2026 July 4 Fireworks Guide For Santa Monica

Fourth of July activities in Santa Monica could have extra sparkle in 2026 — the 250th anniversary, or semiquincentennial — of the Declaration of Independence.

The holiday falls on a Saturday in the middle of a three-day weekend, July 3-5. To help you fit it all in on your 4th of July calendar, Patch has put together a guide to fireworks and other celebrations in Santa Monica and surrounding areas.

Santa Monica

JULY 4: Santa Monica 4th Of July Parade. The annual Main Street parade celebrates the holiday and showcases the vibrant artistic spirit of the Santa Monica community.

JULY 4: Pulse In The Park. This free post-parade celebration at Tongva Park features a festive community gathering inspired by the energy of the World Cup.

Culver City

JULY 5: Independence Celebration And Drone Light Show. The free community event features live music, patriotic tributes and a drone light show honoring America's 250th anniversary.

El Segundo

JULY 4: 4th Of July Fireworks Show And Community Celebration. The all-day event features contests, races, live music by the AstroYatchs, food booths and a fireworks show.

Marina Del Rey

JULY 4: Marina del Rey July 4th Fireworks Show. The annual 20-minute fireworks display can be viewed from locations throughout Marina del Rey, as well as nearby beaches and waterfront areas.

Pacific Palisades

JULY 4: Pacific Palisades 4th Of July Road Race, Parade, Drone Show And Celebration. The annual community tradition returns with a parade, road races, an evening celebration and a drone show.

Westchester

JULY 4: 4th Of July Parade. The annual community tradition along Loyola Boulevard features music, themed floats and patriotic entries celebrating 250 years of American dreams.

For a full list of events happening across the region, visit Patch's July 4 Fireworks Guide For LA County

America’s Block Party, an unprecedented coast-to-coast initiative, is one of the signature events of America 250, the congressionally chartered nonprofit overseeing the semiquincentennial celebration.

A Times Square Ball Drop, a rolling series of ball drops, timed to occur at midnight on July 3 in every U.S. time zone from Guam to American Samoa, is part of the “Giving 4th Broadcast Benefit Show,” creating a nearly 24-hour celebration of the 250th anniversary. It’s part of the broader “Giving 4th” initiative that aims to make and establish Independence Day the biggest annual day of giving.

A time capsule will be buried in Philadelphia to be opened in 2276 on July 4. It contains a carefully curated collection of letters and artifacts reflecting the leadership, institutions, and communities that shape the country today. It will include contributions from all three branches of the U.S. federal government and submissions from each of the 50 states, Washington D.C., and five territories.

Separately, the White House’s Freedom 250’s biggest spectacles are the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, running June 25 to July 10; the July 4 Salute to America Fireworks, also on the National Mall; “Sail 4th 250,” billed as the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world in New York Harbor; and Rushmore 250, an iconic 4th of July fireworks on July 3 alongside military concerts and live presidential reenactors.

Are you planning an event this summer? Feature it so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!