Things To Do

Overview

Celebrate the Fourth of July at the Great Park! Join us as we kick off a new Fourth of July tradition at the Great Park Friday, July 4, from 4 to 10 p.m. Celebrate, connect with your community, and create lasting memories at this unforgettable Independence Day event filled with fun, music, and a spectacular grand finale. Families can upgrade their evening with a live performance by Pacific Symphony at Great Park Live (separate ticket required). Bring lawn chairs and a blanket for this community-wide celebration. Admission and parking are free.

Community Parade & Speaking Program

The event will kick off with a community parade along the Great Park Timeline. Families will be invited to bike, roll, or scoot in patriotic style as they make their way toward Hangar 244 for the Welcome Program. Parade highlights include:

  • Mayor and City Council leading the route in carts decorated by Council staff
  • Community participants with festive bikes, scooters, strollers, and attire
  • Potential City departments, including Public Safety and “Evie” street sweeper
  • Short speaking program to welcome guests and honor the holiday

Family Sports & Games

Families can enjoy self-paced lawn games, organized family challenges, and exciting tournament play. Sports and games include:

  • Lawn Game Zone Self-paced play with Bocce, Connect Four, Jenga, Tetris, Chess, Board Games, and more
  • Family Competition Lighthearted contests coordinated by City staff, such as water balloon toss, hula hoop endurance, “Face the Cookie”, donut on a string, and more
  • Open Play In the spirit of good-natured competition, families can register to play in a 4v4 coed volleyball tournament (pending) or play a round of open play frisbee golf.

Crafts, Rides & Interactive Fun

Hands-on activities and attractions throughout the day include:

  • Carousel and balloon rides
  • Bubble Zone for endless fun
  • Inflatable obstacle courses to run, jump, and play
  • Craft tents with rotating activities throughout the day – mini license plate and bike decorating, custom tic-tac-toe, kite making, and mini footballs
  • Cake Walk with sweets and treats
  • Face painting with fun patriotic themes
  • Photo backdrop for family keepsakes

Live Entertainment & Dancing

Hangar 244 becomes the heart of the event with live music, dancing, and plenty of energy with:

  • Live music on the main stage
  • Silent DJ with headphones to groove to favorite tunes
  • Shaded seating and open space to dance the night away

Food & Beverages

A wide selection of food trucks and local food booths will provide classic summer eats and cool drinks to enjoy throughout the day. The Layover will be available at the Palm Court Lawn for park visitors 21 years and older, in addition to Hangar 244.

Holiday Décor

Great Park will be decorated to create a festive, patriotic atmosphere with:

  • Palm Court will feature a red, white, and blue “star walk” above the checkerboard walkway
  • Hangar 244 will feature event branding, uplights, and pops of color
  • Promenade will be dressed in festive decor hanging from light poles
  • Parade route will be lined with American flags and patriotic pinwheels

Grand Finale

The night will end with an unforgettable double-finale:

  • High-Tech Drone Show: up to 13 formations choreographed to music, featuring patriotic imagery and the City of Irvine logo.
  • Extravagant Aerial Fireworks Show – Closing the night out with an exciting aerial fireworks show that is visible park-wide