Residents and visitors around Long Beach’s Eastside waterways along the Peninsula, around Alamitos Bay and the Naples canals had prime views of the annual Big Bang on the Bay fireworks show held annually on July 3, Independence Day Eve.

While hundreds attended parties with paid admission, such as the “block party” at the event’s host Boathouse at the Bay on Saturday, thousands of others lined the local beaches and streets or cruised along the water in their own watercraft for a free view of the pyrotechnics after the sun set on a warm and pleasant July 3.

As spectacular as the Big Bang on the Bay was, it was just a preview of today’s Fourth of July events in and around Long Beach:

  • 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 Granada 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 the 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.

 

Crowds watch the fireworks at Long Beach’s Big Bang on the Bay Fireworks festival on Saturday, July 3, 2021. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Boats and gondolas glide under the Big Bang on the Bay fireworks show hosted by the Boathouse on the Bay in Long Beach on Saturday, July 3, 2021. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Boat owners glide over Alamitos Bay before enjoying the fireworks show hosted by the Boathouse on the Bay in Long Beach on Saturday, July 3, 2021. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Boats owners display their flags while getting into position to view the Big Bang on the Bay fireworks show on Saturday, July 3, 2021. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Families cruise along Alamitos Bay for prime viewing of the Big Bang on the Bay fireworks show in Long Beach on Saturday, July 3, 2021. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Paddle boarders glide over Alamitos Bay before the Big Bang on the Bay Fireworks show in Long Beach on Saturday, July 3, 2021. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Kylie Sullivan and Kyle Stanfield dance and take photos while the Sea Funk Brass Band play before the Big Bang on the Bay fireworks show on Saturday, July 3, 2021. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Sea Funk Brass Band brings live music to families celebrating along the Peninsula during Long Beach’s Big Bang on the Bay Fireworks show on Saturday, July 3, 2021. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Sea Funk Brass Band brings live music to families celebrating along the Peninsula during Long Beach’s Big Bang on the Bay Fireworks show on Saturday, July 3, 2021. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Airplanes put on a show before fireworks explode over Alamitos Bay at Long Beach’s Big Bang on the Bay Fireworks show on Saturday, July 3, 2021. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Fireworks light up the night sky near Naples at the Big Bang on the Bay in Long Beach, June 3, 2021. Photo by Melissa Evans.
Palm trees are silhouetted by the fireworks at Naples from the Big Bang on the Bay in Long Beach, June 3, 2021. Photo by Melissa Evans.
Cell phones are out as attendees capture the fireworks from Naples at the Big Bang on the Bay in Long Beach, June 3, 2021. Photo by Melissa Evans.
Crowds watch the firework show from Naples at the Big Bang on the Bay in Long Beach, June 3, 2021. Photo by Melissa Evans.
Attendees watch the firework show from Naples at the Big Bang on the Bay in Long Beach, June 3, 2021. Photo by Melissa Evans.
Thousands of spectators watch the firework show from Naples at the Big Bang on the Bay in Long Beach, June 3, 2021. Photo by Melissa Evans.
Fireworks light up the night sky near Naples at the Big Bang on the Bay in Long Beach, June 3, 2021. Photo by Melissa Evans.
Spectators watch the firework show from the beach at the Peninsula for the Big Bang on the Bay in Long Beach, June 3, 2021. Photo by Jeremiah Dobruck.