4th of July at the RoseBowl in Pasadena, CA
America’s Independence Day is tomorrow. Many people will be heading out of town, going to BBQs, throwing parties, setting off fireworks, or going to see some fireworks. I love the Macy’s fireworks in NYC when I am home, but my other favorite place to be on the 4th of July is at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.
I love going to the Rose Bowl for the 4th of July, or as they call it AmericaFest. It is a ton of fun. During the day there are a ton of vendors selling food, drinks, ice cream, and more. I have discovered some amazing lemonade there. They also have radio stations playing music and doing giveaways. Inflatable rides and arts and crafts are just some of the activities they have for kids and adults alike.
For the fireworks you have an option to either stay outside of the stadium or you can pay to go inside for $13. Free for those serving in the military (4 free tickets) or veterans (1 ticket). My friends and I have always opted to pay and go inside as do many others. I feel like you get the full experience.
While inside the stadium you can either sit in the stands or down on the turf. Many people take out blankets and towels. There are live performances, motorcycle stunts, and more prior to the main event. If you go inside the stadium or not you can still enjoy the fireworks, which happens to be the largest fireworks display in Southern California.
If you do plan to go enjoy the 4th at the Rose Bowl Stadium here are some tips and things to keep in mind.
–Parking costs $25 per vehicle, great reason to car pool!
–Make sure you remember where you park! Depending what time you arrive will determine where they end up letting you park. Usually it is on the grass and not a designated parking spot. Once it is time to leave there will be so many cars you may have forgotten exactly where you were.
– One year I left as the fireworks were going on. Why? Leaving there can be a bit of a horror. So many people and so many cars it can take a very long time just to make out to the street much less the freeway. I recall a dance battle happening with people hopping out of their cars one year because we were at a stand still waiting.
– If you aren’t trying to leave during the fireworks, make sure you have ample gas if not a full tank. You will certainly need it since it will take forever to get out of there.
– Bring some water, a hat, and sunscreen. It was blazing hot during the day. We were downing water and lemonade like no tomorrow. Even standing on the line to get into the stadium we were buying ice cream and frozen lemonade.
– Bring a jacket. I know your like you just told me how hot it is! Well it can get chilly at night. Then you will wish you had a jacket!
– If you aren’t going inside the stadium, bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs and hang out in the grass. Many people were doing this to enjoy the fireworks. Some even were on top of their cars.
AmericaFest is a lot of fun and I highly recommend it! I have enjoyed the 4th at the Rose Bowl Stadium every year that I have gone!
Have you ever been to AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl? What are you 4th of July plans?
Kita Bryant
This sounds fun and right on time for the 4th I always like to do something fun with others for the 4th especially since I get to see fireworks
Holly Dayz
I love fireworks and the Rose Bowl is a great place to check them out. It is a lot of fun.
Chris
I know California is live when it comes to the fireworks
Holly Dayz
Yes it is a ton of fun on the 4th.
staciesayzso
I’d love to spend the Fourth in Cali. I have friends that just moved there. I’m sure they’ll be living it up!
Holly Dayz
Maybe next year you should go! You will enjoy yourself.
Aisha Johnson Adams
Looks like a great place for fun & fireworks!
Holly Dayz
It is so much fun. I love it.
Tyra
In all the time I’ve been here I’ve never done 4 July at the Rose Bowl. :-(. It seems like great fun and something I should do in the future. The only problem is getting out of the Rose Bowl afterwords with the cars and traffic! LOL
Holly Dayz
Hopefully next year you check it out. It is a lot of fun. I always enjoy it. Yea that traffic is no joke. That is why I left before the fireworks were over one year.
Mimi
I’ve never never done the fireworks but I have been to the Rose Bowl. Something to add to my must do travel list!
Holly Dayz
the Rose Bowl is a lot of fun on the 4th. Hope you check it out next year.
bernettastyle
Man! It looks like it was thousands of people there! It seems like this is a cool holiday tradition and definitely something we all should try to experience at least once.
Holly Dayz
It was a ton of people. They don’t fill the entire stadium up. Def something to experience.
Jonna
This sounds so cool. I know there is a fireworks show at our local baseball team stadium here in Norfolk VA. I wonder if it is similar to this! I’ll have to check it out next year and see.
Holly Dayz
It could be similar, you should check it out next year.
rattlesandheels
This looks like fun! I’ve heard good things about the rose bowl. I would def take your tip of leaving a bit early.
Holly Dayz
Yea, you will be a little sad because you didn’t see every single firework, but you will be really happy when you avoid all the traffic. It is a ton of fun though.
Moms 'N Charge™
This looks awesome!!! I have yet to take the kids to a large fireworks display such as this because I just hate being in huge crowds like this with the little ones (especially if hubby is working). We were driving on our way home when the fireworks started, but we saw them up and down the beltway almost the entire way home and they were excited about that lol
Holly Dayz
Yea the crowds aren’t the best, but the experience stays with you. It is a lot of fun. Maybe next year you can be close to the action, but not in the heart of it.
everydayeyecandy
I have always wanted to go to the Rose Bowl! This looks like fun!
Holly Dayz
You should go. They have many different events there. Maybe next year you can go to AmericaFest.
Nancy Laws (@chicmompreneur)
We went to the browns stadium, we didnt go in because we wanted to watch it quietly without the crowd, so we parked on a hill close by and the kids loved it….not everyone is aware that you can go to the stadium to enjoy the fireworks, thanks for sharing…
Holly Dayz
That was a great idea. Yea you don’t have to amongst a huge crowd. After all they are in the air. Glad you and your family had a great time.
Jaye@Curvatude
Looks like a really fun time although I try to avoid big crowds at all costs, this seems like a good, contained way to see the fireworks!
Holly Dayz
It was a lot of fun. I have learned over the years how to dodge some of the aftermath of the crowds.
MrsTee
I love that they have an option for military. This looks like a really fun and still safe way to enjoy and celebrate the 4th of July. Defintiely going to add this to my list of places to visit and things to do..thanks for sharing!
Holly Dayz
It is a lot of fun. I have gone a handful of times and will continue to go when I can. I hope you get the opportunity to experience it.
MrsTee
I hope so too 🙂