If you’re spending the Fourth of July on Balboa Island or in Newport Beach, you can choose from many fun and family-friendly activities for your celebration!

The City of Newport Beach is hosting the annual Newport Peninsula Bike Parade and Community Festival from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on July 4^th. The bike and dog parade kicks off at 9:00 a.m. at the Balboa Boulevard and 38^th Street Park, so deck out your bikes, strollers, wagons and scooters in full Americana style and from there, head down Balboa to Channel Place Park. Make sure your dog is on a leash and dressed for the occasion, too. The festival at the park will include carnival games, bounce houses, food and drink, and lots of patriotic spirit! The Balboa Peninsula will get crowded early, so it’s best to walk or ride your bike.

At 1:00 p.m., you can watch the Old Glory Boat Parade from the island or the peninsula. This boat parade, sponsored by the American Legion Yacht Club and the American Legion Post 291, features all types of boats, from sailboats and electric boats to wooden classics decorated in red, white and blue. It’s a poignant scene to watch them move across Newport Harbor in honor of our country.

Then, make time for a special Fourth of July flyover! Four AT-6’s will be soaring over Newport Beach between 6:10 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. The Condor Squadron Officer’s and Airmen’s Association, a group founded by WWII fighter pilots, is sponsoring this flight over Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point and San Clemente.

The City of Newport’s fireworks display begins at 9:00 p.m. at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. These are visible from Balboa Island and many other areas of Newport, including the Back Bay. They are always spectacular and a festive way to end your day!

Remember that it is illegal to possess or use fireworks in the City of Newport, and that police step up their presence, especially on the Balboa Peninsula. Please party responsibly and enjoy your Fourth of July!