Big Bang On The Bay Fireworks Show Canceled For 2024

LONG BEACH, CA — This year's Big Bang on the Bay in Long Beach Fourth of July fireworks show is officially canceled for 2024, according to previous organizer and restaurant owner John Morris.

The popular annual show is typically scheduled on July 3 over Alamitos Bay and is one of the most looked-forward-to city events of the year. This year, however, a missed deadline stopped the show from going on, and Morris pointed the finger at the California Coastal Commission.

"Then the Boys and Girls Club turned the paperwork in May 16. Unbeknownst to them, it had to be in by May 15, but nobody at the Coastal Commission staff told them because it was a total setup," Morris said in a video posted to Instagram. "They've been doing whatever they can to block this fireworks show, so now they're using this as their angle."

Don Rodriguez, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Long Beach, told Fox 11 that the process was complicated by stricter regulations for fireworks shows in California and wasn't clearly communicated.

Event organizers officially announced the cancellation of this year's Big Bang on the Bay on the event's webpage.

The Coastal Commission denied Morris' accusations in a statement

"The Coastal Commission attempted to work with Mr. Morris for months to ensure that Big Bang on the Bay could proceed in line with legally required environmental safeguards. Unfortunately, he has jeopardized this year’s event by refusing to engage in a good-faith dialogue,
handing off permit responsibilities to an unsuspecting community group at the 11th hour," The California Coastal Commission said.

Coastal Commission staff said they are working with the Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach to complete the permit and reschedule the fireworks show for later this year, possibly on Labor Day.

The fireworks show typically serves as a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs and other local nonprofits associated with Long Beach Gives. The event has raised more than $2 million in the last decade.