As the state approaches its first month without a mask mandate, gatherings and celebrations begin to return to the norm. That includes the fourth of July festivities, which largely had to cancel, modify or restrict last year because of the coronavirus.
Here’s what’s going on for Independence Day weekend in the South Bay and Long Beach areas:
Belmont Shore Bike Parade: Justin Rudd’s annual Great American Fourth of July Bike Parade will return to Belmont Shore at 1 Granada Ave., Long Beach, at 10 am., Sunday, July 4. The event is preceded by the Kid’s Patriotic Speech Contest at 9:40 am and the Kid’s Patriotic Costume Contest. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Big Bang On The Bay: Boathouse on the Bay’s annual Big Bang on the Bay firework show will return to Alamitos Bay at 9 p.m.. Saturday, July 3. The restaurant will also host a block party from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $50; for children, $30. For more information visit boathouseonthebay.com or call (562) 493-1100.
El Segundo: The city of El Segundo is putting on a live fireworks display at Recreation Park located on Eucalyptus Street, between Grand Ave. and Pine St. The fireworks start at 9 p.m., and the gates to the field open at 6 p.m. Wristbands are required for entry and must be requested by an adult El Segundo resident with a valid 2021 Recreation ID card, at no charge now through July 3. Residents may bring guests and purchase additional wristbands for $5 each on July 4. Additional information about event policies can be found through the Events Calendar on elsegundo.org or by calling (310) 524-2700.
Hermosa Beach Ironman contest: The Ironman returns to Hermosa Beach for Independence Day, continuing a nearly five-decade tradition of having competitors run a mile, paddle a mile, and then chug a six-pack of beer. Along with fun by the sea, the event raises money for charitable causes through T-shirt sales. Sign-ups are $35 per person and will take place at the intersection of Cypress Avenue and Sixth Street from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 2, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 3. The competition begins at 8 a.m. July 4, on the beach at 30th Street.
Long Beach: The city of Long Beach will host the July Fourth Fireworks at Waterfront, viewable at sites including Shoreline Village, 429 Shoreline Village Drive; Rainbow Harbor, 450 E. Shoreline Drive, Long Beach; and Lions Lighthouse for Sight, 200 Aquarium Way.
Redondo Beach: Fireworks will launch from the King Harbor Yacht Club, 280 Yacht Club Way, at 9 p.m. The community is encouraged to enjoy the sparkling light show from adjacent public beaches and pier areas.
Riviera Village: Redondo Beach’s Riviera Village has a day of music and fireworks for Independence Day including a beer garden and lives music near Avenue I between S. Catalina Ave. and The Esplanade. Bands performing include Feed the Kitty from 2 to 4 p.m., Jimmy Z & the Tribe from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and the Mitch Perry Group from 7:30 to 9 p.m. When the music concludes, fireworks start from a barge in the ocean. Visit rivieravillage.net for updates.
San Pedro: The 70th Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Cabrillo Beach resumes this year at 9 p.m. on July 4, a tradition that began with the late John Olguin. Fireworks will go off from a nearby barge and spectators are invited to spend the day at the beach, 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro, which opens at 5 a.m. There also will be a private area and party with catering at the adjacent Boy Scout Youth Camp. Tickets are $70 and available at The Corner Store, 1118 W. 37th St., San Pedro. Sales will stop after 400 tickets are sold. Because last year’s event was canceled due to the pandemic, the Boosters are having to double their fundraising efforts this year and have set up a Go Fund Me page — gofundme.com.
Village Runner Independence Day 5K: This popular community tradition returns to The Strand with between 3,000 and 5000 runners and walkers expected to join the fun. Held on July 3 this year, the festivities start and end in Riviera Village, Redondo Beach. Participants are encouraged to dress in red, white, and blue, enter a costume contest and take part in post-race attractions in the village. Adult races begin at 8 a.m. and the Firecracker Kids Dash is at 9:30 a.m. Register online at villagerunner.com; the cost is $40 for signups by June 27, and $45 on June 28 or later.
