Celebrations Across the High Desert

This Fourth of July, communities throughout the High Desert are gearing up to celebrate with a variety of events, from parades and picnics to spectacular fireworks displays. Here’s your ultimate guide to the top Independence Day festivities across the region:

Lucerne Valley: A Star-Spangled Spectacle

June 29 – Fireworks Celebration
Kick off the festivities early in Lucerne Valley with a fireworks celebration on Saturday, June 29, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Pioneer Park, 33187 Hwy. 18. The Lucerne Valley Fireworks Committee promises an evening of fun featuring:

  • Food and Games: Enjoy a variety of food options and family-friendly games.
  • Beer Garden: Adults can relax with a drink in the beer garden.
  • Live Music and Vendors: Groove to live tunes and explore vendor stalls.
  • Fireworks Show at 9 PM: The night culminates with a spectacular fireworks display.

Parking: Available at the Lucerne Valley Market, 32946 Hwy. 18, with bus and hayrides to the park.

July 4 – Independence Day Parade and BBQ
Celebrate the Fourth of July with the annual parade starting at 9 a.m. on Highway 18 from Trade Post Road to Cafe Pioneer Park. Bring chairs, shade, and water to stay comfortable.

  • BBQ in the Park: Sponsored by Avantus, the BBQ starts at 10:30 a.m. at Pioneer Park, offering hamburgers and hot dogs to the first 200 people.
  • Awards and Liberty Bell: Parade float awards and a Liberty Bell ringing ceremony add to the festivities.

Apple Valley: Freedom Festival

July 4 – 26th Annual Freedom Festival
Join the Town of Apple Valley for its 26th annual 4th of July Freedom Festival from 2 to 9 p.m. at the Lenny Brewster Sports Center, 21024 Otoe Road. Highlights include:

  • Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances from local artists.
  • Food and Retail Vendors: Savor delicious treats and shop for unique items.
  • Beer Garden: Relax with a cold drink in the beer garden.
  • Fireworks Show at 9 PM: The event concludes with a mesmerizing fireworks display.

Tips: Bring blankets and chairs for comfort, but leave pets, smoking materials, and outside alcohol at home as they are prohibited.

Barstow: Fireworks Spectacular

July 4 – 27th Annual Fireworks Spectacular
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Barstow with a full day of activities at the Robert A. Sessions Memorial Sportspark, 2800 Mayor Katy Pkwy.

  • 4K Freedom Run at 7 AM: Start the day with a free 4K run. Pre-register at the Cora Harper Community Center, 841 Barstow Rd.
  • Evening Festivities from 5 PM: Enjoy live music by Latin Express, a beer garden, food trucks, and children’s activities like bounce houses and water slides.
  • Fireworks Show at 9 PM: Cap off the night with a dazzling fireworks display.

Note: Barbecues, outside alcohol, and glass containers are not allowed. Free bus service information is available at barstowca.org.

Arrowhead Lake: Fireworks Over the Lake

July 5 – Fireworks Spectacular
Experience a stunning fireworks display over Arrowhead Lake at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 5. Enjoy a vintage plane flyover at 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. for an extra touch of spectacle.

Silver Lakes: Independence Day Celebration

July 6 – All-Day Festivities
Join the Silver Lakes Association’s Independence Day Celebration from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at North Beach.

  • Food Vendors and Water Slides: Enjoy a variety of food options and fun water activities.
  • Live Music by Titans of Rock: Catch the band from 2 to 5 p.m., followed by a DJ.
  • Fireworks Show at Dusk: The night ends with a beautiful fireworks display.

Note: Event is open to current SLA residents and their guests with photo IDs. For more information, email [email protected].

Victorville: High Desert’s Biggest Fireworks Show

July 4 – Annual Fireworks Spectacular
Witness the biggest fireworks show in the High Desert at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, 14800 Seventh St.

  • Gates Open at 4 PM: Arrive early for food and beverages from local vendors.
  • Fireworks Show at 9 PM: Enjoy a patriotic music simulcast on Kat Country 100.7 FM.

Newberry Springs: Early Celebration

July 3 – Community Celebration
Celebrate a day early on Wednesday, July 3, from 4 to 9:30 p.m. at Community Park, 30884 Newberry Road.

  • Live Music, Waterslides, and Games: Fun for all ages.
  • Fireworks Show at 9 PM: End the night with a spectacular display.

For more information, call 760-308-3450 or email [email protected].

Big Bear Lake: A Scenic Spectacle

July 4 – Fireworks and Independence Day Faire
Enjoy a stunning fireworks show over Big Bear Lake starting between 8:45 and 9:15 p.m. Local radio station KBHR will provide a musical accompaniment on 93.3 FM and 102.5 FM.

Independence Day Faire: Opens at 10 a.m. on July 4, at the corner of Big Bear Boulevard and Division Drive.

  • Shopping and Activities: A day of shopping, children’s activities, live entertainment, a beer garden, food, and arts and crafts booths.

Crestline: Jamboree Days

June 30 – Community Picnic
Join the free community picnic from noon to 5 p.m. at San Moritz Meadow, featuring family games, food, and craft vendors.

July 6 – Jamboree Days Parade and Fireworks
Celebrate with a parade starting at 10 a.m. along Lake Drive and an all-day festival. The Lake Gregory Company-sponsored fireworks show begins over the lake at 9 p.m.

In A Nutshell . . .

Join us in celebrating Independence Day across the High Desert. With so many events to choose from, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Gather your friends and family and make this Fourth of July a memorable one!