Parades, Music, Fireworks to Mark the 4th

From patriotic parades to music under the stars, Westside residents will find a variety of ways to celebrate Independence Day.

Night owls and early risers can take in Santa Monica’s annual Dawn’s Early Light fireworks display at 4:45 a.m. on the beach north of the Santa Monica Pier. After the fireworks, the Santa Monica Symphony will present a concert in the pier parking lot.

Fireworks will also light up the sky over Culver City High School’s Helms Field at 7:30 p.m. and the Palisades High School Stadium in Pacific Palisades at 8:15 p.m. Another display is scheduled in Marina del Rey at 8:30 p.m.

In Pacific Palisades, the Fourth will be celebrated with 5-K and 10-K runs beginning at 7 a.m. in Palisades Park. Later in the day, more than 10,000 spectators are expected to line Via de la Paz, Sunset Boulevard and Drummond Street for the community’s annual parade. Festivities start at 1:45 p.m.

In Beverly Hills’ Roxbury Park, the city will present a program of games, relays, pony rides and a Dixieland band from noon to 4 p.m.

The city of West Hollywood will offer children a chance to build the world’s largest banana split from 2 to 8 p.m. at Plummer Park. There will be rides and games, entertainment, clowns and free hot dogs served between 5 and 7 p.m. for all ages.

The Howard Rich Saturday Night Bath Band will jazz up Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey with a Dixieland concert from 2 to 4 p.m.

Those who wish to start celebrating early might consider a visit to Century City on Tuesday for a celebration welcoming home the Operation Desert Storm troops. Scheduled events include musical entertainment, appearances by members of the Los Angeles Dodgers and U.S. Marine Corps and prize drawings. Hamburgers, hot dogs and apple pie will be served at two locations: 10100 Santa Monica Blvd. and 2029 Century Park East. The festivities run from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and admission is $5.

At the Hollywood Bowl, the Los Angeles Philharmonic will perform Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 8:30 p.m., with fireworks following each concert.

One final reminder: It is illegal for anyone except a professional fireworks expert with a permit to possess or use any fireworks, including so-called safe-and-sane fireworks, in any city or unincorporated area on the Westside.

Here is a list of scheduled events for July 4 on the Westside:

FREE FIREWORKS DISPLAYS:

Santa Monica--Santa Monica Pier, 4:45 a.m.

Culver City--Culver City High School, 4401 Elenda St., 7:30 p.m.

Marina del Rey--Marina del Rey Harbor, 8:30 p.m.

Pacific Palisades--Palisades High School, 15777 Bowdoin St., 8:15 p.m.

OTHER EVENTS:

Independence Celebration--The Century City Chamber of Commerce will sponsor an All-American Independence Day celebration; two barbecue locations: 10100 Santa Monica Blvd. and 2029 Century Park East, Century City; 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday; information: (213) 553-4062 ($5).

Pops Concerts--The Hollywood Bowl will present the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra followed by fireworks; 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood; 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; information: (213) 850-2000 (ticket availability and prices vary).

Pops Concert--Santa Monica will host the Santa Monica Symphony in concert following the fireworks display; in the parking lot north of the Santa Monica Pier, Colorado and Ocean avenues, Santa Monica; 5:15 to 6:15 a.m.; information: (213) 458-8310 (free).

Muscle Contest--Venice Beach will hold its annual open muscle contest; Venice Beach Recreation Center, 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice; 11 a.m.; information: (213) 399-2775 ($20 participation fee, spectators free).

Roxbury Park--The Beverly Hills Recreation and Parks Department will have a variety of festivities; Roxbury Park, 471 S. Roxbury Dr., Beverly Hills; noon to 4 p.m.; information: (213) 550-4761 (free).

Folk Dancing--The Folk Dance Federation of California will celebrate the 4th of July with traditional dances; Lincoln Park, Wilshire and Lincoln boulevards, Santa Monica; 1 to 5:30 p.m.; information: (213) 277-6699 (free).

Palisades Parade--The Americanism 4th of July Parade will feature marching bands, floats and celebrities; parade route begins on Via de la Paz Street and ends at Palisades Park, Pacific Palisades; 1:45 p.m.; information: (213) 459-7963 (free).

West Hollywood--The city of West Hollywood will offer musical entertainment, clowns and games; Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood; 2 to 8 p.m.; information: (213) 854-7423 (free).

Dixieland--The Howard Rich Saturday Night Bath Band will perform a Dixieland concert; Burton Chace Park, western end of Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey; 2 p.m.; information: (213) 305-9545 (free).

Summer Festival--The Venice/Marina/Culver City Rotary Clubs will present their annual Summer Festival with arts and crafts displays; Admiralty Park, Marina del Rey; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; information: (213) 281-5562 (free admission).