The Fourth of July is one of the best times of year to enjoy life on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and throughout the South Bay. From morning community traditions and family-friendly games to evening celebrations, coastal dining, music, and fireworks, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Independence Day close to home.
Whether you are looking for a classic hometown gathering, an afternoon of activities with the family, or a memorable evening by the water, here are a few local Fourth of July events to enjoy this year.
Redondo Beach Independence Day 5K
Start the Fourth of July with a South Bay favorite: the Redondo Beach Independence Day 5K Run and Firecracker Dash. This festive community event is a fun way to begin the holiday, whether you are racing, walking, cheering from the sidelines, or bringing the whole family out for the morning.
The course begins and ends on Catalina Avenue near Palos Verdes Boulevard, with a turnaround near Catalina Avenue and Torrance Boulevard. A water station will be available near the Elks Lodge along the route.
Participants are encouraged to dress in their patriotic best for the event’s costume contest, held near the stage in the Coffee Cartel parking lot from 7:15 to 7:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners, with Village Runner gift certificates of $100, $75, and $50.
Awards will also be given to the top male and female 5K finishers in multiple age divisions, with medals for first, second, and third place in each category. Age groups range from 8 and under through 75–79.
After the race, the celebration continues nearby at HT Grill, just a short walk from the finish line. Participants who bring their race bib to HT Grill on July 4 can enjoy 20% off their order.
In addition to being a fun local tradition, the event also supports the community. Proceeds from the Village Runner Independence Day 5K benefit the Redondo Beach Educational Foundation, along with local schools and running programs.
Date: Saturday, July 4th
Location: Catalina Avenue near Palos Verdes Boulevard, Redondo Beach
Costume Contest: 7:15 to 7:30 a.m. at the stage in the Coffee Cartel parking lot
Course: Starts and finishes on Catalina Avenue near Palos Verdes Boulevard
Awards: Medals for top male and female finishers by age division
Parking: Parking is available in Riviera Village, including the triangle lot between Avenida Del Norte and S. Elena Street, nearby street parking, and paid parking near Miramar Park along Paseo De La Playa
Post-Race Offer: 20% off at HT Grill for participants who bring their race bib on July 4
Benefiting: Redondo Beach Educational Foundation, local schools, and running programs
Register here.
Palos Verdes Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration
A beloved Peninsula tradition returns this year as the Palos Verdes Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration marks its 61st annual event. Held on the scenic grounds of Malaga Cove School, this family-friendly gathering brings the community together for a festive morning of patriotic music, children’s activities, civic recognition, and classic Independence Day fun.
The celebration begins at 9:30 a.m. and includes face painting, a children’s bicycle parade, a magic show, family games, and the always-popular apple pie baking contest. The formal program will also feature the 2026 Heritage of Freedom Honoree and guest speaker, Evan Lovett, creator of the “L.A. in a Minute” podcast.
Set against the beautiful coastal backdrop of Palos Verdes Estates, this long-running event is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday with neighbors, family, and friends.
Time: Begins at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Malaga Cove School, 300 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates
Admission: Free
Rancho Palos Verdes Fourth of July Celebration
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes will host its Fourth of July Celebration at the Ken Dyda Civic Center with an afternoon and evening of family-friendly entertainment, food, music, and festive activities. Guests can enjoy live country music, line dancing, food trucks, beer and wine, craft vendors, inflatables, and games throughout the event.
The celebration will conclude with a patriotic drone light show finale, offering a memorable way to end the holiday evening.
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Ken Dyda Civic Center, 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes
Parking: Onsite parking is $10, cash only. Free parking with shuttle service is available from Point Vicente Interpretive Center, 31501 Palos Verdes Drive West.
Fourth of July at Terranea Resort
Terranea Resort offers a coastal take on the Fourth of July, with an evening celebration set against the backdrop of the Pacific. Guests can enjoy festive food and drinks, live music, and a variety of activities before settling in for an oceanfront fireworks screening under the stars.
The evening includes lawn games at The Meadows from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., face painting from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., line dancing from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., and a family-friendly magic show from 8:00 to 8:45 p.m. It is a relaxed yet memorable way to celebrate the holiday along the coast.
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: Evening activities begin at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Terranea Resort, The Meadows, Rancho Palos Verdes
Highlights: Lawn games, face painting, line dancing, magic show, live music, food and drinks, and oceanfront fireworks screening
King Harbor Fourth of July Fireworks
For those looking to end the holiday by the water, the Fourth of July fireworks show at King Harbor in Redondo Beach is scheduled to begin promptly at 9:00 p.m. Public viewing will be available at Seaside Lagoon, with gates opening at 8:00 p.m. Space is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so guests should plan to arrive early.
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m.; Seaside Lagoon gates open at 8:00 p.m.
Location: King Harbor / Seaside Lagoon, Redondo Beach
Admission: Public viewing available first come, first served
Enjoying the Fourth of July in the South Bay
One of the many things that makes the Palos Verdes Peninsula and South Bay so special is the variety of ways to enjoy the holiday. From long-standing community events in Palos Verdes Estates to coastal celebrations in Rancho Palos Verdes and Redondo Beach, the area offers something for every age and style of celebration.
Whether your ideal Fourth of July includes a morning parade, a family picnic, live music, a drone show, or fireworks by the ocean, there is no shortage of ways to celebrate close to home.
Wishing everyone a safe, festive, and memorable Fourth of July.