Independence Day celebrations and fireworks go hand in hand. If you're looking to stay close to home but still want to enjoy some "sis boom bah," here are the best Fourth of July events in the Inland Empire.
Our Country Festival at SilverLakes in Norco. Gates open at noon for this full-day event, which includes musical performances from Smash Mouth, Clare Dunn, and Presley Tennant, plus artisan food, full bars, games, rides, and more, as well as a spectacular fireworks show.
Kaboom! at Fairplex in Pomona: Fireworks, Motocross, Monster Trucks, Quad Wars, and more. The Pit Party begins at 5pm, Honor Guard and National Anthem at 7:50pm, Kaboom! begins at 8pm.
Front Row Fireworks at Evergreen Cemetery in Riverside: Watch the fireworks from Mt. Rubidoux from the best seat in the house! Music, bounce houses, guided tours, face painting, and more. 5pm-9:30pm. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets.
Lake Elsinore Storm Stadium: The Storm takes on the Lancaster JetHawks, with fireworks immediately following the game.
Redlands 4th of July Activities & Fireworks Show at Sylvan Park. There's fun in the park from 9am to 3:15pm, plus a parade at 10:30am. Gates at the University of Redlands stadium open at 6pm. At 6:30pm, festivities begin, including a flag ceremony and flyover. Fireworks begin at 9pm.
Independence Day Celebration at Santana Park in Corona. The Main Street USA Independence Day Parade begins at 9am; evening entertainment begins at 5pm. Fireworks at sundown. Preferred parking at Santana Park is $5; there's free parking at Crossroads Christian Church.
Fun Fest at Morrison Park in Moreno Valley. Free entry from 2pm-4pm. After 4pm, it's $3 per person. Military with valid ID and kids under 5 are free.
Celebrate America at Bonita High School Stadium in LaVerne. 6pm - 9:30pm. $7 admission; discounts for tickets bought pre-sale.
4th of July Celebration at Claremont College Strehle Track. Tickets are $10. Music, barbecue, and fireworks.
Fireworks Spectacular at Perris Auto Speedway: The craziest show on dirt! Gates open at 4pm; racing begins at 7pm.
Family Fun at the Park at Ronald Reagan Sports Center in Temecula. Music, vendors, and a fun zone for the kids! 2pm-10pm.
Big Bear Community Church July 4th Celebration: No cost to get in; reasonably-priced food, and best views of the fireworks.
Please keep in mind that more pets go missing on the Fourth of July than on any other day of the year, as fireworks are terrifying to animals. Before heading out to your fireworks celebration, please make sure that all gates keeping animals fenced in are secure, or even better, bring your pets inside and turn on the radio or tell Alexa to play K-Frog to drown out the noise! It's also a good idea to make sure your furry friends are microchipped and wearing tags with your contact information in case they do go missing.
Finally, please remember that the fireworks can be extremely upsetting to those who suffer from PTSD. CAL FIRE and the Riverside County Fire Department are reminding citizens that there will be enforcing zero tolerance for illegal fireworks, and that persons in violation will be subject to arrest, citation, and/or fines.
“We encourage all Riverside County residents and visitors to take advantage of the many festivities and public fireworks shows throughout the region, and please - avoid injury to yourself and others as well as the risk of starting a fire," says CAL FIRE / Riverside County Fire Chief Shawn C. Newman in a press release. "Leave fireworks to the professionals."