Spark Your July 4th

Spark Your July 4th

With festivities happening all over San Diego, from parades and BBQs to music festivals and fireworks galore, there are celebrations to satisfy all tastes. Here, we highlight ten local events that are sure to add some sizzle to your Independence Day merriment.

Posted on July 1, 2018

Put on by the Rancho Santa Fe Association, the 37^th annual Rancho Santa Fe 4^th of July Parade & Picnic begins at 12:15pm, which kicks off at the R. Roger Rowe School gym parking lot at Avenida de Acacias & La Granada. The parade will include floats, fire trucks, vintage cars, a kids section, equestrians and parade princesses. The picnic and concert then take place at 1:30pm, and feature BBQ cuisine prepared by the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club and music by the Harmony Grove Band, with proceeds benefiting the RSF Community Center. 858.756.1174, rsfassociation.org

Park Hyatt Aviara, the Forbes Five-Star property secluded amidst 200 acres of flourishing hillsides and rolling valleys, is sure to deliver a 4th to remember. The resort’s Independence Day celebration incorporates live music from local folk musician Lee Coulter, a buffet dinner in the lush gardens of the Palm Courtyard, and a night capped with a poolside fireworks display. The following days deliver more live music, tacos, woodfired pizza, and “Dive in” movies! Non-guest rates are $100 for adults and $50 for children. Guests receive a discounted price. July 4-7. For more info, click here. 760.448.1234

The Rincon del Diablo Chapter of the The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution continues its century-plus mission to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. On July 4th, commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence through participation in the Rancho Bernardo Spirit of the 4th at Webb Park where a parade will later crown the day. Then, on August 4th, witness the historic marker of the San Juan Pascual Battlefield Site in Escondido refurbished to its glory — remembering American heroes and a pivotal battle in the Mexican-American War. escondido.californiadar.org

All hands on deck at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Experience spectacular views of fireworks over the San Diego Bay on the museum’s historic 1898 steam ferry Berkeley. In addition to a picturesque view, a delicious dinner buffet will be offered at two separate seating times. For a seafaring Independence Day celebration, join the special fireworks cruise onboard the Pilot boat from 7:30-9:30pm ($35) or the swanky schooner Californian, which has a full bar on board and departs at 6:30pm ($85). Standard adult tickets start at $35. 619.234.9153, sdmaritime.org

Back for its 55th year, Escondido’s California Center for the Arts will again host the free Independence Day Festival & Fireworks event chock-full with live music, tasty treats, and games for all. Folk, rock, blues, and even pro wrestling highlight the live performances of the day before the Marine Aircraft Wing Band’s grand finale directs the day’s celebrations into a dazzling fireworks display. Great for kids and adults alike, there will be free arts and crafts, face painting, and an all ages $5 VIP experience complete with cornhole, a giant Jenga, beer tasting for the adults, and the best seats in the house. 800.988.4253, artcenter.org

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s duo of events for Independence Day are sure to be a refined celebration. The Poolside Independence Day BBQ commences at 11am and offers guests a BBQ buffet in addition to the jaw dropping Resort Pool. As day fades to night, the Fourth of July Sunset BBQ & Fireworks Show launches off at 6:45pm. More delicious American fare, live music by The John Stanley Band, and spectacular fireworks on the lush Aria and Reflection Lawns highlight the evening. Thinking of a staycation? Combine any guestroom package with show tickets for the ultimate celebration. For ticket pricing and more information, click here. 858.314.1988

Before the fireworks fly, relax and indulge in food and festivities with family at Fourth of July All-American BBQ, a lunchtime celebration hosted by The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe and Morada Restaurant. Equipped with ribs, corn dogs, and other American bites, this event is the perfect pit stop during Rancho Santa Fe’s Annual 4th of July Parade. The kids will be especially appreciative – there’s a bounce house! The event begins at 11am at The Inn. For more information, click here.

Celebrate the day with a smorgasbord of options at Choices the Buffet at Pala Resort and Casino. This collection of seafood, steaks, and celebratory American classics includes oysters on the half shell, snow crab on ice, cocktail and popcorn shrimp, baked white salmon, New York steak, a Mongolian Grill, brunch menu, and much more. Leave room for more than 80 dessert offerings sure to delight your sweet tooth. 760.510.2299, choicesreservations@palacasino.com

The fair, the fourth, and fireworks? It doesn’t get much more American than that. Rejoice the final day of the San Diego County Fair with a spectacle. The night commences at 7:30pm with a F-A/18 Hornet flyover and a Navy Band Southwest performance, fireworks then hit center stage, and wrapping up the Independence Day events will be comedian Jeff Ross as he roasts San Diego. Tickets start at $18 with fair admission. sdfair.com/events/fireworks

Cap off the evening at Southern California’s largest fireworks show. The Port of San Diego’s Big Bay Boom at 9pm features a spectacular display with four barges in different locations launching fireworks over the bay. Bring your lawn chairs, friends, and boats to watch the show from these locations: Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, the Marina District, an d Coronado Ferry Landing. bigbayboom.com