Celebrate the USA’s 250th Birthday in Long Beach!
Get ready for a milestone celebration! Long Beach is pulling out all the stops to commemorate the United States’ 250th birthday. From world-class musical performances and elite sporting events to a fireworks display of unprecedented proportions, the city is the place to be this holiday weekend.
🎆 The Main Event: Long Beach Fireworks Extravaganza
If you are looking for the ultimate Long Beach fireworks experience, this is the year to do it. To honor the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary), the city has tripled the size of its fireworks show!
When: Saturday night at 9:00 p.m.
Where: The show will be launched from three strategic barges to ensure maximum visibility along the coastline:
- Near the iconic Queen Mary
- Near Cherry Avenue
- Near Bayshore Avenue
Whether you are lounging on the sand or watching from a balcony, the sky will be illuminated in a breathtaking display of patriotism and color.
🎶 Music and Melodies: From The Beach Boys to Local Classics
The weekend is packed with auditory delights that capture the spirit of Americana:
- The Beach Boys: Experience the legends of surf rock as they perform their timeless hits like “Surfin’ USA” and “Fun, Fun, Fun,” while celebrating the 60th anniversary of their masterpiece album, Pet Sounds. The event also features the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra led by Thomas Wilkins. Pro tip: Use promo code BEACH26 for 20% off select tickets on July 2nd and 3rd!
- Long Beach Municipal Band: For a more traditional vibe, head to El Dorado Park West on Friday starting at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a picnic under the stars with patriotic anthems like “Stars and Stripes Forever” and “America the Beautiful.”
🏆 Sports, Cinema, and Local Culture
Looking for something beyond the music? There is plenty to explore:
- Water Polo Action: Five-time Olympian Tony Azevedo hosts a local tournament on Thursday and Friday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Catch the games at Bayshore Beach (famously known as Horny Corner).
- Retro Cinema: If you prefer the silver screen, the Art Theatre on Retro Row is screening 16mm classics: “Blade Runner: The Final Cut” (1982) and “The Exorcist” (1973).
- Architectural Heritage: Explore the city’s history with the Long Beach Heritage tour this Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., visiting four historic homes from the 1900s.
🌍 Giving Back and Finding Balance
Celebrate the land by taking care of it. Join a community cleanup at Junipero Beach on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Aquarium of the Pacific will provide essential supplies like gloves and buckets to help keep our coastline pristine.
To wind down after the festivities, consider a restorative experience. On Sunday, July 12, The Den offers a Somatics & Sound Healing Integration session designed to regulate the nervous system and restore inner balance—the perfect way to recover from a high-energy holiday weekend.
🏨 Plan Your Stay: The Golden Hour Getaway
Make your trip effortless with the Golden Hour Getaway Package. Enjoy welcome drinks upon arrival and a complimentary 12 p.m. late checkout, allowing you to soak in the waterfront views at your own pace. This offer is valid for stays through August 31, 2026.
Don’t miss out on the most explosive celebration of the decade. See you at the Long Beach fireworks!
