks begin at 8:30 p.m. and will end at 9:00 p.m. for more information click here. For information on a free child admission to Legoland click here.
Coronado – The Annual Independence Day Parade will be on Orange Ave from 1st Street to Churchill Place and will begin at 10:00 a.m. At 9:00 p.m. the fireworks over San Diego Bay will begin.
Del Mar – The San Diego County fair will end with fireworks on July 4th at 9:00 p.m. There are great options to take the coaster, or to park in one of the free lots and take a shuttle. The views from dog beach are perfect for this fireworks show. For more information click here.
El Cajon – The Annual 4th of July Picnic & Fireworks will be held at Kennedy Park. The picnic starts at 12:00 p.m. with City Recreation staff and other vendors offering food and beverages for sale,the fireworks start at 9:00 p.m. Kennedy Park is located at 1675 E. Madison Avenue, for more information click here.
Escondido – Enjoy a variety of free entertainment beginning at 4:00 p.m. with Aerial Revolution, an American Legion Program at 4:10 p.m., Rumble King (4:45 p.m.), Kanan Road (5:45 p.m.), Creedence Relived (6:45 p.m.), and the Marine Band San Diego (8:05 pm.), as well as the YMCA baton twirlers (7:30 pm.). From 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. the History Center will be open and there will be children’s arts projects. Last but definitely not lease, fireworks will begin at approximately 9:00 p.m. A variety of refreshments will be available for purchase. For more information click here.
Fallbrook – The July 4th Celebration will be held at the Grand Tradition located at 1602 S Mission Road in Fallbrook. The gates open at 4:00 p.m. and there will be live entertainment, dancing, children’s activities, a silent auction, rubber raft regatta, a military tribute and will end with fireworks at 8:45 p.m. The price for tickets is $38 for adults, $12 for children (ages 6-12) and children 5 and under are free. For more information or to purchase tickets click here.
Imperial Beach – Part of the Big Bay BOOM on San Diego Bay. The Fireworks Show starts at 9 p.m., listen to Special Musical Production Choreographed on the WALRUS 105.7FM Radio.
Mira Mesa – The Mira Mesa/Scripps Ranch 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza, a 37-year tradition, will continue in 2012. There will be a pancake breakfast at 7:00 a.m., fun day at the park with events throughout the day, at 11:30 a.m. there will be the parade, and ending the day with fireworks at 9:00 p.m. Fireworks will be simulcast with KYXY Radio. For more information click here.
Ocean Beach – The fireworks in Ocean Beach will begin at 9:00 p.m., donations are still being requested to donate click here.
Poway – Bring your family and celebrate our country’s independence “turn-of-the-twentieth-century-style” at An Old-fashioned Fourth of July at Old Poway Park. Listen to live musical entertainment, Ride the steam train, Watch train robbery reenactments, Take your picture with Uncle Sam, Create your own patriotic arts and crafts, Play old fashioned games, Check out iron working demonstrations, See model trains and an antique quilt display, Eat ice cream, apple pie, roasted corn on the cob, hot dogs, and more delicious treats. The Fireworks Show is at Poway High School, the gates open at 7 P.M. and the show begins at 9 p.m. Admission is $2.00. Additional viewing and parking available at Lake Poway ($5.00 parking fee for non-Poway residents). For more information click here.
Rancho Bernardo – Webb Park from 8-10 a.m. there will be a pancake breakfast. At 10:15 a.m. there will be a Patriotic Celebration at the Rancho Bernardo Veterans Memorial site. Throughout the day there will be a Community Fair featuring the Art Walk, games and activities for the kids, food, ice cream, soft drinks, candy, and many exhibitors Courtyard by Marriott offers wine, beer, and mixed drinks, and will host a quilt exhibit. Also a Wheels of Freedom Motor Show, Patriotic Pet Contest, SwiftKick Martial Arts Performance, TJ Magic Act, and a Golden Idol Talent Contest. From 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. will be the 43rd Annual Spirit of the Fourth parade. Fireworks and Evening Entertainment at the Bernardo Heights Middle School! Presented by the Rancho Bernardo Recreation Council. Suggested Donation – $20 per family/$5 per individual, fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. For more information click here.
San Marcos – The annual 4th of July Celebration is held at Bradley Park there will be entertainment at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Bring chairs or blankets for lawn seating. Carnival games, jumpers and food sales available on-site. Funded entirely by donations from the businesses and citizens of San Marcos. For more information click here.
Santee – Santee Salutes is a FREE event, Parking $5-15, Minimal cost for food & activities at the NEW! Town Center Community Park East 550 Park Center Drive, Santee, California 92071. There will be live entertainment by 80z All Stars – Rocking new wave hits from the 80′s, Patriotic Ceremony with HMH-462 Color Guard – 6:00 p.m., New Additions -Inflatable Zone & Food Trucks (cash only) Firework Show starts at 9:00 p.m. for more information click here.
Vista– Celebrate at the Moonlight Amphitheatre within Brengle Terrace Park. This fun event include live music, the Light Up the Night Dinner, and one of the biggest fireworks displays in San Diego County! Food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted inside the Moonlight Amphitheatre. Alcoholic beverages may not be brought inside the Amphitheatre. Beer and wine will be sold at the Artisan Café within the Amphitheatre. For more information on the alcohol policy please click here. The Artisan Café will be open during the festivities serving an assortment of patriotic fare, snacks, and beverages.$5 admission per person to the Amphitheatre (* Children five and under are free) $15 for parking at Brengle Terrace Park $5 for parking at Vista High School (includes shuttle service 1 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
