The City of Huntington Beach is set to host its 121st annual 4th of July celebration in 2025, marking the largest Independence Day festivities west of the Mississippi. Under the theme “Legacy of Bravery,” this beloved tradition, which began in 1904 to commemorate the arrival of the first electric passenger train connecting Huntington Beach to Long Beach and Los Angeles, continues to draw over 500,000 attendees each year. From a vibrant parade to a spectacular fireworks display, the holiday weekend promises a family-friendly celebration of American history and community spirit.
A Weekend Packed with Festivities
The 2025 Independence Day celebration kicks off on Friday, July 4, with a series of events designed to bring residents and visitors together in Surf City, USA:
• Surf City 5K Run (7 a.m. – 10 a.m.): Start the day with a family-friendly run along the iconic 4th of July Parade route. Participants can register and find more details at the Run Surf City 5K website. Note that street closures, including Pacific Coast Highway (Goldenwest Street to Beach Boulevard) and Main Street (Pacific Coast Highway to Gothard), will begin at 5 a.m. to accommodate the race.
• Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast (7 a.m. – 10 a.m.): Held at Lake Park, this annual tradition offers pancakes, sausage links, and a drink for $10. All proceeds support the Kiwanis Club’s mission to aid Huntington Beach children in need.
• 121st Annual 4th of July Parade (10 a.m.): The centerpiece of the celebration, the parade will feature over 100 groups, including elected officials, military veterans, public safety personnel, marching bands, and community organizations. The route begins at Pacific Coast Highway and 9th Street, proceeds up Main Street through downtown and residential areas, and ends just past Yorktown Avenue. Viewing tickets at Main Street and PCH are available for $26.73 per person. Can’t attend in person? Tune in to KABC Channel 7 or the livestream at 10 a.m.
• Live Entertainment at Pier Plaza (12 p.m. – 9 p.m.): Enjoy a day of music and festivities at the heart of Huntington Beach’s downtown.
• Fireworks Over the Ocean (9 p.m.): Presented by the Mayer Family Foundation, the fireworks show will light up the sky above the Huntington Beach Pier. Free to view from the beach or downtown, early entry and general admission seating options are available for purchase.
The celebration continues on Saturday, July 5, with the Community Bike Parade (11:30 a.m. – noon), starting at Main Street between Utica and Yorktown and ending at Main Street and PCH. The day wraps up with the Main Street Block Party (12 p.m. – 7 p.m.), hosted by the Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District and HB Propane. Featuring live music from The Ramsey Brothers & Redneck Rodeo, the event will be attended by Mayor Pat Burns, Mayor Pro Tem Casey McKeon, and Independence Day Board Liaison Council Member Gracey Van Der Mark.
Planning Your Visit
To ensure a smooth experience, attendees should be aware of the following:
• Staking Parade Viewing Locations: Staking for parade viewing spots is permitted starting at 7 a.m. on Thursday, July 3. Areas marked “City of HB, no staking allowed” are reserved for event production or public safety. Non-defacing materials must be used, and adhesive materials like tape are prohibited. Items placed on public property are at the owner’s risk.
• Street Closures: From 5 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m. on July 4, closures will affect Pacific Coast Highway (Goldenwest Street to Beach Boulevard), Main Street (Pacific Coast Highway to Gothard), and portions of Walnut Avenue, Orange Avenue, 8th, 9th, and 10th Streets. The first two blocks of Main Street will remain closed through July 5. Pacific Coast Highway will reopen by 2 p.m., but heavy congestion is expected, especially after the fireworks. Plan for at least 90 minutes to exit parking areas post-event.
• Parking: The Main Promenade parking structure and City Beach Parking Lot will charge a $30 flat fee on July 4, with no validations or pass exemptions. The beach parking lot entrance is at Beach Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway, opening at 5 a.m. No chairs, barbecues, or other items may be placed on the beach or in the lot before 5 a.m. Vehicles lingering in the lot from July 3 will be towed.
• Fireworks Safety: Only “safe and sane” fireworks are legal in Huntington Beach and may be discharged on July 4 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on residential streets. Report illegal fireworks via the MyHB app or by calling (714) 536-LOUD (5683). Reserve 911 for emergencies. Visit the City’s website for safety tips.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Huntington Beach 4th of July celebration offers businesses a chance to engage with the community through sponsorship. Custom packages may include parade entries, banners, VIP seating, on-site activation, and recognition in event publications and online platforms. For details, contact Stacee Newton at staceee.newton@gmail.com or visit hb4thofjuly.org.
A Community Tradition
Since its inception in 1904, when 50,000 people gathered to celebrate the arrival of the electric passenger train, Huntington Beach’s 4th of July festivities have grown into a cornerstone of community pride. Organized by PSQ Productions and the Independence Day Committee, the event embodies the spirit of Surf City, USA, bringing together residents and visitors for a weekend of patriotism, entertainment, and togetherness.
For more information, including event schedules, ticket purchases, and safety guidelines, visit hb4thofjuly.org. Follow the event on social media for updates and highlights from past celebrations.
Join Huntington Beach in celebrating America’s birthday with a parade, fireworks, and the enduring “Legacy of Bravery” this July 4th and 5th. Happy Independence Day, Surf City!