Get Out: What to do This Weekend in Laguna Beach

"ONE WORLD, MANY STORIES" JULY READING PROGRAM STARTS
Where/When: Laguna Beach Library, 363 Glenneyre St. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Why go: Join the summer reading program by downloading your reading log and registration form here. Your kids can win cool stuff when they complete 20-minute segments of reading time. So get your library card out, drop by, and check out a good book.
Price: Free.

MEET 50 HIKES IN ORANGE COUNTY AUTHOR KARIN KLEIN
Where/When: Crystal Cove State Park store (the park is located off Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach). Saturday, 1-4 p.m.
Why go: Get hiking ideas for all ages and levels on trails you may not know exist, as local resident and volunteer naturalist Karin Klein discusses and signs a copy of her new book.
Price: $15 for a one-day pass (good anywhere in the park) and free for the discussion.

LAGUNA CANYON INTERMEDIATE MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE
Where/When: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center. Sunday, 8-10:30 a.m.
Why go: Grab your helmet and gear and join other biking enthusiasts for a workout (1,000-ft. elevation gain) along some of the most beautiful trails with awesome views of the coastline right here in our backyard. Be sure to bring water and snacks to nourish, and of course sunscreen, because it could get toasty-hot in the canyon. Remember, this is NOT for beginners.
Price: $2 per person donation plus $3 for parking.

Where/When: 214 Ocean Ave. Sunday, 4-8 p.m.
Why go: Dance, play pool and say you've heard the legendary Laguna Beach blues/rock/soul band Missles of October while you were hanging out at the legendary Mar Bar.
Price: Free to listen to the band.

FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY
Where/When: Fireworks will be shot into the sky from Monument Point in the north end of Heisler Park on Monday night at 9 p.m. This area in north Laguna will be closed to the public on Monday and surrounding areas at 5 p.m.
Why go: Viewing the fireworks display from a local beach or friend's yard makes your Independence Day weekend complete.
Price: Free to view and the free city trolleys will start running at 9:30 a.m. as usual, but will stop early at 7 p.m.

EMERALD BAY: A private firework display will be shot off from a barge.

LAGUNA BEACH: Three Arch Bay will have a private show shot from a barge.

LAGUNA BEACH: Irvine Cove will sponsor a private fireworks display.

IRVINE: Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 8808 Irvine Center Drive. The Pacific Symphony will perform patriotic favorites and will back an internationally renowned tribute artist performing hits by Elvis. Then the night sky will explode with spectacular fireworks to end a spectacular evening. For those who prefer not to pack a picnic, gourmet boxed meals from Bristol Farms may be ordered before 5 p.m. on July 1 and picked up just inside the main gate on July 4. Tickets may be ordered from the Pacific Symphony at (714) 755-5799 or online at pacificsymphony.org.

NEWPORT BEACH: Big Canyon Country Club will have a private show after dusk.

NEWPORT BEACH: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive. The Dunes will present the 53rd Annual Fireworks Extravaganza. There will be family fun and games throughout the day with 3 Tribute Bands providing musical entertainment. Concessions are available. The day ends with a spectacular fireworks finale at 9 p.m. Get there early and save a spot to watch the show. The park opens at 7 a.m. The cost is $50.00 per car (up to 6 wristbands); walk-ins are $10 for per wristband. For more information call (949) 729-3863 or visit newportdunes.com.

CITY OF ORANGE: Fred Kelly Stadium at El Modena High School, 3920 Spring Street. The 16th Annual 3rd of July celebration will be held on Sunday, July 3, at 4 p.m. The celebration includes live music, inflatable activities and a hometown carnival atmosphere. There will be a patriotic musical performance by the Orange Community Master Chorale leading up to a spectacular fireworks show choreographed to music. Only blanket seating is allowed on the field. Ticket price is $7.00 (age 3 or older); kids two and under are free. Tickets may be purchased from the Community Services Department, located at 230 E. Chapman Avenue or at the gate. For information call (714) 744-7278 or log on to www.cityoforange.org.

ALISO VIEJO: Grand Park. The AVCA will hold a 4th of July Celebration starting at 6 p.m. There will be live entertainment, a homemade apple pie baking contest, carnival games, complimentary bounce houses, and face painting. Support your local non-profit organizations. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. There will be a low-level fireworks display choreographed to patriotic music at dusk. Please leave pets at home. For pre-recorded event information, call (949) 243-7411 or go to www.avca.net.

DANA POINT: Dana Point Harbor area. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and are shot from a barge outside of the harbor. The fireworks are synchronized to music being simulcast on Radio Station 88.5 FM KSBR. Bring your radio for the full experience. Limited tickets are currently on sale for a festive dinner cruise featuring a BBQ buffet available aboard the Dana Pride boarding at 7:30 p.m. ($79 adults, $39 kids 3-12). There is another cruise for those who would like to watch the fireworks from a boat from 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m. ($29 adults, $19 kids 3-12.) Please contact Dana Wharf Sport Fishing for tickets and information. The parking lots in the harbor and at Doheny State Beach fill up early. Parking, with a free round trip shuttle to the harbor, will be provided at Dana Hills High School, 33333 Street of the Golden Lantern, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. No cars will be allowed into the harbor area after 7:30 p.m. For more information, call (949) 248-3530 or log on to www.danapointharbor.org.

DANA POINT: St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, One Monarch Beach Resort. On July 3, the St. Regis will host a holiday BBQ with a variety of grilled meats, summer salads and pies from 5:30 – 9 p.m. for their registered guests. Tickets for the BBQ are $95.00 for adults and $36.00 for children (6–12 years.) Children under 5 eat free. The BBQ will be followed by a fireworks show being shot from the golf course for everyone to enjoy. Call (949) 234-3900 for information.

LADERA RANCH: Founders’ Park. Ladera Ranch will be celebrating the 4th of July this year with the Freedom Run, a pancake breakfast starting at 7:45 a.m., a community parade at 10:30 a.m., followed by games, attractions, and food sales starting at 2:00 p.m. The Antix Band will be in concert at 6 p.m. The fireworks show starts after 9 p.m.

LAGUNA HILLS: The Community Center and Sports Complex, 25555 Alicia Parkway. This year’s Annual Fourth of July Celebration opens at 4 p.m. Carnival rides and games, live music, patriotic crafts, and face painting will be a part of the celebration. This is a free event. Food, drink, and ride tickets will be available for purchase. Seating is not provided. Bring your lawn chairs and pick out your spot early for the fireworks display which starts at 9:10 p.m. Admission is free. Call (949) 707-2680 for additional information.

LAGUNA NIGUEL: Laguna Niguel Regional Park. On the 4th of July, a concert by Catch a Wave & PaperBack Writer will take place at the Crown Valley Park Amphitheater from 6 – 8 p.m. At 8:15 p.m., join the community in a ¾ mile walk to the Regional Park for a spectacular fireworks display at 9 p.m. Seating will be on the grass. Bring a flashlight! For additional information, call (949) 425-5100.

LAKE FOREST: The Sun and Sail Club. The club will have a private low-level show shot from a barge on the lake.

MISSION VIEJO: Mission Viejo Country Club will not have a display this year.

MISSION VIEJO: Olympiad Road between Marguerite Parkway and Melinda. The 4th of July Street Faire and Fireworks Spectacular will start at 12 pm. Admission is free. There will be live entertainment on 2 stages featuring This Side Up from 1 – 3 p.m., Grand Junction from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. and BMZ from 6 - 9 p.m. There will be all new rides, food and game booths, a wine and beer garden, contests and prizes, and crafters. Please – No pets, skateboards, roller blades, wheelies, bicycles, or barbeque grills. Shuttle service will be provided from 12 locations between 1 – 8 p.m. See a list of stops and a map at www.mvactivities.com. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. For more information, call (949) 830-7066.

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA: Lago Santa Margarita. The Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club, 21472 Avenida de las Fundadores, will be the site for Rancho’s 4th of July Star Spangled Spectacular. Residents must have tickets to get into the Beach Club before 3 p.m. Tickets must be picked up in person at the Beach Club (limit 9 per household.). Only 1,000 tickets are available. Games, activities, and music start at 2 p.m. The lake shore will be all open seating for the fireworks show. A low-level fireworks show begins on the lake at 9 p.m. For more information, contact the Beach Club at (949) 858-1390.

SAN CLEMENTE: Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. from the end of the San Clemente Pier. (Marines and their families are invited to watch from the Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi. Tickets are required. No charge. For information, call 949-498-4958 or go to www.marinemonument.com.)

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO: San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, 25925 Camino del Avion. A 4th of July spectacular will be hosted by the City of San Juan Capistrano from 3 – 9:30 p.m. It includes food , rides, games, and exhibits. Unlimited-use wristbands are on sale through July 1 for $20 at the Community Center. The wristbands and $1 tickets may also be purchased at the event. Family Style will perform classic rock ‘n’ roll from 6 – 9 p.m. A spectacular and moving fireworks display starts at 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets but no bikes, barbeques or pets. Personal fireworks are illegal in San Juan; please do not bring any with you. Free parking is available