It’s Fourth of July weekend and that means fireworks, patriotic concerts, and maybe even a sunset hike. Here are some event highlights for Thursday, July 4.
Parades and Celebrations
Poway's Old Fashioned Fourth of July: Experience a bit of the Wild West at this gathering that features gun fighting re-enactments, old-fashioned games, and train rides (for a small fee).
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road, Poway. Free; additional information.
An 1800s Fourth of July: Celebrate Independence Day the way early San Diegans did, with pie-eating contests and games like egg toss and cherry pit spitting. There will also be period music, dance and other events.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, 4002 Wallace St., Old Town. Free; additional information.
Julian Fourth of July Parade: The small mountain town gets in the holiday spirit with a community parade that includes vintage aircraft flyovers, a bugle corps, a barbecue and a quilt show.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Main Street, Julian. Free; additional information.
Above the Fireworks: Bring a picnic and take a sunset stroll through Cabrillo National Monument, then stay for a view of fireworks displays from all over the county. Bring your own chairs, flashlights and blankets to this outdoorsy celebration. No one will be admitted before 6 p.m.
6 p.m. Cabrillo National Monument, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, Point Loma. $40 to $50; additional details.
More Events
See a complete list of Fourth of July events on the KPBS events calendar.
Concerts
Lyle Lovett & His Large Band: The singer and composer celebrates the U.S.A. with a concert that blends country, jazz, folk, gospel and blues music. The show is part of Bayside Summer Nights (the San Diego Symphony Orchestra does not appear).
7 p.m. Embarcadero Marina Park South, 200 Marina Parkway. $20 to $100; find tickets.
High Tide Society: Close out your Independence Day by grooving out to some Yacht Rock. High Tide Society does covers of your soft rock favorites: Kenny Loggins, Hall & Oates, Steely Dan, Chicago and more.
9:30 p.m. Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Midtown. Free (must be age 21 and over); more information.
Fireworks
Events are free unless otherwise noted
Big Bay Boom: Billed as "Southern California's largest fireworks show," this event features fireworks displayed from four barges along San Diego Bay. The show will be arranged to music played on local iHeart Radio stations.
9 p.m. Watch from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Marina District and the Coronado Ferry Landing.
Chula Vista: 9 p.m. at Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, 2900 Olympic Parkway
El Cajon: 9 p.m. at Kennedy Park, 1675 East Madison Ave.
Escondido: 9 p.m. at Grape Day Park, 321 North Broadway
Imperial Beach: 9 p.m. at the Imperial Beach Pier, 10 Evergreen Ave.
La Mesa: 9 p.m. at Lake Murray Community Park, 7001 Murray Park Drive
Mira Mesa: 9 p.m. at Mira Mesa Community Park, 8575 New Salem St.
Ocean Beach: 9 p.m. at Ocean Beach Pier off Niagara Avenue
Rancho Bernardo: 9 p.m. at Webb Park, Avena Place and Bernardo Center Drive
San Marcos: 9 p.m. at Bradley Park, 1587 Linda Vista Drive
Santee: 9 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive ($10 parking fee)
Vista: 9 p.m. at Moonlight Amphitheater, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive. Admission is $5; parking is $15 to $30
Amusement Parks
"Red, White And Boom!" At Legoland: The amusement park will have family games and a costume parade throughout the day, plus live performances and character meet and greets.
Fireworks begin at 8:30 p.m. Legoland, 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad. $95 to $100; more information.
SeaWorld San Diego Fireworks Spectacular Show: Spend the day exploring roller coasters and sea life, and end with a late-night fireworks display.
9:40 p.m. SeaWorld San Diego, 500 Sea World Drive. Included in price of admission (see rates here); more information.
San Diego County Fair's Fireworks Spectacular: Watch the fair's grand fireworks from a variety of spots, including Family Funville, the Fun Zone and the Grandstand.
9 p.m. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Free with admission (see prices here); more information.
