Celebrating Independence Day
There are so many fun things to do on Fourth of July in Newport Beach, but here are the top family-friendly events that should definitely be at the top of your list when it comes to observing America’s birthday.
For one of the largest and best coastal Fourth of July celebrations in Orange County, check out Independence Day on the Back Bay at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. This year’s bash is expected to be even bigger and better, with plenty of fun-filled activities and events for the entire family kicking off at 8:30 a.m. and capped off by an incredible fireworks display at 9:00 p.m. Don’t miss live music by KC & The Sunshine Band and others; local artisans and merchants; the Food Truck Wars contest; tasty treats from the Back Bay Bistro; and the Family Fun Zone. Be sure to return to Newport Dunes the next day for Beach House of the ’80s, an all-day musical festival with DJ Richard Blade of KROQ and SiriusFM and live music from Flashback Heart Attack and Neon Nation.
The Fourth of July festivities continue at the Newport Harbor, where more than 100 vessels adorned with red-white-and-blue are expected to hit the water starting at 1 p.m. at Collins Island for this year’s annual Old Glory Boat Parade — themed “Freedom Calling”. Hailed as one of California’s largest and longest-running patriotic boat parades, this annual happening sponsored by American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291 is free to watch from public beaches, docks and boardwalks throughout the scenic harbor area. Look for owners of tugboats, wooden classics, dinghies, electric power boats and sailboats to show off their festively decorated watercraft, with awards given for the “best decorated,” “outstanding music,” “finest costumes,” “most creative animation” and “greatest spirit.” The all-day event starts with a pancake breakfast and raffle from 7-11 a.m. at America Legion Post 291 (215 East 15th St. in Newport Beach) and continues throughout the day with a barbecue lunch and dinner, live music and dancing.
The City of Newport Beach also partners with the Mariners Elementary School Foundation to stage the popular Independence Day Parade & Celebration every Fourth of July. Now in its 42nd year, festivities begin with a bicycle parade at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Commodore Road and Mariners Drive, and end at Mariners Park where activities include a gamemaster DJ, rock-climbing wall, bungee run, obstacle course, face painting, spin art, balloon burst, carnival games, food and more from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. To pre-purchase attraction wristbands for $10-$15, until July 2nd click here. They also are available for $16 on the day of the event. All proceeds go to the Mariners Elementary School Foundation.
Also don’t miss the 4th Annual 4th of July is for Families Newport Beach Bike Parade and Community Festival. The bike parade starts at 9am 38th Street Park. After head on over to Channel Place Park for Free Community Festival from 9:30-11:30am. Enjoy food for sale, bouncers, arts & crafts, slides, and carnival games! More info here.
