Where to See the Lights From Catalina to Big Bear

Orange County isn’t the only place where the sky will be aglow Friday night with fireworks following a day packed with Fourth of July festivities. Here is just a sample of the Independence Day celebrations, ranging from community picnics to pyrotechnic extravaganzas, going on around the Southland.

The Big Bear Lake Rotary Club will host its annual steak barbecue at 6 p.m. Fireworks begin at dark; live entertainment and viewing area provided. Barbecue $15, children 12 and younger $10; fireworks free. 40770 Lake View Drive. (909) 866-3537.

Catalina Islanders kick off the celebration with a children’s festival at Two Harbors and a parade on Crescent Avenue, featuring the Marine Corps Band. The parade begins at 1 p.m. Free. Visitors may take part in a Fourth of July dinner-dance at the historic Casino Ballroom, from which they can view the fireworks display. Dinner reservations required ($20). (310) 510-1520.

Infield activities get underway at 3 p.m. at Fairplex’s Kaboom ’97. Carnival rides, pony rides, petting farm and classic car show. Stage entertainment begins with the Coasters at 8 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona. Adults, $5; ages 6-12, $3; 5 and younger, free; $8 reserved seats; $4 children 6-12; $10 box seats; $6 children box seats. Parking, $5 at Gate 17. (909) 623-3111.

Tickets are going fast for the Fourth of July celebration over three days at the Hollywood Bowl. This year, the “Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular” features Trisha Yearwood in concert with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, conducted by John Mauceri, and the U.S. Marine Corps Band. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $3-$67. Children get in for half price. (213) 480-3232 for tickets and (213) 850-2000 for information.

Long Beach Firefighters Memorial Assn. presents “The American Journey” fireworks show at Long Beach Veterans Stadium, 5000 Lew Davis Drive. Music and canine demonstrations are included. Activities begin at 5:30 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. $7; seniors and ages 5-11, $5. No coolers. (562) 493-9069.

The Marina del Rey Fireworks Spectacular offers a free fireworks display, with best viewing from Burton Chase Park, Fisherman’s Wharf and surrounding businesses. (310) 305-9545.

Fireworks will explode over the Queen Mary and Long Beach Harbor on Friday and Saturday, followed by the KBIG-FM disco dance party on board both evenings. Fireworks both days at 9 p.m. Friday, 9 p.m.-midnight; Saturday, 8:30 p.m.-midnight. $12; seniors and active military, $10; ages 4-11, $8; party, “Titanic” exhibit and behind-the-scenes tour, $20. (310) 435-3511. Fireworks cruises in the harbor are offered from Belmont Pier, 7:30 to 10 p.m. $12; ages 12 and younger, $7.50; reservations: (562) 434-6781.

Fireworks follow music at the Redondo Beach Pier. The concert features steel band and reggae music, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. On Saturday, a concert featuring the Red Elvises is planned at the pier. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Both events are free. (310) 374-2171.

The Rose Bowl isn’t offering its usual grounds show and fireworks display, but fireworks will follow the Galaxy soccer game Friday vs. the New England Revolution. Game time is 7:30 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. General admission, $9; children, $7; reserved seating $14-$17; children reserved $7-$12. Ticket office opens at 3:30 p.m.; gates open 5:45 p.m. Parking, $5. Ticketmaster: (213) 480-3232. Information: (818) 577-3100, Ext. 5.

The city of Santa Monica invites the whole family to join performing artists, jugglers and giant puppets in a holiday stroll in Palisades Park. Parade begins in the park at Arizona Avenue and travels south to Colorado Avenue, 1-3:30 p.m. (310) 390-3810.

Fireworks at Six Flags Magic Mountain are included in park admission: $35; children under 48 inches, $18; seniors, $20; ages 2 and younger, free. 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, exit off Interstate 5, Valencia. (805) 255-4111.

Temecula celebrates the Fourth with a parade at 10 a.m. in Old Town, followed by a festival in Rancho California Sports Park, 30875 Rancho Vista Road. Activities are from 2-9 p.m., including live music, food, games and fireworks at dusk. Free. (909) 694-6480.

About 200 booths with food, games, and arts and crafts; free mini-steamer train rides, contests, entertainment and fireworks. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. at Charles Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance. $5 parking; free shuttle from Civic Center or Del Amo Fashion Center. No alcohol. (310) 618-2930.

A tip for those who party too hearty: The Automobile Club of Southern California will provide a free ride home for drinkers and their vehicles. Any time on Friday, motorists, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts or passengers of a drinking driver in the 13 Southern California counties the Auto Club serves may call 800/400-4AAA for a free tow home of up to seven miles.