Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, pool party at one of Scottsdale’s finest resorts, a vintage airshow or a day at the zoo, it’s sure to end with a bang this week! This year, July 4th lands mid-week so there is a myriad of firework shows and special events slated around the valley that span a 5-day timeline.
For the biggest party in town head over to Rawhide for an evening packed full of family attractions, food, music, and one-of-a-kind stunt show! The 5th Annual Red, White & Rawhide spectacular fireworks is one finale you won’t want to miss! Gates open at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 1st and tickets are $25 at the gate with kids under 5 free.
On Independence Day pack up the kids and head to out to the 4th of Zooly at the Phoenix Zoo for a lakeside summer BBQ, free carousel rides and bouncy house. Head over to the VIP area to view the fireworks over Tempe Town Lake. Gates open at 7:00 p.m. on July 4th and tickets are $45 for ages 13 and up, $35 for 3 to 12, and toddlers and infants get in free.
The July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival is an afternoon and evening celebration sponsored every year by the Kiwanis Club of Tempe. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and they’ll let the public in for $5 a head until the park fills and then they cut it off. So it’s highly recommended to get your tickets online to reserve your spot for the South Bank of the Lake for some amazing overhead explosions. Children 12 and under are free and anyone showing an active Military ID gets in free. If you want some real VIP treatment you’ll want to splurge on the VIP Garden tickets for $60 per adult and $30 for children ages 5-12 that includes reserved seating under the misters with a free picnic meal!
Aviation buffs will love the 4th of July vintage air show at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess that includes 28 military aircraft that flew in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, piloted by retired veterans to salute all American heroes! The show will include the All-Veterans Parachute Team, live music by The Spazmatics and MJ Live. Don’t forget your swim suit because the fireworks are viewed best poolside! Shows are free for resort guests or anyone dining in one of their four restaurants.
The biggest 4th of July party in North Scottsdale happens at WestWorld with over 300,000 square feet of air-conditioned family fun! In addition to BBQ, party goers can experience a petting zoo, pony rides, game trucks, the Presentation of Colors by the Scottsdale PD Mounted Unit, Stunt Masters BMX Show, Bull Riding, Mutton Busting and more. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. on the 4th and the $12 general admission includes fireworks & the free zone activities. Special pricing of $6 is given to Scottsdale residents who book online and 5 and under get in free.
Wherever you do this 4th, make it a safe and summer fun experience for the whole family! More dogs go missing on July 4th than any other day of the year and some of them never make it home. The loud fireworks create panic and pets flee for safety, only to be put in harms way. So secure your pets and do it early since some Independence Day celebrations start as early as Friday and run through Tuesday.
