------Atmosphere, Set-Up & Activities----
Located in Studio…read moreCity at the CBS Studio Center, the 4th of July Festival provides a family friendly event for all. This was its 18th year! What's neat about it is that first and foremost you get to visit the location that is full of cool buildings, sound stages and more. The center is located on 40 acres and the lot has exterior locations and permanent sets such as New York Street, Central Park, and Residential Street. Many shows have been taped here!
The event was organized pretty well I think. Entrance to the event is through the big parking structure where security and organizers alike will point you in the right direction. You can purchase tickets prior to the event online or do so in person with either cash or a card. If you do so at the event some ticket types might be sold out so be aware of that. Before entering you do have to go through a metal detector and or be searched. Throughout the areas there were signs that showed the way to bathrooms, activities, and areas to obtain food and or drinks.
This year's event featured magic shows, a play area for kids, live music, a car show, and a local business expo. Some of those are perhaps common yearly such as the live music and kid-friendly activities which may or may not come at a cost. I wish I got there sooner this year to really check out and experience everything that there was, so I would recommend doing so as well instead of just getting there 2 hours after it starts but hey whatever tickles your fancy.
This year, the proceeds helped fund research to find a cure for Neurofibromatosis, a disease that affects one in 3,000 children.
-----FIREWORKS------
This was a solid fireworks show that went on for about 25 minutes that featured music. There seemed to be one main area which was best to see the fireworks which was near a stage they had and perhaps in a couple other areas you can see them as well. For an EXTRA $25 you get a wristband and go up some stairs of a building where you can watch the show from a roof.
-----The Evenings Food, Drinks, & More-----
Well here's some great news! You can pack your own picnic or load up on summer eats, treats, drinks and cold brews from the different eateries/businesses. The freedom to choose is pretty great. Foods and drinks featured tri-tip, bacon wrapped hot dogs, pizza, chicken tenders, different sandwiches, funnel cake, smoothies and juice fruits, fries and fries topped with meat aka carna asada fries, burgers, and more. I'm not sure of all the eateries and such but I did notice one place with a veggie burger for those non meat eaters. Good luck to those gluten-free, dairy free, etc etc etc people; you may or may not have options. There was a food court area as well that I didn't get the chance to check out. Prices for food and drinks range in the $5-10+ range.
---Time, Parking, & Cost-------
This years event was from 4:30PM-9:30PM with gates closing at 8:00PM, which is probably the case yearly.
Parking was free in their parking structure for 2016, perhaps that's the case every year?! Since it's located in a residential area of sorts you can find parking in and around the locale.
Tickets range in prices:
Adult $25
Child $10 (ages 6-12)
Child (ages 5 and under) FREE
Rooftop fireworks viewing wristbands = General admission PLUS $25
Wristbands sell out every year and may not be available the day of the event.
VIP ROOM (included gourmet dinner in an air conditioned soundstage, valet parking, beer and wine, rooftop fireworks viewing, sampling stations and children's activities.
Adult $125
Child Ages 6-12 $60
Toddlers Ages 3-5 $25