Don't miss out on the fireworks and festivities this Fourth of July in the Valley. Whether you're a family of five or a curious single, there's an Independence Day celebration for everyone. Read on to find the best places to relax and enjoy the show.
July 4th Tempe town Lake Festival
Kiwanis Club of Tempe 60th Annual Fireworks Spectacular boasts the best firework display in the Valley, and they have a choreographed fireworks show to prove it. Located at Tempe Beach Park, the event has an inflatable village and rock climbing walls available for all ages, and kids can participate in relay races and face painting. Adults can enjoy the Budweiser Beer Garden amongst a host of other beverages that are for both adults and children. If you're looking for something to satisfy the appetite, then you're in luck. The possibilities are endless with options ranging from barbecue to gyros to snow cones.
Gates open at 4:00 p.m. on July 4th and tickets can be purchased at Fry's for $6, or you can buy them at the gate for $8 or $15 for two. Children 12 and under are free. http://tempe4th.com/index.asp.
W Scottsdale
W Scottsdale is at it again with their spectacular Fourth of July party. Morgan Page, a two-time Grammy nominee, will kick off this Fourth of July celebration with a performance at the hotel. The Independence Day celebration will begin at noon and finish after the firework display that starts at 9:00 p.m.
W Scottsdale is offering a package deal that includes their best rooms available as well as tickets to the performance and firework show, VIP lanyards to the Fourth of July party and meet-and-greets with Morgan Page. A two-night minimum stay over the third and fourth of July are required for the package deal, and the prices start at $289. www.wscottsdaletickets.com.
Freedom Wireless Fabulous Phoenix 4th
If you've heard of one Fourth of July celebration around Phoenix, this one is probably it. It's one of the largest free Independence Day celebrations in the area, and this year it's boasting their biggest fireworks display to date. It's hosted at Steele Indian School Park which is located on 3rd Street and Indian School Road. The celebration begins at 6:00 p.m. and lasts until 10:00 p.m.
There are three stages of live music and more than 50 vendors to choose food and beverages from. There's a certified "Kids Zone" with inflatable rides and numerous other activities that are all free of charge. Walk around and take a look at the Classic Car exhibit, and don't forget about the F-16 flyover at the event. http://phoenix.gov/parks/fabphx4.html.
4th of July Freedom Fest at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess will be having its second Star-Spangled Spectacular by celebrating with a four day extravaganza. From July 30 to July 3rd families will have the chance to listen to a new band each night. The lineup includes Super Diamond (a Neil Diamond-inspired sound), AbbaFab, Paperback Writer and Zowie Bowie.
Guests can watch a helicopter fly-over and even catch a few brave skydivers. If the air's not your thing, then lounge in the 6,000-sq.-foot Sonoran Splash pool complex, complete with waterslides, frozen drinks and pool-inspired games. But be sure to catch up on one of the pedicures offered at Fairmont to show off your toes before jumping in the pool. Food and drinks are available at Fairmont, and don't forget about the fireworks, either.
The Fairmont is offering special rates for the festival that includes the room, concerts, fireworks and any complimentary resort activities. The hotel offers a special military rate, also, to say "thank you" to the military. www.scottsdaleprincess.com.
