Celebrate The Fourth Of July in Long Beach

Long Beach is celebrating Fourth of July with star-spangled events all weekend long 

Fourth of July festivities will kick off on July 2 with Council District One’s First Annual Independence Day Dog Parade which will take place at Lincoln Park in Downtown Long Beach from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. The event will honor five individuals who support the Long Beach community including local police, firefighters and veterans. Attendees can look forward to the award ceremony and a great time with some patriotic pets. 

The Boathouse on the Bay will be presenting their Big Bang on the Bay on July 3 from 5:30 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. The party starts with dinner catered by Naples Rib Co. or dinner at The Boathouse. Guests will be able to enjoy multiple aerial performances from the US Coast Guard, powered paragliders, and the Tiger Squadron featuring their historic aircraft. DJ Ron will provide entertainment beginning at 7:45 P.M. followed by the firework show at 9 P.M. 

Tickets can be purchased online at boathouseonthebay.com. Ticket prices for the block party starting at 75 dollars for adults and 30 for children aged 10 and younger Those wishing to dine at the Boathouse can purchase indoor dining tickets for 120 dollars. Proceeds from block party ticket sales go towards charities such as Children Today, Autism Partnership Foundation, and many more. 

Justin Rubb is hosting 2022 Great American 4th of July Kid’s Bike Parade Monday. More than 400 kids are expected to attend. The event is free but it is encouraged that attendees bring peanut butter or tuna for area food banks.There will be a patriotic speech contest for the kids that starts at 9:50 a.m., the bike parade kicks off at 10 a.m. and then the kids patriotic costume contest at 10:30 a.m. The parade will start at the Granada Ave. boat launch ramp in front of Rosie’s Dog Beach.

The City’s annual Fourth of July fireworks will be taking place at Queensway Bay on July 4 starting at 9 P.M. This year’s show is sponsored by Visit Long Beach, The City of Long Beach, The Port of Long Beach, and Harbor Breeze Cruises. The best views of the show can be seen for free from Lions Lighthouse, Shoreline Village, Marina Green, and Rainbow Harbor. Harbor Breeze Cruises is offering views of the fireworks from the water with their July 4th Fireworks Cruise. Tickets start at 75 dollars and can be purchased at 2seewhales.com.

Many residents are waiting with anticipation for the shows on July fourth weekend but personal fireworks are illegal within Long Beach city limits. Personal fireworks use can be very dangerous and often lead to injury or property damage. Those hosting events with personal firework use such as house parties can be liable for up to 20,000 dollars in fines. The city is cracking down on firework use and will be fined a minimum of 1,000 dollars and can be sentenced to six months in jail. 

The city of Long Beach is encouraging residents to have a happy and safe Fourth of July by enjoying the beach, having firework-free parties, or enjoying one of the fireworks shows put on by professionals. 

On Monday, July 4 all government offices will be closed and all city-operated COVID-19 testing or vaccination sites will be closed. For a complete list of city, closures visit longbeach.gov. 

By Morgan Trivitt