Hollywood Bowl July 4th Fireworks Spectacular with special guests Hall & OatsThe inspiring, stirring patriotic music; a performance by pop duo Hall and Oats with their many hits and the Bowl’s famous pyrotechnic display makes the Hollywood Bowl one of the best places for you and your friends to spend the July 4th holiday.

Performances will also include the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra with Thomas Wilkins conducting.

The concert benefits the Los Angeles Philharmonic Musicians Pension Fund.

Tickets are available in a wide range of prices depending on proximity to the stage.

Mr. & Mrs. Muscle Beach Contest at Venice BeachWhat celebrates the idea of summer in Los Angeles more than a day at Venice Beach? On July 4th, besides the usual kaleidoscope of food vendors, bikini cleavage and street performers, you can gaze in amazement while body builders strut their stuff as they compete for the title of Mr. and Mrs. Muscle Beach.

Registration is from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., with pre-judging at 10 and the finals at 1 pm. It’s free to watch and costs $80 to complete. Go to 1800 Ocean Front Walk in Venice Beach to see the rippling, tanned muscles. For more information visit musclebeachvenice.com or call 310-399-2775.

4th of July BBQ at the Aquarium of the PacificCelebrate Independence Day with the red, white, and blue fish at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. The aquarium is extending its hours into the night so you can get a fish-eye view of the Queen Mary fireworks. Combo tickets include admission to the aquarium plus an Independence Day B-B-Q buffet with home-style grilled entrees and decadent deserts.

The fun runs from 5-10 pm with dinner served between 6-8 pm. Admission is $12.95. If you want to enjoy the dinner too, the cost is $35 and requires a reservation.

Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach. For more information, call 562-590-3100 or visit: www.aquariumofpacific.org

July 4th Fireworks Festival in Studio CityHeld at CBS Studio Center on 4024 Radford Avenue in Studio City this fun-filled festival featuring exhibits, music, food, fireworks, a kids fun zone, and a business expo in a back lot at CBS Studios.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and runs from 5 to 9:30 pm. Presale tickets are $15 for general admission for adults, $8 general admission for kids. On the day of the event prices go up to $20 and $10. VIP tickets are $100 for adults and $50 for kids. Rooftop wristbands allow guests to see the fireworks display from the roof.

For more information visit the Chamber of Commerce website or call 818-655-5916.

Baseball and Fireworks at Dodger StadiumBeleaguered, bashed and now bankrupt, our home team is having a tough year on every level. But if you’re the type that likes to be a champion for the underdog, what could be more American than a baseball game and a Fourth of July fireworks celebration all rolled into one big party? Feast on Dodger Dogs, popcorn and beer as the Los Angeles Dodgers take on their East Coast rivals, the New York Mets, in an east-meets-west baseball game followed by a fireworks extravaganza. Ticket prices range from $14.75-$160 – but you can also check Goldstar.com for discount tickets.

Dodger Stadium is located at 1000 Elysian Park Ave., Los Angeles 90012.

For more information call (323) 224-1500.

Redondo Beach 4th of July CelebrationRedondo Beach will be celebrating all day with an all-American beach ambiance starting at 2 p.m. with live bands on the main concert stage, a community sing-a-long, a DJ and dancing. Enjoy traditional 4th of July favorites plus full beverage service including beer, wine and mixed drinks for those over 21.

The fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. and will feature stirring patriotic music, with a wide variety of fireworks perfectly matched and timed to the music – a true pyro-musical production.

Prices start at $18 for adults. For more information visit the event website.

85th Annual 4th of July Celebration at the Rose BowlOf all the fireworks shows taking place in Southern California on July 4, the AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena claims to be the biggest and best. If you really want to make a day of it, the parking lots open at 8 am and you can stake out your space early and eat a picnic lunch.

The food and fun court activities open at 2 p.m. The show begins at 7 pm and includes live entertainment by the Jan & Dean Show featuring Dean Torrence, Mariachi Divas, and a band performance by DCI Phantom Regiment. Then, at 9 p.m. the fireworks show begins.

The tickets cost $13 for adults, with children 7 and younger admitted free. Active members of the military are also free. Parking is $15 per car. For general seating advance tickets: Ticketmaster or call 800-745-3000.