Holiday Offers Hot Time in the Cities

From the Santa Monica Mountains to the sea, Westside residents will have a variety of ways to celebrate Independence Day.

On Sunday, Santa Monica College presents “Celebrate America.” The free festival features the big band sounds of the Gold Coast Gold as well as other performers, displays and food booths. Entertainment starts at 6 p.m., with fireworks capping off the evening. Information: (310) 452-9396.

Those who wish to start July 4 early may want to consider a 5-K or 10-K run sponsored by the Palisades Chamber of Commerce. The events start at 8:15 a.m. in Palisades Park. Registration is $20. The Fourth of July annual parade starts at 2 p.m., with game-show host Monty Hall serving as grand marshal and comedian Bob Saget acting as honorary mayor. Spectators may view the two-hour parade along Sunset Boulevard as it travels between Bowdoin and Drummond streets. At 8 p.m., a free fireworks display will be held at Palisades High School. Information: (310) 454-0345.

The “Sweetheart Fireworks Music Celebration” will be held on Monday from 1 to 11 p.m. atop the Marina Towers parking structure at 4640 Admiralty Way in Marina del Rey. The musical lineup includes the salsa band Orquestra Mc1 and the Patrick Boone Quartet. Food and family game booths will also be set up. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. near the breakwater. Admission to the celebration is $6, $3 for senior citizens and free for children younger than 12 accompanied by a parent. Information: (310) 821-0555.

The city of West Hollywood celebrates the holiday with music, family entertainment and games from 2 to 5 p.m. at Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. A fire engine and Sheriff’s Department squad car will also be on display. Admission is free. Information: (310) 854-7443.

The Los Angeles Doctors Symphony Orchestra performs a free concert in the Boat Court in the Beverly Hills Civic Center at 2 p.m. The program includes selections by Gertz, Haydn and Leonard Bernstein. Information: (310) 550-4654.

The skies above Culver City will be ablaze when a free fireworks show begins at dusk. Information: (310) 287-3850.

As a final reminder, it is illegal for anyone except a professional fireworks expert, with a permit, to possess or use any fireworks, including so-called safe-and-sane fireworks, in any city or unincorporated area on the Westside.