PHOENIX — Fireworks will light the skies this weekend to celebrate America's Independence Day as cities across the Valley again plan to host Fourth of July festivities.
Many events were canceled last year because of the pandemic, while others transitioned to a drive-in format.
This year, events will be drive-in, in person, and a mix of both. Buckeye, Chandler, and Mesa will have drive-in events, Scottsdale is offering both drive-in and in-person, and Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Goodyear, Peoria, Surprise, and others will have traditional in-person events.
Tempe and Phoenix will not put on their events this year.
Under Arizona law, any firework that goes into the air -- Roman candles, bottle rockets, aerial firework shells -- is generally illegal unless part of an approved, professional display. Allowed consumer fireworks include spinners, fountains, sparklers, smoke bombs, party poppers, Pop-Its, and glow worms.
Here are two visual guides from City of Chandler and City of Tempe
If you're planning ahead, here are some of the Fourth of July fireworks that are happening around the Valley. As more events are announced, we'll update our listing.
JULY 3 EVENTS
Phoenix Rising FC vs. LA Galaxy II- July 3
Phoenix Rising FC will take on the LA Galaxy II on July 3, 2021, at their new home field at Wild Horse Pass, part of the Gila River Indian Community, near Interstate 10 at Wild Horse Boulevard. That night will also be Military Appreciation Night, and there will be fireworks after the game. The match starts at 7:30 p.m.
Details: July 3, 2021, 7:30 p.m., Wild Horse Pass, Interstate 10 and Wild Horse Pass Blvd.; https://www.phxrisingfc.com
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Francisco Giants Postgame Fireworks Spectacular - July 3 & 4
Baseball, America's favorite pastime, Fourth of July weekend, and fireworks. The D-backs take on the Giants for a four-game series at Chase Field over the Fourth of July weekend. Following the games on July 3 & 4, the roof will open for a postgame fireworks show. Tickets to the game are required and available.
Details: July 3, 7:10 p.m., July 4, 2021, 6:10 p.m., Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004; www.mlb.com/dbacks/tickets
Anthem's Independence Day Celebration - July 3
Anthem will hold a free Independence Day event on July 3, 2021, at its Community Park. There will be rides, water slides, music and dancing, festival food, and a beer garden. The event runs 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. While free, food, drink, and some activities have their own costs.
Details: Free; July 3, 2021, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m; Anthem Community Park, 41703 N Gavilan Peak Pkwy., Anthem, AZ 85086; https://www.onlineatanthem.com/events
Mesa's Arizona Celebration of Freedom - July 3
Citing an "abundance of caution" amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Mesa will again host a free drive-in Fourth of July fireworks show in the parking lot of the now-closed Fiesta Mall. The free event will be held on July 3, 2021. Parking lots will open at 7 p.m. and fireworks will start at 9 p.m. There will be restrooms, but no food or drink vendors on-site.
Details: Free; July 3, 2021; parking lot opens at 7 p.m., fireworks will start at 9 p.m.; Fiesta Mall, 1425 W. Southern Avenue, Mesa AZ 85202; http://www.arizonacelebrationoffreedom.com
Celebrate America 2021 - Lake Pleasant Fireworks - July 3
Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant will host its yearly Fourth of July event on July 3, 2021. There will be food trucks, kids activities, water slides, bounce houses, live music, and fireworks. The event runs 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. and fireworks start at 9 p.m. Admission is $20-$50 per vehicle.
Details: July 3, 2021, 5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m; Pleasant Harbor, 8708 W. Harbor Boulevard, Peoria AZ 85383; $20 per vehicle, $50 for vehicles, trailers, and boats; https://pleasantharbor.com
JULY 4 EVENTS
Apache Junction Fourth of July Fireworks
Apache Junction will host its Fourth of July fireworks show on July 4, 2021, on the Apache Junction High School's football field. The parking lot opens at 6 p.m. and people are encouraged to park early as there are a limited number of parking spots. There will also be live music, family games and activities, and face painting. Fireworks are set to begin at 8:30 p.m. The event is free, but some activities will have their own costs.
Details: Free; July 4, 2021, 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., fireworks at 8:30 p.m; Apache Junction High School, 2525 S Ironwood Dr, Apache Junction, AZ 85120.
Buckeye's Independence Day Celebration
Buckeye will hold its Fourth of July fireworks show on July 4, 2021, at Buckeye Airport. It will be a drive-in/tailgate-style event. There will be food trucks, vendors, music, and of course, fireworks. The parking lot opens at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin around 8:45 p.m.
Details: Free; July 4, 2021, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m; Buckeye Airport, 3000 S. Palo Verde Road, Buckeye, AZ 85326; www.buckeyeaz.gov
Chandler July 4th Fireworks Spectacular
After canceling its event in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chandler will host a drive-in Independence Day fireworks show on July 4 at Tumbleweed Park. Parking passes are $5 each and can be bought on the city's website starting June 17, chandleraz.gov/4thofjuly. Parking lots will open at 7 p.m. and fireworks will start at 9 p.m. There will also be a grassy area to watch the fireworks, food trucks, and vendors.
Details: July 4, 2021; parking lot opens at 7 p.m., fireworks start promptly at 9 p.m; Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S McQueen Road, Chandler, AZ 85286. Parking passes are $5; chandleraz.gov/4thofjuly
Fourth at the Fountain
Fountain Hills' Independence Day event will be held on July 4, 2021, at Fountain Park, home to its iconic water fountain. There will be live music from Rock Lobster, an Arizona cover band, food vendors, and fireworks. People are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, and food. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks will start at 9 p.m.
Details: Free; July 4, 2021, 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m; Fountain Park, 12925 N. Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills AZ 85268; www.experiencefountainhills.org
Gilbert 4th of July Celebration
This year's Fourth of July fireworks show will be held at Gilbert's Regional Park. The free event will have live music, food trucks, and fireworks, according to Gilbert's website. The event runs 5:30 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. with fireworks starting at 8:45 p.m. While the event is free, VIP parking passes were available for purchase (now sold out). Parking is limited.
Details: Free; July 4, 2021, 5:30 p.m. - 9:15 p.m, fireworks set to start at 8:45 p.m.; Gilbert Regional Park, 3005 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert AZ 85298; https://www.gilbertaz.gov
Goodyear Star Spangled Fourth
Goodyear's Fourth of July fireworks show will be held July 4, 2021, at Goodyear Ballpark. Brenna Hosey, festival and event coordinator, said this year's fireworks would be the "highest and largest" fireworks show that Goodyear has put on. There will also be live music, family activities, and bounce houses. People will be able to watch from inside the stadium or from their vehicles in the parking lot. Fireworks will start at 9 p.m.
Details: Free; July 4, 2021, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.; Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way Goodyear AZ 85338; https://www.goodyearaz.gov
Maricopa's Great American 4th & Tailgate
The City of Maricopa, which is about 30 minutes south of Phoenix, will once again have its yearly Fourth of July fireworks at Copper Sky Park. Details are still being confirmed, but there will be live music and fireworks. Fireworks will start at 9 p.m. People can also pay for a specialty parking pass that will allow them to grill and tailgate prior to the fireworks.
Details: July 4, 2021, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m., Copper Sky Park, 44345 MLK Jr. Blvd., Maricopa AZ 85138; www.Ga4th.com
Peoria's All-American Festival
Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers will headline Peoria's All-American Festival on July 4, 2021, at Peoria Sports Complex. There will also be family-friendly entertainment, concessions, and fireworks. The event is free, but there is a VIP experience with a buffet, private restrooms, and air-conditioning that people can purchase. Fireworks are set to start at 9:15 p.m.
Details: Free; July 4, 2021, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., fireworks at 9:15 p.m., Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria AZ 85382; www.peoriaaz.gov/events
Subaru Presents Scottsdale 4th of July Celebration at WestWorld
Scottsdale's Fourth of July event will once again be held at WestWorld of Scottsdale. There will be three ways to watch the fireworks this year: an indoor, in-person BBQ with games, live music, and premium seating; a large parking spot on the polo field where people can bring their own chairs, blankets, food and drink; or a smaller viewing area from the parking lot. Tickets to the BBQ are $18-$36 per person. Parking on the polo field is $36 per vehicle and $21 per vehicle for the general lot.
Details: July 4, 2021; BBQ starts at 5 p.m. (special ticket required), parking lots open at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks start at 9 p.m.; WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260; https://www.scottsdale4th.com
Surprise 4th of July Celebration
Surprise will hold its yearly Fourth of July celebration on July 4, 2021, at Mark Coronado Park. The free event will have live music, food trucks, and evening fireworks. It starts at 6 p.m. and fireworks are scheduled to start at 8:40 p.m.
Details: Free; July 4, 2021, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., fireworks to start at 8:40 p.m; Mark Coronado Park, 15850 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise AZ 85374; https://www.surpriseaz.gov
Red, White, & BOOM at The Wigwam
The Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park will host its Fourth of July Fireworks show on July 4, 2021. The event is free and open to both those staying at the resort and the general community Only those staying at the resort will be allowed to park at the resort, though there is street parking nearby, a spokesperson said. The event runs 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Tickets to buy food and drink will be available. Vendors will not accept cash or card.
Details: Free; July 4, 2021, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.; The Wigwam, 300 East Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, Arizona 85340; www.eventbrite.com
Hometown 4th at Schnepf Farms
Head over to Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek for its yearly Hometown 4th Independence Day event and fireworks show. This year, there will be live music, a vendors marketplace, a bubble pit for the kids, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. General admission is per vehicle and tickets do have to be purchased in advance. There is also an individual VIP option that includes front-row seating for fireworks, private bathrooms, and dinner.
Details: July 4, 2021, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m, fireworks at 8:30 p.m; Schnepf Farms, 24810 E Rittenhouse Rd., Queen Creek, AZ 85142; $25 per vehicle (advanced purchase required), VIP tickets available for $75 per person; https://schnepffarms.com
Wickenburg's 4th of July Spectacular
The Town of Wickenburg's Fourth of July event will have live music, a corn hole tournament, food trucks, a classic car show, water slides, a dunk tank, and an "off-road showcase." It will be held on July 4, 2021, at Sunset Park. The event runs 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Fireworks will start at 9 p.m.
Details: Free; July 4, 2021, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m; Sunset Park, 3020 W Wickenburg Way, Wickenburg, AZ 85390
City of Tolleson’s 4th of July Celebration
Ahead of the Fourth of July, the City of Tolleson will have three days of virtual activities, including bingo, trivia, and a painting. On July 4, the city will light fireworks at dusk. There is no in-person event to watch the fireworks. People are encouraged to watch them at home. Fireworks are scheduled to light around 9 p.m.
Details: View the City of Tolleson's Facebook page for additional information.
OUT OF TOWN EVENTS
If you're planning to be out of town over the Fourth of July weekend, here are some events happening in northern and southern Arizona.
Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce's Independence Day Parade - July 3
If you're up in Flagstaff for the Fourth of July weekend, head downtown for the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce's Independence Day Parade. The two-hour parade begins at 9 a.m., near Elm Avenue and Beaver Street.
Details: Free, July 3, 2021, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m; begins near Elm Avenue and Beaver Street; http://business.flagstaffchamber.com
Town of Sahuarita's Red, White & Boom - July 3
The Town of Sahuarita will celebrate the Fourth of July on July 3, 2021, at Sahuarita Lake Park. There will be music, food trucks, and kids activities
from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Fireworks are set to begin at 8:30 p.m. People will also be able to view the fireworks from North Santa Cruz Park and the Anza Trail Park sports fields.
Details: July 3, 2021, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., fireworks at 8:30 p.m., Sahuarita Lake Park, 15466 S. Rancho Sahuarita Blvd; https://sahuaritaaz.gov/198/Events
Casa Grande's Fourth of July Fireworks - July 4
The City of Casa Grande will have its Independence Day celebration on July 4, 2021, at the Paul Mason Sports Complex. There will be food trucks, music, and fireworks in the evening. The event starts at 7 p.m. and fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.
Details: July 4, 2021, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Paul Mason Sports Complex, 2525 N Pinal Ave., Casa Grande, AZ 85122; https://casagrandeaz.gov
Oro Valley Fourth of July Fireworks - July 4
Because of the pandemic, Oro Valley will not have its usual in-person Independence Day event, but there are plans to light fireworks. The Town said it bought larger fireworks shells that go higher in the air so people can see them from a greater distance away. The fireworks will be lit from Naranja Park, but the park will not be open to the public during the show. The fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. More info.
Marana's 2021 Star Spangled Spectacular - July 4
The Town of Marana will host its 2021 Fourth of July fireworks on July 4, 2021, at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park. From 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., there will be food vendors at the park, the playground and splash pad, and music. Fireworks will start at 9 p.m.
Details: Free; July 4, 2021, 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m, fireworks at 9 p.m; Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, 7548 North Silverbell RoadTucson, AZ, 85743; www.maranaaz.gov
Tucson's Fourth of July "A" Mountain Celebration
The City of Tucson will light its Fourth of July fireworks on July 4 from "A" Mountain. Fireworks are set to start at 9:15 p.m. Free parking will be available at the Tucson Convention Center’s Lots B & C (the Lot A parking garage will be closed), the city/state parking garage, and at meters around town. Paid lots will be available in the Mercado District.
Details: Free; July 4, 2021, 9:15 p.m. at "A" Mountain, several free parking lots in the area to watch; www.tucsonaz.gov
