Around this time of year, you're probably wondering if it's only going to get hotter and more miserable. As y'all should know by now, it will, and there's little you can do about it (short of moving to another city) except try to keep cool when heading outdoors. And since most of the Fourth of July festivities on Friday take place outside, you're going to want to leave your air-conditioned sanctuary, at least for a few hours, if you want to participate.
Thankfully, there's a way to both beat the heat and celebrate the holiday in style via the various Fourth of July pool parties that will take place around the Valley from Friday, July 4, to Sunday, July 6.
See also: 10 Places to See Fourth of July Fireworks in Metro Phoenix
Hotels, resorts, and other locations in both Phoenix and Scottsdale will host these Independence Day weekend wingdings, each with its own vibe and thrills. (Note: Some stayover spots require you to be a guest to attend its poolside Fourth of July festivities, while others will be open to the general public.)
A few parties will even feature epic fireworks shows. Speaking of which, leave the pyrotechnics to the pros and refrain from lighting up a sparkler while going for a swim, since that probably won't work out too well.
When the fireworks start going off at 9 p.m. on the Fourth of July, the second floor deck at the W Scottsdale will offer excellent views of all the colorful explosions happening in the skies above the hotel. Leading up to the skyrocket spectacle will be a day of sun-worshiping, swimming, sipping, and sweet sounds during the WET Pool Party on Friday, July 4. Dive into the W's stylish pool, imbibe one of its many specialty cocktails, or play life-sized games of checkers, Connect Four, and Jenga. The party starts at 11 a.m. Admission is free for hotel guests, $20 for the general public.
Take a sip of one of the craft cocktails made with Tito's Handmade Vodka or take a dip into the Hotel Palomar's third-floor pool during the All American Independence Day Party on Friday, July 4, at Lustre. Barbecue will also be served, games like cornhole and "champong" (a.k.a. beer pong with champagne) will take place, and prizes for the coolest red, white, and blue outfits will be awarded. Hours are from 11 a.m. to midnight on Independence Day. Free for hotel guests, $10 for everyone else. (Similar pool parties will take place from 11 a.m.-midnight on Saturday, July 5, and from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, which features free admission.)
Maya's Independence Day festival on Friday, July 4, around its pool will be a virtual feast for the senses that kicks off in the afternoon and runs long into the night. Fire performers, go-go dancers, and stilt walkers will delight the eyes. While its in-house bars and taco stand will be serving food and drinks, the cabanas and daybeds will provide posh partying space, fun inflatable pool toys will be handed out, and various DJs will be in the mix. Doors open at noon. General admission is $20, while the VIP treatment is $40 and includes priority admission, access to a special seating area and private bar with primo cocktails, and more.
This ultra-colorful boutique hotel in Scottsdale will offer patriotic partying in abundance during its afternoon-long Americana Pool Party on Friday, July 4. A variety of rotating drink specials will be available throughout the day and ladies who come dressed in bikinis before 2 p.m. can get in for free, while men who sign up for the online guest list can get half-priced admission. The party runs from noon until 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.
If you happen to be doing the staycation thing at the Scottsdale mid-century spot over the Fourth of July weekend, then you'll get to participate in the Valley Ho's celebration at its OH Pool on Friday, July 4. Guests can go for a swim, enjoy a performance by Elvis Before Noon from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., or partake in the deals on food, drinks, and select specialty cocktails being offered at various time throughout the day. The pool opens at 10 a.m.
Celebrating the holiday doesn't necessarily have to be limited to just the holiday itself, as Talking Stick will offer its Release Pool Party over three straight days from Friday, July 4, to Sunday, July 6, with thrice the 21-and-over thrills. The back-to-back-to-back affairs at the resort's pool will kick off on Independence Day and run through the entire weekend with the chance to soak up the sun in style in a VIP cabana or on a day bed, score beer and cocktail specials, and nab giveaways while guest DJs perform. Admission prices vary per day: the cover will be $20 for men and $10 for women on Friday, while Saturday and Sunday admission is $10 for dudes and free for the ladies.
