What could make this year's Fourth of July more fun? How about the fact that it falls on Friday? Celebrate your shortened work week and your American independence with food, games, and most importantly fireworks. From the East Valley to the West Valley and everywhere in between, here are our top picks for seeing stars and stripes in the sky.
See also: Modified Arts to Host Independents' Week Exhibition
July Fourth Tempe Town Lake Festival
The Kiwanis Club of Tempe is throwing its 63rd Annual Fireworks Spectacular at Tempe Beach Park with the July Fourth Tempe Town Lake Festival. Attractions at this event start at 5 p.m. and include live music, a food court, an inflatable recreation village, and a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m.Tickets are $5 for general admission or $30 to $60 for access to the VIP garden. For more information, visit www.tempe4th.com.
Arizona Celebration of Freedom
Stop by Mesa Convention Center as it hosts the Arizona Celebration of Freedom with a full evening of events including a Revolutionary War re-enactment, a classic car show, an American arts and culture showcase, historical presentations, and, of course, a fireworks show. Activities start at 6 p.m., fireworks run from 9:45 to 10:05 p.m. For more information, visit www.azcelebrationoffreedom.org.
Scottsdale Fourth of July Celebration
WestWorld of Scottsdale will be welcoming the Fourth of July with all-ages activities like laser tag, rock climbing, archery, video games, BMX and skateboard shows from X Games competitors, plus a beer garden and an ice cream village. Festivities start at 2 p.m. The fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. General admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door, while VIP is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For details, visit www.westworldaz.com or call 1-866-977-6849.
Peoria All American Festival for July Fourth
Peoria is getting patriotic with the All American Festival at Peoria Sports Complex. This community event features live music, hot dog eating contests, cornhole tournaments, and water zones. Events run from 5 to 10 p.m., with fireworks starting at 9:15 p.m. Admission is $5. Visit peoriasportscomplex.com for more information.
Fourth of July Cave Creek Fireworks & Food Trucks Extravaganza
Cave Creek is celebrating the Fourth of July with a firework and food truck extravaganza from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. This event will include live music, kids play areas, water rides, a beer garden, and definitely some fireworks. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for kids. VIP tables are available for $175. For more information, visit cavecreekevents.weebly.com.
Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix will be commemorating this Independence Day all day long with its usual attraction of water park rides, as well as an all-you-can-eat barbecue picnic and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Tickets for the Fourth of July picnic are $12.99 ($10.99 for season pass holders). For more information, visit wetnwildphoenix.com.
The Phoenix Zoo will be celebrating the Fourth of Zoo-Ly with an all-American barbecue dinner, face painting, carousel rides, animal guests, music, and a special view of the fireworks over Tempe Town Lake. Tickets are $45 for adults and $35 for children. For details, visit phoenixzoo.org.
Chandler's Independence Day Celebration
The Chandler Lions Club is partnering up with the City of Chandler to host an Independence Day Celebration from 4 to 10 p.m. at Tumbleweed Park. The all-ages event will offer live music, a kids carnival, a bike parade, a 35-foot water slide, a rock climbing wall, dunk tank, plus food and truck vendors on site. The fireworks show will start at 9:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnics, but alcohol is prohibited. Admission is free, and parking is $5. For more information, visit www.chandleraz.gov/special-events.
The Westgate Entertainment District is doing Independence Day in style with live music, grab-and-go dinner deals from restaurants in the area, a beer garden, an all-American classic car show, and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. Admission is free. Visit westgateaz.com/fourth.
Independence Day at Schnepf Farms
Schnepf Farms will be kicking off the Fourth of July festivities at 6 p.m. with free games, a watermelon spitting contest, raffles, food trucks, and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. This event is a family-friendly affair, and alcohol is not allowed. Admission is $10 per car or 10 cans of food. More information can be found at www.schnepffarms.com.
