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Where to Celebrate the 4th of July Around Los Angeles

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Committing your 4th of July weekend to a big cook out? We have some great recipes for a California-inspired barbecue. But if you want to check out completely, look no further. Whether you're planning to splash out on an all-day excursion or seeking a cheap (and sparkly) 4th, here are a few places to make it a fun and memorable Independence Day.

Start your afternoon at Angel City Brewery in downtown for a backyard barbecue, craft beers, and live musical performances in the beer hall. The revelry ends before dark, so consider heading to a downtown rooftop or towards Grand Park for the fireworks display that starts at 9 p.m.

Or you could just start at the free Grand Park 4th of July Block Party when festivities get underway at 3. Food vendors will be on hand and picnic food is welcome, but this is an alcohol-free event. Several stages feature local musical performances and KCRW DJs.

Watching fireworks at the All-American 4th of July Aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach will certainly be dramatic, as will the themed entertainment "spanning the 1940s -- 2000s" that includes a vintage traveling circus and carnival on deck. In the food department, a variety of on-board restaurants will be open for guests, including the themed "1950s Nifty Fifties Buffet" -- you can be sure that a retro bleu cheese wedge salad awaits.

Looking for a more family-friendly event? The 4th of July Fireworks Festival at the CBS Studio Center in Studio City features magic shows, children's activities, and musical performances including headlining act, country singer Deana Carter. Food will be available on-site. A VIP ticket includes valet parking, dinner, beer and wine tastings, and access to the rooftop for great fireworks viewing.

If you fancy something louder before the actual pyrotechnics start, consider Kaboom! At Pomona Fairplex. Monster trucks will be spinning their wheels and Moto X riders will be working the crowds for cheers with crazy dangerous stunts. For an additional cost, have a very civilized dinner buffet that includes an assortment of dainty desserts. The fireworks show begins at 9:20.

Spend the day at Americafest at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena for food, crafting booths, exhibits, and rides for the kids. Entertainment inside the stadium begins in the evening with motorcycle stunts, followed by performances by Elvis and Beatles tribute bands. The evening ends with what's billed as the "Biggest Fireworks show in Southern California."

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