Fireworks and other fun
Whether you’re going to the Old Glory Boat Parade in Newport Harbor or setting off fireworks in Costa Mesa, public safety officials encourage you to be safe by following these guidelines.
COSTA MESA
• Only “safe and sane” fireworks that have the state fire marshal’s seal of approval on the packaging are legal. Any fireworks that shoot into the air are illegal.
• Fireworks may only be discharged from 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.
• Fireworks are not permitted in the city’s parks or any public parking lot or on school property.
• Before lighting fireworks, always read the directions, and use them outside away from buildings, vehicles, dry grass and other flammable objects.
• Have a bucket of water on hand for emergencies and for dousing misfired and used fireworks.
• Never throw fireworks at another person.
• Never attempt to relight or fix malfunctioning fireworks.
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NEWPORT BEACH
Personal-use fireworks are illegal in Newport Beach, but the city encourages residents to attend a professional fireworks show to celebrate the Fourth of July.
The following roads and areas will be closed from 10:30 a.m. Friday until the early morning hours of July 5:
• Southbound Orange Street at West Coast Highway
• Via Oporto from Via Lido to 32nd Street
The following parking areas will be closed from 7 p.m. Thursday until at 7 a.m. July 5:
• The City Hall parking lot on Finley Avenue
• The public parking lot on Superior Avenue and Coast Highway
• The streets on Balboa Peninsula will be open. However, the Newport Beach Police Department may issue closures if the need arises.
On the Fourth, text NBJULY4TH to 888777 to receive updated road closure information and other community advisories.
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IRVINE
While Irvine does not allow fireworks, the city encourages residents to attend public, professional fireworks shows.
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If you still don’t have plans for celebrating Independence Day next week, here are a few options. Unless otherwise noted, they take place on the Fourth.
NEWPORT BEACH
Newport Peninsula Bike Parade & Community Festival: The annual bike and dog parade begins at 9 a.m. at Balboa Boulevard and 38th Street Park and will head down Balboa Boulevard to Channel Place Park. The festival, which is free to the public, includes carnival games, giant slides, jump houses, arts and crafts and food. Parade participants are encouraged to decorate bikes, scooters, wagons and strollers, and bring dogs on leashes. The festival will run from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information on this event, contact the Recreation and Senior Services Department at (949) 644-3151.
Independence Day Parade and Celebration: The city and the Mariners Elementary School Foundation will host the annual Parade and Celebration at Mariners Park, 1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach. The parade will begin at Commodore Road and Mariners Drive at 10:30 a.m. and the celebration will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the park. There will be food for sale. Attendees can also buy wristbands that allow participation in activities including the rock-climbing wall, bungee run, adrenaline maze, 28-foot slide, obstacle course, balloon burst and games. Wristbands are $15 each or $10 for toddlers. Wristbands can be purchased in advance or at the event. For more information, visit the Mariners Foundation website at https://www.marinersfoundation.com or call (949) 644-3151.
Flyover: The Condor Squadron Officer’s and Airmen’s Assn., a nonprofit founded by a group of World War II fighter pilots, will fly four AT-6s over Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point and San Clemente. They will begin over Huntington Beach and expect to fly over Newport Beach between 6:10 and 6:15 p.m.
Fireworks Extravaganza: The city is cohosting a Fireworks Extravaganza with the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach. The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. The event is free for Newport Beach residents. KC and the Sunshine band will headline the event.
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COSTA MESA
Senior Center celebration: Costa Mesa seniors are invited to the senior center, 695 W. 19th St., from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday for an Independence Day celebration. Bingo and games will be offered, and a burger truck will serve lunch. Tickets are $10.
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IRVINE
Irvine High School: The Irvine Police Assn. is hosting the 30th annual Concert on the Green and Fireworks Festival at the Irvine High School stadium beginning at 3 p.m. The event features live music, activities and fireworks when the sun goes down. Food will be available for purchase. Admission is $14 for adults or $9 for children and seniors. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information or advance ticket sales, call (949) 724-0488 or email ipaevents@irvinepa.org.
Ralph J. Redington race: The Woodbridge Village Assn. is hosting a 5k/10k and kids run beginning at 6:30 a.m. Race times and costs vary depending on the event. The association will also host an afternoon carnival and fireworks display at 9 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.wva.org.
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COUNTYWIDE
Champagne Brunch and Parade: Fred’s Mexican Cafe, 300 Pacific Coast Hwy. in Huntington Beach, will host a parade viewing party and champagne brunch to benefit the Bolsa Chica Conservancy from 9 to 11 a.m. Tables are being sold before the event on a first-come, first-served basis, and 100% of the proceeds go to the conservancy’s wetlands science education programs. All are welcome to participate by buying a table or individual tickets. Tickets start at $45.
The Art Park: The Art Park in Huntington Beach, hailed as the largest Fourth of July parade west of the Mississippi, is a celebration of creativity through art. The Art Park will give children of all ages and adults the opportunity to experience many mediums and facets of art through various participatory projects and demonstrations. Attendees will also enjoy live music and crafts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ark Park in Lake Park, between 11th and 12th streets.
[For the Record, updated at 1:02 p.m. June 28:] An earlier version of this story incorrectly said fireworks can be used legally in Costa Mesa Tuesday through Friday. In fact, they can only be used legally in the city Wednesday through Friday.