And it won’t just be on the holiday itself. Since the midsummer holiday happens (more or less) in the middle of the week, Fourth of July parties and events will be happening from Wednesday, July 3, until Saturday, July 6. That should come as good news to those of you planning to go wild out and stretch a one-day holiday into a five-day weekend.
Here’s a look at some of the most notable Independence Day-themed affairs in the Valley worth checking out. Throw on your star-spangled swimwear, grab some sparklers, and get ready to celebrate your right to party.
Pre-4th of July Bash
Wednesday, July 3Wasted Grain
7295 East Stetson Drive, Scottsdale
Tribute band The Zeppelin IV will rock out in the main room at Wasted Grain the night before Independence Day while the bar will serve $3 you-call-it cocktails from 8 to 10 p.m. Meanwhile, DJs will be holding it down in the Bubble Room on the second floor. Doors open at 7 p.m. Call 480-970-0500 for details
Spindependance Party
Wednesday, July 3Last Exit Live
717 North Central Avenue
The DJs of Peaks & Valleys — including Edward Navarro and Scotty Oh! — will perform at this dance party taking place the night before the holiday. Anton, Loukoumi, Blake Walker, and DJ Cocoe will also be in the mix. Things get going at 9 p.m. Admission is $7 (cash only). See the event's Facebook page for more info.
Roast of America
Wednesday, July 3Crescent Ballroom
308 North Second Avenue
Anwar Newton will play the role of roastmaster as he and other local comedians celebrate the First Amendment by cracking wise on the U.S. of A. during this zinger-filled event, which benefits the Arizona ACLU. The jokes start at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 in advance, $10 at the door. Call 602-716-2222 for more details.
The Uncommon Good Fourth of July
Wednesday, July 3Rockbar Inc.
4245 North Craftsman Court, Scottsdale
Local rock band Jay Allan and the Uncommon Good will perform a special show on Independence Day eve along with special guest Gabo De Fayuca. The show starts at 8 p.m. Admission is $5. Call 480-331-9190 or see Rockbar's website for more info.
Night Swim Pool Party
Wednesday, July 3Maya Day & Nightclub
7333 East Indian Plaza, Scottsdale
Anna Lunoe and Codes will both DJ during a pre-Fourth of July edition of Maya’s Night Swim pool party. They'll have all of the usual trappings, including pool toys, drinks, and maybe even some red, white, and blue swag. Gates open at 10 p.m. Tickets for the party are $15 online. Call 480-625-0528 for cabana rentals or more information.
BOOM!
Wednesday, July 3Charlie Trumbull's
526 South Mill Avenue, Tempe
Local DJs Nathan Reeser, Briggs, Macefacekilla, Kody Black, DJayT3, and Mercy will be in the mix during this Independence Day eve dance party at Trumbull's. Drink specials include $5 prickly pear Red Bull vodkas all evening long. The beats start bumping at 9 p.m. and there’s no cover.
Carnaval Latino Pre-4th of July Fiesta
Wednesday, July 3Karamba Nightclub
1724 East McDowell Road
Ariel Versace from season 11 of RuPaul's Drag Race, local star Khloe Layla Malone, and other female illusionists and drag artists will strut their stuff at Karamba on Wednesday night. A bevy of hunky go-go boys will also perform. Doors are at 9 p.m. and the party goes until 4 a.m. with after-hours dancing for the 18-and-over crowd after 2 a.m. There’s a $10 cover (which includes a meet-and-greet with the performers). Call 602-254-0231.
All-American Fourth of July Bash
Thursday, July 4Roosters Country
3731 East Main Street, Mesa
Come hungry to this Southern-fried celebration, as there will be free food and a "best beans challenge" with cash prizes. A pool tournament starts at 2 p.m., and they'll also have karaoke, games, and other fun. It all starts at 1 p.m. and admission is free. Call 480-985-4088.
4th of July Weekend
Thursday, July 4, to Sunday, July 7Lustre Rooftop Bar
2 East Jefferson Street
Partake in four days of festivities and poolside fun at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix’s outdoor lounge and bar. There will be live bands from 1 to 4 p.m., Friday through Sunday, as well as cocktails, a full menu, and plenty of people-watching. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and it's free to attend. Call 602-258-0231 or see the Lustre website for more info.
Freedom Rock Fourth of July
Thursday, July 4Thunderbird Lounge
710 West Montecito Avenue
The famed 1987 classic rock compilation Freedom Rock (as in, "Hey man, is that Freedom Rock? Well turn it up, man!") is the inspiration behind this Fourth of July party at the Thunderbird. As such, the legendary hits of many of the artists featured on the album — including Harry Nilsson, Deep Purple, The Byrds, Three Dog Night, Jefferson Airplane, Lynrd Skynrd — will be spun on the sound system. They’ll also have hot dogs from Short Leash for purchase, yard and arcade games, and other grooviness. 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., free. Call 602-283-4621.
Good Timin’ Pool Party
Thursday, July 4Clarendon Hotel
401 West Clarendon Avenue
DJ MyKill and Sean Watson will be in the mix at this Independence Day pool party at The Clarendon. Expect hot dogs and hamburgers, drinks, games, and other festive revelries. The party goes from 1 to 6 p.m. It's $15 for general admission and $20 for VIP access (which includes complimentary towel rental, access to indoor cabanas with a private server, complimentary snacks and water, and access to the sky deck for evening festivities). Call 602-252-7363 or see the Facebook event page for more information.
IndepenDANCE Day Pool Party
Thursday, July 4Maya Day & Nightclub
7333 East Indian Plaza
The dayclub at Maya will be filled with tropical house, future bass, and trap when the DJ trio Cheat Codes take over the sound system on the Fourth of July during Maya’s afternoon pool party. You can also expect aerialists performing overhead, bottle service, pool toys, and plenty of Scottsdale-style shenanigans. Gates open at noon and tickets are $10. Call 480-625-0528.
Red, White & Bubbly
Thursday, July 4W Scottsdale Hotel
7277 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale
The WET Deck at the W will host an afternoon-long pool party steeped in style on the Fourth of July. Several local DJs – including Aaron Taylor, Complex, Ray Cache, Joey T, and David Anthony – will provide the beats while bartenders will be serving Champagne and specialty cocktails. The affair kicks off at noon and goes until 6 p.m. Stick around for the fireworks, which will start at 9 p.m. Call 602-405-0099 for VIP cabana or daybed reservations and admission info.
Post-Independence Day Party
Friday, July 5Yucca Tap Room
29 West Southern Avenue, Tempe
Female folk-punk artist Critical Miss will perform with a full band at this post-Fourth of July showcase. Others scheduled to perform include Madd Dog Tannen, Cowpunk K, Lars Petrini, and San Diego-based punk/surf band Fall Children. The jams kick off at 8 p.m. and admission is free.
Release Pool Party – Independence Weekend
Saturday, July 6Talking Stick Resort
9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale
Several local DJs are scheduled to perform at this Independence Day weekend edition of the resort’s Release pool party. The lineup includes Bardz, Elwer, Frank Terry, Lujan, Medicine Mike, and Tryb. The party runs from 1 to 8 p.m. Admission is free. Call 480-850-7777 for more info.
Independence Day Latin Party
Saturday, July 6Club DWNTWN
702 North Central Avenue
Local banda ensemble Banda La Maciza will perform during this festive affair at Club DWNTWN on Saturday night. Meanwhile, DJs like Eokis, Pacman, Netto, and Rickrock will be getting culos moving with Latin dance jams in another part of the club. The 21-and-over affair goes from 9 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. General admission is $10 and ladies can get in free until 9:30 p.m.
