Have a blast on July 4th: Here’s where to go, what to do

The Fourth of July is the most American holiday of the year, and Orange County is going to celebrate with 23 fireworks shows, 21 festivals and fairs, seven parades, seven run/walk races and lots of live musical performances open to the public. Several communities are sponsoring private events; they are not included here.

Most of the public celebrations are taking place on Saturday, but a few places are planning activities for the entire weekend, and one community — the city of Orange — has scheduled its fireworks show for Friday.

In all, 26 communities have planned various events for the Independence Day weekend. Take a look and decide how you want to celebrate. Schedules could change, so contact information has been included.

ALISO VIEJO

What: Concert, festival and fireworks

Where: Grand Park, 6101 City Lights Drive

When: 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

Details: Arts and crafts, face painting, bounce houses, food and drinks available for purchase. Live music starts at 7 p.m. featuring the Skinny Little Twits, a rock-legends tribute band.

Fireworks show starts at dusk.

Information: avca.com, (949) 243-7750

ANAHEIM

What: Festival, fireworks, parade and run/walk

Where: Canyon High School, 220 S. Imperial Hwy., Anaheim Hills; and Peralta Park, 115 N. Pinney Drive

When: 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Admission: free

Details: At Canyon High School: Annual 5K/10K run and 2K walk will be held from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Registration is $35 to $50. Fundraising pancake breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Cost is $4. Yankee Doodle Dog Show, for costumed pooches, is at 9:30 a.m. Registration fee is $7. Parade starts at 1 p.m. at the high school, finishing at Pinney Drive.

At Peralta Park: Festival will offer live music, games, entertainment and food vendors from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks will start at 9 p.m.

Information: anaheimhillscommunitycouncil.org

What: Block party and fireworks

Where: Angel Stadium, 2000 Gene Autry Way

When: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday

Admission: $7 in advance; $10 at the door.

Details: This commercial event includes an Orange County Art Walk, import-car show and K-Town Night Market. Fireworks start at 9:45 p.m.

Information: OCblockparty.com

BREA

What: Country fair

Where: City Hall Park, 401 S. Brea Blvd.

When: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission: Free

Details: Pancake breakfast is from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. The fair opens at 10 a.m. and will offer live music, kiddie parades, baby and dog beauty contests, classic and custom car show, museum tour, petting zoo and reptile show. Swimming in the plunge costs $2.

Information: ci.brea.ca.us, (714) 990-7722

CYPRESS

What: Festival and fireworks

Where: Joint Forces Training Base, 11200 Lexington Drive, Los Alamitos

When: 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free. Parking is $5

Details: Food and sponsor booths, entertainment and a Kids Fun Zone. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. All adults must provide proof of identity. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged, and alcohol is not allowed.

*This is a joint program presented by the cities of Los Alamitos, Cypress and Seal Beach, the Rossmoor Community Services District and the Joint Forces Training Base.

Information: cityoflosalamitos.org, (562) 431-3538

DANA POINT

What: Festival and fireworks

Where: Dana Point Harbor, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive

When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

Details: Doheny State Beach and the harbor restaurants and shops open at 10 a.m. Food available for purchase and live entertainment. Free shuttle buses will make round trips from Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, to Dana Point Harbor from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Fireworks start at 8:45 p.m. KSBR 88.5 FM will broadcast a synchronized music score.

Information: danapoint.org, (949) 248-3530

FULLERTON

What: Concert, festival and fireworks

Where: Fullerton High School Stadium, at Lemon Street and Berkeley Avenue

When: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

Details: Games and food booths operated by local fundraising organizations, pony rides, balloon artists, bounce houses, face painting and children’s rides. Live music by the Soundbytes will feature lead singer Shari Doran.

Fireworks show by Pyro Spectaculars of Rialto starts at 9 p.m.

Information: ci.fullerton.ca.us (714) 738-3167

HUNTINGTON BEACH

What: Concerts, a festival, parade, run/walk and fireworks

Where: Pier Plaza, 325 Pacific Coast Hwy.

When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Admission: Free. Tickets are available for grand stand parade ($20) and fireworks viewing ($10)

Details: Vendors fair and concerts all day, all three days.

Friday: The Surf City Run will be held from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. It includes two 5K runs, a 5K stroller run and two races for children and will start at Main and 17th streets.

Saturday: Kiwanis pancake breakfast will be held from 7 to 11 a.m. at Lake Park, 12th and Main streets. The Sounds of Freedom parade starts at Pier Plaza at 10 a.m. and continues up Main Street through town, finishing at noon.

The fireworks show from the Huntington Beach Pier starts at 9 p.m.

Sunday: Vendors fair and live music continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Information: huntingtonbeachevents.com, (714) 891-6856

--------------------------------------

[For the record, 4:30 p.m. June 29: An earlier version of this post listed an incorrect date for Huntington Beach’s Surf City Run. It is Saturday.

[For the record, 4:30 p.m. June 29: An earlier version of this post listed an incorrect ending time for the Huntington Beach Kiwanis pancake breakfast on Saturday. It ends at 10 a.m.]

--------------------------------------

IRVINE

What: Concert on the Green and Fireworks Festival

Where: Irvine High School stadium, 4321 Walnut Ave.

When: 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Admission: $15; $10 for seniors and children.

Details: The Irvine Police Assn. hosts. Live blues and soul music by the Derek Bordeaux Group. Food available for purchase. Free bounce houses and other family activities. Discounted advance tickets are available.

The fireworks show by Pyro Spectaculars will begin at 9 p.m.

Information: IrvinePA.org, (949) 724-0488

What: Pacific Symphony’s July 4 Spectacular: A Symphonic Tribute to Journey concert and fireworks

Where: Irvine Meadows Amphitheater, 8808 Irvine Center Drive

When: 8 p.m. Saturday. Gates open at 6 p.m.

Admission: $25 to $107. Parking is $10 to $20.

Details: Full orchestral versions of the pop group’s most famous songs, including “Faithfully,” “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Wheel in the Sky,” as well as patriotic favorites and a salute to the U.S. armed forces.

The fireworks show is the finale.

Information: pacifisymphony.org, (949) 855-6111 or (714) 755-5799

LADERA RANCH

What: Festival, fireworks, parade and run/walk

Where: 1 Daisy St. and Founders Park, 28275 Avendale Blvd.

When: 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

Details: At 1 Daisy St.: 10K run, two 5K runs and a 1K race start from 7 to 9:45 a.m. Registration is $10 to $35. Community parade starts at 10:30 a.m. Pancake breakfast from 7:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

At Founders Park: Festival with food, games and entertainment at 3 p.m. Teen Zone opens at 5 p.m. Live music starts at 6 p.m. Fireworks start shortly after 9 p.m.

Information: runLadera.com

LAGUNA BEACH

What: Fireworks

Where: Heisler Park, 375 Cliff Drive

When: 9 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

Details: Fireworks originate from Monument Point at Heisler Park. The Monument Point area will be closed all day Saturday. Beginning at noon, the area of Heisler Park from the Rock Bench at Myrtle Street to the Rockpile Beach stairs at Jasmine Street will be closed to allow for fireworks preparation.

Information: lagunabeachcity.net, (949) 397-3311

LAGUNA HILLS

What: Festival and fireworks

Where: Laguna Hills Community Center and Sports Complex, 25555 Alicia Parkway

When: 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

Details: Carnival rides and games, live music, patriotic crafts, face painting and food for purchase. Bring lawn chairs, umbrellas and blankets.

The fireworks start at 9:10 p.m.

Information: ci.laguna-hills.ca.us, (949) 707-2680

LAGUNA NIGUEL

What: Concert, festival, fireworks and run/walk

Where: Crown Valley Community Park, 29751 Crown Valley Parkway; and Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Road

When: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

Details: At Crown Valley Park: YMCA 5K/run/walk, a 10K run and children’s races start at 7:30 a.m. Registration is $30 to $50. Pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Cost is $5. Free swim. Free concert from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the amphitheater, featuring Woodie and the Longboards, a Beach Boys tribute band, and Heartache Tonight, an Eagles tribute band. Free shuttles to the park from City Hall, 30111 Crown Valley Parkway, from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

At Laguna Niguel Park: Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Limited parking is available in the park and on La Paz Road. Those attending the celebration at Crown Valley Park may walk from there to a viewing area. Flashlights and chairs are a must.

Information: cityoflagunaniguel.org, (949) 425-5100

LA HABRA

What: Concert, festival and fireworks

Where: La Habra High School stadium, 801 W. Highlander Ave.

When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday

Admission: $7. Discount tickets are available in advance at the La Habra Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd.

Details: Live music by Soto, a Latin rhythm band. Carnival games, inflatables, balloon art and face painting, as well as food vendors. The fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.

Information: lahabracity.com, 562-383-4200

LAKE FOREST

What: Parade and run/walk

Where: El Toro High School, 25255 Toledo Way

When: From 7 a.m. to noon Saturday

Admission: Free

Details: Pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Cost is $6. The 5K run/walk will start at 7:30 a.m. Registration is $30. Parade begins at 10 a.m. Several streets in the area will be closed all morning for the run/walk and parade.

Information: lakeforestca.gov, (949) 461-3400

LA PALMA

What: Festival and run/walk

Where: La Palma Central Park, 7821 Walker St.

When: 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

Details: Races start at 7:30 a.m. The Kiwanis Club pancake breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. Cost is $5. Yankee Doodle Dash for children 12 and younger will be held at 8:30 a.m. The Family Fun Zone with an inflatable obstacle course, potato sack race, arts and crafts and a tug-o-war match will run from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Information: cityoflapalma.org, (714) 690-3350

LOS ALAMITOS

What: Festival and fireworks

Where: Joint Forces Training Base, 11200 Lexington Drive, Los Alamitos

When: 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free. Parking is $5

Details: Food booths, entertainment and a Kids Fun Zone. Fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Adults must provide proof of identity. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged, and alcohol is not allowed.

*This is a joint program presented by the cities of Los Alamitos, Cypress and Seal Beach, The Rossmoor Community Services District and the Joint Forces Training Base.

Information: cityoflosalamitos.org, (562) 431-3538

MISSION VIEJO

What: Street fair and fireworks

Where: Olympiad Road between Marguerite Parkway and Melinda Road

When: Noon to 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

Details: Carnival rides and games, food, drinks, crafts and gift booths. Music, dance and comedy entertainment.

Fireworks start at dusk.

Information: mvactivities.com, (949) 830-7066

NEWPORT BEACH

What: Old Glory Boat Parade

Where: Newport Harbor and around Balboa Island

When: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

Details: The patriotic-themed parade starts off Collins Island. Harbor Patrol fire boat will lead close to 100 decorated boats through the harbor. Event sponsor is the American Legion Yacht Club.

Information: alyc291.com

What: Star-Spangled Groovy Fest on the Back Bay; concert, festival and fireworks

Where: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive

When: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday

Admission: $50 per car

Details: Food and live music on two stages starting at 2 p.m. Beer and wine garden pass is $40. The fireworks start at 9 p.m.

Information: newportdunes.com, (800) 765-7661

ORANGE

What: Concert, festival and fireworks

Where: El Modena High School, 3920 E. Spring St.

When: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday

Admission: $7

Details: Games, food booths and patriotic musical performance by the Orange County Master Chorale. Fireworks show starts at dusk.

Information: cityoforange.org, (714) 744-7278

What: Orange Park Acres’ Independence in the Acres parade and run/walk

Where: In front of Salem Lutheran Church, 6500 E. Santiago Canyon Road

When: 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

Details: 10K Epic Challenge at 7:30 a.m. and 5K run/walk at 8:30 a.m. Registration costs $33 to $40. Parade starts at 9:30 a.m.

Information: orangeparkacres.org

SAN CLEMENTE

What: Fireworks

When: 9 p.m. Saturday

Where: San Clemente Pier, 611 Avenida Victoria

Admission: Free.

Details: The pier will be closed at 6 p.m. for a fundraising dinner and paid seating for the fireworks show. Free viewing from the areas surrounding the pier. The fireworks will start shortly after 9 p.m.

Information: san-clemente.org, (949) 878-1273

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

What: Festival and fireworks

Where: San Juan Sports Park, 25925 Camino Del Avion

When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free. Tickets for rides start at $1.25.

Details: Christiansen Amusements carnival includes rides, bounce houses, food, exhibits, live music and a beer garden. Fireworks, Saturday only, start at 9 p.m.

Information: sanjuancapistrano.org, (949) 493-5911

SANTA ANA

What: Festival and fireworks

Where: Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.

When: 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

Details: Family festival features a Kid Zone, live music, marching bands and food. Fireworks start at dusk.

Information: santa-ana.org/parks

SEAL BEACH

What: Festival and fireworks

Where: Joint Forces Training Base, 11200 Lexington Drive, Los Alamitos

When: 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free. Parking is $5

Details: Food court, sponsor booths, entertainment and a Kids Fun Zone. Fireworks show is at 9 p.m. Adults must provide proof of identity. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged, and alcohol is not allowed.

*This is a joint program presented by the cities of Los Alamitos, Cypress and Seal Beach, The Rossmoor Community Services District and the Joint Forces Training Base.

TUSTIN

What: Salute to Our Veterans festival and fireworks

Where: Northrup Field, Tustin High School, 1171 El Camino Real

When: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

Details: Barbecue at 5 p.m. Live music starts at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.

Information: (714) 573-3326.

VILLA PARK

What: Parade and festival

Where: Villa Park High School, 18042 Taft Ave.

When: 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday

Admission: Free

Details: Community parade starts and ends at the high school. Food, music and prizes will follow.

Information: vpcsfoundation.org

YORBA LINDA

What: Festival and fireworks

Where: Veterans Park, 4756 Valley View Ave.

When: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

Details: Festival games, food and music provided by a deejay. The fireworks start at 9 p.m.

Information: ci.yorba-linda.ca.us (714) 961-7160.

Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm and the Laguna Beach art festivals also plan special patriotic extras on Independence Day. Check their websites for details.