Well it’s the Fourth of July again….don’t fret, if you haven’t planned anything yet, LA Art Party’s got you covered.

Get into the spirit early with a 9:30 am start of the 7th annual 4th of July Parade down Main Street.

Don’t even think about driving (if you do not wish to pay for it) as there will be NO parking on Main. See their site for Street closures too….Traffic on the Westside is usually insane today and tonight….so be prepared.

The parade is presented by the Ocean Park Association and this year’s theme is Heroes. So you can  just imagine, there will be lots of men in capes and tights….yeah Mama likes!

It starts at the Civic center and heads south on Main, then wraps around to Pacific. See their website for more details and parking.

What: 4th of July Parade down Main Street in SM
Where: Starts at SM Civic Ctr then heads south on Main
When: 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Website: http://www.opa-sm.org/parade/

Main Street is going to have after parade parties….so come on out and play. The Vic will be open with food being served and the bar will be open. Performances by The Americans and The Fu Dogs.

220 Fitness (3002 Main St.) host and after party in their parking lot with Live Music and Food Trucks.

Lula Patio: Performances by the Mariachi Conservatory (T)

Edgemar Courtyard: Performance by the Santa Monica Youth Symphony (T)

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The Venice Canals Assosociation, (VCA) presents the downwind regatta/ rubber ducky race/community BBQ with live music too. It takes place on Linnie/ Grand Canal ct.. $5 donation, plus bring side dish/ chips/ cookies/ watermelon etc..1:30p- races; 2:30-4:30.  http://venicecanalsassociation.org

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Now let’s talk fireworks…..yes you can always stay home and make your own fireworks with your honey or brave the crowds preferably in your neighborhood.  Here are some fun ones, that I have been to before.

The city of Pacific Palisades hosts its 65th parade this year taking place at 2pm – The skydivers start at 1:50pm.

The parade route runs from Sunset Boulevard, between Via de la Paz and Drummond Pacific Palisades, CA.

Perfect if you know someone who’s house you can hang out in then go enjoy the fireworks show at Palisades Charter High School with entertainment starting at 6:30pm; Fireworks at 9pm $5 at the gate.

You can also order ViP tickets for the concert that come with parking. Be sure to check the website. www.palisadesparade.org

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Sad to say there will be NO Culver City fireworks due to renovations on the Venice High School fiedl.  POOH!   http://culvercityfireworksshow.com

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But Good news the Marina Fireworks are back this year…..yeah.

Starting at 9:00 pm, the twenty minute fireworks display is presented by the famed Zambelli Fireworks Internationale.

Fireworks are shot from a barge across the Marina’s main channel. Burton Chace Park located at 13650 Mindanao Way, and Fisherman’s Village located at 13755 Fiji Way, are premier locations for viewing the pyrotechnic extravaganza. in previous year’s at the edge of the Marina peninsula was also a great spot.

Spectators can watch the display and listen to synchronized music on KXLU 88.9
FM. The music will be relayed over loudspeakers in Burton Chace Park for onlookers.

Parking will be a nightmare…so ride your bikes, rollerblade, walk, run or skip. Just get there!!! 

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Or if you live in the downtown area….

Head to Grand Park for music discovery, food trucks and a brilliant nighttime spectacle celebrating the 4th in the heart of LA. KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez, Ethio Cali, Jungle Fire and La Santa Cecilia bring the sounds and beats of LA to Grand Park this 4th!

EVENT LINE UP:  3:30 PM Anthony Valadez – DJ/Emcee, 4:15 PM Get Lit – Poetry Slam, 5:05 PM Ethio Cali, 5: 50 PM Anthony Valadez – DJ/Emcee,6:10 PM Jungle Fire, 7:10 PM Anthony Valadez – DJ/Emcee, 7:30 PM La Santa Cecilia, Sunset Light + Pyro Show goes boom

Check out more info and connect with the below:
WEBSITE: http://grandparkla.org/

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The Hollywood Bowl celebrates the 4th with it’s annual party. This year’s spectacular includes Josh Groban, patriotic music and thrilling fireworks.

50% discount for children, 12 and under – perfect for the whole family!

What: July 4th Celebration at the Hollywood Bowl
Where: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Ave, Hollywood, CA 90068
When:  7:30 pm
Admission: SEE WEBSITE + fee
Website: www.hollywoodbowl.com