550K patriots flock to Southern California for July 4 parties

In honor of the big 2-5-0, the West Coast is firing on all cylinders.

More than half a million red, white and blue patriotic partiers are expected to flood Southern California this Fourth of July as the region throws massive Independence Day celebrations in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

Expect historic parades, a star-studded stadium blowout with cheap ticket prices, and an absolute arsenal of pyrotechnics.

The biggest bang will be just a couple hours south of Los Angeles, where the sky over San Diego Bay is set to detonate. San Diego’s legendary Big Bay Boom is celebrating with a mind-boggling display of synchronized fireworks, with 6,000 launched simultaneously from four huge barges anchored across the harbor.

The 18-minute aerial assault is timed to a musical soundtrack, drawing tons of spectators to the waterfront. The show stretches across multiple viewing areas like Shelter Island, Harbor Island, The Embarcadero, Seaport Village and Coronado Ferry Landing.

Not to be outdone, Huntington Beach is preparing for another impressive turnout at what’s billed as the largest Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi. An estimated 500,000 people are expected at Main Street for the 122nd annual Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade, beach festivities, fireworks and community events.

The parade features elaborate floats, military units, marching bands, equestrian groups, giant balloons, classic cars and more winding through Downtown Huntington Beach. The event is part of a larger celebration that spans three days, and includes a parade, a 5K run, a carnival and more.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles is hosting its own blockbuster celebration at the historic Memorial Coliseum. Up to 50,000 fans are expected at The America 250 Benefit Show, which is part of a nationwide “America’s Block Party,” with a lineup that includes country megastar Chris Stapleton, alt-rock icons The Smashing Pumpkins, Chaka Khan, and Anthony Ramos — all hosted by none other than Queen Latifah.

Proceeds from the $17.76 tickets will go to Feeding America, the biggest hunger relief organization in the country. The show culminates with a fireworks extravaganza and a drone show.

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