4th of July in San Juan Capistrano

Got plans for the 4th of July? Here’s a rundown of what’s up with July Fourth’s celebration in San Juan Capistrano.

The city will gather together from 3-9:30 p.m. at the , 25925 Camino del Avion.

According to a city press release, visitors will enjoy a cornucopia of family games, mechanical rides, entertainment and of course a spectacular fireworks show which will illuminate the San Juan Capistrano sky. 

For the kids (or the kids in us), San Juan Capistrano’s Fourth of July event will include:

• A mega-obstacle course
• Giant slide
• Laser maze
• Gondola Ferris wheel
• Tiny tot train
• Balloon blast
• Three-hole mini golf
• Jet airplane ride
• Gladiator jousting

In addition, two mechanical trains will run to reduce long lines and a new feature this year will include a giant bubble that kids can roll around in.

People can purchase unlimited-use $20 wrist bands at the park. Individual tickets are $1, with some rides requiring two tickets.

The Greek Orthodox Church will host a beer and wine garden and the San Juan Capistrano Little League, , Eastern Star, Lady of Fatima and Cool Dogs will host food booths serving up everything from hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, meatball sandwiches, chicken kabobs, corn on the cob and tamales to candy, popcorn and snow cones. LED necklaces, and trinkets will also be sold. 

A student band from the  will perform on stage beginning at 4 p.m. while the headline band, "The Hodads," will perform classic rock 'n' roll beginning at 6 p.m. The evening ends with the fireworks display at 9.

Bring lawn chairs and blankets but no personal fireworks, barbecues, bikes or pets. Free parking is available in the Sports Park and on Camino del Avion.

Via Positiva will be closed to motorists at 3 p.m. and pedestrian foot traffic at 6 p.m. as required by the Orange County Fire Authority.

For more information, call 949-493-5911 or visit the City's online calendar at www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

If you’re meeting up friends and family elsewhere in the county, here is the information on 4th of July celebrations in other cities; just follow the links:

In addition, San Clemente is having a military-only 4th of July celebration at  for active-duty Marines and sailors. Reservations are required. No Charge. 

Fireworks are shot off the end of the pier directly below Park Semper Fi, so the Park is an excellent viewing point.

Marine and sailor guests should be at Park Semper Fi in the pier bowl, above the lower parking lot, between 5 and 6 pm because the roads there close to traffic from 6 to 10 pm. Look for the statue of the Marine saluting the flags.

Dress warm and bring your own potluck and enough chairs, blankets, etc. for your military family. Fireworks usually start at 9 pm and so you’ll have plenty of time to meet new friends and get comfortable.

For information and tickets, call (949) 498-4958 or email heritage@marinemonument.com.

The general public may make a donation in support of Park Semper Fi at www.MarineMonument.com.