4th of July 2013 fireworks shows, events in L.A., O.C.

On the Fourth of July, your night life task generally consists of one thing — finding the most optimal patch of grass to splay out and watch things explode in the sky.

Hopefully, you’ll leave the task of lighting those fuses to the professionals, because SoCal is always a reliable source of incendiary spectacle, sylvan settings and general hooray-for-America good vibes. After you’ve wrapped up your obligatory daytime backyard barbecue gantlet, here are few of the best events in town to sit down and crack one open for the Founding Fathers on Thursday.

Grand Park

Downtown’s second-newest public park (The tiny Spring Street Park just swiped its title) is perfectly positioned for a bit of general civic pride — it’s right at the foot of City Hall. KCRW-FM’s Anthony Valadez will play tunes throughout the day, with a full slate of guest artists and poetry slams topped with a set by the buzzy and witty alt-Latin act La Santa Cecilia.

Hollywood Bowl

The most reliable source for L.A. Fourth festivities starts on Tuesday and continues through the big night. The Bowl brings the pop-classical singer and pianist Josh Groban to the stage, where he’ll play his own material, along with the L.A. Philharmonic performing a set of patriotic music accompanied by an always-dazzling fireworks set. 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Prices vary. https://www.hollywoodbowl.com.

Rose Bowl

Only in this great nation would a festival bring together Mariachi Divas, motorcycle stuntmen and Kenny G on one bill to celebrate national independence. But those three acts are just a sliver of the spectacle on offer at the Rose Bowl’s AmericaFest, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. $13. https://www.rosebowlstadium.com.

Marina del Rey

The annual waterside fireworks volley gets a synced soundtrack on the punky local radio station KXLU-FM. The beaches will get packed, so come early for the 9 p.m. showtime at prime locales such as Burton Chace Park or Fisherman’s Village. Various locations, 9 p.m. https://www.visitmarinadelrey.com.

Levitt Pavilion

Prefer your Fourth of July paired with some rowdy Latin hip-hop tinges? The excellent genre-busting duo Akwid has turned the Grammys’ ear for its blend of spitfire rhymes, rock sonics and updated traditional-Mexican undertones, which they explored on their most recent album, “Revolver.” Levitt Pavilion, MacArthur Park. 6:30 p.m. Free. https://www.levittla.com.

Huntington Beach

One of the largest Fourth of July events in the country, the annual parade draws thousands to the bleachers or to the ocean to watch traditional fare like Sousa marches and a considerable fireworks display. 10 a.m. Main St., downtown Huntington Beach.

Newport Beach

The annual Old Glory Boat Parade off Balboa Island is one of the most iconic Independence Days scenes in Southern California, where local skippers deck out more than 100 vessels in red, white and blue finery for a jaunt around the harbor. Newport Harbor, 12:30 p.m.

— August Brown