A deep-rooted Long Beach tradition.
Since 2011, Big Bang on the Bay has been the city's free, waterfront Fourth of July celebration — one of the last truly local fireworks shows on the California coast.
California Coastal Commission Appeal · File 5-25-0002-A1-EDD
Save Big Bang on the Bay.
Long Beach's Fourth of July tradition is at risk during America's 250th anniversary year. The Coastal Commission will decide whether the 2026 show can go forward — and your name on this petition is how our community pushes back.
2,636
Signatures so far
5,000
Goal by Apr 9
53% of the way to 5,000 by the Coastal Commission comment deadline.
Your Signature Counts
Comments close Thursday, April 9, 2026.
The California Coastal Commission hears Appeal File No. 5-25-0002-A1-EDD on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Every signature submitted before the deadline goes into the public record.
- Add your name in under a minute — it takes four short fields.
- Send a one-click email to the Commission from your own inbox after you sign — personal comments carry the most weight.
- Share the link with neighbors who love the show — every signature strengthens the record.
Why It Matters
Key reasons the Commission should approve this appeal.
Millions raised for local non-profits.
Over its history, the event has contributed more than $2M to organizations supporting Long Beach youth, from the Boys & Girls Club to Children Today and the Autism Partnership Foundation.
A draw for the whole region.
An estimated 125,000+ spectators line Alamitos Bay, Naples, and the Peninsula each year — supporting neighborhood restaurants, hotels, and the broader economy.
Environmental review is ongoing.
Marine biologists, city staff, and event organizers have partnered for years on wildlife monitoring. The infrastructure is already in place — this appeal asks the Commission to let that work continue.
There isn't a practical replacement.
Permits, staging, and security for a fireworks show of this scale cannot be reconstituted on short notice. Losing 2026 means losing America's 250th birthday on the water in Long Beach.
A once-in-a-generation moment.
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States. If any year deserves the community tradition that is Big Bang on the Bay, it is this one.
In the Press
Long Beach's fireworks fight, in the news.
Local and national outlets have covered the Coastal Commission's decision. Read their reporting and share the story with your network.
ABC7
ABC · Los Angeles
"Long Beach's 2026 Big Bang on the Bay Independence Day fireworks show is cancelled after state panel denies permit"
Read at ABC7
CBS Los Angeles
CBS News
"Long Beach Fourth of July fireworks show 'Big Bang on the Bay' permit denied"
Read at CBS Los Angeles
Fox News
National
"California regulators kill charity fireworks for America's 250th, sparking outrage"
Read at Fox News
LAist
LAist / NPR
"Organizer cancels Big Bang Independence Day celebration after Coastal Commission says no fireworks"
Read at LAist
Long Beach Post
Hyperlocal · Long Beach
"No fireworks: Big Bang canceled in Long Beach"
Read at Long Beach Post
Patch Long Beach
Patch · Long Beach
"Big Bang on the Bay promoter loses appeal; annual Long Beach fireworks show in doubt"
Read at Patch Long Beach
KMPH FOX 26
FOX · Central California
"Fireworks canceled for Long Beach's Big Bang on the Bay after Coastal Commission vote"
Read at KMPH FOX 26
NBC Palm Springs
NBC · Palm Springs
"Long Beach Big Bang on the Bay fireworks canceled after permit denied"
Read at NBC Palm Springs
Breitbart
National
"CA State Commission refuses permit for charity 4th of July fireworks show in Long Beach, allows Sea World 40 nights"
Read at Breitbart
Yahoo News
Syndicated
"Long Beach's Big Bang on the Bay — Independence Day canceled"
Read at Yahoo News
AOL
Syndicated
"Long Beach's Big Bang on the Bay — Independence Day canceled"
Read at AOL
Community Voices
What your neighbors are saying.
1,516 personal comments submitted with petition signatures — every one goes into the public record.
“the best show on the water”
“Band on the bay is our families favorite holiday tradition. It’s bring our communities together and brings joy to people of all ages.”
“My family comes down to Seal Beach every year to see the Big Bang Fireworks Display. This will be very disappointing if this is canceled. This is a tradition for our family and many other families that we know here. This is one of the ways we teach our children & family about history and patriotism. Fireworks is synonymous with July 4th; not just with California, but with our entire country. It would be a degradation of the values and patriotism of our state & our country to BLOCK this great traditional celebration of the independence of the citizens of this country.”
“It’s the best 4th of July celebration and it’s Americas 250th Birthday. There is no reason why we should not be celebrating this and it would not be very American of Long Beach.”
“I have been in Sea Beach for 11 years and every year this has brought our entire community together and it is the biggest day to spend time with family and friends and celebrate our independence Day to end. This would be doing our community a great disservice, especially for the younger generation. .”
“On the 250th Anniversary......really?”
“It's been a family tradition for years & a chance to see old neighbors!!! Why is the Queen Mary allowed fireworks 🎆??? Don't they pollute water too?”
“Best night in harbor!!”
“We live in Naples and love the fireworks show. I’m a disabled veteran with PTSD and much prefer the one big show with lots of notice to the unplanned popping off of fireworks that occurred when the event was cancelled last year.”
Showing 9 of 1,516 public comments
Hearing Details
The key dates and where to send your comment.
- Comment Deadline
- Thursday, April 9, 2026
- Commission Hearing
- Wednesday, April 15, 2026
- Appeal File No.
- 5-25-0002-A1-EDD
- Appellant
- Naples Restaurant Group, LLC
Direct Comment Option
Email the Commission yourself.
Prefer to write the Commission directly? Send a personal comment to SouthCoast@coastal.ca.gov. Include your name, ZIP code, and the appeal file number above. Comments must arrive by the deadline.
15 Years of Big Bang on the Bay
A decade and a half of fireworks, flyovers, and funds for local kids.
Final Push
2,364 more signatures to reach 5,000.
Every signature is a line in the public record. Sign, send the email, and share the link — that's how we save this tradition for 2026 and beyond.