Los Angeles County is confronted with a record crisis on the eve of Independence Day 2025, as dozens of classic Fourth of July celebrations have been cancelled or postponed because of continuous immigration enforcement operations. Although several neighborhoods have made the hard choice to postpone events for fear of endangering citizens’ lives, many dazzling fireworks displays and parties continue to be slated to proceed throughout the region.
Immigration raids starting on June 6, 2025, have evoked mass panic among Latino residents in LA County. Federal agents in unmarked cars carrying masked officers have forced several cities to forego traditional celebrations in order to ensure residents’ security. Over 1,600 individuals have been arrested across the county as a result of the raids, Los Angeles County supervisors have stated.
Major celebrations that have been cancelled or postponed
The cancellations are widespread, hitting some of the biggest and most popular Independence Day celebrations in the county. Gloria Molina Grand Park Summer Block Party, which drew more than 20,000 people in 2024, has been indefinitely postponed. The downtown Los Angeles celebration was among the county’s most popular Fourth of July celebrations.
Cities whose celebrations were cancelled or postponed are:
- Bell Gardens: All events up to July 10, including Independence Day celebrations
- Cudahy: Independence Day celebration delayed for “safety reasons”
- Huntington Park: Celebration of the Fourth of July delayed, as well as a 30-day ban on summer celebrations
- El Sereno: 66th Annual Independence Day Parade cancelled
- Whittier: 4th of July Freedom Walk cancelled (though fireworks will proceed)
- East LA: County’s “Rockin’ 4th of July” celebration cancelled
- Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, and Northeast Los Angeles: Multiple events delayed
The Peter F. Schabarum Regional Park Summer Movies & Concerts series in Rowland Heights has also been postponed indefinitely.
While there are cancellations, the majority of major venues and cities are going forward with Independence Day celebrations, providing residents plenty of chances to join in traditional Fourth of July festivities.
Marina del Rey – County’s premier waterfront display
Marina del Rey is home to one of the largest and most spectacular Los Angeles County firework displays, detonating as scheduled July 4 at 9:00 PM. The 20-minute display will be shot from a Main Channel barge, reflecting beautiful colors onto the water that can be viewed around the marina and surrounding communities.
Top viewing spots are:
- Burton Chace Park with synchronized music
- Fisherman’s Village
- Venice Pier, Playa Vista, and Dockweiler Beach
- Multiple waterfront restaurants and hotels
Parking costs $11-$20 at public lots near the marina, and a cash payment is recommended for faster access. Since pedestrian traffic is dense in certain areas, cars cannot leave some lots from 8:00-10:30 PM.
Hollywood Bowl – Three nights of spectacular entertainment
Hollywood Bowl keeps the tradition alive with the July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular featuring Earth, Wind & Fire on July 2, 3, and 4, 2025. All performances start at 7:30 PM and end with spectacular fireworks exhibitions. The classic punk band is accompanied by the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the baton of Thomas Wilkins.
Seats vary from cheap nosebleed seats to upfront section premium seating, with VIP packages. The Hollywood Bowl has been celebrating Independence Day for over 100 years, making it the county’s oldest tradition.
Long Beach Waterfront – Queen Mary celebration
Queen Mary’s Fourth of July celebration goes on as scheduled with a 15-minute fireworks display at 9:00 PM on July 4th. Themed parties at the historic ship take place throughout various decades from 3:00 PM and culminate in the fireworks display along the water front.
Viewing options:
- Aboard Queen Mary ($65 adult, $45 children, VIP $185)
- Free viewing at Lions Lighthouse, Shoreline Village, Rainbow Harbor, and Marina Green
- City Cruises dinner cruise with semiformal dress code required
The event also includes the “Big Bang on the Bay” celebration on July 3 at Boathouse on the Bay with BBQ catering, plane fly-bys, paragliding demonstrations, Coast Guard demonstrations, and a 30-minute fireworks display at 8:30 PM.
