Fourth of July Happenings

This Fourth of July falls on a Friday, giving many people a long weekend to travel and attend parties and events celebrating the holiday. Splash Magazines Worldwide has compiled a list of some of its favorite places to visit across the country this Independence Day.

Long Beach’s waterfront Hotel Maya has planned weekend-long bayside programming for guests and locals to celebrate the holiday featuring themed bites, pool parties and live entertainment.

From Friday, July 4 through Sunday, July 6, guests can expect BBQ Brunch specials offered all weekend from Latin-inspired restaurant, Fuego, available 10 am to 4 pm including featured bites such as Chipotle Peach BBQ Baby Back Ribs, a Citrus BBQ Tri Tip Sandwich, a BBQ Bacon Burger or Truffle Lobster Mac & Cheese.

Friday, July 4

Guests and locals can kick-start their weekend at Hotel Maya over a Pool BBQ Grill from 11 am to 3 pm while enjoying steel drum performances with cocktails in hand from the hotel pool bar. Those looking to continue the day’s celebration can do so over the best views at Fuego featuring Long Beach city’s waterfront fireworks over a curated BBQ pre-fixe dinner from 6 to 9 pm where one seating will take place at $89 per person. Featured dishes include BBQ Spiced New York Strip, Grilled Portabello Steak, Warm Apple Pie and much more. All throughout the evening, Mike Vitale & Company will perform rock tunes before DJ Cardell takes over from 9 pm to midnight bumping 70’s music and patriotic tunes during the fireworks spectacular. For hotel guests in house, in-room dining will be available until 5 pm to 10 pm as they watch the show from their hotel balconies.

Saturday, July 5

Guests can continue the momentum of the holiday and kick-back at the hotel’s pool for day two of the Pool BBQ and steel drum performances before heading to Fuego’s BBQ Brunch where guests can groove over Latin Jazz Trio performances until 9 pm and imbibe over the bar cocktails until 1 am.

Sunday, July 6

Guests can kick-off the start of Hotel Maya’s month-long 70s activations by heading to Fuego where a DJ will spin 70s style retro beats near the waterfront while guests can further indulge in the BBQ brunch and Fuego’s classic dinner menu with BBQ specials. Those looking to make a splash can enjoy the Anheuser-sponsored pool party from 11 am to 6 pm while Kona presses hats for guests to cool down near the pool.

Make it a Staycation

To take advantage of the full weekend, guests are encouraged to book the “Stars, Stripes and Sips” stay package available with a two-night minimum stay and includes:

• Two-night stay with fireworks views (balcony or Fuego patio access)
• (2) Drink tickets per registered adult 21 & over redeemable at the pool or Fuego
• Complimentary self-parking
• Available for stays From Thursday, July 3 – Monday, July7
• Subject to availability; must stay 2 nights

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, a beloved coastal retreat set on 24 oceanfront acres just steps from East Beach and close proximity to the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, is inviting guests and locals alike to enjoy a quintessential Fourth of July celebration with unmatched views of the city’s official fireworks display. 

With its prime location directly across from the beach, the resort’s expansive front lawn offers an unobstructed and crowd-free vantage point, making it the ultimate place to relax, celebrate, and take in the show under the stars.

Event Highlights:
BBQ Cookout | 5–7 PM
Hilton Santa Barbara serves up a festive menu of classic American fare including:

• Juicy burgers and hot dogs
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Crispy chips and creamy potato salad
• Bomb pop ice cream treats

Outdoor Bar | 4–10 PM
Hilton Santa Barbara invites attendees to raise a glass with:

• Festive specialty cocktails
• A curated selection of beer and wine

Fireworks Show | 9 PM
The main event begins at 9 PM. Guests can enjoy front-row access to Santa Barbara’s spectacular waterfront fireworks display from the comfort of the resort lawn. No reservations are required. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket, their patriotic spirit, and settle in for an unforgettable night of food, fun, and fireworks in one of California’s most scenic coastal destinations.

Did you know that The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee hosted 22 presidents? With 4^th of July just around the corner, I wanted to share a fun “presidential” offering from the historic property: Toast Like a President: The Pfister Hotel Debuts Patriotic Cocktail Menu for July featuring former Presidents’ favorite cocktail of choice.

This July, celebrate Independence Day — and the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary — with a presidential twist at Milwaukee’s most iconic hotel, The Pfister Hotel. The hotel’s lobby lounge and its iconic bar, Blu, with panoramic views of the city, is unveiling a limited-time cocktail menu for July inspired by the favorite drinks of former Commanders-in-Chief.

Guests can toast to history with these libations presidents who’ve stayed at The Pfister would have enjoyed. (The hotel has hosted 22 U.S. Presidents since McKinley). The “Presidential Pours” menu will be available all month long, offering visitors a chance to sip like a statesman with these historically inspired selections (a fun “did you know” on Presidents’ go-to drinks):

• Theodore Roosevelt’s Mint Julep – A bold Southern classic for a Rough Rider.
• Herbert Hoover’s Dry Martini – Clean, crisp, and understated.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Whiskey Manhattan – A wartime favorite, strong and stylish.
• Harry S. Truman’s Bourbon Old Fashioned – Just how he liked it: no sugar, no nonsense.

Whether you’re in town for Summerfest or looking for a historic way to toast the Fourth, The Pfister’s Presidential Pours offer a taste of American legacy in every glass.

Here’s what else is coming up this summer in the city of festivals:

• Milwaukee is a big festival city during the summer especially with Summerfest 2025 – both The Pfister and Saint Kate are offering a special “City of Festivals” package for July 4. Check out Pfister here; Saint Kate here
• Sister resort, Saint Kate- The Arts Hotel, is one of the best hotels to consider for those visiting Milwaukee’s Gallery Night on July 18-19, Milwaukee’s original gallery hop event.  
• Saint Kate also has some fun programming coming up including “A Night in Oz, Dinner & Wicked” offer – Wicked is coming to the Marcus Performing Arts Center on August 7. Guests can enjoy a pre-dinner show located just steps away from the theatre

Cinespia, LA’s longest running outdoor cinematic experience presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video, is turning up the heat this July with a blockbuster lineup and its legendary Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Screening lineup includes Top Gun (7/4), La La Land (7/5), IT (7/12), Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (7/19), and The Addams Family (7/26). 

“Each summer, we invite our city to come together and celebrate the movies that made us laugh, dream, and scream,” said Cinespia founder, John Wyatt. “This July is pure movie magic — from high-flying action and fireworks to nostalgic reunions and spooky classics under the stars.”

Cinespia’s signature DJs will spin lively sets before and after each screening, setting the tone for a perfect night alongside the iconic free photo booth, where dreamy backdrops channel your favorite films. Guests can also enjoy the beer and wine bar and concession stands throughout the evening.

Additional screenings for the 24th season to come.

Friday, July 4th – Top Gun + Fireworksat Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Feel the need for speed, Maverick? Strap in, hit play on “Danger Zone,” and prepare for lift-off. Top Gun is soaring back into our hearts this Fourth of July with fireworks (literal and emotional). Cruise is at peak charm, Goose is everyone’s dream best friend, and yes, we will all sing along to “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin.’” Grab your aviators and someone to high five. Warning: prolonged exposure may cause the urge to play shirtless volleyball.

Saturday, July 5th – La La Land + Fireworks at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Here’s to the fools who dream — and to anyone who’s ever tap-danced through a traffic jam. LA LA LAND lights up Independence Day Weekend with jazz, longing, and a Cinemascope sky full of stars (and now fireworks too!). Revel in a night that’s Singin’ in the Rain sweetness by way of Silver Lake. Bring tissues, wear something luminous, and don’t look directly into Ryan Gosling’s smolder.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cinespia.org.  

M Resort Spa Casino will host a “Red, White & Boots,” Fourth of July celebration complete with fireworks in partnership with the Henderson Chamber of Commerce and Findlay Honda of Henderson. To honor and celebrate the Henderson community and neighboring Las Vegas locals, the resort will offer spectators an extended 15-minute firework display choreographed to music on Independence Day, Friday, July 4 beginning at 9 p.m. 

While free public viewing of the fireworks will be available from many areas inside and surrounding the resort, M Pool will offer special VIP reserved firework viewing area with access for guests all day starting at 10:30 a.m. through the event festivities and conclusion of the fireworks. Admission to the M Pool reserved area is priced at $35 plus taxes and fees for adults and $15 for children ages 10 and under inclusive of taxes and fees. Access will be limited and seating will be on a first come, first served basis.

Guests can also enjoy the festivities from Patio, M Resort’s newest poolside bar and restaurant. Patio is located adjacent to M Pool and will have no cover charge on July 4. 

Additionally, for those with paid admission to “Red, White & Boots,” local radio station 94.7 Hank FM will be hosting a live radio remote from 5 to 9 p.m. at M Pool, as well as guests will enjoy local DJs such as DJ DMC spinning music from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and DJ Lucky Liam taking over the DJ booth from 5 – 8:30 p.m. Evening entertainment also includes a performance from live country band Dez Hoston. Daybed and Cabana reservations at M Pool can be purchased at mpool.uvtix.com and at DayDream Pool Club (21+) at daydreamlv.uvtix.com. Swimming is permitted with proper swim attire. 

M Resort became Henderson’s only resort on the famous Las Vegas Strip when it opened its doors in 2009. Now celebrating its 16th year, the award-winning property is a pillar of the Henderson community and will celebrate the completion of their multi-million expansion which includes a second guest tower and additional conference space in January 2026.