File photo

Celebrate Independence Day Early with Boathouse on the Bay’s “Big Bang on the Bay” tonight from 5:30PM to 9:30PM. As one of Long Beach’s most popular Fourth of July events, thousands of spectators will flock to Alamitos Bay to hang out on the sand, kick back in a boat or chill on the pier underneath the glow of an early fireworks show.

Beginning at 5:30PM, the evening’s events will include a vintage aircraft flyover, skydivers, a sailing regatta, plus music and dancing. The 9:00PM fireworks spectacular over Alamitos Bay will be shot from a barge anchored offshore.

Event creator John Morris said in a press statement, “This is a dazzling extravaganza for our community by our community.”

The Big Bang on the Bay will benefit the Action Kids Sports Foundation (ASK Foundation), a non-profit Long Beach-based organization dedicated to providing youth an alternative to the streets and gangs through sports, education and the arts.

According to the release, numerous companies and local residents have contributed to make this event possible. There’s the 500 Club, made up of Naples and Peninsula waterfront residents, plus major sponsors like F & M Bank, Free Conference Call and Alamitos Bay Landing. There’s also the Bronze $1,000 Club that many local residents have contributed to.

The Boathouse on the Bay is also offering several dining and viewing packages. Prices range from $40 for Block Party Seating, inside seating for $60 and patio seating for $95. Included in the price is a Family Style BBQ Dinner catered by Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que.

You can still reserve your tickets now by clicking here or calling The Boathouse at 562.493.1100. For more information about the ASK Foundation, click here.

Boathouse on the Bay is located at 190 North Marina Drive at the Alamitos Bay Landing.