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Celebrate Independence Day in Long Beach the Safe Way
By Staff Writer
Published on Tue, Jun 30, 2026
Independence Day is almost here, and the City of Long Beach is reminding residents and visitors to celebrate safely with fun, family-friendly activities.
The City's annual Celebrate Safely campaign encourages everyone to leave fireworks to the professionals and enjoy a safer holiday for families, neighbors, veterans and pets. Consumer fireworks, including sparklers and those labeled "safe and sane," are prohibited within Long Beach city limits due to the risk of injuries, fires and property damage.
To celebrate the nation's 250th birthday, the City will host three synchronized professional fireworks shows on Saturday, July 4, at 9 p.m., launched simultaneously from barges off Granada Beach, Junipero Beach and the Queen Mary.
Hosting or organizing illegal fireworks activity can result in significant penalties. Under Long Beach's enhanced fireworks ordinance, property owners, tenants or anyone responsible for fireworks activity may be held liable for emergency response costs that can exceed $20,000, in addition to other fines. Individuals cited for fireworks violations may also face fines of at least $1,000, jail time or both.
To help keep neighborhoods safe, the Long Beach Fire Department and Long Beach Police Department will conduct citywide enforcement efforts leading up to and on the Fourth of July. Community members are encouraged to report illegal fireworks through the Go Long Beach app, by calling the City's non-emergency line at 562.435.6711 or by contacting the appropriate LBPD patrol division with information that can assist investigators.
Residents are encouraged to explore other safe ways to celebrate, including hosting a backyard barbecue, spending the day at the beach, enjoying a picnic at a local park, organizing a permitted neighborhood block party or gathering friends and family for outdoor games, crafts or a movie night.
Additional tips to stay safe this Independence Day and all summer long – including pet preparedness and safety, grilling, swimming and sun safety tips and resources–are available at longbeach.gov/fireworks.
Whether celebrating with neighbors, enjoying the beach or watching one of Long Beach's professional fireworks shows, the City encourages everyone to make safety part of the celebration and help ensure a fun, memorable holiday for the entire community.
