We’re heading into July 4th weekend! If you’re still making plans, here’s our guide to help. 

Fireworks news updates

Are fireworks losing their spark? Escalating problems  – and rising costs – suggest they might be. We take a look at the future of one of America’s oldest traditions.

Redondo Beach won’t have a Fourth of July fireworks show over King Harbor this year, a consequence of new rules Los Angeles County’s water-quality watchdog implemented in late May. The new rules put restrictions on over-water fireworks, such as requiring the launch area to be enclosed with three walls and performing underwater surveys.

Pasadena leaders vow to some day restart the Rose Bowl’s Fourth of July fireworks show. But for now, what had been a decades-old annual Fourth of July AmericaFest celebration – one of the nation’s largest and longest running shows that drew audiences from around the region –  has been shelved as revenue losses plagued the event in recent years.

Where to buy

Want to put on a home-grown show? Here’s our annual guide to getting the most bang for your buck, and how to do it legally. 

Buying fireworks for Fourth of July 2023? Here’s what you need to know
60 Southern California cities allow you to legally buy and set off fireworks

Where to watch

Want to leave it to the experts and go to a show? You have options:

10 great fireworks shows in Southern California
Headed to the beach for the Fourth of July? Here’s some valuable tips

LA County shows

Where to see fireworks in LA, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties
Long Beach’s Big Bang on the Bay is happening on July 3
Rancho Palos Verdes plans to celebrate with a drones show

Orange County shows 

Where to see fireworks in Orange County
Dana Point started planning in January to, as they always say, put on the “Best Show in South Orange County.”
These 10 Orange County restaurants offer views for watching Fourth of July fireworks

Inland Empire shows

Where to see fireworks on July 4th in the Inland Empire
After a three year hiatus, fireworks will return to the top of Mount Rubidoux
Here’s the history of the Mount Rubidoux show
And where to get one of the best views

More events

For 50 years, the Ironman has been the quintessential Hermosa Beach party, with hundreds competing in the time-honored — and boozy — rite of passage
And here’s what’s happening at Southern California casinos

From our archives

Longtime Orange County Register photographer Mark Rightmire wrote some tips for how to take great photos of fireworks.

How to help your pet stay calm when the fireworks start.

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