Fireworks, drones, parades, and music across San Diego this Fourth

Though the Fourth of July Drone Light Show in Ocean Beach this year has been postponed until 2026, the show will still go on as several other regional venues are offering fireworks or drone shows.

Drone shows are increasingly being promoted as a relatively eco-friendly and sensory-friendly alternative to fireworks.

Last year’s inaugural OB Fourth of July Drone Light Show was forced to postpone 2024’s planned display due to bureaucratic hurdles and financial limitations, despite the resounding success of 2023’s spectacle.

“It is with great regret that we’ve had to make this decision to postpone,” said Mike James, co-founder and co-chair of Luminosity. “We are thrilled to participate in our nation’s Semiquincentennial celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. With a two-year planning window, we can secure funding and permits to ensure a spectacular event.”

For more information and updates, contact obluminosity@gmail.com.

La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club Drones – For its first quarter-century, the annual La Jolla Cove fireworks display, started by La Jolla restaurateur George Hauer in 1985 went smoothly, then came legal challenges alleging environmental damage to the ocean from the pyrotechnic display.  In 2023, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club at 2000 Spindrift Drive in La Jolla Shores announced it would be joining a growing trend of Independence Day celebrations without fireworks. For approximately 15 minutes, the drone show featured patriotic imagery, with drones launched from the beach club property visible over Avenida de la Playa, and in front of La Jolla Shores Hotel.

“Building on last year’s success, we are looking to elevate this year’s event and make it more spectacular than before,” said William “Bill” J. Kellogg, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club president. “We have launched a fundraising campaign in conjunction with the LJ STEAM Foundation to offset the costs of holding this free community event.”

Launching at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club’s synchronized drone show will feature 200 drones soaring 350 feet above the shoreline. Event attendees can expect an awe-inspiring performance, showcasing a symphony of lights and colors expertly choreographed to simulate the grandeur of traditional fireworks. While the main viewing area will be at the south end of Kellogg Park, spectators can also enjoy the spectacle from the surrounding park and beach areas near the La Jolla Shores Hotel and the Beach Club, as well as at La Jolla Cove.

Old Town Old-Fashioned Fourth – California State Parks invites the public to celebrate an old-fashioned Fourth of July at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, 4010 Twiggs St. Visitors can join park staff and volunteers celebrating as early San Diego residents did in the 1800s with games, crafts, and live music from Big Mountain Blue Grass Band. The free event begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. Additional parking is available at the CalTrans headquarters, two blocks from the park at 2994 Sunset St.

July 3 fireworks on Mission Bay – In partnership with SeaWorld San Diego, you are invited to bask in the glow of a free majestic fireworks extravaganza on Mission Bay, all set to a festive soundtrack in partnership with 101.5 KGB on July 3 from 9-10 p.m. at Mission Bay Yacht Club, 1215 El Carmel Place. The skies will dance with colors and lights, creating memories that will sparkle long after the night ends. Their partners across Mission Bay have crafted special programming to ensure that you have the best seat in the house.

Big Bay Boom – The Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks, Southern California’s largest pyrotechnics show returns over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged at 9 p.m. simultaneously from barges placed strategically around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Marina District, and Coronado Ferry Landing. The choreographed display will last approximately 18 minutes. The fireworks score is simulcast live on 101.5 KGB. Bring lawn chairs, friends, and boats to watch from: Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Marina District, and Coronado Ferry Landing. Parking along San Diego Bay fills up quickly. Get there early and plan where to park.

Fair fireworks – The San Diego County Fair will hold its fireworks spectacular starting at 9 p.m. on Independence Day at the Del Mar Fairgrounds at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. in Del Mar. Tickets for the all-ages event are $20 and $25, which includes complimentary same-day fair admission. All sales are final and there are no refunds or exchanges. Avoid the crowds and secure your seat for the Fireworks Spectacular. Visit sdfair.com/events/2024/fireworks.

Beach-Barber Tract Parade – For decades, this annual, quaint La Jolla neighborhood Independence Day parade has been a cherished tradition featuring patriotic music in an old-fashioned Fourth of July with watermelon starting at 9 a.m. with the parade kicking-off at 10 a.m. and wrapping up by 11 a.m. This is an old-school parade with balloons and homegrown floats. If you want something fun, and old-fashioned, and want a glimpse of the past: This is the parade to go to. For more information, visit barbertract.com.

Beaumont Avenue Parade – The Bird Rock Community extends an invitation to join it for the 45th Annual Beaumont Avenue Fourth of July Parade. Participants walk, bike, trike, skateboard, fly, or float their way down to the fun-filled after-party and enjoy food and entertainment after the parade. This year’s theme is “Super Heroes and Every Day Heroes. The parade starts at 10 a.m. This event is powered solely by the time, spirit, and effort of volunteers. Consider donating your time and resources to help keep this Bird Rock tradition alive. For each family enjoying the parade please donate $40-$250-plus to help support food and entertainment. For more information, visit gofundme.com/f/support-beaumont-avenues-4th-july-parade.

Mission Beach Bike Parade – Don’t just watch the community’s annual Fourth of July parade – be in it. The 20th annual Mission Beach Fourth of July Bike Parade, sponsored by Mission Beach Town Council, will gather at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4 at Cohasset Court and Bayside Walk. Cyclists will depart at 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome.

Belmont Park Fourth – Celebrate the nation’s birthday and Belmont Park’s birthday, as the amusement center turns 99 this 4th of July. Enjoy an afternoon at the historic beachfront amusement park to soak up the sun with some old-fashioned summer fun. From classic roller coasters like the Giant Dipper to charming merry-go-rounds, Belmont Park has all the signature rides you could want at a beachfront amusement park. Throw in some bumper cars, arcade games, laser tag, a zip line, and plenty more, and you’ve got one unbeatable afternoon in the making. When you share a birthday with America, you have to be just as iconic.

Moonshine Beach – What better way to kick off the 4th of July celebrations than at Moonshine Beach at 1165 Garnet Ave. Moonshine is celebrating the Fourth with their Red White & Booze Party on July 3. Enjoy entertainment from DJ Kiki, Real Hypha, Famous Dave, and Blkwood from 7 p.m. to close and a Hot Dog Eating Contest at 7:30 p.m. with a $250 cash prize. Kick off the holiday with drink specials including $10 Miami Vice Slushies, $9 Ranch Wanters, $10 Watermelon Tequila Highs, and $18 Holler & Swaller Sunrise Buckets. The front patio will open at 5 p.m. and the dance hall will open at 7 p.m. with no cover fee for the entire evening.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

The tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

The tradition of setting off pyrotechnics began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. The ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies. The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of 1812, again between the United States and Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday. In 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees.