Welcome to the land of stunning desert landscapes and a vibrant Independence Day celebration! As the 4th of July approaches, Arizona gears up to ignite the night sky with dazzling bursts of color and cascading sparks. If you're wondering where to catch the most breathtaking fireworks displays in the Grand Canyon State, look no further. In this guide, we'll take you on a journey to uncover the best spots across Arizona where you can gather with friends and family, gaze up at the starry heavens, and revel in the magic of patriotic fireworks illuminating the horizon. Get ready to mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable 4th of July experience in the great state of Arizona!
Here's where and when you can see fireworks across metro Phoenix this Fourth of July.
Apache Junction
Leading up to the 8:30 p.m. fireworks extravaganza, the city will have game booths, live entertainment and food trucks starting at 6 p.m.
For quicker entry, place all of your items in clear bags, which will be checked at the gate. Alcohol and glass containers aren’t allowed inside.
Details: 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Superstition Shadows Park, 1091 W. Southern Ave., Apache Junction. Free. 480-983-2181, https://www.apachejunctionaz.gov.
Chandler
Chandler's Independence Day celebration will feature yard games, food vendors, music from Turn It Up! and a pyrotechnic show at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park.
Like last year, there will not be a full fireworks display. Instead, a five-minute pyrotechnic show will accompany the concert at 8:20 p.m. at the Dr. A.J. Chandler Park Stage Plaza.
Details: 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. Free. https://www.chandleraz.gov.
Fountain Hills
Fountain Hills promises “an evening filled with music, prizes and entertainment for all.” Rock Lobster will perform from 7:30 to 9 p.m., when a fireworks display over Fountain Lake begins. The fountain will be lit up in red, white and blue as part of the celebrations.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnics. Food vendors will also be at the park. You can't bring alcohol and glass inside.
Details: 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. Free. https://www.experiencefountainhills.org.
Gilbert
Gilbert Regional Park's Fourth of July celebration will have live music, aerial entertainment, drones and fireworks.
Guests are welcome to pack their own picnics and seating, though glass, alcohol, tents and canopies are prohibited. Food, drink and dessert vendors will be at the event. Gates will open at 4 p.m. and the fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Buddy Martell Band will perform from 4:30-6:30 p.m., and the Journey tribute band Voyager will take the stage at 7 p.m.
Parking is available on-site; only credit cards will be accepted for payment, and it will cost $15 plus tax. VIP tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite and include "premier seating to live performances, fireworks, exclusive food and drink vendors, luxury restrooms, Gilbert swag and more.”
Details: 4-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Gilbert Regional Park, 3005 E. Queen Creek Road. Free; VIP tickets are $25 per person, free for children younger than 2. https://www.gilbertaz.gov.
Glendale: Westgate Entertainment District
This “free patriotic celebration” will have a beer garden, live music, face and arm painting, a splash zone for kids and a fireworks spectacular at 9 p.m. Westgate’s restaurants will offer dinner deals, according to its website.
Details: 5-9 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale. Free. https://westgateaz.com/event/america.
Mesa
The 2023 Arizona Celebration of Freedom will take place in downtown Mesa, with fireworks starting at around 9:30 p.m.
The celebration also includes inflatable water slides, live music, a car show, Revolutionary War reenactments, laser light shows and a BMX stunt show. There’s also a food court where you can buy food and drinks throughout the event. A naturalization ceremony for 100 new U.S. citizens will take place at 5 p.m. in Building C’s main hall.
Details: 6-10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St. Free. https://azcelebrationoffreedom.com.
Phoenix
Phoenix’s Fabulous Phoenix 4th will bring back one of the Southwest’s biggest fireworks displays for the first time in four years. Steele Indian School Park will have kids activities, food and craft vendors and, of course, fireworks.
Coolers, shade devices, bags and fold-out chairs are allowed. Leave the alcohol, drones, glass and grills at home. There’s no parking at the park, so plan accordingly; there is a light rail stop on the west side of the park on Central Avenue.
Details: 6-10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Free. https://www.phoenix.gov.
Queen Creek: Schnepf Farms
Schnepf Farms will host its Hometown Fourth event with food and craft vendors, a foam water pit, live music, water inflatables and other entertainment ahead of the fireworks display. Make sure to leave food, drinks and backpacks at home. Admission can only be purchased online at https://schnepf-farms.ticketleap.com.
Details: 4-9 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. 24810 E. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. From $40 per car, with VIP options. 480-987-3100, https://schnepffarms.com.
Tempe
Fireworks are back at Tempe’s 71st annual Fourth of July celebration. There will be games, live music, a food court, a family fun zone and fireworks after 9:15 p.m.
The event has been moved to Tempe Diablo Stadium and will charge for admission. Children under 10 years old get in free when their parent or caretaker purchases a ticket; tickets are only sold online at https://tempe4th.com/tickets. VIP access includes shaded seating, catered dinner, dessert bar, soft drinks and exclusive parking.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe. $10 plus tax and fee for general admission; $100 for VIP, $50 for children. https://tempe4th.com.
Scottsdale: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
The Red, White and Choo & Choo event at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park will have bounce houses, water slides, a mechanical bull, a pie-eating contest, a food truck serving barbecue and unlimited rides on the train and carousel.
Families are welcome to bring their own picnics, too. Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9 p.m.
Tickets must be purchased via https://www.activenetwork.com.
Details: 4-9 p.m. Sunday, July 2. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. $15 for ages 13 and older, $5 for ages 3-12, free for 2 and under. 480-312-2312, https://www.therailroadpark.com.