The middle of summer is fast approaching and with it the chance to celebrate our country’s hard-fought freedom with family and friends. Phoenix offers a variety of fun Fourth of July events including concerts at Rawhide, a BBQ at the Phoenix Zoo, and an indoor theme-park at WestWorld, all with fantastic firework displays. Here are AFM’s top Fourth of July events in the Valley.

Westgate Firework Fest

Glendale’s giant entertainment district, Westgate, will present its second-annual Firework Fest on July 4 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. for adults and kids alike. Attend this free event to see live music, an All-American classic car show, and to receive deals at various restaurants including McFadden’s, Johnny Rockets and Cold Stone Creamery. Fireworks are at 9 p.m. For more information, go to: www.westgateaz.com/fourth.

 

Scottsdale Fourth of July at WestWorld             

The giant, fully air-conditioned equestrian center WestWorld in Scottsdale will offer its first annual theme park and firework display. From 2 to 9:30 p.m. on July 4, WestWorld will have an indoor theme park complete with rock climbing, laser tag, bounce houses, and face painting. Live music and a beer garden are available for parents, with the display rounding out the evening around 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, and $5 for Scottsdale residents. Play zone areas and VIP firework seating tickets are also available, visit www.WestWorldAZ.com or call 1.866.977.6849 for info.

 

Fourth of July Block Party at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa

 

For $129 a night, this “star-spangled spectacular” package at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa includes a guestroom with a view of the firework display, and entrance for two kids and two adults to the resort’s block party from 6 to 9 p.m. A few things the July 4 party will offer are a slip-and-slide, watermelon-eating contests, and patriotic-themed concessions and treats. Go to http://www.wildhorsepassresort.comto make reservations or call 1.866.837.4156.

Cave Creek’s Third of July Fireworks Extravaganza

This rustic town in northern Phoenix will host the holiday event on July 3 at three of its well-known restaurants: Harold’s Corral, the Buffalo Chip Saloon, and Cave Creek Tap Haus. Each restaurant will offer various games, food specials, and live music, and a free shuttle will be available to travel the city from 6 p.m. to midnight. Fireworks will go off at sunset from behind the restaurants, and reserved seating is available at 5:30 p.m. for $10 and up. For more info, contact Harold’s Corral at www.haroldscorral.com or 480.488.1906.

 

Fourth of Zoo-ly at Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo will hold a special celebration for families this year with food, games, and a special “VIP view” for guests to see the firework show at Tempe Town Lake. A BBQ on the Lakeside Lawn will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with special animal guests until 9 p.m., when everyone will gather in the back of the zoo for fireworks. Chairs are not needed. Adults are $45, children 3 to 12 years old are $35, and those under 2 are free. Visit www.phoenixzoo.org or call 602.273.1341.

 

Second Annual Red, White & Rawhide

This attraction in Chandler known for its Old West stunt shows and stagecoach rides will host its second annual July 4 celebration, with a variety of live concerts and an evening fireworks display. Event-goers can eat at Rawhide’s numerous restaurants, ride a mechanical bull, and even pan for gold. From 5 to 11 p.m. on July 4, tickets are $15 in advance and $20 same-day. Go to http://rawhide.com/ for info.

Freedom Fest at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

This beautiful resort in north Scottsdale will host a memorable holiday weekend for all. Starting on Thursday July 3 at 8 p.m. with a dive-in movie and nighttime pool party, the celebration continues into July 4 with concerts, vintage air shows, and a 9 p.m. firework display. Concerts and events are for hotel guests or dining patrons only; go to http://www.scottsdaleprincess.com/ to make reservations.

 

Fireworks Spectacular at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

Those who would like to get out of Phoenix for the Fourth of July weekend have the perfect getaway at Tucson’s Ritz-Carlton’s Dove Mountain Resort. Their annual Red, White and Bluegrass Barbecue goes from 5:30 to 8 p.m., with a buffet of delectable barbeque choices and a DJ spinning country favorites nearby. The fireworks begin at 8:45 p.m. on Friday July 4, but the fun continues through the weekend. The resort offers a variety of other dining festivities, such as Saturday’s Sushi and Sake tasting at their Ignite Lobby Lounge, a Cosmic Slide Party and Dive-in movie for the kids that night, and complimentary mini-golf anytime for all hotel guests. To make reservations call 1.800.241.3333, or visit their website at: www.ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain.

 

Independence Day Music Festival at Salt River Fields

This year for Salt River Fields’ fourth annual music festival, platinum-selling artist Phillip Phillips will be headlining the musical showcase before they set off the largest fireworks show in Phoenix. This popular event will take place on July 3, with the gates opening at 5 p.m. and the concert beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $40, and can be purchased at www.SaltRiverFields.com. For more info check out their website, or call: 800.745.3000.