Parade on Main Street
The fifth annual Main Street Parade presented by the Ocean Park Association will run the entire stretch of Main Street on Monday, July 4. This year’s theme is “Fourth of July on the Beach,” and will honor ocean lifeguards as grand marshals, led by Capt. Angus Alexander, a 31-year veteran of our local ocean lifeguards.
The parade will run from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., starting at Pico Boulevard and looping south down to Marine Street where it will make a right turn to the beach and end at the 2600 beach parking lot. There will be an after party in Heritage Square following the parade at 2612 Main Street at Ocean Park Boulevard with live music and food trucks. Live music will feature the following groups and artists: Santa Monica High School Band; Critical Brass, a Dixieland band; Russ Mullen and the Jazz Associates; and The Fu Dogs. For more information visit opa-sm.org/parade.
Mr. and Mrs. Muscle Beach
Venice Beach will embrace the infamous bodybuilding culture with a pageant on the beach on July 4 at the Venice Recreation Center at 1800 Ocean Front Walk. The Mr. and Mrs. Muscle Beach event will begin at 9:30 a.m. with an athlete briefing. Registration is from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The event is free to watch. All amateur athletes can compete for an $80 registration fee. Finals take place at 1 p.m. for viewers interested in the cream of the crop. More information is available at musclebeachvenice.com.
Hollywood Bowl Fireworks
The annual fireworks show at the Hollywood Bowl located at 2301 North Highland Avenue will celebrate for three nights, July 2 through 4. The show starts at 7:30 each night, ending with a pyrotechnic display. The July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular will feature performances by members of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Daryl Hall and John Oats, with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and conductor Thomas Wilkins. For ticket information visit hollywoodbowl.com or call 323.850.2000.
Marina del Rey
There will be no fireworks on display this year in the Marina due to governmental budget cuts, but the Marina del Rey Hotel is hosting “Music at the Marina and BBQ” from noon to 8 p.m. Guests can order old fashioned BBQ poolside with specialty priced drinks. The Four Preps will be performing at the Garden Gazebo at 2 and 6 p.m. Admission is $20 at the door. Valet parking is available for $10. For more show information visit fourpreps.com or call 805.388.0412
Redondo Beach
The city is presenting a gathering at the Seaside Lagoon at 200 Portofino Way in Redondo Beach. Seating and parking can be reserved in advance. Live music will include The John Brown Band, Couchois Brothers, DJ Wynn, and the Free to Be Me Drum Circle. Gates open at 2 p.m., and the fireworks begin at 9 p.m. The U.S. Coast Guard will demonstrate a water rescue in the harbor by the lagoon, and swimming activities and other interactive activities will be going on for kids. For more information visit redondofireworks.com or call 310.746.7650.
Culver City
The city of Culver City and the Exchange Club of Culver City will host a fireworks show at the high school at 4401 Elenda Street. Gates open at 5 p.m. and entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Parking is available in nearby lots for $5. A $2 donation is suggested for ages five and over to help fund the Exchange Club’s efforts in the prevention of child abuse. For more information visit culvercityfireworksshow.com.
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