News Summary

Huntington Beach, California, marked its historic 121st annual Fourth of July parade, attracting over 500,000 attendees. The day featured the Surf City Run 5K, a vibrant parade with more than 100 groups including military tributes and colorful floats, and a spectacular flyover by the Condor Squadron. The celebrations continued at the Independence Day Festival at Pier Plaza, culminating in a mesmerizing fireworks display. The event showcased the community spirit and deep-rooted tradition of honoring Independence Day.

Huntington Beach Celebrates 121st Annual Fourth of July Parade with Over 500,000 Attendees

Huntington Beach, California celebrated its 121st annual Fourth of July parade on July 4, 2025, drawing more than 500,000 participants. This longstanding tradition is heralded as the largest Independence Day celebration west of the Mississippi River, showcasing a vibrant mix of community spirit, colorful displays, and engaging entertainment.

The day’s festivities began early with the Surf City Run 5K, which started at 7 a.m. Participants gathered for the fun run before the official parade kicked off at 10 a.m. The parade began at 9th and Pacific Coast Highway and featured over 100 groups, including marching bands, military tributes, and colorful floats. A highlight this year included a festive display of dogs from The Unstoppable Dogs group, who were pushed in unique decorated carts, adding a charming touch to the event. Another notable sight was a participant showcasing a ‘Lafufu’ as the crowd cheered.

Among the impressive floats was one featuring the Air Force Minijets, capturing the attention of parade-goers. The Mrs. Roper Romps group added their own flair by waving to spectators, further enhancing the lively atmosphere of the parade. As the parade procession unfolded, a flyover by the Condor Squadron association took place at approximately 5:30 p.m., providing a thrilling aerial display for attendees.

Following the parade, an Independence Day Festival commenced at Huntington Beach Pier Plaza from noon until 9 p.m. The festival offered a variety of activities and entertainment for families and friends to enjoy throughout the day. As the sun set, a live fireworks show was set to light up the sky over the pier at 9 p.m., marking the grand finale of the day’s celebrations.

The origins of Huntington Beach’s Fourth of July celebrations date back to 1904, when the first event was held to commemorate the arrival of the first electric passenger train linking the area with Long Beach and Los Angeles. That inaugural celebration attracted 50,000 participants, showcasing the community’s dedication to marking this significant day in American history. Over the years, the event has continued to grow in popularity, evolving into a hallmark of summer festivities in Southern California.

This year’s celebration highlighted the community’s resilience and camaraderie, as families and friends gathered to honor Independence Day in a joyful setting. The event not only celebrates the nation’s history but also reinforces the close-knit community spirit that Huntington Beach is known for.

As the crowds filled the streets and the pier, Huntington Beach once again demonstrated its commitment to providing a safe, engaging, and festive atmosphere for residents and visitors. This annual event continues to attract larger crowds each year, underscoring its significance as a cherished local tradition.

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Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times: Huntington Beach July 4th Celebration
• ABC7: Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade
• OC Register: Orange County July 4th Events
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Independence Day
• CBS News: Southern California 4th of July Events