~ Photo courtesy of The Queen Mary
With fine weather in the forecast for July 4th Weekend and a huge variety of fun things to do in Downtown Long Beach, the stage is set for your very special America 250 party! A spectacular show at 9 PM featuring three synchronized fireworks barges (Queen Mary, Junipero Beach, and Granada Beach) is the centerpiece of Downtown’s Fourth of July celebration. You can dine, drink, and enjoy fantastic live entertainment on the ship, then get the best seat in the house for the fireworks!
Actually, watching the fireworks from anywhere on the Downtown Waterfront will be just as awesome, and there are several great options for that. Combine the rockets’ red glare with a meal and a festive beverage in Downtown’s eateries, drinkeries and danceries (see our suggestions below) and you’ll be set to party ’til the dawn’s early light.
THE QUEEN MARY FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
The Queen Mary is the place for a “Cheers to 250 Years” July 4th Celebration! This Saturday, July 4th starting at 3 PM, The Queen will be alive with music and entertainment all day. Roam the historic decks and discover themed parties spanning the decades. You’ll be serenaded by live tributes to great American music makers such as Motown, Frank Sinatra, the Andrews Sisters, and many more!
At 9 PM, grab a spot on the deck and savor an extra special waterfront fireworks show befitting the USA’s 250th anniversary. For VIP options and to purchase your tickets, click here.
OFFICIAL LONG BEACH 4TH OF JULY BAR CRAWL
Put on your most over-the-top patriotic attire, gather your people, and spend an unforgettable evening celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Red, White, and Blue! Your ticket includes FREE entry to all participating bars (you’ll have a digital map at your fingertips), exclusive themed specials, live music and DJs at select venues, and access to a FREE after-party. Check-in time: 5 PM at Altar Society Brewing & Coffee Co.
4TH OF JULY CRUISES
Viewing a Fourth of July fireworks display while cruising Rainbow Harbor on a boat is a unique experience indeed. The reflections on the water and the sounds echoing off of Downtown buildings create a different kind of magic. Harbor Breeze Cruises will make this happen for you with their July 4th Fireworks Observation Cruise! Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive two to three hours early for ease of parking and onboarding.
If you want to set sail earlier in the day, City Cruises is hosting a 4th of July Premier Brunch Cruise. Board their boat moored at Dock 6A in Rainbow Harbor at 10:30 AM, then enjoy beautiful sights while partaking in summer cocktails and a chef-prepared buffet meal! Dress code: Casual. Make your reservations here!
Spirit Cruises also has on-the-water options for you. Book your spots soon for the 4th of July Fireworks Cruise, which embarks 7:30 PM from Dock 9 at the entrance of Parkers’ Lighthouse in Shoreline Village, returning at 10 PM. If you and the family prefer a shorter trip, there are one-hour cruises available on the 4th at 1:45, 3, 4:15 & 5:30 PM. No reservations are required for these! Keep holiday parking in mind and arrive an hour in advance of your departure time.
The “Dream On” yacht crew is ready for the 4th of July Pier Pressure Red, White, & Fireworks Party Cruise, and they want you and YOUR crew to come along! The boat is moored at 100 Aquarium Way, dock 6A. Boarding begins at 5:45 PM. Get your complimentary glass of champagne and party from 6 to 10 PM with a premium open bar, a festive food menu, live DJ dancing, two decks for mingling, and the 9 PM fireworks show that looks amazing on the water. Get your tickets here!
Get supercharged on Saturday night, July 4 with a beautiful sunset, dazzling fireworks, tacos, and the uplifting grooves of house music, all while cruising Rainbow Harbor! This party, hosted by Deep House Brunch and Catalina Classic Cruises (Dock #1 by the Queen Mary), features DJ/producer duo PARTY PUPILS, pioneers of the “yacht house” sound. Board at 5 PM and cruise from 6 to 9 PM. For more details about this 21+ event and to get tickets, click here.
HOTEL MAYA
For a full day of fun and an amazing view of this year’s special fireworks display, this waterfront resort is a can’t-miss! All day on Saturday, July 4th, the pool deck will host a family-friendly celebration with live entertainment, tasty BBQ, craft cocktails, and access to the waterfront pool. Purchase of a resort pass gives you pool access plus one taco ticket, one drink ticket, a reserved chaise lounge, and complimentary parking. Two-person cabanas are also available.
At the hotel’s restaurant Fuego, enjoy live DJ entertainment and a special July 4th menu that features themed cocktails. Bottle service and private waterfront fire pits for up to 8 people are also available for a luxe VIP experience.
TOPSAIL ROOFTOP BAR AT HYATT CENTRIC
The Hyatt Centric Hotel at The Pike can boast about one of the best views on the west coast! Its Topsail Rooftop Bar + Pool will be a splendid place to lounge all day on July 4th. You can sip your favorite bevvies from 11 AM to 9 PM (the pool will remain open until 10 PM), dig the sounds of a cool DJ from 5 to 10 PM, get a 360-degree view of the city lights at sunset, then thrill to the fireworks at 9 PM. Not a hotel guest? No problem! You can book access through ResortPass.
RAINBOW LAGOON SWAN BOATS
You and four of your buddies will fit comfortably in one of these pedal boats, and if your party is bigger than five people, you can rent more boats and reserve the same time slot! Advance reservations are required on July 4th. The first swans will glide at 10 AM, and the final slots will be available at 8:45 PM. You can stay on the water until 10 PM. To get the time slot you want most, make your reservations early!
ALEGRIA COCINA LATINA
After the fireworks you’ll be ready to dance! Break out your best moves during the 4th of July Celebration at Alegria, 115 Pine Ave. starting at 10 PM. DJs will be spinning all the popular Latino dance music styles – Cumbia, Bachata, Mambo, Reggaeton, Meringue, and more. Make sure to flaunt your most stylish attire.
AGAVES ULTRA LOUNGE
Agaves Ultra Lounge at 200 Pine Ave. is another post-fireworks party spot. Vibe hard to the best in Hip-Hop, EDM, Reggaeton, and Top 40 starting at 10 PM. Everyone who RSVPs online gets in free before 11 PM! Arrive early, take advantage of the exclusive early-bird drink specials, and join your party pals for a night of dancing and celebration. Dress to impress! Click here for more info and to reserve your spots in the VIP bottle section.
PARKERS’ LIGHTHOUSE
Parkers’ Lighthouse, that signature Shoreline Village spot with the big red roof, will be open on Saturday, July 4, offering its regular lunch menu (lunch reservations accepted) from 11:30 AM to 3 PM and the dinner menu from 4 to 10 PM. The lounge will be open until 11 PM. Note: This is one of the best fireworks viewing locations in Long Beach! Seating will be first-come, first served. No reservations will be accepted for dinner on July 4th. For menus and more info, click here.
SHORELINE VILLAGE
Shoreline Village is an amazing place to be on July 4th. Choose your holiday drinking and dining from a fun selection of eateries and drinkeries. At the Off-Boardwalk Stage near the Funnel House, DJ Rome will be spinning from 1 to 5 PM. He’ll be followed by Harbor Groove, a versatile band that’s perfect for your America 250 dance party! They’ll play from 6 to 10 PM.
Watch the sunset over the sea, then enjoy this year’s extra-special fireworks show, which launches at 9 PM. For best viewing spots, more Shoreline Village attractions, and parking info, click here. NOTE: Parking is expected to fill up quickly, so get there early for maximum enjoyment.
SHENANIGANS
Those who wish to get their July 4th party started early in the day are invited to Shenanigans Irish Pub & Grille in the heart of Shoreline Village. The dance and party-friendly band B-Side will hit at noon. The 45’s, an equally fun and good-rockin’ quartet, will take over at 7 PM. Throughout the day you’ll have access to the very tasty Shenanigans food menu and the celebratory bevvies that go with it!
RIDE A WATER TAXI!
The Long Beach Transit AquaLink and AquaBus water taxis will be operating as usual throughout July 4th Weekend. The AquaBus cruises Rainbow Harbor and stays Downtown-local. Fare is $1 each way. The AquaLink connects Downtown with Alamitos Bay and is $5 one way. Enjoy these fun, scenic cruises to get where you want to go throughout the big weekend! NOTE: If you plan on paying in cash, please bring the exact amount. To download the RideLBT app, please visit ridelbt.com/app.
RED, WHITE, & HALO 4TH OF JULY PARTY
Elevate your 4th of July game at HALO, the rooftop bar at the Fairmont Breakers, 210 E Ocean Blvd., during the Red, White, & HALO 4th of July Party! The fun starts at 2 PM. You’ll celebrate with 360-degree views, a live set by DJ Resolution, plenty of fantastic food & drink, and the best seat in town for the 9 PM fireworks show. Get your tickets here.
HAMBURGER MARY’S
Have your July 4th soiree at Hamburger Mary’s! The notorious, uproarious spot at 330 Pine Ave. will be hosting Saturday Brunch with The Brunchettes. Indulge in bottomless mimosas, queen-sized cocktails, wild entertainment, and a mouthwatering meal. Make sure to follow Hamburger Mary’s on Instagram @hamburgermaryslb to stay updated on a full weekend of fun.
A FRIENDLY NOTE ABOUT JULY 4TH SAFETY FROM THE CITY
The City of Long Beach invites you to have the best time possible on July 4th, and encourages you to do so safely! Please click here to learn about the City’s fireworks policies, how to report illegal fireworks, and download coloring sheets and the Spanish version of this online flier.