Editor's note (June 30) Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued a new executive order on June 29 that banned events larger than 50 people, delayed the fall start of in-person school, and ordered bars, movie theaters, and gyms to close for at least 30 days. In wake of that order, some cities have canceled their fireworks displays. Other cities had previously decided against hosting Fourth of July fireworks due to social distancing concerns.
As it stands, Chandler, Gilbert, Goodyear, Peoria, and Surprise have since canceled their fireworks displays. Shows are still planned for Mesa, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, and WestWorld of Scottsdale. Others were still reviewing the governor's executive order and had not yet made a decision.
We have removed the entries for events we have confirmed were canceled from the listing below.
Original article:
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and requirements to physically distance, Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks in the Phoenix area will look and feel different than last year.
Some communities and venues have canceled their events, including Anthem, Avondale, Buckeye, Fountain Hills, Phoenix, and Tempe. Fort McDowell Casino near Fountain Hills and Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale have also canceled their Independence Day fireworks.
Not all are canceled, however. Fireworks are still planned at celebrations in Apache Junction, Chandler, Gilbert, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Maricopa, Mesa, Peoria, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Surprise.
For most, the events have gone from the look of a festival with food trucks and music to that of a drive-in, with families and friends watching the show from inside their vehicles.
Spokespersons for Apache Junction and Maricopa confirmed to ABC15 that they would have fireworks, but their plans were not yet finalized. We'll update our story once we get more information.
If you're looking to get out and see fireworks, here is where and when to watch, and what you need to know.
THE WIGWAM'S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Because of COVID-19, The Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park has canceled its "Red, White & Boom" festival this year, but still plans to light fireworks.
Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9 p.m. However, only those staying at the resort or who have a reservation at Red's Bar & Grill will be allowed on the property. The public is asked to watch the fireworks remotely, from their homes or vehicles.
MARICOPA
The City of Maricopa, which is about 30 minutes south of Phoenix, will not have its yearly festival this year, but will light fireworks on Saturday, July 4. Fireworks are set for 9 p.m.
There will be two shows: one on the north end of town and the other on the south end of town, according to a news release. The 15-minute shows will start simultaneously. There is no on-site parking available to watch them so people are asked to watch fireworks from home.
MESA'S ARIZONA CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM
Like other cities, the City of Mesa has turned its yearly "Arizona Celebration of Freedom" event into a drive-in-style fireworks show. The fireworks can be viewed Saturday, July 4, from the parking lot of the now-closed Fiesta Mall, 1425 W. Southern Avenue. Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9 p.m. and last until 9:30 p.m.
Cars will be parked in every other parking space. People are allowed to bring food, non-alcoholic drinks, chairs and blankets, as long as they socially distance themselves from other groups. There will be no vendors on site. More information.
PRESCOTT'S FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS SHOW
Those looking to see fireworks and perhaps enjoy some slightly cooler temperatures can head to Prescott, which is about an hour and 45 minutes north of Phoenix. The City of Prescott will light its Fourth of July fireworks over Watson Lake on Saturday, July 4. Like others, due to COVID-19, organizers have turned the event into a drive-in and made some other changes.
Parking at Watson Lake opens at 5 p.m. and parking along Highway 89 opens at 7 p.m. The cost is $10. Both lots are first-come, first-served. People will have to enter both lots via the Willow Lake Road/Highway 89 roundabout, a news release said. Due to the pandemic, there is no shuttle, inflatables, water slides, or beer garden this year. However, people are allowed to bring outside
food and drinks in. There will be a "limited" amount of food vendors. More information.
SCHNEPF FARMS' HOMETOWN FOURTH
Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek will host its annual Fourth of July festival on Saturday, July 4. The event will have DJs, food trucks, craft vendors, beer and wine, and a 30-minute evening fireworks show, according to the farm's website.
Parking spots, which count as general admission, are $25 per vehicle and are only being sold via the farm's website, www.schnepffarms.com.Tickets will not be sold at the gate. VIP tickets are $65, sold per person, and include private parking, a catered dinner, and a front-row seat to the fireworks, according to the website. People are allowed to bring their own food, drinks (no alcohol), dogs, flags, blankets, chairs, and tents. More information.
SCOTTSDALE FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Scottsdale will host its yearly Fourth of July fireworks show on Saturday, July 4, at WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road.
Like other cities, Scottsdale has turned its event into a drive-in where people will watch the show from inside their vehicles. Tickets are $25 per vehicle and can be purchased online. The parking lot opens at 7 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9 p.m. More information.
Editor's note: Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers were going to perform a concert during the event, but a spokesperson for the event said they were no longer performing. We have updated this entry.
FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale will host nightly fireworks, July 2-4, 2020, as part of its Fourth of July celebration. It will also host a vintage air show on July 4 at 4:45 p.m. Those activities are open to guests staying at the resort and to those who eat at one of the resort's restaurants the day of. More information.
