The 4th of July Block Party returns to Gloria Molina Grand Park. (Photo courtesy of Gloria Molina Grand Park)
The sky is once again the limit for the 4th of July Block Party at Gloria Molina Grand Park. With a spectacular 3D drone show buzzing above the massive crowd for the second year in a row, as well as the return of a 65-foot Ferris wheel, Gloria Molina Grand Park will take Angelenos’ experiences to new heights as Los Angeles County celebrates its diverse mosaic of communities and commemorates the birth of the United States.
The excitement begins as soon as the gates open to the public at 4 p.m. and culminates when 800 remote-controlled drones fly over the Music Center, located directly across from the park, to form larger-than-life 3D configurations. Programmed by Grizzly Entertainment, the dynamic 12-minute drone show will feature aerial images that uniquely represent Los Angeles, orchestrated to a special playlist curated by renowned DJ and music producer Captain Planet.
“As the largest gathering of its kind on the West Coast, the Gloria Molina Grand Park Fourth of July Block Party will be a celebration of community and resilience shared by Angelenos seeking to connect and support one another,” said Rachel S. Moore, President and CEO of the Music Center. “We invite everyone to join us in the ‘Park for All,’ where they can be themselves, connect and strengthen one another, and participate in pure fun amidst an emotionally charged moment. The thrill of watching drones light up the night sky, enjoying views of downtown Los Angeles from a giant Ferris wheel, and expressing our joy through music and dance provides the lift we need right now.”
Los Angeles’ ultimate 4th of July block party will take place across the six blocks that make up Gloria Molina Grand Park and its surrounding streets. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic or enjoy a variety of delicious food and snacks for purchase from LA’s favorite gourmet food trucks, including tacos, barbecue, burgers, vegan options and desserts. Alcohol is not permitted in the park and will not be sold at the event. For a full list of items and activities prohibited at Gloria Molina Grand Park, visit grandparkla.org.
The nearly six-hour party, geared toward the whole family (and their leashed furry friends), features musical performances on two stages showcasing the diverse and global sounds of Los Angeles. Local radio personality Carolina Márquez will host the Backyard Stage (the park’s event lawn next to City Hall, between Broadway and Spring Street), which features a stellar lineup of local and international artists: Los Angeles-based six-piece band Healing Gems, with its blend of exotic genres, international jazz and cinematic sounds; Afro-Cuban choreographer Kati Hernandez and her dance company, KimBambula Cuban Dance & Music Ensemble; local East L.A. grunge and cumbia band Tropa Mágica; and Mexican cumbia group Grupo Soñador. DJ Captain Planet will entertain the crowd with thumping beats between performances.
Singer-songwriter Banga Brownin will host and host the opening set on the Front Yard Stage (the park’s Performance Lawn between Grand Avenue and Hill Street), with some of L.A.’s legendary DJs – Jeremy Sole, Francesca Harding and Nu-Mark – getting the crowd dancing all night long.
In addition to Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Fourth of July celebration, the park will welcome the highly anticipated return of a 65-foot Ferris wheel, which will thrill partygoers of all ages above DTLA’s green oasis. Additionally, the park will introduce a new ride in the form of a giant 75-foot fiberglass “Super Slide” designed to seat three passengers side by side. The family-friendly “Rec Zone” will also feature arts and crafts, games, a Soundbox DJ truck featuring DJ Potira and more, courtesy of community partners PlayLA, LA vs Hate, The Artsy Wagon and CleanLA.
For more information, visit grandparkla.org. Gloria Molina Grand Park is located at 200 N. Grand Ave.
