The annual Huntington Beach 4th of July celebration will take place over five days starting on Friday, June 30 and concluding on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023. This jammed packed celebration will begin with a downtown Huntington Beach block party on Main Street followed by a 4 day carnival featuring live music, carnival rides, cornhole tournament, games, shopping, crafts, festival food, live entertainment and much more.
On July 4th, the day will kick off with the Surf City 5k run followed by the over 100 year old annual Huntington Beach 4th of July parade. The 5-day event will conclude with an awe inspiring fireworks show over the Pacific ocean.
Check out all the Orange County 4th of July Events this year!
Huntington Beach July 4th Celebration
Official Website & Registration Links
Where: Downtown Huntington (various locations)
Date: Friday, June 30, 2023 – Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Parking: Huntington Beach City beach parking lots, Main Promenade parking structure. See the Huntington Beach Parking map.
HB 4th of July Events
Fireworks Over The Ocean
Where: Huntington Beach Pier Plaza
Date/Time: Tuesday, July 4th | 9 pm
Closing out the celebrations is an awe-inspiring fireworks show over the iconic Huntington Beach Pier and is free for all to view from the beach or downtown. Limited tickets for reserved pier seating and VIP options are available. Fireworks will be launched from the end of the Pier.
Huntington Beach 4th of July Carnival
Where: 6th St & PCH, Huntington Beach
Address: 611 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Dates/Times:
Saturday, July 1 | 12pm to 10pm
Sunday, July 2 | 12pm to 10pm
Monday, July 3 | 12pm to 10pm
Tuesday, July 4 | 10am to 10pm
Admission: Free admission, cost for food, vendors, rides and games
The HB Independence Day Carnival is free to attend and features live music, carnival rides and games for all ages, shopping, crafts, festival food and a variety of live entertainment. Rides include a giant Ferris wheel, starship, carousel, fun house, airplane ride, super slide, tornado and many more rides.
Block Party
Where: Main Street
Date/Time: Friday, June 30 | 5pm
The 4th of July festivities begin with a downtown Huntington Beach block party on Main Street. Enjoy an evening of live music, food, drinks, and family-friendly fun.
Surf City 5k
Where: Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway
Address: 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA US 92646
Date/Time: Tuesday, July 4 | 7am
The Surf City Run 5K takes place along the historic route of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway. Come out and enjoy an ‘All-American’ start to this terrific Holiday by running along the parade route, see the famous pier, and beautiful Pacific Ocean before a gentle sloping return to Worthy Park for the finish. Race categories include a residents 5k, open 5k, stroller 5k and a kids fun run (1 mile).
4th of July Parade
Where: Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway
Date/Time: Tuesday, July 4 | 10am
Join or watch the biggest Fourth of July Parade west of the Mississippi River. See specialty cars, classic cars, professional floats, trucks and trailer floats, military vehicles, bands, marching units, equestrian and novelty (balloons, stilts, etc.) and more put on a show for residents and visitors alike. The 2.5-mile route starts on Pacific Coast Highway and makes its way past the Huntington Beach Pier and onto Main Street.
Cornhole Tournament
Where: On the beach by the Huntington Beach Pier
Date: Saturday/Sunday, July 1-2 (1 tournament each day)
Check in Time: 11:00 pm
Tournament of Champions Time: 12:00 pm
Awards Ceremony: 7:30 pm
This is a true blind draw team tournament where all 64 teams a day will be picked by the Cornhole Girls from a legendary cowboy hat. 32 Teams will be placed in the Soundskilz Bracket and the other 32 in the HB 4th of July Bracket. There is an entry fee for the 2-person teams and cash prizes will be awarded for 1st through 4th place.
Home & Business Decorating Contest
Compete against fellow residents by decorating your home or business.
Carnival tickets and registration links for events and activities can be found on the official site: HB4thofJuly.org.
Huntington Beach 4th of July Celebration Tips
- Staking out areas for the purpose of obtaining a viewing location for the Fourth of July Parade may not occur prior to 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 3.
- There will be areas on the parade route that will be specifically marked “City of HB, no staking allowed.” Staking will also not be allowed in the second block of Main Street.
- Avoid trying to find parking and take advantage of the City’s trolley system or use Uber or Lyft.
- Pack all the necessary items before heading to the beach, ensuring a stress-free day of fun and relaxation.
- Any adhesive material, including adhesive tape, is prohibited for use in reserving space for parade viewing.
- The Pier will be partially closed to the public all day and completely closed at 5:00 p.m.
- The only entrance to the City Beach Parking Lot will be at Beach Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway.
- No parking spaces may be purchased for chairs, tables, or any other activity.
- To accommodate the Parade, the following street closures will be in place from 5:00 a.m. to approximately 2:00 p.m.
- Pacific Coast Highway (Goldenwest Street to Beach Boulevard)
- Main Street (Pacific Coast Highway to Gothard)
- Portions of: Walnut Avenue, Orange Avenue, 8th Street, 9th Street, and 10th Street
- No overnight parking. Any vehicle, including RV’s, attempting to remain in the parking lot from July 3 will be towed out of the parking lot at the owner’s expense.
- Those that park in the parking structure and beach lots can expect to spend at least 90 minutes waiting to exit due to the volume of attendees.
- Through traffic on Pacific Coast Highway will be detoured at Goldenwest Street and Beach Boulevard up to Garfield Avenue.
- Pacific Coast Highway will be heavily congested prior to, during, and especially after the fireworks show. Motorists can expect significant delays.
- Parking is also available in the Huntington Beach State Park beach parking lots with the entrance at Beach Blvd and PCH.
- Limited street parking is available.
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Monique McArthur is a mother of two, writer, and creator of delicious recipes. In her spare time she enjoys exploring all that Orange County has to offer, traveling, shopping, running with her dogs and spending time with family.