4th Of July Kicks Off Early In Southwest Riverside County

MURRIETA, CA — Fourth of July fireworks and celebrations will kick off early in two Southwest Riverside County cities this weekend — Murrieta and Menifee.

The city of Murrieta is inviting families and friends to come out and celebrate at the town's 34rd birthday party. The party kicks off at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Cal Oaks Sports Park, 40600 California Oaks Road. The fireworks show starts at 9 p.m.

"Join us for Murrieta’s 34th Annual Birthday Bash! Festivities begin at 2 p.m. and include a full day of family-friendly fun, live entertainment, and activities for all ages," a city spokesperson said. "Celebrate with the City of Murrieta as we honor our community’s birthday in style—with local vendors, delicious food, interactive zones for kids, and toe-tapping tribute bands. The evening wraps up with a dazzling fireworks display you won’t want to miss."

At the event, attendees will be able to find a variety of local vendors, games and activities for all ages. Tribute bands Classic Journey, playing favorites from Steve Perry and company, and Arena, which recasts Duran Duran's entire catalog, are slated to play throughout Saturday afternoon, during which a "firefighters' hose down" is planned, giving residents a chance to cool off under a spray from fire engines.

Event Schedule:

• 2 p.m.– Kid Zone Opens
• 4:30 p.m. – Firefighter Hosedown
• 5 p.m.– Live Music: ARENA – Duran Duran Tribute Show
• 7:15 p.m. – Live Music: Classic Journey
• 9 p.m. – Fireworks

Have Questions? Call (951) 304-PARK (7275) for more information.

"No Dogs, No Alcohol, No Smoking and No BBQs are allowed," the city would like to remind all guests. Do enjoy the fireworks.

Next week, on July 3, Renaissance Village Senior Living and Memory Care in Murrieta is hosting an Independence Day "4th of July BBQ" starting at 11:30 a.m.

Here's what's on the menu: St. Louse style ribs, BBQ chicken thighs, potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob and watermelon wedges. Find more information about the July 3 event here.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Menifee, a celebration will kick off at 4 p.m. with a parade along La Piedra Road, featuring tractors, public safety equipment and other vehicles.

"Menifee's annual celebration is a cherished tradition that unites our community in honoring the freedom we share and the pride we feel for our great nation," Mayor Bill Estrada said. "We invite everyone to join us for an evening filled with food, fun and fireworks."

There will be a variety of food and crafts vendors, a kids' play zone with bounce houses and music featuring the country band Franklin Wall, as well as 50s and 60s rock favorites by The Dreamboats. The event will take place in Wheatfield Park, 30627 Menifee Road.

A fireworks show is set to start promptly at 9 p.m., officials said.