You don't have to camp out in the cold with a Thermos of hot chocolate the night before Pasadena's other big, annual event. Though not as old as the Tournament of Roses parade, the Rose Bowl's Independence Day celebration, now known as Americafest, goes back 83 years. An expected 30,000 attendees will be vying for the best eating-and-staring spot. If you're too lazy to pack a picnic, there's an outside food court, as well as exhibits, crafts and kiddie rides. Five of the country's best drumming and bugle units from California to Ohio perform, followed by 30 minutes of choreographed explosives by, you guessed it, Pyro Spectaculars.

Sat., July 4, 2 p.m., 2009

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