Long Beach, CA celebrates America’s 250th with three simultaneous fireworks shows | News

Long Beach celebrates Independence Day in unforgettable fashion with “Sea to Shining LBC: America’s 250,” a weeklong patriotic celebration that unites pyrotechnics, athletics and entertainment, culminating in a spectacular Independence Day fireworks finale with three simultaneous shows that stretch along the city’s 6 miles of coastline.

Leading up to the Fourth of July, Long Beach’s tribute to America’s half-centennial will provide a weeklong preview of the city’s role in the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The celebration will highlight competitions in coastal rowing/beach sprints (June 27-28, 9 a.m. start), kitesurfing (all week) and water polo (July 2-3). Details including locations along the waterfront and participating athletes will follow.

The centerpiece of the celebration will feature multiple free synchronized fireworks displays launched simultaneously from three boats stationed at Granada Beach, Junipero Beach and the Queen Mary, which will be visible from locations all along the coast. The free displays are expected to last about 20 minutes and light up the coastline during the city’s most ambitious Fourth of July celebration. Suggested viewing locations include along the cliff, Lion’s Lighthouse for Sight, Shoreline Village, the Belmont Pier, beaches and more.

Sea to Shining LBC is the passion project of John Morris, the legendary Long Beach restaurateur whose career spans decades and co-founded Legends, widely recognized as America’s first dedicated sports bar. Morris now operates Boathouse on the Bay. He grew up outside Liverpool, England, emigrated to the United States at age 15, served in the U.S. Air Force, and has never shied away from expressing his appreciation for his adopted country. Sea to Shining LBC reflects both his patriotism and his vision to bring the community together through a world-class celebration.

“To me, America has always stood for opportunity, freedom and the belief that anything is possible,” Morris said. “I came here as a teenager from England, served in the Air Force and built my life and career in this country and in Long Beach. What better way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday than by putting on the biggest fireworks show this city has ever seen?”

Morris noted that the celebration is also a fundraiser for local charities, as Big Bang on the Bay had been in recent years. The money is being raised by the nonprofit Eminent Giving Initiative and will be disbursed to local charities such as Boys & Girls Club of Long Beach, Autism Partnership Foundation, YMCA of Greater Long Beach and more. To donate or for event sponsorship information, visit the fundraising page on Zeffy.

“Sea to Shining LBC is a celebration of our country’s history, the future of our cities and the spirit that makes Long Beach unique,” ​​said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “From world-class athletics to a spectacular fireworks finale along our coast, this unforgettable week will salute our country and put a spotlight on Long Beach as we look toward 2028.”

“Long Beach, like other major metropolises across the country, is promoting the nation’s 250th anniversary with three simultaneous shows along the city’s coastline,” said Steve Goodling, president and CEO of Visit Long Beach. “It will be a memorable and historic Fourth of July celebration for our city. Whether you watch from a boat on the water or on the beach, it will be a spectacle to remember.”

While there will be plenty of free viewing spots along the coast, especially near the popular Lions Lighthouse, premium viewing experiences will also be offered at several iconic waterfront locations, including the Queen Mary, Claire’s at the Museum at the Long Beach Museum of Art, and aboard Harbor Breeze Cruises ships during the fireworks. Please visit www.visitlongbeach.com for updates and further details.

At the Queen Mary: “Cheers to 250 years!” runs from 3pm to 10pm, with live music and family-friendly attractions including themed entertainment areas, tribute bands, DJs, walking performers, interactive games and classic American food and drinks. A special World War II aircraft flyover is also planned to honor American military history and the wartime legacy of the Queen Mary.

Along Ocean Boulevard, Claire’s at the Museum at the Long Beach Museum of Art offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, creating one of the most beautiful fireworks experiences on the coastline. Meanwhile, Harbor Breeze Cruises offers guests the opportunity to watch the synchronized fireworks from the water with unparalleled views of all three ships.

For more information about Fourth of July festivities in Long Beach, visit https://www.visitlongbeach.com/events/annual-events/fourth-of-july/.