Here's list of 4th of July Activities by City:
1.-Apache Junction's 4th of July Fireworks Celebration.
Apache Junction is southwest of Phoenix. Most of Apache Junction is actually in Pinal County, not Maricopa County like most of the other cities and towns of Greater Phoenix. Apache Junction's 4th of July event incorporates an entire day of family activities, fun, music and fireworks.
Located at Apache Junction High School on Friday, July 4th
Public swimming opens at 10 a.m. Volleyball tournament, skate competition at Superstition Shadows Skate Park (fee to register), kids activities, races, games and more. Use your creativity for the a bicycle, tricycle and wagon decorating contest. Starting at 6 p.m. there will be free watermelon, while supplies last. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. the Cover-Ups will perform at the AJHS Stadium. Fireworks are after the show.
Admission is free. Parking is free, but limited.
No alcohol, glass containers, tobacco, weapons or fireworks may be brought in, and no alcohol will be sold or be allowed at the event. People can bring in coolers with food and beverages. Coolers will be checked at the gates for prohibited items. Food and drinks will also be sold at the concession stand by the booster club. Lawn chairs or blankets are allowed.
For more information, call 480-913-2181.
2.- Avondale's Rev White & Boom! Fireworks Event
Avondale is located in the southwest part of the metro area, and it is home to Phoenix International Raceway where NASCAR races are held each year.
It is located at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR). The Arizona Department of Transportation usually provides detailed motorist information, including any travel or road restrictions, for this event. Call 5-1-1, then *7. The call is free.
The fun is on Thursday, July 3rd, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to start at about 9 p.m. There will be live entertainment, PIR track tours, kids zone, fireworks display. Food, refreshments and novelties are also available for purchase.
Admission is free. Parking is free. Food and rides cost extra.
Seating will be in the bleachers. Chairs and blankets are allowed. Small coolers are allowed with plastic water bottles and food. No alcohol or glass containers. No pets allowed. No firecrackers allowed. For more information call Avondale Parks and Recreation at 623-333-2400.
3.- Buckeye's 4th of July Celebration
Buckeye is a growing community located west of Phoenix, Arizona. Wear your swimsuit and bring your towel--there's lots of wet funat Buckeye's 4th of July celebration.
Celebrate parkside at the Earl Edgar Recreational Complex, Miller Rd and Beloat. Celebrate poolside at the Buckeye Aquatic Center, 9th St. and Monroe. Friday, July 4th
Buckeye residents have a choice of two ways to celebrate the 4th, parkside or poolside.
Parkside offers the Spectacular Global Water Splash Park, including water slides, slip-n-slides, splash bomb court, water volleyball courts and a rock wall. Little ones can enjoy the Toddler Water Play Pen with sprinkler fun, wading pools and water toys. 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The fireworks display and music will begin at 8:45 p.m.
Poolside takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Families can enjoy traditional water games throughout the evening and fireworks poolside. Admission to Parkside is free. Parking is free, but limited. Admission to Poolside is $2 per person, and is limited to the first 400 people.
Seating will be available on all four ball fields at the at the Earl Edgar Recreational Complex. Bring lawn chair or blankets. Traditional picnic foods and novelty items will be available for purchase. Glass containers and alcohol are prohibited.
For more information call the Town of Buckeye at 623-349-6000.
4.- The Chandler 4th of July 7UP Fireworks Spectacular is presented each year by the Chandler Lions Club and the City of Chandler. Chandler is considered part of the East Valley, and is southeast of Phoenix.
The Chandler 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is located at It is at Tumbleweed Park, on the Southwest corner of Germann & McQueen roads. The fun begins on Friday, July 4th, starting at 4 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m.
The event features live music, a free kids carnival, a bike parade, and food and beverage vendors. Activities include a 35-foot water slide, 24-foot rock-climbing wall, dunk tank, and assorted water games and interactive amusements for kids.
The Cactus Bike Push, Pull, Peddle Bike Parade will be held at 6 p.m., with each registrant receiving a free gift. The participant with the bike that is decorated best will win a Harro children’s bike. Participants can register for the free parade between June 18 and July 3 at any Cactus Bike location, or at the park on July 4 from 4-5:30 p.m. For bike parade details, contact the Cactus Bike Ocotillo location at 480-782-5483 or the Ahwatukee location at 480-940-7433.
Admission is free. Parking is $5.
Bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the show and fireworks from the grass. Expect a crowd. Call 480-236-9123 for more information.
5.- Gilbert's Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration.
4th of July festivities in Gilbert are hosted by the Gilbert Promotional Corporation and the Town of Gilbert. Gilbert is a growing, mostly residential community southeast of Phoenix in the East Valley.
The Gilbert Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration is located at Mesquite High School located at 500 S. Mcqueen Road in Gilbert on July 4th from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Opening Ceremonies at 7 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9 p.m.
Live entertainment, contests, games, kiddie rides, carnival rides, community exhibits, kids parade, and the grand finale fireworks display. Food, refreshments and novelties are also available for purchase. Finalists from the “Sing Your Way to Gilbert Days” talent contest will perform.
Free admission and free parking. Bring cash for rides, amusements and refreshments. No alcohol. No smoking. No pets. No coolers, cans or bottles.
6.- Glendale Hometown 4th of July Celebration
Glendale, Arizona is one of the larger cities of Greater Phoenix, and is located west of Phoenix. The City of Glendale has many very popular events throughout the year that are well-attended.
The Glendale Hometown 4th of July Celebration is located at the Glendale Community College, 59th Ave and Olive, with overflow seating north of the college in Sahuaro Ranch Park. It is on July 4th. The GCC pool is open at 1 p.m. for free swimming. Gates open for the event at 6 p.m.
Free swimming at the GCC pool begins at 1 p.m. Gates open for the event at 6 p.m. Entertainment on the APS Main Stage begins at 7 p.m., including a patriotic program and an F-16 flyover by a Luke Fighter Squadron, followed by musical entertainment. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 8:40 p.m.
Entertainment for children will include a juggler on the kid’s stage, an inflatable water slide, and other inflatable games. Some activities require a small fee.
Bleacher seating is available inside the stadium. Grass on the college grounds and at Sahuaro Ranch Park is available if you prefer to bring your blanket and/or lawn chairs.
It's free. Free parking, too. Coolers are allowed. No glass containers. No alcohol is allowed on GCC grounds. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Only 5,000 parking spaces are located on or near the GCC campus. Get there early, and carpool. For more info, call the Special Events Hotline at 623-930-2299.
7.- Maricopa's Great American Barbecue
Maricopa is a city southwest of the Phoenix area. Maricopa isn't in the same county as Phoenix. Phoenix is in Maricopa County, and Maricopa is in Pinal County. Yes, that can be confusing! Maricopa was incorporated in 2003. The city celebrates the 4th of July with a community barbecue.
It is located at Pacana Park located on Porter Road, approximately ¼ mile south of Honeycutt Road. That's about 2.5 miles east of City Hall (located just off of John Wayne Parkway). Be there on Friday, July 4th. from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The event begins at 6 p.m. Enjoy an old fashioned BBQ, participate in the Pie Eating or Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest and view a showing of the family-friendly movie "The Sandlot." There will be a water zone featuring inflatable water slides and dunk tanks, sponsored by Global Water, and guests may play in the Annual Great American Whiffle Ball Tournament. The event will culminate with a spectacular Fireworks Show immediately following the movie.
Admission is free. Food and beverage available for purchase. Bring lawn chairs/blankets to relax and enjoy the fireworks. No coolers are allowed. Bring cash to purchase refreshments. This is an alcohol-free event. For more information, call 520-568-9098.
8.- Mesa's 4th of July Celebration
Mesa, Arizona is one of the largest cities in the metro Phoenix area, and is located southeast of Phoenix.
It is located at Mesa Community College Riggs Stadium, Southern & Dobson on July 4th. Gates open at 6 p.m. Entertainment and kiddie rides from 7 to 9 p.m. Fireworks will take place at approximately 9 p.m. Food and drink available for purchase.
For those that don't park on campus, admission is $1, children ages 6 and under are free. Campus parking is accessible off Dobson Road to the west, Southern Ave on the north and Longmore Street on the east. Campus parking is $5.00 per car with occupants admitted to stadium free of charge.
No bags, backpacks, fanny-packs, coolers or alcoholic beverages will be allowed. Blankets, bottled water, and baby formula will be allowed. Proceeds from the event are used to support local, national and international charities
9.- Peoria's All American Festival
Peoria, Arizona is in the northwest part of the Valley of the Sun. The Peoria Sports Complex hosts many of Peoria's special events throughout the year.
It is located at the Peoria Sports Complex, Mariners Practice Field, 16101 N. 83rd Ave. on Friday, July 4th. Gates open at 5 p.m.
There will be two entertainment zones, (1 country and 1 rock and roll), an F-16 Fly-over, a food zone, a Kids Zone and a Water Zone -- bring your swimsuit! Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m.
The cost is $5 for each person 13 and older. Free parking.
It is first come, first serve, festival seating on the grass. Lawn chairs, blankets, and food are permitted to be brought in. No alcohol, glass containers, pets or canopies may be brought in. A Food Court is available for food and beer purchase. For more information call the hotline at 623-773-7198.
10.- The Fabulous Phoenix 4th
The City of Phoenix is, of course, the largest city in the State of Arizona, and is in the geographic center of what we refer to as the Valley of the Sun, or the metropolitan Phoenix area. The 4th of July event is one of the biggest in the state, boasting the largest free fireworks show in the Valley of the Sun. It is usually televised.
It is located at the Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix (3rd Street and Indian School Road). No vehicles will be allowed in the park during this event.
The Arizona Department of Transportation usually provides detailed motorist information, including any travel or road restrictions, for this event. Call 5-1-1, then *7. The call is free.
It is on Friday, July 4th from 6 p.m. to 9:35 p.m. There will be local entertainment. The Kids Zone will offer rides and other entertainment. Of course, there will be fireworks at approximately 9:15 p.m.
Admission is free. Food and beverages are available to purchase. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the show and fireworks from the grass. Coolers are permitted, but no alcohol or glass containers. No pets. No skates or skateboards. Fishing in the lake will not be permitted. Expect large crowds.
Street Closures: Central Avenue between Osborn and Campbell and Indian School Road between 7th Street and 7th Avenue will be closed beginning at 5 p.m. on event day. During the fireworks, 7th Street will be temporarily closed between Highland and Indian School Road and will be restricted until event traffic clears after the festival. Call (602) 534-FEST for more information.
11.- Scottsdale's July 4th Family Barbecu
Scottsdale's 4th of July activities aren't as grandiose as some of the other cities in the area. This is more of a laid back/bring a picnic affair. You won't find huge crowds.
It is located at the Scottsdale Stadium on Friday, July 4th from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Activities include free hot dogs, watermelon eating contest, potato sack races, tug-o-war competition, music and arts and crafts. Pictures/cards will be made for soldiers oversees. Barbecue grills will be provided and families are encouraged to bring food to cook up and eat at this community picnic.
Admission is free. Parking is free. There are no fireworks at this event. Maps of nearby fireworks locations will be provided. For more information, call 480-312-2771.
12.- Surprise's Annual July 4th Celebration
Surprise, Arizona is a fast growing residential community in the northwest part of the Valley of the Sun. The Surprise Recreation Campus, which includes Surprise Stadium, hosts several big events throughout the year.
It will be at the Surprise Recreation Campus located at 15850 N. Bullard Avenue, about two miles west of Grand Avenue between Bell and Greenway roads. Be there Friday, July 4th from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
There are three separate events. The ticketed event is at Surprise Stadium. There you will enjoy live music featuring the Groove Merchants, a water and interactive zone, and family entertainment. $1 hot dogs, popcorn and drinks are available with your admission charge. Other full-price concessions will be offered. The evening is highlighted with a fireworks show at dusk set to patriotic music.
The cost is $10 per adult, $5 per person 17 and younger. You can buy tickets in advance at about half price at the Community & Recreation Services Offices located at 15960 N. Bullard Ave., right next to the Surprise Stadium. Ticket sales are limited. Parking at the event is free.
If you don't want to pay to get into the stadium, you can enjoy free live music and see the fireworks from either the Community Park (15953 N. Bullard Ave.) or 8 Acres Park (15850 N. Bullard Ave.). Bring blankets and/or lawn chairs. For more information, call the Community and Recreation Services Department at 623-222-2000.
13.- The July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival
Tempe, Arizona is probably best known for being the home of Arizona State University. Many popular events take place during the year in and around downtown Tempe, which includes Tempe Town Lake and Tempe Beach Park. The July 4th celebration is very well attended, and it is usually televised.
TruWest Credit Union presents the CBS5 July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival Produced by the Kiwanis Club of Tempe. It is located at Tempe Town Lake in downtown Tempe, Arizona. Be there on Friday, July 4th. Gates open at 4 p.m. Program ends at 11 p.m.
The Tempe Marketplace Fantastic Family Fest is an inflatable village with rides, activities, rock climbing wall and more. The Arizona Republic Family Splash Zone offers water fun and games for all ages. The Main Stage features local live entertainment.The SRP Fireworks Show will be shot from the Mill Avenue Bridge and choreographed to patriotic and classical music. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Adults can visit the Budweiser Beer Garden. Splash Playground at Tempe Town Lake will be open.
Children 12 and under are free. Tickets at the door are $8 (until sold out). Advance tickets are available for $6 at Fry's and Fry's Marketplace Stores (until noon on July 4th) or online. You can get $5 advance tickets at various City of Tempe locations through July 3rd.
There are several pay lots near Tempe Town lake, but parking is always tough during big downtown Tempe events like this one. You can find parking maps and information about free bus transportation online.
The Arizona Department of Transportation usually provides detailed motorist information, including any travel or road restrictions, for this event. Call 5-1-1, then *7. The call is free.
Last year more than 50,000 people attended the festival. First come first serve on lawn seating. Blankets and portable chairs welcome. No pets. No food or coolers. Only manufacturer's sealed containers of water (1 gallon / per person) allowed, no other food or beverage. No skates or bicycles. No pets.
For more information, call the hot line at 480-350-5189.
14.- Wickenburg Family Fun & Fireworks Celebration
Due to construction in the area, there will be no 4th of July celebration in Wickenburg in 2008. Check back next year for 2009 information.
15.- And here's some information about what's going on in Cave Creek for Independence Day:
July 3
What: Barbecue, face painting and live music from Easton Ashe and Young Country. Fireworks display afterward.
When: Starts at 6 p.m. Fireworks at dusk (around 9 p.m.)
Where: Harold's Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road.
Information: 480-488-1906 or www.haroldscorral.com.
July 4
What: Food (including a special outdoor menu) and fireworks.
When: Starts around 4:30 p.m. Fireworks at dusk.
Where: The Satisfied Frog, 6245 E. Cave Creek Road.
Information: 480-488-3317.
No matter what you do to celebrate Independence Day, just make sure you are safe and have lots of fun!