Southern California July 2019 Events

Around Southern California

It may be June Gloom now, but by next month, it’ll be the thick of summer, with traditional Independence Day and mid-summer activities happening all around Southern California. Tonight, we’re looking at a few of the events that will be happening around our recurring attractions that we frequently cover!

The Queen Mary in Long Beach leads off the deck with major July events—the traditional 4th of July fireworks spectacular, plus the return of Rock the Queen, a tribute band event featuring cover bands of some of the most famous bands from across the pond, including The Who Generation (The Who), Britain’s Finest (The Beatles), Arena (Duran Duran), The Cured (The Cure), and These Handsome Devils (The Smiths). This music festival takes place mid-month, two weekends after the 4th of July fireworks.

(Photo courtesy of the Queen Mary.)

The Cured, covering The Cure.
(Photo courtesy of the Queen Mary.)

Over in Hollywood, Universal Studios has announced their first-ever July 4th celebration, lasting three days across Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, July 4-6. The aerial show will be visible from multiple points in the park and highlights a full summer slate of attractions, including the return of the Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle projection show.

Of course, Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm will also have their traditional 4th of July fireworks shows. Fans who want music and kabooms can mix the two at the Hollywood Bowl’s July 4th Spectacular this year, which runs July 2-4 and features Niles Rogers and Chic. Downtown Los Angeles’ Grand Park celebrates another Independence Day with a big block party culminating in fireworks at night.

If any of this sounds interesting, check out the links below and make plans accordingly!

Disneyland will once again light up the skies with some patriotic pyrotechnics, as will many other places around town.

Additional information on Queen Mary Events:

Queen Mary's All-American 4th of July Celebration | July 4, 3 - 10 p.m. 

Let freedom ring and celebrate Independence Day aboard the majestic Queen Mary with a full day of live entertainment, delicious food, family-friendly activities including: strolling performers, carnival activities, arts and crafts activities, and more on Thursday, July 4 from 3 - 10 p.m. The red, white and blue celebration is a ship-wide event, culminating with one of SoCal’s top 4th of July fireworks display above one of America’s shining seas. Dubbed SoCal’s best display, the Queen Mary’s 15-minute long fireworks show will take place at 9 p.m. off the stern of the ship in-sync to patriotic, upbeat music. 

(Image courtesy of the Queen Mary.)

(Photo courtesy of the Queen Mary.)

Rock The Queen | July 13, 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. 

Keep calm and rock on! For the first-time-ever, guests are invited to come aboard the historic ship to experience a British Invasion from Southern California’s top tribute bands. Music lovers will have access to three stages, a 1960s culture clash inside the Grand Salon, an underground 1980s rendezvous below deck in the Exhibition Hall, multiple bars, games and an outdoor pub. Rock out throughout the ship to tribute performances from ARENA, Britain’s Finest, The Cured, The Handsome Devils and The Who Generation.

(Image courtesy of the Queen Mary.)

Britain’s Finest, a Beatles cover band.
(Photo courtesy of the Queen Mary.)

These Handsome Devils, a Smiths cover band.
(Photo courtesy of the Queen Mary.)

Additional information on Universal Studios’ 4th of July event:

Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates Independence Day with Its First-Ever July 4th Fireworks Spectacular

The Inaugural Salute to the Stars and Stripes is Included in the Price of Admission to Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal City, California – Universal Studios Hollywood lights up the night sky with its first-ever July 4th fireworks celebration, inviting guests to enjoy a spectacular aerial display that will take place in multiple locations within the theme park.

This exciting new addition is included in the price of admission to Universal Studios Hollywood.

As the spirit of Independence Day sweeps across the theme park, guests can toast the day by enjoying the theme park’s many popular rides and attractions, before the festive pyrotechnics extravaganza, synchronized to a score of Universal-themed music and patriotic favorites, begins at 9:30pm.

In addition to the fireworks display, guests can delight in the return of “Dark Arts at Hogwarts™ Castle” as it illuminates the evening sky with nightly shows featuring lights, music and special effects within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.” The program runs from Saturday, June 22 to Sunday, August 11.

Sparks also will fly the moment guests step aboard the world-famous Studio Tour and take a wild ride on "Fast & Furious—Supercharged” or when they meet Stuart, Tim and Tom on “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and join Optimus Prime on a search for the All-Spark on “Transformers™: The Ride 3-D.” From “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride” and “The Simpsons Ride” to “King Kong 360 3D,” “The Walking Dead” attraction and “WaterWorld,” electricity is in the air.

With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, the new California Neighbor Pass invites guests to experience 175 days of fun for $149 when purchased online. Visit UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more details. Blackout dates and restrictions apply.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.  Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.Universal Orlando Resortalso will celebrate Independence Day with three days packed with family-friendly excitement from July 4-6. Guests can enjoy a character dance party, amazing pyrotechnics, thrilling rides and live musical performances.