Fireworks, music, Salute to the Troops over July 4 weekend
Sunday, July 3
Manhattan Beach Salute to the Troops
The Mira Costa High School Jazz Band opens Manhattan Beach’s Salute to the Troops, beginning at 4 p.m in Polliwog park, followed by local tenor Dennis McNeil, who has performed for five U.S. presidents. He will sing the national anthem. The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band will then perform. The first 1,000 veterans and current members of the military will receive commemorative “Salute to the Troops” challenge coins. Free. 4 – 7 p.m. Bring a picnic, blankets, and beach chairs. Polliwog Park Amphitheater, 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach. For more information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448 or email mbparksandrec@citymb.info.
Manhattan Begg Pool party
Join the Begg Pool aquatics staff for an Independence Celebration with water games, water balloon tossing, swimming and music. No food will be provided, so bring a picnic to eat on the grass. $5 per person. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 1402 North Peck Ave, Manhattan Beach. For more information call (310) 802-5428 or the Parks and Recreation Department at (310) 802-5448. Or visit Citymb.info.
Village Runner Fourth of July 4th 5K, presented by UCLA Health Systems
Run in red white and blue over a fast, flat, scenic course that winds along the Redondo Beach waterfront. Divisions for ages 4 to 90, plus a costume contest and a two-day (beginning Sunday) Health and Fitness Expo. Firecracker (sprint) races for children. Packet pickup and late registration at 6:30 a.m. Award ceremony and post race party at Rock and Brews (PCH and Palos Verdes Blvd) from 9 a.m. ‘til noon. Races start in front of Village Runner in Riviera Village, 1811 S. Catalina Ave. Redondo Beach. VillageRunner.com
GI Joe $1,000 Pushup Challenge
Following the Village Runner 5K, GI Joe Charles will be “Waiting on you” to compete in the GI Joe Charles Pushup Challenge. $1,000 to the last person down. Free. About 9:15 a.m., in front of the Village Runner Shoe Store. For details call (310) 980-9339, email JC@MBbootcamp.com or visit MBbootcamp.com. 1811-A South Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach.
Fourth of July Redondo pier nostalgic musical journey
Enjoy waiting for the Redondo fireworks show by listening to Rewind performing classic hits from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by classic rock by BackTracks and That Cover Band performing music from the ‘60s to the ‘90s. Free. Bring your beach chair. 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach. For more infomation visit redondopier.com/events/.
Palos Verdes Estates Old fashioned Fourth
An apple pie eating contest and kids bike parade highlight the Palos Verdes Estates Annual Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration, beginning at 9:30 a.m. This year’s Heritage of Freedom Award will be presented to Capability Ranch founder Nicola Bridges. Free. Malaga Cove, 300 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates. For more information visit PVJuly4.org.
Rancho Palos Verdes 39th Annual Independence Day
The Palos Verdes Symphonic Band and country bands will perform at the Civic Center. Arts and crafts, rides, games, a hoola hoop contest and a petting zoo will also be offered. Free. Complimentary shuttle from the Hawthorne Boulevard Ralphs to the Point Vicente Lighthouse on Palos Verdes Drive, next to the Civic Center. Onsite parking $5. More information at RPVCa.gov.
The Rockets Red Glare: Fireworks
Monday, July 4
10th Anniversary Seaside Lagoon fireworks show and picnic
Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show fired from a barge in King Harbor in synchrony with patriotic music at 9 p.m. Gates open at 2 p.m. for picnicking (bring your own food, leave the alcohol home), swimming and arts and crafts for the kids. Advance ticket sales at RedondoFirework.com. 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach
Pie eating, fireworks in El Segundo
El Segundo’s family Independence Day celebration at Recreation Park begins with a hula hoop contest at 10 a.m., followed by a water balloon toss and potato sack races. The El Segundo Kiwanis Club hosts a pie eating contest at 1:30 p.m. Rotary hosts a watermelon eating contest at 2:15 p.m. Live music at the softball field from 5 to 7 p.m. and at Stevenson Field from 7 to 9 p.m. Then comes the Chevron fireworks show at 9 p.m. Seniors and residents receive priority seating. For more information, call (310)524-2700 or visit the ElSegundo.org. 401 East Sheldon Street in El Segundo.
Briles family fireworks show on Redondo Esplanade
A favorite beach tradition has been the Briles family fireworks show on a barge off of Torrance Beach. Patroness Jackie Briles passed away recently at age 96, so this may be the last year. Show begins at 9 p.m. just a mile south of the Redondo Seaside Lagoon fireworks show.
Torrance Fireworks Show back by residents’ demand
More than 1,000 shells will be set off to patriotic music at 9 p.m. at the Toyota Sports Complex Gates open at 7 p.m. Seating will also be available at the Los Angeles County Courthouse Parking lot, on Maple Avenue, north of Torrance Blvd. Free, but tickets required. They may be be picked up in advance at the Cultural Arts Center Box Office (Tuesday through Friday 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday noon to 8 p.m.), or at the Community Services Department, in the West Annex of City Hall (Monday – Thursday, and alternating Fridays from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.). The Torrance Sports Complex is at 555 Maple Ave.
Marina Del Rey fireworks rock to KXLU-FM
The Marina Del Rey fireworks returns through the generosity of private sponsors, synchronized to music on KXLU-FM 88.9, which will be blasted over speakers in Burton Chace Park, starting at 9 p.m. 13650 Mindanao Way (one block west of Admiralty Way) and Fisherman’s Village at 13755 Fiji Way. For more information call (310) 305-9545 or visit marinadelrey.LACounty.gov.
