No Fireworks, but Plenty of Fun in Santa Monica this Fourth of July!

Fourth of July activities

While there will be no firework displays in Santa Monica for the Fourth of July weekend, residents and visitors are invited to come watch or come march in the third annual hometown parade, presented by the Ocean Park Association.

Led by Fire Chief Jim Hone, this year’s Honorary Grand Marshall, the parade starts Saturday, July 4th at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Santa Monica Civic Center.

Contact the Ocean Park Association’s Parade Line at 310-564-1968 or visit www.opa-sm.org for information and applications to participate.

Holiday traffic and street closure information

Heavy holiday traffic is anticipated west of Lincoln Boulevard throughout the Fourth of July weekend. Expect delays while driving through the area.

The Santa Monica Pier will be closed to vehicular traffic from Thursday, July 2 at midnight through Sunday, July 5 at Midnight. All of the Pier’s shops, rides and attractions will be open during their regularly scheduled hours of operation and the Pier will be accessible to pedestrian traffic.

The following streets will be closed on July 4 from 6 a.m. until 12 noon for the parade: Main Street between Colorado Avenue and Marine Street; Neilson Way between Ocean Park Boulevard and Barnard Way; Barnard Way between Ocean Park Boulevard and Neilson Way. As a result of these street closures, Beach Lot 5 South at 2600 Barnard Way will be closed on July 4th from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Special discounted parking is available! Take advantage of $3 All Day Fourth of July parking in the Civic Center Structure and Main Library.

Civic Center Structure
333 Civic Center Drive
Exit 10 Freeway, left on 4th

Main Library Structure
601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Enter on 7th Street

No Fireworks

As the July 4 holiday approaches, the Santa Monica Fire and Police Departments reminds everyone that ALL types of fireworks are illegal in the City of Santa Monica. This includes so-called “safe and sane” fireworks, which may not be used in Santa Monica EVEN IF they are legal in the city in which they are purchased.

Permanent scarring, loss of vision, dismemberment—these are too often the harsh results of amateur fireworks use. To keep the public safe from fireworks-related injuries and deaths, the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) urges everyone to treat fireworks, whether legal or illegal for consumers, as suitable only for use by trained professionals. According to NFPA, amateur fireworks use endangers not only the users, but also bystanders and surrounding property and structures. Pyrotechnic devices ranging from sparklers to aerial rockets cause thousands of fires and serious injuries each year.

"Safe and sane fireworks don't exist," says Dr. John Hall, NFPA assistant vice president of Fire Analysis and Research. "When things go wrong with fireworks, they go very wrong, very fast, far faster than any fire protection provisions can reliably respond to."

Public fireworks displays by trained professionals are the smartest and safest fireworks alternative for everyone because they are conducted under controlled settings and regulations. Following these displays, or at any other time, children should be cautioned to never pick up fireworks that may be left over. Fireworks that have been ignited and fail to immediately explode or discharge can cause injury because they may still be active. Children should always tell an adult if they find fireworks, rather than picking up smoking or charred fireworks themselves, which is just too risky. Remember, all fireworks should be left to professionals!

For more information on holiday events in Santa Monica, call 310-458-8411.