SAN DIEGO — As the United States celebrates its semiquincentennial Saturday, fireworks, parades and other events are scheduled across San Diego County to mark the nation’s 250th birthday.
Friday events
- Mira Mesa Independence Day Celebration: 4-9:30 p.m. at Hourglass Field Community Park, 10440 Black Mountain Road. Features a community picnic, food trucks, vendors, a kids zone, classic car show and fireworks at 9 p.m.
- Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve: Concerts on the Deck at 1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m., plus a doughnut-eating contest and face painting. 9310 Fanita Parkway.
- Oceanside July 4 Celebration: Begins at 4 p.m., with music at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. SoCal Soccer Complex, 3300 El Corazon Drive.
- SeaWorld San Diego Fourth of July Celebration: Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. as part of a four-day celebration. 500 Sea World Drive.
Saturday events
- Coronado: Festivities begin with the 53rd Crown City Classic 12K at 7 a.m., followed by the 77th annual parade at 10 a.m., starting at First Street and Orange Avenue. Other activities include a Star Wars-themed photo opportunity at 12:30 p.m., the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs demonstration at 2 p.m., a children’s concert at Spreckels Park at 2:30 p.m., a patriotic concert at 4 p.m. and fireworks over Coronado Golf Course at 9 p.m.
- San Diego 4th of July 5K/10K and Kids Fun Run: Begins at 8 a.m. at 4S Ranch Sports Park, 16118 4S Ranch Parkway. Held in honor of Ethan Hamilton, athletic director at Point Loma Nazarene University, who died July 4, 2024, after battling leukemia.
- Julian Fourth of July Celebration: Starts at 9 a.m. with a pie-eating contest, remarks by Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, live music, a vintage aircraft flyover and a noon parade on Main Street.
- Rancho Bernardo Spirit of the 4th: Community fair, patriotic pet contest at 9:30 a.m., parade at 3:30 p.m., live music beginning at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Webb Park, Avena Place on Bernardo Center Drive.
- Poway Old Fashioned Fourth of July & Fireworks: Begins at 10 a.m. with patriotic entertainment, Western reenactors, children’s crafts, train displays and traditional games, with fireworks after dark. Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road.
- Mira Mesa Fourth of July Parade: Returns after a six-year hiatus. The parade begins at 11 a.m. at Capricorn Way and Westonhill Drive, followed by a community potluck and picnic from 1-4 p.m. at the Mira Mesa Senior Center.
- Legoland California Red, White and BOOM!: Fireworks at 8:30 p.m. One Legoland Drive.
- Santee Lakes America 250 Celebration Parade: Begins at 10 a.m. at 9310 Fanita Parkway.
- San Diego County Fair: Continues through Sunday. Saturday features the America 250 Fireworks Spectacular at 7:30 p.m. and the Paddock Concert Series with Brownies & Lemonade at 7 p.m. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
- Santee Salutes Fourth of July Celebration: Begins at 2 p.m. with live music, a patriotic ceremony, food, a kids fun zone and fireworks at 9 p.m. Town Center Community Park, 550 Park Center Drive.
- Freedom Fest at Naval Base Point Loma: Starts at 3 p.m. at Harbor Drive Annex with activities, contests, food, entertainment and views of the Big Bay Boom fireworks.
- El Cajon July 4 Celebration: Begins at 3 p.m. at Kennedy Park with games, crafts, bounce houses, train rides, a DJ, an America 250 interactive display and fireworks at 9 p.m.
- Ramona July 4 Family Picnic & Fireworks Show: Begins at 4 p.m. at Olive Peirce Middle School, 1521 Hansen Lane.
- Escondido Independence Day Festival: The 61st annual event begins at 4 p.m. at Grape Day Park with a beer garden, artisan market, family activities and fireworks. Entertainment includes Back to the Garden, Kimmi Bitter and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band.
- Quartyard R&B Block Party: Begins at 5 p.m. at 1301 Market St.
- Almost Nakey Freedom Fest: Starts at 5 p.m. at FIT Social in Belmont Park. Performers include Austin Millz, Girl Math, Edris Omar, Burko, Luke Andy and Sprout, with special guest MIMS.
- Vista Independence Day Celebration: The 58th annual event begins at 5 p.m. at Brengle Terrace Park with music by the Cassie B. Project and fireworks at 9 p.m.
- Maritime Museum of San Diego July 4 Celebration & Fireworks: Begins at 6 p.m. at 492 N. Harbor Drive.
- San Marcos Red, White & Boom: Begins at 6 p.m. at Bradley Park with carnival games, live entertainment, jumpers, food vendors and fireworks at 9 p.m.
- Chula Vista Fourth Fest: Gates open at 7 p.m. at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, 2800 Olympic Parkway. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets.
- The Rady Shell — America the Beautiful: 250: Concert begins at 7:30 p.m., featuring the San Diego Symphony Orchestra performing American classics and patriotic music.
- SeaWorld San Diego Fourth of July Celebration: Fireworks continue at 9:30 p.m.
Big Bay Boom
The Port of San Diego’s Big Bay Boom begins at 9:15 p.m., with fireworks launched simultaneously from four barges positioned around San Diego Bay.
Popular viewing areas include Shelter Island, Spanish Landing Park, Harbor Island, Embarcadero Parks North and South, Seaport Village, the port park in Barrio Logan and Coronado Ferry Landing. Organizers encourage spectators to arrive early, bring lawn chairs or blankets and tune their radios to 91X FM for the synchronized musical simulcast.
“The Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom is our region’s signature and most anticipated annual Independence Day tradition, and we’re eager to put on a great event as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Ann Moore, chair of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “Gather your friends and family, grab a comfy lawn chair, and join us for an incredible evening on San Diego Bay.”
Sunday beach cleanups
The day after Independence Day, the Surfrider Foundation San Diego County will host its 20th annual Morning After Mess beach cleanups from 9-11 a.m.
Cleanup locations include:
- OB Dog Beach & Estuary
- Mission Beach
- Fiesta Island
- South Ponto Beach
- Oceanside
The cleanups are free and open to the public. Cleanup supplies will be provided while supplies last, and participants are encouraged to bring reusable gear. Registration is available at surfriderSD.org/mam.
