Happy 240th birthday, America!
While the Fourth of July marks America's independence, it has become tradition to celebrate with fireworks, outdoor cook-outs, and if you live near a lake, boating.
If you're still looking for a big firework show to watch, there are 27 displays happening around the Valley.
Scroll down for more information and to find a festival closest to you.
After Dark In The Park (June 25)
Celebrate America's Independence Day a little early with a fireworks show at Deer Valley Park. Bring a couple chairs, blankets and a picnic, or buy dinner from local vendors before the show starts. There will also be music and games for the kids.
IF YOU GO:
Deer Valley Park, 19602 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix 85027
Time: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Fireworks to start at 8:45 p.m.
Admission: Free
https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/special-events/fabphx4
City of Phoenix
Light Up The Sky (July 1)
Sit back and relax inside Maryvale's baseball stadium and watch a firework show. There will be inflatable rides outside the stadium, and inside there will be food and drinks available for purchase. Best of all, the event is free.
IF YOU GO:
Maryvale Baseball Park, 3600 N. 51st Avenue, Phoenix 85031
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:10 p.m.
Admission: Free
https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/special-events/fabphx4
City of Phoenix
Red, White and Boom (July 1)
If you live in Ahwatukee, you will not want to miss the Red, White and Boom event. Have the little ones bring their bathing suit to play in the pool playground and splash pad. There will also be a zip line and carnival games. The event is $5 per person. There are two VIP options for $25: one gives you access to the Pecos Pool, the other gives you upfront seating for the fireworks. The firework display is expected to start at 9 p.m.
IF YOU GO:
Pecos Park, 17010 S. 48th Street, Phoenix 85048
Time: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Fireworks to start at 9 p.m.
Admission: $5 per person. VIP is $25
https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/special-events/fabphx4
City of Scottsdale
Scottsdale Independence Day Celebration (July 2)
Celebrate Independence Day with a big festival in Scottsdale. Besides the fireworks show, you can hop on a mechanical bull, go through some obstacle courses, hop on a ferris wheel, and listen to music. Admission is $6 - $35. Some rides are free, others are not. Visit the website for specifics.
IF YOU GO:
WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale AZ 85260
Time: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Admission: $6 - $130
http://scottsdaleindependenceday.com/
Red, White and Rawhide 2016 (July 2)
Stefani Montiel, Frankie J and Zavala lead Rawhide's Fourth of July Festival. At this year's event, there will be music, food and fireworks. The Steakhouse will be offering a special limited menu for the event.
IF YOU GO:
Rawhide Western Town, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler AZ 85226
Time: Gates open at 4 p.m.
Admission: $15 in advance, $20 at door (plus $10 to park)
www.rawhide.com
IGNITE at The Phoenician (July 2) (Open to resort guests only)
Guests at The Phoenician will be able to enjoy an indoor carnival over the Fourth of July weekend. There will be mechanical bull, basketball shootout and obstacle course. That evening, watch an airs how with pyrotechnics and then a fireworks show after that.
IF YOU GO:
The Phoenician, 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale AZ 85251
www.thephoenician.com
Lake Pleasant Harbor
Salute from the Shores: Lake Pleasant Fireworks Show (July 3)
Looking to get out of the city for the Fourth of July? Perhaps Lake Pleasant is where you'd like to go. Pleasant Harbor is hosting a festival ahead the evening fireworks show, with water slides, bounce houses and a trampoline bungee for the kids, along with DJs and food vendors. Admission is $15 per vehicle and you can bring coolers and lawn chairs.
IF YOU GO:
8708 W. Harbor Boulevard, Peoria AZ 85383
Time: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. Fireworks to start at 9 p.m.
Admission: $15 per vehicle
www.pleasantharbor.com
Courtesy: Westgate Entertainment District
Westgate Firework Fest (July 3)
Westgate Entertainment District in the West Valley is celebrating Independence Day with two music stages, games and giveaways. One stage will be near Fountain Park and the other will be in front of Gila River Arena. Kids can cool off in the splash pad and adults can grab a drink in the beer garden. If you're hungry for dinner, there are a bunch of restaurants a short walk away.
IF YOU GO:
Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Boulevard, Glendale AZ 85305
Time: 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (fireworks at 9 p.m.)
Admission: Free
www.westgateaz.com/america
Anthem
Anthem's Independence Day Celebration (July 3)
Pack your blankets and lawn chairs and head up to Anthem for its Fourth of July firework show. There will be water slides, rides and games for the kids (fee required). A $15 "all-you-can-ride" wristband will be sold day-of. You can save $3 if you buy it at the ACC Community Center.
IF YOU GO:
ACC Community Park, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem AZ
Time: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Admission: Free (food, games available for purchase)
http://www.onlineatanthem.com/independence-day-celebration
Cave Creek Third of July Fireworks
Cave Creek Third of July Fireworks Extravaganza (July 3)
Cave Creek's firework display shoots off from a hill behind Harold's Corral. However, the event is being sponsored by three local restaurants--Harold's, Roadhouse and The Horny Toad. There will be live music starting at 5 p.m., kids games and, of course, food. Doors open at 5 p.m. Admission into each restaurant is free and first come, first served. Food and games will cost extra.
IF YOU GO:
Harold's Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road (firework display happens from hill behind Harold's)
Roadhouse, 6900 E. Cave Creek Road
The Horny Toad, 6738 E. Cave Creek Road
Fireworks at Wet n Wild (July 3)
Wet n Wild is celebrating the Fourth of July on the Third with fireworks. Between July 2 and 4, active and retired U.S. military and first responders get free admission into the park. Make sure to bring ID. On July 3, Wet n Wild will celebrate with fireworks. The best viewing area is the Red Rock Ravine picnic area in the park. Fireworks are expected to start at 8:45 p.m.
IF YOU GO:
Wet n Wild, 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale AZ 85310
Admission: Normal park admission
www.wetnwildphoenix.com
Phoenix Zoo
Fourth of Zooly (July 4)
Celebrate the Fourth of July and watch Tempe’s fireworks show from the Phoenix Zoo. There will be a catered barbecue dinner, free carousel rides, special animal guest appearances, inflatable bounce houses and live entertainment. You’ll watch the show from the back of the zoo.
IF YOU GO:
Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix AZ 85008
Time: 7 – 10 p.m.
Admission: $45 – Adults (13+), $35 – children (3-12)
http://phoenixzoo.org/event-items/4th-zooly/
Mimi Murad/Arizona Diamondbacks
Fourth of July at the D-backs (July 4)
Fireworks and baseball. Is there anything better? The Arizona Diamondbacks take on the San Diego Padres on July 4. If you go, it won't be a normal baseball game. Before hand, there will be a tailgate outside the stadium with beer, hot dogs and cornhole. After the game, the roof will open and fireworks will light up the night sky.
IF YOU GO:
Chase Field (Arizona Diamondbacks vs San Diego Padres)
Time: Tailgate starts at 5 p.m., game starts at 6:40 p.m.
Admission: Varies by seat, section
http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/ari/ticketing/fourthofjuly.jsp
Courtesy City of Tempe
Tempe Town Lake Festival (July 4)
Bring your lawn chairs, a blanket, the family and some snacks to Tempe Beach Park and watch the fireworks sparkle over Tempe Town Lake. There will be music, a flyover, an inflatable village for the kids, and a beer garden for the adults.
IF YOU GO:
Tempe Town Lake Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281
Time: Gates open at 5 p.m.
Admission: $5 – General admission, $30-$60 – VIP, Free – children (12 and younger)
**Free admission for active military (must show ID)
http://www.Tempe4th.com
Fourth of July at Schnepf Farms (July 4)
Head over to Schnept Farms for the Fourth of July. There will be food trucks, fireworks, a movie (Free Willy), karaoke, a DJ light show and rides. Admission into the farm is $20 per carload. If you want to ride the rides, that is $3 each or $15 for an unlimited wristband.
IF YOU GO:
Schnepf Farms, 24610 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek AZ 85142
Time: 4 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Admission: $20 per car (games, food extra)w
www.schnepffarms.com
City of Phoenix
Fabulous Phoenix 4th (July 4)
Celebrate the Fourth at Steele Indian School Park with two stages, live music, food trucks and a classic car display. Oh yeah, once it gets dark enough, there will be fireworks. This event is free and non-alcoholic.
IF YOU GO:
Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix AZ 85012
Time: 6 – 10 p.m. Fireworks around 9:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/special-events/fabphx4
Mesa’s Arizona Celebration of Freedom (July 4)
Ring in the Fourth with a huge festival in Mesa. Zona Road, Georgia Chrome, 108th Army Band will provide live music on the main stage, while Rock Lobster and B-Platinum entertain from the Stars & Stripes Stage. For the kids, there will be carnival games and a splash zone.
IF YOU GO:
Mesa Amphitheatre, 263 N. Center Street, Mesa AZ 85201
Time: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. *Fireworks expected to start at 9:45 p.m.
Admission: Free
http://www.mesaaz.gov/things-to-do/arizona-celebration-of-freedom/faqs
City of Chandler
Chandler’s July 4th Fireworks Spectacular (July 4)
Head over to Chandler's Tumbleweed Park for its July 4 event. There will be fireworks and entertainment. New in 2016, this is a great 4th event for foodies. Score a VIP ticket -- $20 for adults, $10 for kids -- for unlimited eats from San Tan Brewery.
IF YOU GO:
Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Road, Chandler AZ 85286
Time: 4 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. *Fireworks at 9 p.m.
Admission: Free. Parking is $5 per vehicle
http://www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=162
Maricopa
Maricopa’s Great American Fourth (July 4)
Head down to Maricopa for the Great American Fourth fireworks show. Ahead of the show, there will be music by Quantum, a six-piece band. For the kids, there will be a water gun fight (bring your own water gun) and various games and inflatables. It's $5 for a children's wristband to play in the Kids Water Zone.
IF YOU GO:
Copper Sky Regional Park, 44345 W. Martin Luther King Blvd., Maricopa AZ 85138
Time: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m.
Admission: Free. Kids Water Zone is $5 (cash only) for unlimited ride wristband
http://www.maricopa-az.gov/web/gab
Peoria
Peoria’s All-American Festival (July 4)
Peoria' Fourth of July Festival includes food challenges -- slushy drinking, plus tator tot and hot dog eating. Oh boy! Besides that, there will of course be a fireworks show, games for the kids, a Water Zone and live entertainment. Feel free to bring lawn chairs, blankets and coolers (no alcohol). There is also a 51-foot water slide called the Sky Scraper.
IF YOU GO:
Peoria Sports Complex,
Time: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Admission: $7 - $10 (13+), Free - children (12 and younger). Parking is free
https://peoriasportscomplex.com/sportscontent.aspx?id=38680
Litchfield Park
July 4th Splash Bash (July 4)
Note: Non-firework event. Fireworks display at The Wigwam.
Spend the Fourth of July at the pool. Litchfield Park's annual Splash Bash will take place at the Recreational Center. Besides cooling off in the water, there will be relay races, cannonball contests and penny tosses. Love watermelon? That'll be there, too, along with water balloons and a DJ.
IF YOU GO:
Litchfield Park Recreation Center, 100 S. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park AZ 85342
Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission: $2 per person (free for pool members)
http://www.litchfield-park.org/index.aspx?nid=722
The Wigwam
Red, White & Boom at The Wigwam (July 1-3)
Special events July 1-4, fireworks on the 3rd
Head out to The Wigwam for games, food and fireworks. The event is free. There will be inflatable games and slides, plus carnival games. Game tickets for $10. Food and drink is available for purchase.
IF YOU GO:
The Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park AZ 85340
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Admission: Free. Games, food available for purchase
http://wigwamarizona.com/
Fountain Hills
Fourth at the Fountain (July 4)
One of the Valley's most well-known fountains will once again be home to the Fountain Hills Fourth of July fireworks show. The event is free and will have music and conclude with a firework display. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and water. If you're hungry, there will be vendors selling food.
IF YOU GO:
Fourth at the Fountain, 12925 N. Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Time: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.A
Admission: Free
http://www.experiencefountainhills.org/events/2016/fourth-at-the-fountain
Surprise
Surprise Fourth of July Celebration (July 4)
Ring in the Fourth of July in Surprise with a rookie league baseball game followed by a firework display. The Seattle Mariners will be taking on the Kansas City Royals. The event is free as long as you bring a canned food donation. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. The game starts at 5:30 p.m. and the firework show will start at 8:30 p.m.
IF YOU GO:
Surprise Stadium, 15960 N. Bullard Avenue
Time: Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Fireworks at 8:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
https://www.surpriseaz.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=8011
Goodyear Ballpark
Goodyear's Star Spangled Fourth (July 4)
Goodyear Ballpark is celebrating the Fourth of July with an All-American Cookout, games and fireworks. The show is free.
IF YOU GO:
Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear AZ 85338
Time: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Admission: Free (American Cookout: $10 - adults, $5 kids (12 and under)
http://www.goodyearbp.com/events/star-spangled-4th
Casa Grande
Casa Grande Fourth of July Celebration (July 4)
There are two ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in Casa Grande. You can go to the Palm Island Pool (1115 N. Brown Avenue) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's $1 for adults, 50 cents for kids. There will be different games and contests.
The second event is a fireworks show at Paul Mason Sportsplex. There will be activities from 6 to 10 p.m. including relay races, inflatables, water slides, music and contests.
IF YOU GO:
Paul Mason Sportsplex, 2525 N. Pinal Avenue, Casa Grande
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Admission: Free
www.casagrandeaz.gov
Tolleson's Independence Day Celebration (July 4)
Tolleson is celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks, inflatable water slides and watermelon. They'll also have a few eating contests, apple pie, licorice and Fruit Rollups.
IF YOU GO:
Veterans park, 8601 W. van Buren Street, Tolleson AZ 85353
Time: 4 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Admission: Free (food, drink from vendors extra)
http://az-tolleson3.civicplus.com/203/Events
Apache Junction's hometown fireworks (July 4)
Apache Junction is celebrating the Fourth of July with a day of events. A co-ed Volleyball tournament will take place in the morning at the Superstition Aquatic Center. It's limited to eight teams. There will also be live music, decorating contests and games.
IF YOU GO:
Apache Junction High School football field
Time: 8:30 p.m.
www.ajcity.net
Buckeye's Old Fashioned Independence Day Celebration (July 4)
Buckeye's Independence Day Celebration will take place at Youngker High School. There will be fun activities and food. Fireworks are expected to start at 9 p.m.
IF YOU GO:
Youngker High School, 3000 S. Apache Road, Buckeye
Time: 6 p.m - 9:30 p.m.
Admission: Free (some activities will require a fee)
www.buckeyeaz.gov
Freedom Fest at the Princess (July 1-4) (Resort guests, dine-in customers only)
The Fairmont at the Princess has a weekend full of activities, including nightly fireworks, during the Fourth of July weekend. Each night the Princess will host a country concert and fireworks. On July 2-3, there will be a vintage air show, among other activities. View schedule here.
IF YOU GO:
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale AZ
July 1-4, 2016
Admission: complimentary to resort guests, those who dine at La Hacienda, Bourbon Steak, Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar, Ironwodo American Kitchen
www.Scottsdaleprincess.com
Editor's note: Fireworks and Movie Night at Salt River Fields previously scheduled for July 3 was canceled due to unforeseen field renovations. Because of that, the entry was removed from the listing.
