A Golden Fourth: Woodbridge Turns 50
as America Turns 250
Join us for a Special Anniversary and Independence Day Celebration
The Woodbridge Village Association (WVA) will proudly commemorate its 50th Anniversary, marking five decades of community, tradition, and service. This significant milestone coincides with the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, creating a unique and meaningful opportunity to celebrate both local and national history.
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Founded in 1976, Woodbridge has grown into one of Irvine's most established and vibrant communities. Over the past 50 years, the community has fostered a strong sense of neighborhood pride through its lakes, parks, recreation programs, and signature events. This anniversary reflects not only Woodbridge's physical development, but also the enduring spirit of connection and volunteerism among its residents.
In recognition of these two historic milestones, Woodbridge Village Association will host an enhanced Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026. This year's celebration will be larger, more festive, and more meaningful than ever before, honoring Woodbridge's golden anniversary while paying tribute to America's 250 years of independence.
Join us for an explosive tradition as we celebrate the 4th of July! The celebration will feature a full day of patriotic activities, including decorative flags throughout the community, a pancake breakfast at the Woodbridge Village Center, the Ralph J. Redington 5K/10K Run and Kids Run, the Wheels on Parade featuring original homeowners and volunteers, plus many more, live entertainment, family-friendly carnival attractions, food offerings, BINGO, boating, volleyball tournament, and swimming in our beautiful lagoon.
The day-long celebration will then culminate with a professionally produced first-ever Woodbridge drone show, followed by Woodbridge's spectacular fireworks display to close the evening. Turn your eyes skyward as we light up the evening in style to honor Woodbridge's 50th Anniversary and America's 250th Birthday in one unforgettable night of light, color, and community pride. The drone show will soar approximately 400 feet into the sky, creating stunning images and formations that tell a story of community and country. The fireworks display follows the drone show and will offer a beautiful, safe, and dynamic performance that compliments the drone artistry.
Whether you are a long-time resident who remembers the early days of Woodbridge or a new family just beginning your story here, this celebration is for you. Dress in red, white, and blue, gather your friends and family, and help us make history together as we honor the community's past, celebrate its present, and look forward to its future!
Fourth of July Neighborhood Challenge
A Golden Fourth: Woodbridge Turns 50
To celebrate Woodbridge's 50th anniversary and America's 250th birthday, we invite neighbors to team up by street or block and show their patriotic pride with red, white, and blue décor and festive spirit. This friendly competition is designed to bring neighbors closer, create a fun sense of excitement leading up to the Fourth of July, and highlight the energy that makes Woodbridge such a special place to live.
The winning neighborhood will be crowned Woodbridge's First-Ever Fourth of July Neighborhood Challenge Champions and will be featured in our Reflections newsletter. Yearlong bragging rights belong to the winners!
For more information and to register for the challenge, please visit the link below.
Register for Neighborhood ChallengeNational Anthem Singer Submissions
In honor of Woodbridge's Golden Anniversary and our annual Fourth of July Ralph J. Redington 5K/10K and Kids Run, we are looking for a talented vocalist (any age) to perform the National Anthem before the races begin! Join us in helping kick off our 50th Anniversary Fourth of July celebration with a powerful and patriotic performance! We are seeking a talented vocalist (any age) to perform the National Anthem before the races begin!
If you are interested in being part of this special milestone celebration, please submit a short audition video to the Recreation Department.
Email: recreation@wva.org
Deadline: June 15th
4th of July North and South Lake Bridge Lights
In honor of Woodbridge's 50th Anniversary and America's 250th birthday, our iconic North and South Lake bridges will shine in patriotic red, white, and blue. Beginning in mid-June and continuing through the Fourth of July, the bridges will be illuminated each evening as a glowing tribute to five decades of community spirit and national pride.
We invite residents to take a leisurely evening stroll around the North and South Lakes and enjoy the beautifully lit bridges, shimmering reflections on the water, and the unforgettable scenery as we celebrate this historic milestone together.
Flags Around the Loop
Sponsored by Nestor and Michelle of REAL Broker
We are thrilled to announce that the iconic Yale Loop in Woodbridge will once again be lined with beautiful American flags this Fourth of July—thanks to the generous support of Nestor and Michelle of REAL Broker!
In honor of our special anniversary celebration and this year's exciting drone & firework show, the South Lake shore will also be adorned with flags, creating an even more spectacular patriotic display. Nestor and Michelle will be dressing up both sides of the Loop before the holiday so Woodbridge residents can wake up on the Fourth of July to a sea of red, white, and blue.
We invite all residents to join in the celebration by decorating your homes and helping turn Woodbridge into a truly patriotic community for the holiday weekend!
A heartfelt thank you to Nestor and Michelle for their wonderful and patriotic contribution to our Fourth of July celebration.
Ralph J. Redington 5K/10K Run &
1-Mile Kid's Run
50th Anniversary Fourth of July Celebration
(Golden Bib Required)
5K/10K: 7:15 a.m. Kids Run: Approximately 8:15 a.m.
Celebrate Woodbridge's Golden Anniversary by running, walking, or cheering in our beloved Fourth of July race tradition! Join your neighbors and friends for this special milestone event as we kick off our 50th Anniversary Fourth of July festivities with the Ralph J. Redington 5K/10K and Kids Run.
Expand for Full Race Details & Fees
Race Registration: All registrations will be handled online for the races. Please note the last day to register will be Friday, July 3rd at noon. No registration will be accepted after July 3rd at noon, or on the day of the race. This year's courses will start as always by the North Lake Gazebo on Barranca Parkway.
Check-in time for the 5K and 10K runs is 6:30 a.m. The 5K and 10K Runs will begin at 7:15 a.m. The Kids Run will begin at approximately 8:15 a.m.
The entry fee for early registration of 5K/10K participants is $45 per person, including an official 50th Anniversary Fourth of July race T-shirt, or $40 without a T-shirt, up until Sunday, June 14th.
The entry fee for all 5K/10K participants registering on or after Monday, June 15th through Friday, July 3rd at noon is $60 per person, which includes an official 50th Anniversary Fourth of July race T-shirt, or $55 without a T-shirt.
The entry fee for the Kids Run is $20 per child, which includes an official 50th Anniversary Fourth of July race T-shirt, or $15 per child without the T-shirt, up until Friday, July 3rd at noon.
Please note: All registrations are available online only. There will be no in person "cash" sign-up registrations prior to or on the day of the races.
Packet Pick-up: Early registration participants (registration completed by Sunday, June 14th) may pick-up their run bib numbers and T-shirts on the special pick-up day of Friday, July 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Woodbridge Community Center (31 Creek Road) to avoid long lines on the day of the race. If you registered after Sunday, June 14th, please pick-up your run bib numbers and run T-shirts at the event on Barranca Parkway on Saturday, July 4th.
Awards will be presented to first place finishers only in each age division of both men and women, and to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place overall finishers in the Kids 1-mile run for boys and girls.
Special 50th Anniversary Fourth of July Run T-Shirts will also be available for standalone purchase at the Association Office for $10 while supplies last.
Lace up your running shoes and be part of Woodbridge history as we run into 50 years of community, tradition, and patriotic pride!
Stars, Stripes & Stacks: Pancake Breakfast
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Irvine
Join us as Woodbridge proudly celebrates its 50th Anniversary alongside America's 250th Birthday with a classic community Pancake Breakfast. Enjoy fluffy pancakes and savory sausages while supporting our local merchants. This beloved event is proudly sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Irvine and brings neighbors together to kick off a historic holiday in true Woodbridge style. Pancakes will be served on Saturday, July 4th, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the courtyard at the Woodbridge Village Shopping Center. The cost is $5.00. Payment is accepted via Venmo, Zelle, and Apple Pay on site on the 4th of July. If you would like to purchase in advance click below.
Ticket required for Pancake Breakfast. Breakfast includes 2 pancakes, 2 sausages, butter, syrup, and orange juice.
Saturday, July 4th | 7:30 a.m. — 11:30 a.m.
Location: Woodbridge Village Shopping Center Courtyard | Cost: $5.00
Kiwanis Club of Irvine
Payment accepted via Venmo, Zelle and Apple Pay on site on the 4th of July.
Wheels on Parade – A Golden Anniversary Ride
(Wristbands not required)
Our annual Fourth of July Parade will once again travel along Barranca Parkway between Lake Road and Creek Road.
The parade will begin and end at the intersection of Barranca Parkway and Lake Road, looping down Barranca to Creek Road before making a U-turn and returning along the lake side of Barranca Parkway. This special route allows spectators the best opportunity to enjoy the creative and patriotic scenes as they pass by.
More parade details
Non-motorized floats have long been a cherished part of our parade tradition and are warmly welcomed to participate. In honor of Woodbridge's Golden Anniversary, ribbons will be awarded this year for First, Second, and Third Place floats.
We invite families, friends, and entire neighborhoods to come together to create festive Fourth of July–themed floats. There are no size restrictions, but all floats must be able to safely pass under the bridge on Barranca Parkway.
Important Safety Notice: At the request of the Irvine Police Department, no motorized vehicles including e-bikes are permitted in the parade. All entries must check in at the parade assembly area (located at Barranca Parkway and Lake Road, south side of the street) between 9:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
A friendly reminder to our young participants: helmets are required for bikes, scooters, and razor rides in the parade. It's not only smart — it's the law!
Join us as we roll into 50 years of tradition, community, and patriotic pride!
Honoring Woodbridge's Original Homeowners in the Wheels on Parade
(Wristbands not required)
We are seeking original Woodbridge homeowners who would like to participate in Woodbridge's Golden Anniversary Fourth of July Parade. This special milestone celebration offers a meaningful opportunity to honor the residents who helped shape our community from the very beginning. If you are interested in representing Woodbridge's original homeowners in the parade, please contact us at recreation@wva.org to reserve your seat. Please note: space is limited.
Wristband Information For South Lake Beach Club - Golden Wristbands Go On Sale May 4th
Fourth of July identification wristbands are required for the activities listed previously, with the exception of the 5K/10K and Kids Run, Wheels on Parade, and the fireworks display.
There are 3,000 wristbands available for purchase for the 4th of July. Children 2 and under are free. Wristbands are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis to adult WVA members with proper Facility ID only. Residents may purchase as many wristbands as they wish! Wristbands will be sold at the Woodbridge Community Center starting Monday, May 4th. Presale pricing is $12.00 per wristband through June 20th. Starting June 22nd wristbands will be sold at the Woodbridge Community Center for $15.00 through July 3rd. If wristbands are still available they will be sold at the South Lake Beach Club on July 4th starting at 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or until sold out, at a cost of $20.00 each – so buy yours early and save!
Be sure to wear your wristbands on the 4th! Not only will it allow you entrance to the day's events, but it will also make you eligible for prize drawings that will be held through the day. Must be present to win.
Expand for Pricing & Prize Info
- Presale (May 4 thru June 20): $12.00 at WCC
- Standard (June 22 - July 3): $15.00 at WCC
- Event Day (July 4): $20.00 at SLBC (starting 9 AM) or until sold out - so buy yours early and save!
Wristbands are required for entry to the South Lake Beach Club on July 4th. Wear your wristbands on the 4th to be eligible for prize drawings held through the day. Must be present to win.
4th of July Line Guidelines for South Lake Beach Club
The Woodbridge Village Association looks forward to celebrating the 4th of July with residents at South Lake Beach Club on Saturday, July 4th!
To ensure a safe, fair, and organized experience for everyone, please review the following guidelines if you choose to line up early:
Line Formation:
- The line to enter South Lake Beach Club may not begin forming until 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3rd.
- Residents who arrive prior to 10:00 a.m. on July 3rd will be asked to return at the designated start time. Early line formation is not permitted. Placing empty beach chairs or other items to hold space, or holding space for someone else, is not permitted.
Remaining in Line:
- Residents who choose to get in line must remain physically present.
- If a brief restroom or food break is needed on July 3rd, at least one member of the party must remain in line at all times.
- Extended absences are not permitted.
Coupon Distribution for Tables & Chairs:
- Individuals may not be added to a group in line on the morning of July 4th for the purpose of collecting additional table or chair coupons.
- All individuals must be present at the time coupons are distributed.
These guidelines are in place to maintain fairness and create a positive experience for all residents.
We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to celebrating Independence Day together at South Lake Beach Club!
Love at First Bite, SLBC Food Vendor
Love at First Bite will be serving delicious festival favorites at the South Lake Beach Club. More information coming soon.
* Food service is available at South Lake Beach Club on July 4th. Wristband required for entry.
About Town Bartending, SLBC Beverage Vendor
We're thrilled to welcome About Town Bartending as part of our Golden Fourth celebration, honoring 50 years of Woodbridge and 250 years of America. For this special event at South Lake Beach Club, they'll be serving a festive lineup of ice-cold beer, refreshing signature cocktails, and a celebratory mocktail, all available for purchase throughout the day.
Since 1999, About Town Bartending has brought great drinks and great energy to 5,000+ events across Southern California, serving more than half a million cocktails along the way. We're proud to have them help keep the celebration flowing as our community gathers to enjoy the sunshine, great company, and this truly monumental Fourth of July.
* Beverage service is available at South Lake Beach Club on July 4th. Wristband required for entry.
Carnival
Wristbands Required
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Step right up and join the fun at the South Lake Beach Club for a classic, old-fashioned carnival experience! Enjoy family-friendly favorites like Dual Lane Inflatable Zip Line Adventure, Laser Tag, Bungee Trampoline, Rock Climbing Wall, Giant Inflatable Double Lane Slide, Baseball Battle, Football Challenge, Bounce House, Glitter Body Art Station, Photo Booth, Balloon Artist and much more.
Tickets are required for all rides and games. Tickets may be purchased with cash or card at South Lake Beach Club.
Bring the whole family and make some unforgettable memories as part of Woodbridge's Golden Anniversary Fourth of July Celebration!
Golden Anniversary Boat Races
Celebrate Woodbridge's Golden Anniversary with exciting Fourth of July Boat Races at the South Lake Dock! Compete or cheer on races featuring paddle boats, canoes, hydro-bikes, and sabots throughout the afternoon.
Sign-ups will be taken at the dock house. Pedal boat race sign-ups begin at 11:30 a.m. All other events will accept sign-ups one hour before each race.
Winners of each heat will advance to the Finals, with awards given to first-place finishers in each event.
Race Schedule (approximate):
- 12:00 p.m. – Paddle Boats (2 per boat)
- 1:30 p.m. – Canoes (2 per boat)
- 3:00 p.m. – Hydro-Bikes (ages 12+)
- 4:00 p.m. – Sabots
- 5:15 p.m. – Finals
No boat rentals are available at the South Lake Dock on July 4th.
50th Anniversary Edition
Beach Chair B-I-N-G-O
(Wristbands Required)
Play BINGO from your beach chair and be part of Woodbridge's Golden Anniversary Fourth of July celebration! Beachside BINGO returns to the South Lake Beach Club for a full afternoon of fun, sun, and friendly competition.
The first game begins at approximately 12:30 p.m., with games continuing throughout the day. Two games will be played every hour, for a total of eight exciting games.
Each game will have one lucky winner who will take home a prize ($50). If more than one player wins a game, a fun card draw will determine the final winner - highest card wins!
Don't miss your chance to shout "BINGO!" and celebrate 50 years of community with us. Grab a chair, bring your friends, and join the fun!
Red, White, and Blue Volleyball Tournament
(wristbands required)
2:30 p.m. sign-ups
Matches begin at approximately 3:00 p.m.
Celebrate Woodbridge's Golden Anniversary with some friendly competition at our Fourth of July Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament at the South Lake Beach Club!
Teams will be co-ed with a limited number of players per team and must include at least two female players. Team entries will be accepted in person only at the South Lake Beach Club volleyball courts on July 4 at 2:30 p.m., and play will begin immediately after registration. Teams will officiate their own matches.
Gather your neighbors, friends, and family and show off your skills and team spirit! A special award will be presented to the first-place team in honor of our 50th Anniversary celebration.
Please remember, this is a fun, family-friendly event and participation is first-come, first-served. Come play and celebrate 50 years of community and tradition with us.
Free Shuttle
The Woodbridge shuttle will be available to pick up your party. The shuttle route will travel clockwise and pick up people who are on East or West Yale Loop, at the North Lake Beach Club, or at the South Lake Beach Club. The shuttle picks up riders on the inner part of the loop. The shuttle will be running from noon to 11:00 p.m.
If the shuttle does not come by your location on East or West Yale Loop, or at North Lake Beach Club, please call the Association Office at (949) 786-1800 and the shuttle will be directed to your location.
- Pick-up: Riders on the inner part of the loop.
- Hours: Running from noon to 11:00 p.m.
- Dispatch: If the shuttle does not come by your location, please call the Association Office at (949) 786-1800 and the shuttle will be directed to your location.
Please note there is only one shuttle and it can take a minimum of 30 minutes to make it around the loop.
Drone & Fireworks Spectacular
Show Starts Promptly at 9:00 PM
50 Years of Community, 250 Years of Freedom
Woodbridge's Fourth of July Drone & Fireworks Celebration
Turn your eyes to the sky and prepare to be amazed as Woodbridge celebrates an extraordinary Fourth of July with a breathtaking Drone Show and Fireworks Spectacular honoring both Woodbridge's 50th Anniversary and America's 250th Birthday in one unforgettable night of light, color, and community pride.
This year's show will be launched from the south side of Woodbridge, with the primary display area centered near the South Lake Beach Club, East Yale Loop, and Springbrook South. The celebration begins promptly at 9:00 p.m., transforming the night sky into a canvas of dazzling motion and patriotic brilliance.
The drone show will soar approximately 400 feet into the sky, creating stunning images and formations that tell a story of community and country. The fireworks display follows the drone show and will feature 3-inch shells in compliance with Orange County Fire Authority requirements, offering a beautiful, safe, and dynamic performance that complements the drone artistry. The best experience for viewing will be from the south side of Woodbridge. Ideal viewing areas include South Lake Beach Club (wristbands required), East Yale Loop near Springbrook South, South Lake Middle School, and Springbrook Elementary School, to name a few areas.
Residents are encouraged to arrive early to secure a viewing spot, whether at the South Lake Beach Club (wristbands required for entry) or at nearby neighborhood viewing areas throughout the south side of the Village.
Expand For Details
For safety and show preparation, the following areas will be closed all day on July 4:
- Wintermist Pool, parking lot, and Retention Basin, including the Garden Club plots (for fireworks staging)
- South Lake Tennis Club Courts 19 and 20 (for drone show staging)
We appreciate your cooperation as we prepare for this historic celebration.
Join your neighbors and friends as Woodbridge proudly marks 50 years of community, tradition, and connection alongside 250 years of American independence. This spectacular night of drones and fireworks promises to be one of the most memorable moments in Woodbridge history; a true celebration of past, present, and future under one brilliant sky.
Sponsorship Opportunities
A Golden Fourth: Woodbridge Turns 50
Join us in celebrating Woodbridge's 50th Anniversary and America's birthday with a full day of family fun, patriotic entertainment, and a spectacular drone and fireworks show. Sponsorship offers valuable community exposure and the opportunity to support one of Irvine's most cherished traditions. View available sponsorship tiers at the link below:
Deadline to submit your sponsorship: April 30th.
View Sponsorship Opportunities