This Fourth of July we’ve taken the guesswork out of finding the perfect spot to show your national pride. Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool or enjoy a classic barbecue in the park, the Valley has festivities for all tastes.
4th of July Freedom Fest at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Make your Fourth festivities last all weekend long at the Princess, enjoying live concerts at night, poolside food and drinks, a Techno Glo Party and fireworks. Thursday’s activities will also include a vintage airshow featuring retired veterans flying military aircraft from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. A military parachutist from the All Veterans Parachute Team acts as the grand finale to the patriotic tribute. With six pools, two waterslides and a white sand beach, the Freedom Fest promises to be just as relaxing as it is fun-filled. A portion of proceeds from Freedom Fest will benefit Friends of Freedom, a nonprofit that supports active duty military, veterans and their families. Summer rates start at $189 for the Superhero Summer Package and at $219 for the spa package, so book your staycation now.
Your Hometown Fourth at Schnepf Farms
Experience the nostalgia of Fourth of Julys gone by with lawn games, watermelon-eating contests, and food trucks serving up all-American barbecue at Schnepf Farms. Since the early 60’s, Schnepf Farms has hosted one of the largest Fourth of July events in the Valley, complete with a 30-minute fireworks show to end the night. Live music, local vendors and a beer and wine garden round out the festivities. Discounted VIP and general admission tickets are available in advance.
Firecracker Express
If you’re hoping to beat the heat up north while enjoying some spectacular views, look no further than the Firecracker Express. The Verde Canyon Railroad promises an authentic Fourth of July complete with barbecue on the patio and a visit from a bald eagle prior to departure at 1 p.m. Spend the morning enjoying a pancake breakfast and patriotic tunes from a local orchestra, followed by the Children’s Parade throughout the quaint town of Clarkdale. Tickets cost $100.95 and can be purchased online.
Fabulous Phoenix Fourth
Enjoy one of the largest fireworks displays in the Southwest at Steele Indian School Park. The free and non-alcoholic event is perfect for the whole family, featuring festival-style food, arts and crafts, a classic car display and plenty of youth activities in the kids’ zone. Two stages will feature performances by musical acts and entertainers to keep spirits up before the fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Fabulous Phoenix Fourth regularly attracts thousands of visitors, so don’t miss out on this beloved tradition.
Red, White and Boom Celebration at Fort McDowell Casino
Kick off the Fourth of July festivities early at Fort McDowell Casino on July 3rd. The event begins with a free live concert by Eagles tribute band One of These Nights, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Keep the revelry going with a performance by the Thaddeus Rose Band in the Lucky 7 Saloon from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
Fortnite 4th at WestWorld of Scottsdale
For those seeking an action-packed Fourth of July, WestWorld is the place to be. This year’s theme features an LED wall that showcases gamers live in action, as well as Fortnite-themed food and games for kids. The event will fill the air-conditioned space of Tony Nelsson Equestrian Center and includes a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Until then, visitors can participate in activities like nerf target practice, game trucks, a petting zoo, and a DJ dance party.
Firework Fest at Westgate
Pack your trunk with lawn chairs and blankets before heading out to Westgate Entertainment District for the free and family-friendly Firework Fest! From 5 to 9:30 p.m., enjoy eats from more than 20 restaurants, a beer garden, live music, and a water and foam zone for kids to cool off in.
Red, White and Boom Fireworks Extravaganza
In true American fashion, the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa has planned a week of patriotic festivities for the entire family. From Wednesday to Sunday, kids can participate in waterslide races, watermelon eating contests, patriotic crafts, glow face painting, a Saturday night dive-in movie and laser tag. For the adults, the resort will be offering a guacamole-making class, Bourbon 101 and tiki cocktail classes, live music at Center Stage bar and access to the fitness center and spa. On July 4, there will be a “Kids Koncert,” a patriotic red hat craft, a barbeque picnic and a fireworks display. Reserve a private star-spangled gondola cruise, which includes champagne and non-alcoholic, sparkly drinks for kids. Room rates start at $199 per night.
Fourth of July in the White Mountains
Spend this Fourth of July weekend in the White Mountain communities of Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., bring your furry friends to the Mutt Strutt in Pinetop, where you can participate in a 5K walk, costume contest, pet and owner lookalike contest, best trick contest and more. Pinetop-Lakeside has been designated an official fireworks-free, pet-friendly zone, so no loud noises will startle your pooch all day long. Check out the Show Low Main Street Farmers Market and Art Walk on Saturday, and spend the rest of the weekend fishing, golfing and relaxing under the Ponderosa pines.
Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort
Splash into a weekend of Fourth of July family fun with summer hot rates at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort starting at just $100 per suite. Enjoy a full calendar of activities, seasonal dining specials, a four-acre Falls Water Village with a 138-foot water slide, private poolside cabanas, and more. Fourth of July events will include mermaid classes, dive-in movies, poolside yoga, Wildlife World Zoo animal encounters, and hourly games and crafts. Book online with the promotion code “OZ.”
CIVANA Lights: Drone Show Spectacular
If one day of celebration just isn’t enough, extend the Fourth of July festivities to July 6 with an aerial light show at CIVANA. One hundred custom LED-lit drones will light up the sky of Cave Creek and Carefree in lieu of a traditional fireworks display. Check out this video for a taste of what the show has in store. As a sustainable wellness resort, CIVANA has opted to offer an aerial drone show as a desert-friendly alternative to fireworks that cause wildfires, noise and air pollution. Prior to the show, the resort will be hosting a community block party from 7 to 9:30 p.m. where guests and locals can enjoy food trucks, beverages from Terras restaurant, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
Seeking the tastiest Fourth of July dining specials? Click here for local deals, festive holiday menus and more.
