News Summary
Huntington Beach will hold its 121st annual 4th of July Parade, celebrating American independence with the theme ‘Legacy of Bravery’. The day features a Surf City 5K run, a pancake breakfast, and a parade showcasing bands, dignitaries, and floats. Following the parade, live entertainment and a fireworks show will highlight the celebrations, with additional events scheduled for July 5, promoting community engagement and festivities.
Huntington Beach Celebrates 121st Annual 4th of July Parade
The city of Huntington Beach will host its 121st annual 4th of July Parade on Friday, July 4. This vibrant event celebrates American independence and is recognized as the largest Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi River. This year’s parade theme is “Legacy of Bravery,” honoring those who have served the nation with courage.
The day-long festivities commence early with the Surf City 5K run, taking place from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.. Participants will run along Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street, with street closures beginning at 5 a.m. to ensure a safe environment for runners and spectators alike. A bicycle parade is also scheduled, featuring local families and children in a display of community spirit.
The traditional Kiwanis Club of Huntington Beach will host its annual pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Lake Park (1035 11th St.), offering residents and visitors a delicious start to the holiday.
The main event, the parade, begins at 10 a.m., featuring a diverse array of marching bands, local dignitaries, and elaborately decorated floats. The parade will follow a route starting at Pacific Coast Highway and 9th Street, heading north up Main Street, and concluding just past Yorktown Avenue near the Civic Center and Huntington Beach High School. For those unable to attend in person, the parade will be broadcast live on KABC Channel 7.
Following the parade, live entertainment will take place at Pier Plaza from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., providing a festive atmosphere with a variety of performances for attendees of all ages. To cap off the evening, a spectacular fireworks show titled “Over the Ocean” will light up the sky at Huntington Beach Pier, starting at 9 p.m., visible from both the beach and downtown areas.
Continuing the Celebration
In addition to the main events on July 4, a Community Bike Parade is scheduled for Saturday, July 5, from 11:30 a.m. to noon, taking place between Utica Street and Yorktown (Civic Center). This parade will promote community engagement with a focus on fun and fitness.
Following the bike parade, the Main Street Block Party will extend the celebrations until 7 p.m., providing additional entertainment, food, and music for those looking to continue the holiday festivities.
Historical Significance
Huntington Beach’s 4th of July celebration has a rich history dating back to 1904, when the first event attracted an impressive 50,000 attendees. This initial celebration marked the arrival of the first electric passenger train that linked the area with Long Beach and Los Angeles. Over the years, the event has grown significantly, now welcoming over 500,000 attendees each year, making it a central feature of the community’s identity and a testament to its enduring spirit of independence and patriotism.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Huntington Beach Celebrates July 4th
- Wikipedia: July 4th
- ABC7: Lifeguards Rescue at SoCal Beaches
- Google Search: July 4th celebrations in California
- Time Out: Huntington Beach Fourth of July Celebration
- Google Scholar: July 4th events
- OC Register: Orange County July 4th Plans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Independence Day
- CBS News: Southern California 4th of July Events
- Google News: 4th of July celebrations
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
