CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH FIREWORKS

Fireworks and festivities are back with a big bang for Independence Day. Some events are returning for the first time in two years because of COVID-19 cancellations. Here’s a guide to Fourth of July fireworks and celebrations throughout San Diego County:

CAMP PENDLETON

4th of July Beach Day celebration: Today at Del Mar Beach on base (for authorized military and their families), there will be a free family fun zone from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a DJ from 4 to 5 p.m., and a performance by the Pistol Blonde from 5 to 7 p.m. Military ID card required. The fireworks show has been canceled, Marine Corps Community Services said Sunday.

CARLSBAD

Legoland’s “Red, White and Boom!”: Throughout today, kids of all ages can participate in all-American family picnic games and building activities. The evening fireworks show at 8:30 p.m. combines patriotic music with fireworks; included with cost of park admission. Visit legoland.com.

CHULA VISTA

Fireworks and celebration: 7 p.m. today, hosted by the city of Chula Vista at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, 2800 Olympic Parkway. Fireworks shoot off at dusk. Bring a blanket or chair. Food trucks will be there. Parking is free. Another recommended viewing location is at Mountain Hawk Park, 1475 Lake Crest Drive. Visit chulavistaca.gov.

CORONADO

Independence Day Parade: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today on Orange Avenue from First Street to Churchill Place and Ocean Boulevard. Livestreamed at coronado.ca.us.

“Star Wars”: Adrian Empire Demonstration and San Diego Star Wars Society photo-op from 12:30 to 2 p.m. today at Star Park.

Navy Leap Frogs Demonstration: 2to3 p.m. today at the Golf Course near Glorietta Bay.

Patriotic Concert in the Park: 4 p.m. today at Spreckels Park.

Public Kids Concert: 4 p.m. today at the Coronado Golf Course 16th Fairway.

Public Concert: 8:30 p.m. today and Tuesday at the Coronado Golf Course 16th Fairway.

Fireworks: 9 p.m. today over Glorietta Bay, near Stingray Point, and San Diego Fireworks over San Diego Bay can be viewed at the Ferry Landing. Visit commentcoronado.org.

DEL MAR

Fourth of July Celebration at San Diego Fairgrounds: Patriotic celebration all day today topped off with fireworks at 9 p.m., which can be viewed throughout the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Parking is $15; admission is $12-$20 for ages 6 and older. Admission and parking passes are online advance sale only. Visit sdfair.com.

EL CAJON Fireworks:

9 to 9:30 p.m. today at Kennedy Park, 1675 E. Madison Ave. Visit elcajon.gov or call (619) 441-1754.

ESCONDIDO

Independence Day Concert and Fireworks: 5 to 9:30 p.m. today at Grape Day Park, 321 Broadway, hosted by the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Highlights include a concert on the Great Green in the park with country music star Lorrie Morgan followed by the Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band, concluding with fireworks display. There will be children’s games, crafts and face painting. Admission is free; limited number of VIP tickets are $65, including reserved seating (chair and table) near stage, air-conditioned indoor lounge area, access to VIP buffet menu and bar and two drink tickets along with indoor VIP-only restrooms. Fireworks can be seen from central Escondido. Visit artcenter.org.

FALLBROOK

Independence Day Pancake Breakfast: Rotary Club of Fallbrook’s breakfast is from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. today at the Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane. Tickets are $12; $5 for children ages 4-12; free, under age 3. Proceeds benefit The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Camp Pendleton. Visit fallbrookrotary.org.

IMPERIAL BEACH

Drone light show: A high-tech drone light show will kick off with a performance from Marine Band San Diego in Pier Plaza at 7:30 p.m. today and the show by Verge Aero will follow shortly after dark from the Imperial Beach Pier to replace the fireworks that were canceled last minute. The drone show will be synchronized with music that will be broadcast at Pier Plaza and also accessible on personal devices from the city’s website. Attendees are encouraged to come early. Seacoast Drive will be open for bus access, but parking will not be available at any time from Palm Avenue to Imperial Beach Boulevard. There is a bus stop in Pier Plaza. Visit imperialbeachca.gov.

JULIAN

Parade: Noon today on Main Street. Pre-parade activities include a flyover by vintage aircraft starting at 10 a.m. along with entertainment such as a Marine Band and patriotic musical presentations. After the parade at the American Legion, there will be a barbecue, live music, dancing and quilt show. Shops will be open after the parade. No fireworks. Visit julianparade.com.

LA JOLLA

Parade: The annual Beaumont Avenue Independence Day parade through Bird Rock is themed “Top Gun” this year. Parade floats will head down Beaumont Avenue at 10 a.m. today from Camino de la Costa to Mira Monte. Food and entertainment will follow the parade. This year, there won’t be fireworks at La Jolla Cove.

LA MESA

Music and fireworks: San Diego Lake Murray Music Fest and Fireworks is from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at Lake Murray Community Park, 7001 Murray Park Drive in San Carlos, and the fireworks can be seen from La Mesa to Del Cerro and beyond. Fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Visit lakemurrayfireworks.org.

MISSION BAY

SeaWorld fireworks: SeaWorld San Diego puts on a fireworks show set to a patriotic soundtrack starting at 8:50 p.m. today. The park offers entertainment including live music at various stages and DJs for a family-friendly dance party. Guests can join the park’s Electric Ocean summer event, featuring a range of entertainment from the Adrenaline stunt show featuring “America’s Got Talent” daredevil Annaliese Nock and bioluminescent musical experience of Electroblast. Fireworks are every weekend (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) in July. Visit seaworld.com/sandiego/events/electric-ocean.

NATIONAL CITY

Fourth of July Carnival: The National City Lions Club hosts its annual Fourth of July Carnival today at Kimball Park, 148 E. 12th St.

OCEANSIDE

Yankee Doodle Dinghy Parade: Boat parade starts at 1 p.m. today in the Oceanside Harbor at the Oceanside Yacht Club and continues on to the south end of the harbor. Decorate a patriotic dinghy 12 feet and under and enter the parade. No entry fee; trophies will be awarded. Register at skippers meeting at 10 a.m. today at the yacht club, 1950 Harbor Drive N. Call (760) 722-5751 or visit oceansideyc.net. Oceanside beach and pier: Additional vendors will be selling food and beverages and renting water sports equipment in Pier Plaza and parking lot south of the Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre. The Strand roadway by the beach will be closed to cars from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Visit mainstreetoceanside.com.

POWAY

Fireworks: Two Independence Day fireworks displays will run simultaneously starting at 9 p.m. today from Poway High School, 15500 Espola Road, and the Sportsplex in the Poway Business Park, 12349 McIvers Court. Viewing from Poway High School, with games, activities and a DJ. Gates open at 6 p.m. Entry costs $5 per person at the gate; free for children 11 and younger.

“Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration”: The annual event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road, with patriotic entertainment, magic show, free children’s crafts, model train displays and old-fashioned games. Treats and train rides will be sold. VFW Post 7907 and the Poway Veterans Park Committee host a ceremony honoring service members at Veterans Park (adjacent to Old Poway Park) beginning at 11 a.m. The park’s Civil War-era cannon will be fired. Free shuttles at Poway City Hall Parking Lot, 13325 Civic Center Drive, and Poway Adult School Parking lot, 13626 Twin Peaks Road. Lake Poway is open to the public today and will stay open as a viewing area for the fireworks at the high school. Parking is $10 for nonresidents; free for residents and military with ID. Visit poway.org/fireworks-map.

RAMONA

Family Picnic and Fireworks: This year’s Fourth of July activities start at 4 p.m. today in the back field behind Olive Peirce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Lane, and culminate in fireworks at 9 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets. Visit ramonaevents.com.

RANCHO BERNARDO

Spirit of the Fourth Community Fair: Starts at 9 a.m. today in Webb Park, themed “Grateful to Celebrate Together Again.” Highlights include Larry Himmel Patriotic Pet Contest, games and activities for the kids, Quilts of Valor Show, VIP reception for Freedom Club members and food and soft drinks, along with a parade from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wheels of Freedom Motor Show (Poway Cruisers) is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in a parking lot off Bernardo Center Drive in downtown.

Fireworks: Spirit of the Fourth Fireworks display starts at 9 p.m. today at Rancho Bernardo High School/ Bernardo Heights Middle School athletic fields, 13010 Paseo Lucido. Musical entertainment is from 6 to 8:45 p.m. Donation of $10 per person or $20 for a family to offset event expenses. Visit spiritofthefourth.org.

Independence Day Ceremony: The Rancho Bernardo Veterans Memorial Association will host its annual Independence Day Ceremony from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. today at the Rancho Bernardo Veterans Memorial, Webb Park, 11666 Avena Place. Co-hosting organizations include the Major Abraham J. Baum Post 7766 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; and General J.P. Holland Chapter of the Military Order of World Wars. Boy Scout Troop 685 will support the event. Bring lawn chairs. Visit rbvma.org.

RANCHO SANTA FE

Independence Day Parade: Starts at 1 p.m. today and runs through downtown along Avenida de Acacias and flaglined Paseo Delicias. Features Color Guard, vintage cars, equestrians, firetrucks, parade princesses, floats, decorated bikes and scooters and the Harmony Grove Band. A picnic lunch by the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club will benefit the Community Center.

SAN DIEGO

Big Bay Boom: The free fireworks show will be displayed simultaneously from four barges on San Diego Bay at 9 p.m. today. Barge locations will be off the shorelines of Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero and South Embarcadero. Bring lawn chairs or get in a boat to watch. The 20-minute fireworks will be telecast live on Fox 5 San Diego and affiliates in Los Angeles and on Fox 40 in Sacramento, starting at 8 p.m. A musical simulcast will be broadcast live on KGB 101.5 FM radio, starting at 9 p.m. The Metropolitan Transit System will increase train, trolley and bus service, and will offer “Friends Ride Free,” where a friend may ride free with a fare-paying customer on MTS routes today. Visit bigbayboom.com.

Gaslamp Quarter celebration: The Gaslamp Quarter hosts Fourth of July -inspired free entertainment from 4 to 10 p.m. today along Fifth Avenue, including a laser show, DJ spinning throughout the evening and Budweiser Clydesdales. Visit gaslamp.org.

Maritime Museum fireworks viewing: Starting at 7 p.m. today, fireworks viewing on the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s historic landmark ferry Berkeley. The museum’s waterfront barge to the rear of the Berkeley will also be available. Capacity is limited. No-host bar. Seating is first come, first served. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Bay tours and summertime picnic also offered. Cost: $20. Visit sdmaritime.org.

Old Town Fourth of July: No parade this year for the Fourth of July at Old Town State Historic Park. The park will offer its usual museums and living history demonstrations during the holiday weekend.

SAN MARCOS

Fourth of July at Lake San Marcos: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. today. The “Freedom Singers” will lead in singing patriotic music. Veterans will be recognized. Keynote speaker is San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond. Highlights include a patriotic dog contest, hamburgers and hot dogs, kids games, bounce house and information tables hosted by local clubs and groups. The annual July 4 Yacht Club Boat Parade will be at 4:30 p.m. on the lake. Visit lsmkiwanis.org.

Red, White & Boom: Entertainment starts at 5 p.m. and fireworks go off at 9 p.m. today at Bradley Park, 1587 Linda Vista Drive. Festivities include carnival games, jumpers and food sales. Visit san-marcos.net/july4th. Fourth of July Carnival: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at Lakehouse Hotel & Resort, 1105 La Bonita Drive. Highlights include carnival games on the lakeside lawn, watermelon eating contest, patriotic presentation, patriotic dog contest and pie eating contest. Hot dogs and burgers will be sold along with cotton candy, sno-cones and lemonade. Free admission. Activity tickets will be sold. Register at bit.ly/3bDxV05.

SANTEE

Santee Salutes: The Fourth of July celebration is back today at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive. Parking lots open at 2 p.m. Food vendors and Riverwalk Grill open at 4 p.m.; patriotic ceremony at 6 p.m., and 80z All Stars Concert is at 6:30 p.m. The event is capped off with fireworks at 9 p.m. Advanced parking purchase required for $10 at santeesalutes.com.

SCRIPPS RANCH

Parade: The Scripps Ranch Miramar Top Gun Fourth of July Parade, saluting San Diego’s role in military aviation history, begins at 10 a.m. today at Red Cedar Drive and Ironwood Road and ends at Scripps Ranch Boulevard and Aviary Drive by Hoyt Park. After-parade festivities are at 11 a.m. at Hoyt Park. Free admission; donations appreciated. Visit scrippsranch.org/committees/4th-of-july.

VISTA

Celebration with fireworks: 9 p.m. today at Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive. Live entertainment and pre-fireworks barbecue dinner at the Moonlight Amphitheatre. Brengle Terrace Park will open at 5 p.m. to ticket holders. Entry into the Moonlight Amphitheatre is $5 per person. Vehicle entry tickets limited to 900, sold online until 8 p.m. today, unless sold out. Walk-in traffic into Brengle Terrace Park will be permitted until 8:30 p.m. today. Fireworks can be viewed from surrounding neighborhoods. Tickets for park admission are $15 per vehicle; $30 for recreational vehicles at cityofvista.com/july4 or at VisTix, 200 Civic Center Drive.