Information provided by Sandi Bartlett
Chandler’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration
Though it’s been scaled down from previous years, Chandler’s Independence Day party still has what everyone comes to see: a 20- to 25-minute fireworks show starting at 9 p.m. Come early for a picnic in the park, where Chandler Lions Club will sell hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, snow cones and drinks. Or, you can bring your own — but neither grilling nor alcohol are allowed.
When: 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4
Where: Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Road
Cost: Free admission; $5 per vehicle to park
Information: (480) 782-2735 or ChandlerAZ.gov
Fire in the Sky Fourth of July Event- Gilbert
In Gilbert, fireworks are launched at 8:30 p.m. from the Central Christian Church campus, but you can also see the show from parking lots at nearby Campo Verde High School and Gilbert Soccer Complex. Head to the church or soccer fields for vendors selling pretzels, lemonade, glow sticks and other items. All three locations will accept nonperishable food donations to United Food Bank.
When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 4
Where: Central Christian Church, 965 E. Germann Road
Cost: Free admission
Information: (480) 305-7500 or CentralAZ.com/fits
Queen Creek 4th of July Celebration
Put on by the Kiwanis Club of Queen Creek at the town’s most famous farm, this event features a 9:15 p.m. fireworks show as well as bounce houses, a water slide and rides, and food, drink, and craft vendors. Leave coolers and alcohol at home.
When: 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4
Where: Schnepf Farms, 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road
Cost: $15 per vehicle; rides are $2-$7 per turn. All proceeds go to the Kiwanis Club and its charities.
Information: (480) 987-3100 or SchnepfFarms.com
July Fourth Tempe Town Lake Festival
A food court and nonstop live music, along with an inflatable village with rides and rock climbing walls, help while away the hours until the fireworks. They’re shot off at 9:15 p.m. over the Mill Avenue Bridge and choreographed to rousing patriotic music. No food or coolers allowed.
When: 5 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. Thursday, July 4
Where: Tempe Beach Park, 54 W. Rio Salado Parkway
Cost: $5 per general admission ticket if purchased in advance through Fry’s Food Stores or select outlets in Tempe. $8 per ticket or $15 for two tickets at the gate. Children 12 and younger get in free. VIP admission is $30-$60 per person and includes dinner, misted seating and a prime viewing area for the fireworks show.
Information: (480) 350-5189 or Tempe4th.com.
Apache Junction Fourth of July Celebration
Gates open at 6 p.m. for bean bag tosses, prize ponds, inflatable attractions and game booths geared toward kids. Free watermelon, provided by Apache Junction Little League, will be available until it’s gone, and food vendors will sell other snacks and drinks. The band Reign-N-Country performs 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
When: 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4
Where: Apache Junction High School track and field, 2525 S. Ironwood Drive
Cost: Free admission; small fees apply at food and game booths
Information: (480) 983-2181 or www.AJCity.net
Ahwatukee’s Red, White & Boom Festival
Live music, a water zone, bratwurst eating contests, and food and drink vendors entertain before a 9 p.m. fireworks spectacular. No outside food or drink allowed.
When: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 3
Where: Ahwatukee Country Club, 12432 S. 48th St., Phoenix
Cost: Free admission. Parking is $10 per vehicle. Kids Zone activity tickets are $1 each. VIP tickets are $15-$25 per person and include a misted area, complimentary food, dedicated beer and beverage bar and private restrooms.
Information: (602) 276-2499 or Red-White-Boom.com
Independence Day Music Festival– Scottsdale
Academy of Country Music New Male Vocalist of the Year Brantley Gilbert headlines this show, which ends with a giant fireworks display at 9:45 p.m.
When: Gates open at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 3.
Where: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale
Cost: Tickets start at $20.
Information: (800) 745-3000 or SaltRiverFields.com
The Freedom Wireless Foundation Fabulous Phoenix Fourth
A fireworks show organizers are calling their biggest ever starts at 9:30 p.m. Prior to that, you’ll find three stages of live entertainment, inflatable and water attractions, a classic car show, and more than 50 food and beverage vendors.
When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4
Where: Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road
Cost: Free admission
Information: (602) 534-4810 or http://phoenix.gov/parks/fabphx4.html