The All-American 4th of July near the Queen Mary on July 4, 2018. Photo by Thomas R Cordova.

After a hiatus last year due to COVID-19, fireworks are back on this year in the Long Beach area.

Here’s where to go and how to watch fireworks this weekend (with a standard reminder that lighting fireworks in Long Beach, even the “safe and sane” variety, is illegal in the city).

July 2

Drive up to Lakewood for the Fireworks Extravaganza, a safe and professional aerial fireworks show that will take place at three locations across the city. The shows are 15 minutes long and start at 8:45 p.m.  The locations will be: Holmes Elementary School in western Lakewood, Lakewood High School in central Lakewood and Artesia High School in eastern Lakewood. However, there will be no viewing from the schools, and no parking will be allowed on the streets adjacent to the schools. For information, click here.

July 3

The popular Big Bang on the Bay returns the day before Independence Day, this year on Saturday, lighting up the sky over the Peninsula, Naples Island and Alamitos Bay. The Boathouse on the Bay event will begin at 6 p.m.; fireworks start at 9 p.m. sharp. Tickets to the Big Bang Block Party, at $50, will be available at the Boathouse website or by calling 562-493-1100. Proceeds from the Boathouse party go to local charities, with the main benefactor this year being Long Beach-based Children Today.

July 4
  • Join Justin Rudd’s Community Action Team and Councilwoman Suzie Price for the Great American 4th of July Kids Bike Parade at 10 a.m. July 4 at 1 Granda Ave., Long Beach. There are contests for speech-writing, costumes, decorated bikes, cash prizes and more. Visit Rudd’s Facebook page for more details.
  • Fireworks will return on the Downtown waterfront for the first time since 2019, thanks to sponsorship from Harbor Breeze Cruises and the Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau. The free 9 p.m. show will take place in Queensway Bay, with scenic viewing points throughout the area, such as Lions Lighthouse for Sight, Shoreline Village, Rainbow Harbor, Marina Green and the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center parking lot. Parking will be available at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center and at public lots throughout the area, including Shoreline Village and adjacent to the Aquarium of the Pacific. Harbor Breeze Cruises will also be offering ticketed cruises for viewing, more information can  be found here or by calling 562-983-6880. The show will also be shown live on LBTV3.com and the CVB’s social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, @VisitLB.
  • You can also catch fireworks on July 4 at the 34th Annual Drive-Up 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular on the flightline at Los Alamitos Airfield. The free event is hosted by the cities of Los Alamitos and Seal Beach, and will feature live music on the main stage beginning with King Salmon Band followed by the 40th Infantry Division Band. Food vendors will be available. Gates open at 4 p.m. via Lexington Drive off Katella Avenue and Orangewood Avenue off Los Alamitos Boulevard. Fireworks show is at 9 p.m. Reservations are required; click here to reserve your spot.