This Fourth of July will be Long Beach’s biggest ever, with a week of athletic events previewing LA28, leading up to a spectacular finale on July 4, 2026, with three simultaneous fireworks shows along the coast. It’s all in celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial, America’s 250.
Building up to July 4, Long Beach’s tribute to America’s 250 will feature a weeklong preview of the city’s role in the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The celebration will showcase competitions in coastal rowing/Beach Sprints (June 27-28, 9 AM starts), Kite surfing (all week), and water polo (July 1-2). Details including locations along the waterfront and participating athletes are coming soon.
Catch the Long Beach Coast taking on the Oakland Ballers for a special patriotic baseball game on July 2. Arrive early to pick up a patriotic pom-pom, then stick around after the game to view a drone show over Blair Field presented by the Port of Long Beach. Tickets are available for purchase on the Long Beach Coast website.
Enjoy live music and family-friendly attractions including themed entertainment zones, tribute bands, DJs, strolling performers, interactive games and classic American food and beverages. A special World War II aircraft flyover honoring America’s military history and the Queen Mary’s wartime legacy is also planned.
Granada Beach next to the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier offers an unobstructed view for spectacular firework viewing, making it a popular destination. Arriving two to three hours before the 9 PM show is recommended to secure a spot for chairs or blankets. Street parking will be impacted by the event so consider using the city's coastal bike paths that intersect the beach.
For a front-row seat to the fireworks, hop aboard Harbor Breeze Cruises’ Fireworks Observation Cruise departing at 7:45 p.m. from Dock 2 at 100 Aquarium Way. The two-hour voyage takes guests through Long Beach Harbor at sunset before arriving in prime position to watch the spectacular fireworks display from the water. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase onboard. Save 15% with code AMERICA15 at checkout. Code valid on any 4th of July fireworks cruise until June 28, 2026.
City Cruises’ three hour harbor voyage leaves from Dock 6A at 00 Aquarium Way, pairing spectacular waterfront views with an elevated dining experience, featuring a chef-prepared buffet, summer cocktails and live DJ entertainment.
HALO Rooftop at Fairmont Breakers is hosting its Red, White & Halo 4th or July party featuring fireworks views, cocktails, and skyline sunsets. 21+ | First come, first served. Celebrate Independence Day at HALO Rooftop with specialty 4th of July cocktails, Chef Paul's featured BBQ selections, and live entertainment from DJ Resolution.
Celebrate the 4th at The Maya (700 Queensway Dr), with poolside entertainment, festive dining, and front-row views of the fireworks over the harbor. Throughout the day, the resort's pool deck will transform into a family-friendly Fourth of July celebration featuring live entertainment, barbecue favorites, specialty cocktails, and access to the waterfront pool. With purchase of a resort pass, receive pool access, one taco ticket, one drink ticket, a reserved chaise lounge, and complimentary parking. Two-person cabanas are also available. At the hotel’s restaurant Fuego, enjoy live DJ entertainment and a special July 4th menu including themed cocktails. Private waterfront fire pits for up to 8 people are also available for a VIP experience with bottle service. Call 562-435-7676 to book.
Enjoy the Fourth of July fireworks in Long Beach from Shoreline Village (429 Shoreline Village Dr). This popular shopping and entertainment area will offer live music all day and $25 flat parking. For details, visit their website.
Departing from Shoreline Village at 7:30 PM, Spirit Cruises (435 Shoreline Village, Dock 9) will offer a cruise touring the Long Beach Harbor before returning in time for the fireworks show by the Queen Mary. A cash bar will be available for beer, wine, and cocktails during the voyage. Visit the Spirit Cruises website to book online.
Celebrate America’s 250th and cruise the Long Beach bike path in style this summer! Wheel Fun Rentals is offering a Patriotic Red, White & Blue LED-illuminated Surrey Night Ride at its Shoreline Village and Alamitos Beach locations from now until Labor Day Weekend. You can also choose to ride the illuminated Swan Boats at Rainbow Lagoon for waterfront views of the fireworks. Reserve now on the Wheel Fun Rentals website.
This celebration is also a fundraiser for local charities, as Big Bang on the Bay had been in past years. The funds are collected by the nonprofit Eminent Giving Initiative and will be disbursed to local charities like Boys & Girls Club of Long Beach, Autism Partnership Foundation, YMCA of Greater Long Beach, and several more. To donate or for information about event sponsorship, visit the fundraising page on Zeffy.
