On July 4th, the United States of America is celebrating its 250th year. Independence Day commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which the Second Continental Congress approved on July 2, 1776. It wasn’t until the 4th that the Declaration was formally adopted and the thirteen colonies were officially their own country.
With such a major milestone, places all over the country are throwing huge celebrations. Arizona is one of the states going all out with special events during Independence Day weekend. There is a commission dedicated to the special anniversary, which planned and managed the upcoming celebrations. There is even a time capsule to celebrate the occasion! They sought donations to make as many of these events as possible free and created content for schools all over the state to use in their lesson plans.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial, Arizona has options for everyone. From festivals to catching a Diamondbacks game at Chase Field, we’ve rounded up the events unfolding during the 4th of July weekend so you can plan.
1. Arizona’s Celebration of Freedom
Location: Mesa Convention Center & Amp Complex, 263 N Center St, Mesa
If you’re in the Mesa area and are looking for a free way to celebrate the holiday, swing by the Mesa Convention Center and Amp Complex for Arizona’s Celebration of Freedom. The event will offer food, live music, a car show, and a naturalization ceremony. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
From 6 to 10 p.m., this family-friendly event acts almost like a carnival. There will be inflatable bounce houses for your kids and live entertainment for the whole family. Need a break? No worries. You can leave and re-enter the event whenever you’d like.
Of course, there will be a massive fireworks display that you do not want to miss. Although the event is free, food and other items from vendors will need to be purchased.
The event will take place outside the convention center. You can access it from the light rail or take advantage of the free parking in downtown Mesa.
2. Red, White, & Biltmore
Location: 2400 E. Missouri Ave, Phoenix
From July 3 to 5, visit the Biltmore Hotel for an exciting 4th of July celebration. While different experiences are happening throughout the weekend, Independence Day itself has the most stacked lineup of activities.
There is something for everyone in the family. On the morning of the 4th, there will be a treasure hunt, followed by a DJ at the hotel’s pool. Later in the day, pirates will take over another pool on the property for a family-friendly experience that is sure to captivate your kids.
Throughout the day, there will be hot dogs, ice cream, lawn games, balloon art, and more. It will be wrapped up with a drum show and fireworks display.
The hotel will be open for celebrations from 9:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, from 9:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
3. Light Up the Sky Celebration
Location: 7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr., Avondale
Phoenix Raceway is hosting an exciting event for the 4th of July. Light Up the Sky is a free, family-friendly event that is sure to make your holiday weekend memorable. This is Avondale’s premier celebration.
There will be many activities for adults and children alike. The Kid Zone features games, inflatable bounce houses, crafts, mini golf, and more. Come hungry, as there will be many food trucks for you and your kids to choose from.
Expect to enjoy a wide range of live entertainment. The event opens up with a DJ on the stage at 6 pm and wraps up with a fireworks show at 8:35 p.m. This is the West Valley’s largest fireworks display, so you don’t want to miss it.
4. Flagstaff Parade and Drone Show
Locations: Downtown Flagstaff and Foxglenn Park
If you’re in the Flagstaff area, there are a few options for celebrating the holiday. Start the day off early by enjoying the 2026 Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Independence Day Parade. The festivities start at Elm and Beaver, making their way down Beaver to Aspen and San Francisco streets. The parade runs from 9 to 11 a.m. As always, admission for the parade is free.
Rest up and then attend the drone show, which is another free event. It’s important to note that parking costs $5. The celebration begins at 4 p.m. with food trucks, yard games, and activities for the kids.
The drone show begins at 9 p.m. and is only viewable from Foxglenn Park. You are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to make the event as comfortable as possible.
5. Scottsdale 4th of July Celebration
Location: 16601 N. Pima Rd, Scottsdale
Scottsdale is celebrating 250 years of America with its 13th annual 4th of July celebration at the Westworld Equine Center. This will be a rodeo event featuring bull riding, but there will also be non-animal sources of entertainment.
The event is also home to the Water Balloon Championship, a classic barbecue, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. A parade will be held to honor military members. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try your hand at the slider-eating contest, but be sure to sign up with the QR code on the website in advance.
What’s a 4th of July celebration without fireworks? This event is aiming to be the biggest fireworks show in Scottsdale’s history.
The parking lot opens at 4 p.m., and the event begins at 5 p.m. The fireworks show will start promptly at 9 p.m.
6. 4th of July BBQ Celebration at Enchantment Resort
Location: 525 Boynton Canyon Rd, Sedona
Enchantment Resort in Sedona is throwing a 4th of July bash that you won’t want to miss. That day, there will be a barbecue from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The resort’s executive chef, Matias Caceres, and his team will be putting together a meal you won’t want to miss.
There will also be whiskey tastings, performances from the country band Kicked Outta Cottonwood, and line dancing. You can also try your hand at axe throwing if that sounds like something you’d like to do. If you’re feeling less violent, there will be other games like corn hole and giant Jenga.
Although this seems like a more adult-driven event, there will be free face painting for kids.
This event is open to the public, not just resort guests. Just be sure to make a reservation online ahead of time.
7. 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
Location: 1280 Desert Sun Dr, Yuma
Yuma residents won’t want to miss their city’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular at the Desert Sun Stadium. This will be a patriotic event aimed at bringing the community together to celebrate 250 years of the United States of America. It’s family-friendly and free to everyone.
This annual event is one of Yuma’s favorite traditions. The fireworks show is sure to be exciting, but there will be other forms of entertainment and chances to grab delicious food.
The spectacular runs from 6 to 10 p.m. at the stadium. It’s important to note that only clear bags will be allowed. Be sure to pack lawn chairs and blankets to watch the fireworks show.
8. Tempe 4th of July Celebration
Location: 2200 W Alameda Dr, Tempe
Tempe’s 4th of July Celebration was going to be held at a new lakeside location, but the plans have since changed. If you’ve already purchased tickets to the event, it’s now at the Tempe Diablo Stadium, like it has been in the past.
Why did the location change? The company contracted to put on the event had unforeseen circumstances pop up. No worries, the stadium is ready to host the annual celebration. Instead of canceling, the party will still go on.
Tickets are just $2.50 to celebrate America’s anniversary, while children 5 and under get in for free. The event starts at 6 and runs until 10 p.m., with fireworks in the evening.
9. City of Peoria’s All-American Festival
Location: 16101 N 83rd Ave, Peoria
Peoria is celebrating the holiday with its annual All-American Festival at the Peoria Sports Complex.
The event will feature live concerts, games, and activities for children. There will be food and other vendors to shop from, though the event itself is free. Parents can enjoy $2.50 beers while the kids run around and enjoy themselves before the fireworks show.
The All-American Festival is from 5 to 9 p.m., and the fireworks will begin right after the concert wraps up.
10. Arizona Diamondbacks vs Milwaukee Brewers
Location: 401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix
There’s no better way to celebrate America’s birthday than by participating in its favorite pastime. The Arizona Diamondbacks are at home at Chase Field during the holiday weekend, and it’s the perfect place to celebrate the holiday.
Grab a hot dog and soda at the stadium and take in a game against the Brewers. Make sure you stay until the end, as there will be an impressive fireworks show to wrap up the perfect evening.
The Diamondbacks play at home on July 3 and 4. Ticket prices depend on the day you choose to attend and can be purchased online.
