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Know Before You Go: Fourth of July at Great Park
The City of Irvine is excited to welcome the community to the inaugural Fourth of July Celebration at the Great Park. This family-friendly event features live entertainment, games, food, and the debut of a spectacular drone show followed by a traditional fireworks finale. Here's what to know before you go:
Parking and Arrival — Free parking is available in Lots 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. For a smooth arrival, guests are encouraged to park at Irvine Station (15215 Barranca Parkway) and ride the FREE shuttle to the park. Shuttles run every 20 minutes from 3 to 11 p.m. and drop off near Lot 4. Guests arriving on foot can enter through Ridge Valley and Corsair, or through Lot 4 near the tennis courts on Skyhawk Boulevard.
Accessible Parking — ADA parking is available in Lot 2. Please enter at Sand Canyon Avenue and Great Park Boulevard, and display the appropriate placard. Event staff will direct you to the correct area. For more information, visit Parking & Directions.
Food and Drinks — A variety of food vendors will be on-site, offering savory dishes, sweet treats, and beverages — including beer, wine, and cocktails at The Layover and Hangar 244. Please note:
- Food and drinks are not allowed on artificial turf fields.
- Barbecues are not permitted.
- Some vendors may be cash-only, and there is no ATM on-site.
Rides and Activities — The Great Park Balloon will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Rides are $10 for adults and free for children, available on a first-come, first-served basis after completing a waiver at the Visitors Center. Weather may affect availability. Carousel rides are free with a signed waiver, available at the Visitors Center. Lawn games are available with a parent or guardian signature.
Viewing Areas — Set up your spot early to enjoy the drone and fireworks shows:
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Fields 18–24: Chairs, blankets, and weighted EZ-Ups are allowed. Stakes are
not permitted.
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Fields 8–13: Blankets only. No food or drinks allowed.
Celebrate safely, arrive early, and get ready for a night that’s sure to sparkle. We look forward to seeing you at the Great Park this Fourth of July!
Full event details at cityofirvine.org/fourth-july-celebration/things-know.
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Celebrate Park & Recreation Month
This July, the City of Irvine invites you to explore local parks and earn fun prizes through the Park & Recreation Month Challenge that runs through Thursday, July 31.
Pick up a passport at select City facilities or download one at cityofirvine.org/parks. Then, visit parks, complete simple activities, and collect stamps from City staff. Bonus stamps are available at select events, including Pop-Up Library Sundays and Wilderness Access Day Saturday, July 19.
Collect six stamps to earn a sticker sheet or 12 stamps for a limited-edition water bottle (while supplies last).
Learn more at cityofirvine.org/parks.
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Ride Irvine CONNECT — Now With More Stops and a Route to the Beach
Irvine CONNECT, the City’s free shuttle service, expanded its route on July 1 to serve even more neighborhoods. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes and connects north Irvine to Irvine Station, with stops at parks, schools, hospitals, and shopping centers.
This summer, you can also ride Irvine CONNECT to reach Laguna Beach. Hop off near Alton Parkway and Laguna Canyon Road, then take a short walk to the Summer Breeze trolley, which offers free service to the beach Fridays through Sundays, 10 a.m.–11:30 p.m., June 28–September 2.
Irvine CONNECT Hours
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Weekdays: 6 a.m.–8 p.m.
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Weekends: 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
(No service on major holidays)
Track shuttles in real time, view route maps, and learn more at cityofirvine.org/irvineconnect or call 949-72-GoBus.
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Honor Service Members at the Field of Valor
The City of Irvine and the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee invite the community to visit the Field of Valor — a patriotic flag display honoring veterans, active duty service members, and those who gave their lives in service.
The display will be open July 1–13 on the Irvine Civic Center Lawn.
Learn more, visit cityofirvine.org/fieldofvalor.
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Urban Forest Master Plan
The 30-day public comment period for the Urban Forest Master Plan is now open. The master plan will guide the City in achieving a 30% tree canopy cover by 2055.
Community members are encouraged to review the master plan and share their thoughts on Irvine’s urban forestry goals by Monday, July 18. Your input will ensure the master plan reflects community values and priorities and will shape the City's practices, guidelines, and initiatives related to urban forestry. Review the Urban Forest Master Plan and send comments via email to ufmp@dudek.com.
Join the City of Irvine in enhancing citywide canopy cover, shade from trees, and being an urban forestry leader in our region.
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This Week in DE&I
There are many cultural and religious holidays celebrated and recognized throughout our community this month. Learn about some of the significant dates being observed in Irvine below and on our DE&I calendar.
July 1: Canada Day — Canada Day marks the anniversary of the country’s founding July 1, 1867. It celebrates the union of several provinces into what is now Canada.
July 2: Thurgood Marshall’s Birthday — Born July 2, 1908, Thurgood Marshall was a trailblazing civil rights lawyer and the first African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice. He argued the landmark 1954 case Brown v. Board of Education, which helped end racial segregation in public schools.
July 4: Independence Day — Independence Day celebrates the birth of the United States July 4, 1776. It honors the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and is marked by fireworks, parades, and community celebrations across the country.
July 6: Dalai Lama’s Birthday — The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born July 6, 1935. He is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and a global figure for peace, compassion, and human rights.
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Upcoming Meetings & Events
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Road Construction and Capital Improvement Projects
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