Boom or bust?
Many fireworks events still a go
Fourth of July fireworks are back in a big way this year in metro Phoenix.
After Valley residents saw canceled and modified events for the Fourth of July last year due to the pandemic, a number of cities are promising Independence Day events this year that showcase bigger and brighter fireworks displays to make up for 2020.
Meanwhile, metro Phoenix’s biggest Fourth of July events in Tempe and Phoenix have been canceled for a second year in a row. The city of Tempe announced early in the year that the July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival would not happen in 2021. In an email to The Arizona Republic, Phoenix’s Parks and Recreation department confirmed that special events at city parks “continue to be paused.”
Keep in mind that cancellations can occur at any time due to weather (high winds, rain) or other fire hazards. Check your destination’s social media accounts or the event’s contact person before heading out.
From Apache Junction to Goodyear to Glendale, here is where you can catch fireworks for the Fourth of July in 2021.
Apache Junction
Apache Junction’s Fourth of July fireworks will take place at Apache Junction High School’s football stadium. Game booths and a band performance will precede the “fireworks extravaganza” at 8:30 p.m.
Organizers recommend arriving early to find parking.
Details: 6 p.m. Sunday, July 4. 2525 S. Ironwood Drive, Apache Junction. Free. 480-983-2181, https://www.apachejunctionaz.gov.
Buckeye
Buckeye’s Independence Day celebration will be tailgate-style at Buckeye Airport.
Food trucks will sell “all-American eats and treats” ahead of the drive-in fireworks show, which begins around 8:45 p.m. According to the city, face masks are recommended in the food truck area.
Details: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 4. 3000 S. Palo Verde Road, Buckeye. Free. https://www.buckeyeaz.gov.
Chandler
This year’s fireworks will be drive-in style at Tumbleweed Park. The 20-minute show will begin at 9 p.m. The parking lot opens at 7 p.m. Food vendors and public restrooms will be available.
Admission is limited and requires a $5 parking pass that can be purchased at https://www.chandleraz.gov. Cars can enter from Germann Road at Hamilton Street or from McQueen Road at Celebration Way.
Details: 7-9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 4. 2250 S. McQueen Road, Chandler. $5 for a parking pass. https://www.chandleraz.gov.
Chase Field
The Diamondbacks game against the San Francisco Giants on July 4 will have its traditional postgame fireworks show. As a bonus, 10,000 fans will receive a clear MLB-branded tote bag for the day’s giveaway.
Details: 6:10 p.m. Sunday, July 4. 401 E Jefferson St., Phoenix. Starting at $29.
https://www.mlb.com.
Fountain Hills
Fourth at the Fountain will host music, prizes and live music from Rock Lobster from 7:30-9 p.m. Fireworks over the lake will begin at 9 p.m.
Organizers suggest picnicking by bringing your own chairs and blankets — but leave the glass and alcohol at home. There will be food vendors at the event and free parking in downtown Fountain Hills.
Details: 7 p.m. Sunday, July 4. 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. Free. https://www.experience fountainhills.org.
Gilbert
This year marks the inaugural Gilbert Fourth of July celebration at Gilbert Regional Park.
Guests are welcome to pack their own picnic or enjoy concessions from food trucks at the event. Gates open at 5:45 p.m., and the 20-minute fireworks show begins at 8:45 p.m.
Details: 5:30-9:15 p.m. Sunday, July 4. 3005 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert. Free. https://www.gilbertaz.gov.
Goodyear
Goodyear boasts the city’s “tallest, biggest fireworks show” this year at the Goodyear Ballpark. There will be live music, slides and bounce houses ahead of the 9 p.m. fireworks. Gates open at 6 p.m. According to the city, masks are encouraged but not required.
Details: 6-10 p.m. Sunday, July 4. 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. Free.
https://www.goodyearaz.gov.
Mesa
The Arizona Celebration of Freedom in Mesa will take place ahead of the holiday this year, on July 3. The fireworks show will again be drive-in style at the former Fiesta Mall parking lot.
Space is limited and first-come, first served beginning at 7 p.m. Bringing food, non-alcoholic drinks, chairs and blankets is recommended.
Details: 9-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 3. 1425 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. http://arizonacelebration offreedom.com.
Peoria
Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers is headlining Peoria’s All-American Festival, which also promises a cornhole tournament, food and beer this year. Gates open at 5 p.m., and lawn seating is first-come, first served.
Weather permitting, the fireworks show it set to begin at 9:15 p.m.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Sunday, July 4. 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. Free.
https://www.peoriaaz.gov.
Schnepf Farms
Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek will serve shaved ice, barbecue, fry bread and cheesesteaks for this year’s Fourth of July celebration. A beer and wine garden serving local brews will be available for adults, and a foam pit can keep the children entertained.
Events kick off at 4 p.m., and the night ends with 20 minutes of fireworks.
Details: 4-9 p.m. Sunday, July 4. 24810 E. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. Starting at $25 plus fees. 480987-3100, https://schnepffarms.com.
Surprise
The city of Surprise’s 38th annual 4th of July celebration with live music and food trucks will take place at Mark Coronado Park.
Donating canned food upon entry is “appreciated,” according to the city. Guests are allowed to bring their own food, but alcohol will not be allowed inside or available for purchase.
Parking is free at the main stadium parking lot, Surprise Community Park, Dream Catcher Park, Surprise Aquatic Center and Surprise Tennis and Racquet Center.
Masks and physical distancing are “recommended,” according to organizers. Gates open at 6 p.m., and the 20minute fireworks show begins at 8:40 p.m.
Details: 6-9 p.m. Sunday, July 4. 15850 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise. Free; donation of canned food optional. 623222-2000, https://www.surprise az.gov.
Westgate Entertainment District
Independence Day celebrations at Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale begin at 5 p.m. and include live music and special deals at Fat Tuesday, Johnny Rockets, Salt Tacos y Tequila and more.
The “dazzling” fireworks display begins at 9 p.m.
Details: 5 p.m. Sunday, July 4. 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale. Free. https://westgateaz.com.
WestWorld of Scottsdale
WestWorld of Scottsdale’s Fourth of July celebration returns this year promising twice the fireworks compared to last year’s display.
The festivities begin at 5 p.m. with live entertainment and barbecue on the menu at the venue’s air-conditioned North Hall. Those who just want to catch the fireworks can be admitted to the Polo Fields and GA parking lots starting at 6:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 9 p.m.
Prices for tickets purchased in advance range from $26 for general admission parking per car to $41 for Polo Field parking per car and $41 per adult for the VIP backyard barbecue inside North Hall ($21 for children 12 years and younger), for which parking is complimentary. Ticket prices increase when purchased at the gate.
Details: 5-9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 4. 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. Starting at $26 for advance general admission parking. 480-656-9940, https://www.scottsdale4th.com.
The Wigwam
Head to the Wigwam in Litchfield Park for its annual “red, white and boom” event that begins at 7 p.m.
Admission to the event, which takes place at the blue golf course at the Wigwam, is free. Tickets for food and drinks are $2 each. Ticket bundles can be purchased ahead of time on Eventbrite.
Details: 7 p.m. Sunday, July 4. 451 N. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park. Free. 866-976-6894, https://www.wigwamarizona.com.