California State Capitol (Photo: Nick Busse)
California communities are getting ready to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with concerts, parades, drone shows, and local Fourth of July events across the state.
American Legion Post 751
In Newberry Springs, American Legion Post 751 is hosting its 50th Annual Fourth of July Parade. This year’s parade celebrates “100 Years of Freedom on Route 66” along with America’s 250th birthday. The July 4 parade will travel along Route 66 and end at Post 751. After the parade, the post plans to offer lunch for $5.
American Legion Post 416
In Encinitas, American Legion Post 416 is hosting a July 3 live music event tied to America’s 250th birthday. The event, featuring ‘She Says So,’ is scheduled from 7 to 10 p.m. at Post 416, located at 210 W. F Street. The event invites the community to come together ahead of the Fourth of July weekend while honoring Veterans, active-duty military members, their families and the people who support them.
Northern California Events
- Shasta Lake: The Freedom 250 Celebration at Shasta Dam is a two-day event hosted by the Shasta Lake Chamber of Commerce. The celebration includes a July 3 drone show near Shasta Dam, visible from the dam and from boats on the lake. July 4 activities include live bands, Shasta Dam tours, food trucks, kids’ activities and family-friendly entertainment.
- Elk Grove: Elk Grove’s Salute to the Red, White & Blue takes place at Elk Grove Park. The evening event includes vendors, opening ceremonies, a live concert by Pop Fiction, a drone show, and fireworks. Admission is free, with paid parking available.
- Napa: Napa’s Fourth of July Celebration at Oxbow Commons is a free community event with live music, local food trucks, a kids’ zone and a drone show.
- Concord: Concord is hosting a full day of July 4 events. The morning includes a run, pancake breakfast, and parade at Todos Santos Plaza. Later in the day, the Concord July 4th Festival and Fireworks at Mount Diablo High School includes live entertainment, food vendors, a kids’ carnival, activities for all ages and an evening fireworks show.
- South San Francisco: South San Francisco’s Fourth of July Celebration takes place on Grand Avenue and includes a parade and picnic celebration tied to America’s 250th anniversary.
- Livermore: Livermore’s daytime Fourth of July Celebration at the Livermore Municipal Airport includes military aircraft, participation by local Veterans, remote-control aircraft demonstrations, music, food and kids’ activities.
Central California and Central Coast Events
- Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara’s Fourth of July Celebration takes place along the waterfront at West Beach. The full-day event includes family-friendly activities connected to America’s 250th anniversary.
- Tulare: Tulare’s Independence Day: Echoes of America takes place at Zumwalt Park. The evening event includes music, food, drinks, a kids’ play area and a concert by the Sequoia Symphony.
- California City: California City’s Fourth of July Celebration takes place at Central Park and includes food trucks, vendors, games and other community activities throughout the day.
- Paso Robles: Paso Robles is hosting a Fourth of July Celebration at Barney Schwartz Park. The free event includes live entertainment, food vendors, activities and fireworks while recognizing Independence Day, America’s 250th year and California’s 175th year of statehood.
- Modesto: Modesto’s Fourth of July Parade continues a tradition that dates back to 1874. The parade travels through downtown and kicks off the city’s Independence Day celebration.
Southern California Events
- Los Angeles: America250’s July 4 concert at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will include live music, fireworks, a drone show and a Block Party Village. The event lists Chris Stapleton, The Smashing Pumpkins, Anthony Ramos, Chaka Khan, and Queen Latifah among the featured names.
- San Dimas: San Dimas 2026: Stars, Stripes and Drone Lights takes place at San Dimas City Hall. The family-friendly downtown festival celebrates the city’s 66th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Activities include a classic car display, live music, vendors, a kids’ zone and a nighttime drone light show.
- Chino Hills: BAPS Los Angeles is hosting “Desi Roots, American Dreams” at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. The two-day cultural and civic festival celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, California’s 175th anniversary, opportunity, diversity and the contributions of the Indian diaspora to modern America.
- Irvine: Irvine is holding free America 250 programming throughout July at libraries, community centers, parks, and the Irvine Civic Center. Events include patriotic bingo, themed storytimes, crafts, historical learning activities, scavenger hunts, an America 250 Exhibition and a Field of Valor with 250 flags honoring active-duty Service Members and Veterans.
- Irvine: The Pacific Symphony Annual July 4th Concert at Great Park Live features patriotic music, the 1812 Overture, and music from Air Supply, followed by a fireworks finale.
- Yorba Linda: The Richard Nixon Presidential Library is hosting an America 250 Celebration on July 3. The all-day event runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and includes patriotic programming for families.
- San Diego: Liberty Station, a former naval training center, is hosting “Anchored in Freedom: An Independence Day Celebration.” Later in July, Liberty Station will also host a Military Heroes Festival for active military families, Gold Star families, and active-duty reservists.
- Coronado: The Crown City Classic begins at Tidelands Park and includes a scenic 12K and 5K run/walk along Coronado Bay and through the historic community. The morning event ends with a finish line celebration at Tidelands Park.
- Temecula: Temecula has two July 4 events. The Fourth of July Parade runs through Old Town Front Street between 2nd and 6th streets. Later, the Temecula Fourth of July Extravaganza at Ronald Reagan Sports Park includes live entertainment, a fun zone, food vendors, and fireworks.
- Hemet: Hemet’s Stars, Stripes and Drones Fourth of July Celebration takes place at the Hemet Auto Mall and includes a drone show.
- Arcadia: America’s 250th in Arcadia takes place at Santa Anita Park. The free event, with pre-registration, includes live music, games, giveaways, food and a pyrotechnic drone show.
- Lake Forest: Lake Forest is celebrating America 250 with several city programs, including a 250th anniversary celebration float, the flying of the 250th anniversary flag at City Hall, and a City Council proclamation.
- Brea: Brea’s 35th Annual July 4th Country Fair takes place at City Hall Park. The event includes a pancake breakfast, live entertainment, a kiddie parade, a dog parade, a classic car show, food, games, exhibits, a handmade marketplace, and free swimming at the Plunge beginning at noon.
- Rancho Palos Verdes: Rancho Palos Verdes is hosting a Fourth of July celebration at the Ken Dyda Civic Center with live music, family-friendly activities, and a drone show at night.
- La Habra: La Habra’s Party in the Park at La Bonita Park includes food vendors, retail vendors, “Kidchella,” a World War II Texan aircraft flyover and fireworks.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.