San Diego doesn’t just celebrate the 4th of July – we go all out. From waterfront fireworks to small-town parades and over-the-top block parties, America’s Finest City brings the heat (and sparkle) every single year.
With the holiday falling on a Friday this year, you can count on a full weekend of red, white & BOOM across the county. Whether you want beach views, live music, or family-friendly activities, there’s something here for everyone.
Here’s our 2025 roundup of 27 can’t-miss 4th of July events in San Diego:
1. Big Bay Boom | July 4, 9PM
San Diego’s biggest and boldest fireworks display! Four barges launch fireworks across North San Diego Bay – watch from Harbor Island, Shelter Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Coronado, or Mission Bay. Tune in live on FOX 5 or KTLA 5, or catch the soundtrack on FM 91X.
2. SeaWorld Fireworks | July 3-6, 8:50PM
SeaWorld lights up the sky with nightly fireworks and 4th of July-themed activities included in admission. Best viewing? Mission Bay sand before Big Bay Boom starts!
3. San Diego County Fair | July 4, 9PM
Celebrate at the Del Mar Fairgrounds with live entertainment, food, pet adoptions, and a grand fireworks finale. Reserved seating available at the Corona Grandstand Stage.
4. La Jolla Drone Show | July 4, 9PM
A 500-drone light show over La Jolla Shores, best seen from Kellogg Park, La Jolla Shores Beach, or La Jolla Cove. A high-tech patriotic experience!
5. Coronado Celebration | All Day July 4Parade down Orange Avenue at 10AM, concert in Spreckels Park at 4PM, fireworks over Glorietta Bay at 9PM. Consider taking the ferry to avoid traffic.
6. Escondido Independence Day Festival | July 4, 4-9:30PM60th annual party at California Center for the Arts with food trucks, artisan market, beer garden, live music, and fireworks.
7. El Cajon Picnic & Fireworks | July 4, 3-9PMKennedy Park hosts games, food, prizes, and DJ Danny before the 9PM fireworks.
8. Almost Nakey Freedom Fest | July 5, 2-10PMThe wildest party of the weekend at Belmont Park! Live DJs, inflatable fun, and headliner Nelly on the beach boardwalk.
9. USS Midway Viewing Party | July 4, 9PMWatch Big Bay Boom from the flight deck of the USS Midway. Live music and family activities included. Tickets required!
10. Red, White and BOOM! at LEGOLAND | July 4, 8:30PM
End the day with 3D fireworks at LEGOLAND and enjoy patriotic games and family fun all day.
11. Padres Party in the Park | July 4, 3:40PM
Petco Park hosts a themed party during the Padres vs. Rangers game, with $5 drinks in Gallagher Square.
12. Mission Bay Family Cruise | July 4, 7:30-10PM
Cruise from Bahia Resort with live band, DJ, and photo ops while watching SeaWorld fireworks from the water.
13. Chula Vista 4th Fest | July 4, 9PM
Elite Athlete Training Center hosts a fireworks display synced to Amor 102.9 FM. Gates open at 7PM. Parking is limited.
14. Poway Old-Fashioned 4th | July 4, 9PMCelebrate with old-time games, train rides, and fireworks over Poway Sportsplex. $6 admission.
15. San Diego Symphony at The Rady Shell | July 4, 7:30PM“America in Song” concert with patriotic classics and popular hits. Stunning waterfront venue.
16. City Cruises Dinner Cruise | July 4, 7-10PM
Dinner buffet, DJ, and Big Bay Boom views from the harbor. Tickets include food and drinks.
17. Vista Independence Day | July 4, 9PM
Brengle Terrace Park hosts live music, dinner, and fireworks. $5 admission; military free.
18. Santee Salutes | July 4, 2-10PM
Live music, kid zone, food garden, and fireworks at Town Center Community Park. $10 parking.
19. Rancho Bernardo Spirit of the 4th | July 4, 9PM
Community fair all day and fireworks at Rancho Bernardo High School. $10 donation suggested.
20. Imperial Beach Fireworks | July 4, 9PM
Set up near the IB Pier for a beachside show. Bring blankets and tune in to KyXy 96.5 FM.
21. San Marcos Extravaganza | July 4, 9PM
Bradley Park celebration with carnival games, food, live music, and fireworks.
22. Julian 4th of July Parade | July 4, 9AM-12PM
A charming small-town parade with music, pie-eating contests, flyovers, and more.
23. Scripps Ranch Parade | July 4, 10AM
Join the 54th annual neighborhood parade. This year’s theme: “Life is a Highway.”
24. Mister A’s Rooftop Dinner | July 4, 6:30-9PM
Enjoy a gourmet dinner and premium Big Bay Boom views from this iconic rooftop spot.
25. Ramona Family Picnic & Fireworks | July 4, 9PM
Held behind Olive Peirce Middle School. Bring blankets and enjoy a local favorite.
26. Oceanside Independence Parade | June 28, 10AM-12PM
A pre-holiday tradition with floats, music, and patriotic spirit along Coast Highway.
27. Oceanside Independence Fireworks | July 3, 9PM
Family-friendly event at El Corazon with inflatables, vendors, and fireworks.
Bonus: Morning After Mess Cleanup | July 5, 9AM-12PM
Join Surfrider Foundation at one of several beaches for a post-fireworks community beach cleanup!
Have a fun, safe, and unforgettable 4th of July weekend, San Diego!
Stay bold, stay patriotic, and don’t forget your sunscreen – and with this weather… maybe a lawn chair or two.
