60th Annual Independence Day Festival
2027-07-04 16:00 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA, 92025, United States
The California Center for the Arts, Escondido, is proud to present the 60th Annual Independence Day Festival, a beloved community tradition filled with music, culture, and patriotic fun. This free family-friendly event returns on Thursday, July 4, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM in Grape Day Park and the Center for the Arts campus.
Festival goers can look forward to an exciting day of entertainment and celebration featuring:
Live music on the main stage
Artisan market and local vendors
Delicious food trucks and craft beer garden
Great Green Canteen VIP Experience
Free arts & crafts, face painting, and airbrush tattoos (4:30–8:30 PM)
Complimentary admission to the Escondido History Center (4:00–7:00 PM)
Fireworks spectacular at 9:00 PM
Main Stage Schedule:
4:30 PM – Opening Remarks and National Anthem by the Mayor’s Contest Winner
5:15 – 6:15 PM – Back to the GardenThis crowd-favorite tribute band channels the spirit of the 1960s and ’70s, covering hits from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Joni Mitchell, The Beatles, and more. Their nostalgic sound and multi-instrumental performances bring peace, love, and harmony to every stage they play.
6:20 – 6:30 PM – Hula Hoop Contest
6:30 – 7:30 PM – Kimmi BitterHailed as one of Southern California’s rising retro-country stars, Kimmi Bitter blends vintage twang with modern Americana soul. With a voice reminiscent of Patsy Cline and Linda Ronstadt, her timeless sound has earned her acclaim on stages across the country.
7:50 – 8:00 PM – Dance Party Interlude
8:00 – 9:00 PM – 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing BandEnjoy a stirring patriotic performance from one of the U.S. Marine Corps’ premier musical ensembles.
9:00 PM – Fireworks Show!
This event is free and open to the public, with activities and entertainment for all ages. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and festive spirit!
Special thanks to our sponsors:City of Escondido, Linden Root Dickinson Foundation, County of San Diego, and the California Center for the Arts Charitable Trust.
VIP SEATING AVAILABLE in the GREAT GREEN CANTEEN
“The Great Green Canteen” – A CCAEF Independence Day Fundraiser BBQ with VIP seating
Ticket Cost: $80 for a table of 4
Table seating includes the following for each attendee: 1 beer token, vip concert seating in the orange grove area of the Great Green for the entire event, and 1 meal from the Great Green Canteen BBQ
Cheeseburger on a brioche
Nathan’s Hot Dog
Blackened Chicken Sandwich
Black Bean Patty on Brioche
*all served with a fresh cut watermelon wedge and potato salad
Click “BUY TICKETS” below to order VIP seating at the tables!

San Diego’s Original July 4th Fireworks Cruise
2027-07-04 20:00 - 22:00 | Flagship Cruises, 990 North Harbor Drive San Diego, CA, 92101
Up-close views of the 2025 Big Bay Boom fireworks show, live music, cocktails & unforgettable skyline moments.

Enjoy Southern California’s most extensive fireworks display, the Big Bay Boom, aboard a luxury Flagship yacht with spacious open-air decks and comfortable indoor viewing areas. Our skilled captains will navigate you straight to the heart of San Diego Bay, ensuring a truly immersive experience!

Multiple cruise options are available for viewing the Fourth of July evening festivities:

Stars & Stripes Spectator Cruise
8:00 PM Boarding | 10:15 PM Return
Yacht cruise with light hors d’oeuvres, live DJ with music, climate-controlled indoor and outdoor viewing. Onboard bar with beverages and snacks for purchase.
Get Tickets

Fireworks Spectator Cruise
8:00 PM Boarding | 9:45 PM Return
Full Service Bar for purchase of beverages and snacks with music synced to fireworks.
Get Tickets

Patriotic Spectator Cruise
8:00 PM Boarding | 9:30 PM Return
View the fireworks aboard the open-air Patriot Jet Boat with music synced to fireworks. Note: outdoor, seated viewing only. No food or drink.
