July 4th is Friday! Here’s our guide to help you plan your holiday weekend.

First, you should know there are two major elements changing the way Southern California might celebrate the holiday this year.

Recent immigration raids throughout Southern California are prompting some cities to cancel July 4th celebrations. Cancelled events include the Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Summer Block Party in downtown Los Angeles, Whittier’s Freedom Walk, the City of Cudahy’s July 4th celebration, and all scheduled events through July 10 in Bell Gardens.

Also, in the wake of January’s deadly wildfires, it’s likely no surprise that fire departments and law enforcement officials are planning some of the toughest enforcement ever on risky DIY fireworks shows.

For the first time on July 4th, drones will be used to catch illegal fireworks violators in some cities. Law enforcement that catches anyone is likely to send a citation to the residence, without ever making contact first.

Fireworks news updates

Here are more recent stories in the news:

• Fire departments in Southern California urge residents not to use fireworks on July 4th READ MORE
• OC Fire Authority uses explosive demonstration to urge fireworks safety READ MORE
• Riverside plans to use drones for illegal fireworks enforcement this July 4th  READ MORE
• Illegal fireworks use now costs violators up to $10,000 in Yucaipa READ MORE

Weather

The holiday weather forecast is “beautiful,” both at the beaches and inland. READ MORE

Where to watch fireworks and drones

Want to go to a show? You have options.

12 ways to celebrate Fourth of July in Southern California READ MORE

Many cities are transitioning their fireworks shows to drones. Here’s a snapshot of what cities are doing.

LA County shows

• Where to watch fireworks in the Los Angeles area
• Rose Bowl pivots from fireworks to drones for Fourth of July celebration
• Big Bang on the Bay fireworks show will live another year — but its future is in jeopardy
• San Pedro’s 75th fireworks show set for July 5 at Cabrillo Beach
• Drones return to Rancho Palos Verdes to celebrate Fourth of July
• West Covina to host Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
• It’s not fireworks, but Seaside Community Church in Torrance will host its inaugural 4th of July Carnival and Concert at noon

Orange County shows 

• Orange County has plans for July 4th; from fireworks to parades here’s things to do
• 10 restaurants to watch Orange County fireworks
• Irvine will host inaugural Fourth of July festival
• Here are the 12 Orange County cities allowing fireworks sales in 2025

Inland Empire shows

• Where to find July 4th fireworks in the Inland Empire
• Here’s the history of the Mount Rubidoux show

Watch from home

• Fireworks show at Los Alamitos base closed to public because of troop deployment, will be livestreamed

Plan your cookout

• ‘American’ foods are changing, but July 4 still revolves around the grill
• How to cook the perfect steak, grill marks and all
• The top 9 grilling mistakes and how to fix them
• Recipe: How to grill corn on the cob the proper way
• Recipe: Herbed Green Rice is a flavorful sidekick for your next barbecue

More tips

• Our photojournalists wrote some tips for how to take great photos of fireworks, whether you have a traditional camera or a mobile phone. READ MORE
• Ask the Pediatrician: Tips for Fourth of July fireworks safety READ MORE
• How to help your pet stay calm when the fireworks start READ MORE
• These 10 American anthems deserve a spot on your Fourth of July playlist. Most of are ubiquitous at patriotic parties, but do you know their backstories?  READ MORE