The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is an important national holiday and a symbol of patriotism.
Two hundred and forty years ago on July 4, 1776, as the colonies were fighting against Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War, delegates from the 13 colonies unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence. It was in 1870 that the United States Congress made the 4th of July a federal holiday. In 1941 it became a paid holiday to all federal employees. Even though it wasn’t recognized as a federal holiday until 1870, it has been celebrated as the birth of American Independence every year since 1776. Typical celebrations range from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.
Here is a list of 15 celebrations going on in the Phoenix area this Independence Day:
1. Light Up the Sky
Where: Maryvale Baseball Park, 3600 N. 51st Ave. Phoenix
When: Friday, July 1st from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Fireworks at 9:10 pm.
Admission: Free
Light Up the Sky has been the best FREE, non-alcoholic, family-oriented firework event in the West Valley for over 30 years. The event includes an inflatable fun zone, community resource booths, games, and fun activities on the baseball diamond, local sports mascots, and more! There will also be food and drink available for purchase. The firework display is one that can’t be beaten. You can get more information by calling 602-262-6575. https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/special-events/fabphx4
2. Red, White and Boom
Where: Pecos Park, 17010 S. 48th Street, Phoenix
When: Friday, July 1st from 5 pm – 10 pm. The fireworks start at 9 pm.
Admission: $5 per person (kids 5 and under are FREE), VIP is $25 (kids 5 and under are FREE)
If you live near Ahwatukee, Red, White, and Boom is an event you don’t want to miss. There will be a zip line and carnival games. There will be live entertainment, a fun kids zone, food and drink, and don’t forget the amazing fireworks show. All of this is included in the $5 per person admission.
Three are two unique VIP experiences available to a limited number of attendees for $25 per person (kids 5 and under are FREE). The first experience is the Oasis Lounge. This option gets you to access to the Pecos swimming pool and water play area, catered food, unlimited water and soda, and private restrooms. The second experience is the Boom Room. This option includes front and center seating to the entertainment & fireworks show, a catered food, and beverages area complete with unlimited water and soda, a private cash beer and beverage bar, and private restrooms. For information, contact the Awatere Foothills Chamber of Commerce at ahwatukeechamber.com, red-white-boom.com, or 480-753-7676.
3. Scottsdale Independence Day Celebration
Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale
When: Saturday, July 2nd from 3 pm – 9 pm. Fireworks start at 9 pm.
Admission: $6 – $130
Head out for a family-friendly patriotic wonderland INDOORS at WestWorld. There will be a Kids Zone, a mechanical bull, live music and entertainment, food and drink, fireworks, and more! There are some free event activities and some that are not. Visit the website for specific packages and cost details. http://scottsdaleindependenceday.com/
4. Salute from the Shores: Lake Pleasant Fireworks Show
Where: Lake Pleasant, 8708 W. Harbor Boulevard, Peoria
When: Sunday, July 3rd from 5 pm – 11 pm. The fireworks start at 9 pm.
Admission: $15 per vehicle
Ahead of the evening fireworks show, Pleasant Harbor is hosting a festival with bounce houses, a trampoline bungee for the kids, water slides, DJs, and food vendors. Admission is $15 per vehicle and you can bring coolers and lawn chairs. The Pleasant Harbor Convenience Store will be open until 9 pm. For more details, visit http://www.pleasantharbor.com/index.php?cID=212 .
5. Westgate Firework Fest
Where: Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Boulevard, Glendale
When: Sunday, July 3rd from 5 pm – 9:30 pm. Fireworks start at 9 pm.
Admission: Free
Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and relax in Fountain Park and WaterDance Plaza at Westgate Entertainment District. There will be live music, family entertainment, an open-air beer garden, games, giveaways, and much more, all happening before a spectacular fireworks show. Have your kids wear their suits to cool off in the splash pad. There are several restaurants near-by if you are hungry. Convenient and free parking is available at all parking lots surrounding the Westgate Entertainment District. For more information, visit.
6. Anthem’s Independence Day Celebration
Where: ACC Community Park, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem
When: Sunday, July 3rd from 6 pm – 10 pm.
Admission: Free
Along with the traditional fireworks display, families can enjoy fun rides, activities, and festival food. Bring blankets and lawn chairs and sit back to enjoy the spectacular event. Thought the event is free to enter, there are fees for games and food. 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. Visit http://www.onlineatanthem.com/independence-day-celebration for more information.
7. Fourth of Zooly
Where: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
When: Monday, July 4th from 7 – 10 pm. Fireworks start at 9 pm.
Admission: $45 – Adults (13+), $35 – children (3-12), Reservations required.
Watch the Tempe fireworks show from the Phoenix Zoo. Guests will enjoy a catered barbecue dinner, special animal guest appearances, free carousel rides, inflatable bounce houses, and live entertainment. Gather at the back of the Zoo for a special view of the Tempe Town Lake Fireworks Spectacular show. Seating will be available, guests do not need to bring chairs. Zoo member discounts are available. Children two and under are free, but a reservation is still required. Visit for more information.
8. Fourth of July at the D-backs
Where: Chase Field (Arizona Diamondbacks vs San Diego Padres)
When: Monday, July 4th, tailgate starts at 5 pm, the game starts at 6:40 pm.
Admission: Varies by seat, section
What’s more American than fireworks and baseball? It doesn’t get much better than that! This July 4th head out to Chase Field and watch the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the San Diego Padres. This won’t be your typical baseball game. Beforehand, there will be a tailgate outside the stadium with beer, hot dogs, and more. The first 20,000 fans will get a commemorative T-shirt. Arrive early for a special pre-game ceremony paying tribute to our military — past, present, and future. After the game is over, the stadium roof will open so fans can watch fireworks light up the sky. More information can be found at http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/ari/ticketing/fourthofjuly.jsp.
9. Tempe Town Lake Festival
Where: Tempe Town Lake Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
When: Monday, July 4th, Gates open at 5 pm. Fireworks start around 9:15 pm.
Admission: General admission $5, VIP $30-$60, children (12 and younger) Free. **Free admission for active military (must show ID)
Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket, snacks, and water, and the family to Tempe Beach Park and watch the fireworks spectacular as it’s launched from the Mill Avenue Bridge and choreographed to music for all tastes and interests including patriotic, pop, country, and more. There will be music, a flyover, an inflatable village for the kids, and a beer garden for the adults. More information can be found.
10. Fourth at the Fountain
Where: Fountain Park, 12925 N. Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills
When: Monday, July 4th from 6 pm – 10 pm. Fireworks start at 9 pm.
Admission: Free
The celebration will kick off at 6:00 pm with music, games, and prizes. DJ Steve Grosse will keep the whole family moving and grooving with great tunes throughout the night. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and water. If you’re hungry, there will be vendors selling food. Visit for more information.
11. Surprise Fourth of July Celebration
Where: Surprise Stadium, 15960 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise
When: Monday, July 4th. Gates open at 4:30 pm. Fireworks at 8:30 pm.
Admission: Free (with a canned food donation)
Watch a rookie league baseball game as the Seattle Mariners take on the Kansas City Royals. The game starts at 5:30 pm. During the game, families can enjoy in-game contests, music, and family giveaways. More information can be found.
12. Red, White & Boom at The Wigwam
Where: The Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park
When: Monday, July 4th from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Admission: Free, food, and games available for purchase.
Head out to The Wigwam for a free July 4th event. There will be fireworks, inflatables, and carnival games. Game tickets are $10 and food and drinks are available for purchase. Contact The Wigwam for more information http://wigwamarizona.com/.
13. Peoria’s All-American Festival
Where: Peoria’s Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria
When: Monday, July 4th from 5 pm – 10 pm. Fireworks start at around 9:15 pm.
Admission: Adults aged 13+ $10, Children 12 and younger Free. Parking is free.
Seating is on the plush lawn and is first-come, first-served. Attendees are allowed to bring blankets or lawn chairs, and even your own food. Enjoy family-friendly activities such as a Water Zone, a Kids Zone, food eating contests, a corn-hole tournament, bounce houses, and food concessions. In addition, there will be live entertainment. More information is available at https://www.peoriaaz.gov/.
14. Goodyear’s Star Spangled Fourth
Where: Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear
When: Monday, July 4th from 6 pm – 10 pm.
Admission: Free (American Cookout: $10 – adults, $5 kids 12 and under)
Activities include Inflatable water slides and bounce houses ($10 – wristband for unlimited rides; $5 for 3 individual ride tickets), live music, food eating contests, character meet and greets, and more. Further details can be found.
15. Fabulous Phoenix 4th
Where: Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix
When: Monday, July 4th from 6 pm – 10 pm. Fireworks start around 9:30 pm.
Admission: Free
The 31st annual Fabulous Phoenix 4th will feature one of the largest fireworks displays in the Southwest. The free and non-alcoholic family event annually attracts 100,000-plus participants. Included in this year’s event will be two stages featuring local entertainers, a variety of vendors offering festival-style food and beverage, arts and crafts, interactive exhibits, and a classic car display. Youth activities, rides and inflatables, and a water spray zone will be part of Kids World. Find more information at https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/special-events/fabphx4.