Wishing everyone a Happy Independence Day from your friends at LA2050! From fireworks shows and dance parties to parades and 10K runs, here are some of our favorite ways to celebrate in Los Angeles:

(photo credit: Los Angeles Downtown News)

Grand Park - 4th of July Block Party - For the last seven years, Grand Park + The Music Center have held one of LA's largest 4th of July celebrations. This free, family-friendly block party features live music, games, food trucks, and Downtown LA's biggest fireworks show! The event, held from 3 pm - 9 pm, is Metro accessible, so it's easy to enjoy the celebration.

Exposition Park Community Festival & Fireworks Show - Councilman Curren Price is hosting the annual 4th of July Community Festival + Fireworks Show on the South Lawn at Exposition Park from 11 am–10 pm. There will be games, food, live music, and more for all to enjoy. It's free to attend, metro accessible.

Pacific Palisades 4th of July - There are several ways to celebrate the 4th of July in Pacific Palisades. Early risers can participate in the Palisades Will Rogers™ 5k, 10K and Kids' Fun Run. Starting at 2 pm, the 71st Palisades Parade will start the route at Via de la Paz and end at Alma Real Drive. To end the day, there's the annual Palisades Rocks the Fourth event, which will include food, concerts, games, a pie eating contest, and a fireworks show.

Simi Valley - Ronald Reagan Library 4th of July Celebration - The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, opened in 1991, is the repository of presidential records from the Ronald Reagan administration. On the 4th of July, the library becomes home to an annual celebration that offers games, crafts, face-painting, concerts by the LA Sheriff's Department Band, and more. Guests can even rewrite history by taking a photo with Betsy Ross and even some presidential look-alikes. This family-friendly event starts at 10 am and offers outdoor activities for free.

Warner Ranch Park July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza - Councilman Bob Blumenfield's annual Independence Day party is returning to Warner Ranch Park. This “fireworks extravaganza" brings together over 60,000 people for fireworks, free live entertainment, food from more than 20 local restaurants, as well as arts + crafts vendors.

Photo by Jingda Chen on Unsplash