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By Karen PearlmanJune 25, 2025 (San Diego County) – Independence Day in the USA is just days away, and across San Diego County, there are myriad events to be part of to celebrate.
East County Magazine has compiled a list of various offerings to celebrate the Fourth of July, whatever part of the region you’re in.
All events are on July 4 unless otherwise noted.
El Cajon 4th of July Fireworks at Kennedy Park
Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
Activities include train rides, crafts, games and a DJ with fireworks at 9 p.m.
More information: https://www.elcajon.gov/discover-el-cajon/events/fourth-of-july
Santee Salutes 4th of July Celebration
Time: 2 to just after 10 p.m. (concluding with fireworks at 9) at Town Center Community Park East
Activities include live music with Full Strength band from 6 to 9 p.m., a patriotic ceremony at 6 p.m., kids zone, food vendors and more
More information: https://www.cityofsanteeca.gov/calendar/events/santee-salutes/45842
Ramona Family Picnic & Fireworks
Time: Starts about 4 p.m. with picnicking areas available at Olive Peirce Middle School
Activities include food vendors, DJ, cornhole, face painting and more with fireworks at 9 p.m. behind Olive Peirce set to Star 94.1 FM
More information: https://ramonachamber.com/fireworks/
Julian Fourth of July Parade & Events – Main Street, Julian
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Activities include a patriotic parade, live music, pie-eating contest and vintage plane flyover
More information: https://www.julianparade.com/
Viejas Freedom Fest - Viejas Casino, Alpine
Time: 8:45 p.m. fireworks display; the event itself with dinner and entertainment is for members only but fireworks will be visible in surrounding area.
Poway “Old-Fashioned Fourth of July” at Old Poway Park
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., then fireworks at Poway High Sportsplex at 9 p.m.
Activities include vintage games, crafts, model trains and more
Rancho Bernardo – “Spirit of the Fourth: Keep the Spirit Alive”
Time: Starts at 9 a.m.
Activities include crafts, food booths, motor show, children’s activities, a parade from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Larry Himmel Memorial Patriotic Pet Contest from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m., Veterans memorial service at 11:30 a.m., music and entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m. and fireworks at Rancho Bernardo High at 9 p.m. (Donations are requested)
More information: https://spiritofthefourth.org/
Scripps Ranch Parade & Run/Ride
Time: Parade and run start at about 10 a.m.
More information: https://www.scrippsranch.org/committees/4th-of-july/
Big Bay Boom – San Diego Bay
Time: 9 p.m.
California’s largest Independence Day fireworks, launched from four barges across the bay.
Best viewing spots: Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North/South Embarcadero, Coronado Ferry Landing – also great on the waterfront from a boat or from Mount Soledad
SeaWorld San Diego – Mission Bay
When: July 3 to 6, nightly from about 8:50 to 9 p.m.
Note: Special Independence Day fireworks included with park admission, ideal to watch from adjacent beaches or inside SeaWorld
San Diego County Fair – Del Mar Fairgrounds
Time: 9 p.m. fireworks Spectacular on the Corona Grandstand Stage, gates open 7 p.m. (Fairgrounds open at 11 a.m.)
Note: Ticketed seated and standing options available
More information: https://www.sdfair.com/events/2025/fireworks
La Jolla Drone Show – Kellogg Park
Time: 9 to 9:30 p.m. at La Jolla Shores
Quieter, high-tech show with 500 drones offering patriotic formations over La Jolla Shores
More information: https://www.ljshoreshotel.com/july4droneshow/
Coronado All-Day Celebration – Orange Avenue & Glorietta Bay
Time: Fun run starts at 7:30 a.m.
Activities include a parade at 10 a.m. and concert at about 4 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m. over Glorietta Bay and the Coronado Golf Course. Also will include Navy Leap Frogs skydiving and headline entertainment
Escondido Independence Festival & Fireworks – Grape Day Park and California Center for the Arts campus
Time: 4 to 9:30 p.m.
60th annual festival includes live music and dancing from 5:15 to 9 p.m., artisan vendors, food trucks, beer garden, kids activities, complimentary admission to the Escondido History Center from 4 to 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m.
More information: https://artcenter.org/event/60th-annual-independence-day-festival/
San Marcos Fireworks Extravaganza Red, White and BOOM! at Bradley Park
Time: Entertainment starts at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Activities include live music by Republic of Music, carnival games, jumpers food vendors
Chula Vista 4th Fest – Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
Time: Gates open at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Fireworks set to a custom soundtrack on Amor 102.9
Imperial Beach Pier Fireworks – IB Pier
Time: Starts at 1 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Activities include live music from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. with free beach viewing of fireworks, synced to KyXy 96.5 FM
More information: https://ibparksandrec.org/578/4th-of-July-Celebration
Comments
Thanks (sigh)
Thursday night
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