It’s no surprise America’s Finest City is a coveted locale for Fourth of July celebrations.
The questionable beach alcohol ban has been in effect for quite some time now, which means we locals have discovered plenty of outdoor party options for fun off the sand. Unless you’ve been living under a rock in El Cajon, you’re well aware that rooftop pool parties have taken over the downtown scene this summer. Come Fourth of July, the rooftop pools will be rocking, but in true San Diego fashion, the ’09 holiday begins on Wednesday and runs through Sunday with dozens of crazy pool parties and nightlife events all weekend long.
From Bikini Week to the DJhere 9-Yr Anniversary Party and the Fortune Pool Party transforming the Hilton Bayfront vibe, show your patriotism at these Fourth of July parties in San Diego.
Wednesday, July 1
Industry Night at Side Bar: Start your holiday weekend off right with Industry Night at Side Bar. Pick up your patriotic wristband that’s good for no cover all weekend as you sip cheap drink specials and party with DJ Sid Vicious. Get on guest list.
San Diego Bikini Week: The first annual Bikini Week kicks off on Wednesday, July 1 at the elegant Sirén pool bar atop the Sé Hotel. The invite-only crowd of Bikini Week VIPs will gather poolside to view San Diego’s own Francisco Medavog showcase his couture bikini line paired with stunning fashions by Micha Design jewelry. 8pm-midnight, invite-only. Details here.
Thursday, July 2
Get Yo Vans On: The brand new summer Thursdays at Hard Rock are bringing in strictly A-list entertainment. Kick off your holiday weekend with a special performance by The Pack, known best for “Got My Vans On” – with sounds by resident DJs Kurch and Dadon. Get on guest list.
San Diego Bikini Week: Set at Stingaree, the second night of Bikini Week will be sizzling with body painted bikini models and entertainment by Illusionist Nick Ivory. Begin with hosted food from Stingaree (8-10pm) and stay all night for DJs spinning mash-ups on all three levels with the body painted bikini styles strutting the rooftop scene. 8pm-2am, ticket entry. Details here.
Friday, July 3
San Diego Bikini Week: Ivy hosts the third Bikini Week party with a professional bikini model photo shoot styled by A Style Concierge, featuring some of the hottest brands in swimwear fashion. Be surrounded by Paparazzi as DJs spin throughout Ivy. 8pm-2am, ticket entry. Details here.
Nine-Year Anniversary Party: As we Americans gear up to honor Independence Day, DJhere Productions celebrates their nine-year anniversary with a huge party at Float atop Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. DJhere presents music by Designer Drugs and DJ Craig Smoove. Get on guest list.
Friday at KIN Lounge: The pre Independence Day party vibe holds its roots Friday at KIN Lounge. As Theron spins, guests will enjoy Late Night Happy Hour with $5 Grey Goose and Bacardi Cocktails from 11pm to close. Get on the guest list.
Saturday, July 4
Fortune Pool Party: Introducing one of the best rooftop pools, Fortune presents its official Fourth of July pool party at Hilton San Diego Bayfront. The Fortune Music crew will take over Bay Breeze at Hilton, including G*Roy, Theron, DeVoy, Fort Wayne, Chris Cutz, Fresh One, Yusef & The Get Down Society. Experience San Diego’s largest saline infinity pool as you usher in Independence Day Fortune style. 1-9pm, $10 pre-sale tickets. Get tickets.
Common Sense on Ivy Rooftop: The Ivy brings you a live performance by Common Sense on Ivy Rooftop during the afternoon, followed by a stellar DJ lineup at Envy. Head to the roof to check out Common Sense by day, and slip downstairs to enjoy sounds from G*Roy, Theron and Mikey Beats all night. Get on guest list.
San Diego Bikini Week: Hard Rock Hotel’s Float hosts the ultimate pool party where the haute All American Bikini Girl contest winner will be announced. A bikini fashion show runway will be set poolside and a retail lounge will be available for guests to purchase the hottest looks of the season. 12pm-dusk, ticket entry. Details here.
Funky Fourth at SWAY: The Keating Hotel is keeping it funky this Fourth of July with One Big Night at The MerK and SWAY Lounge, featuring Illustrious DJ Sid Vicious, bottle service discounts, complimentary champagne and much more. Get on the guest list.
Independence Night Party: Straight from Hilton, patriotic party-goers will head to the W Hotel for the official Independence Night Party presented by Fortune 421, TK Productions and more, featuring Chris Clouse, DJ Solomon, The Get Down Society and other Fortune DJs. Get on the guest list.
Fashion Whore Disco: Maystar’s Fashion Whore is going patriotic for the Fourth at The Ruby Room. This [Nu] Disco Indie Electric party will star a stylish crowd sipping $2 drinks, a fashion show by Stitches Fashion Group (from LA) and Cloudnine Designs, and [Nu] Disco beats by Do It Digital DJs. This Fourth of July in San Diego, go disco with May Star. Details here.
Sunday, July 5
Kaskade Intervention: Our favorite Sunday pool party in San Diego is hosting a special event on the Fifth of July featuring Kaskade with DJs Scooter & Lavelle, Chris Cutz and Theron. Memorial Day at Intervention was one of the wildest days in downtown history, and Fourth of July is sure to set a whole new record. Free party buses will run from Pacific Beach to Hard Rock, but there is a $40 ticket price. Get tickets.
San Diego Bikini Week: As we all recover from Fourth of July partying, the W Hotel’s Beach Bar will host the official Bikini Week Finale Pool Party featuring looks by San Diego’s own local bikini designers. Presented by Fortune 421, this Sunday pool party will keep the holiday spirit alive with DJs Chris Clouse, Salomon, G*Roy and Devoy. 12pm-dusk, ticket entry. Details here.
Before you party, it's time to play with fire. From SeaWorld to Legoland, discover Electric Locales for Fireworks in San Diego.
Before you party, it’s time to feast. Indulge your patriotic palate with Fourth of July Dining Deals at San Diego Restaurants.
More Fourth of July Fun: More ideas: Death Cab for Cutie live at Belly Up (7/3), Padres take on Dodgers at PETCO Park (7/4), Smoky Robinson at San Diego Fair (7/4), Hornblower Fireworks Cruise (7/4), Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band and Patriotic Menu at Anthology (7/4), Bikini Week finale pool party at W Hotel (7/5), NEW Closing Night of San Diego Fair with Kelly Clarkson Concert (7/5).
Insider Warning: Before you greet the rooftop rays, visit Hollywood Tans to get your base tan up to par. Learn why Hollywood Tans is the best for San Diego tanning salons.
Check out more hot San Diego pool party pictures.
