Looking for a great way to celebrate the 4th of July in Scottsdale (or somewhere not too far away)? Here’s a guide to some of the best local celebrations.
July 1
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Festivities begin at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess on July 1 with nightly fireworks at 9 p.m., live music, vintage air shows military tributes, and family fun through Independence Day. The 4th of July Freedom Fest is also the perfect time to check out the resort’s new Sunset Beach, featuring a 7,000-square-foot pool surrounded by 830 tons of soft, chilled white sand.
Packages start at $179 per night for a three-night stay, $199 per night for a two-night stay, and $229 for a one-night stay, plus taxes and a daily $30 resort fee. A percentage of proceeds from every vacation package sold will benefit Friends of Freedom, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, active duty service members, and their families.
The Phoenician: IGNITE! 4th of July weekend kicks off on July 1 and runs through July 3. Scheduled activities include frozen t-shirt races, rubber ducky hunts, s’mores, and an indoor carnival on Saturday, July 2, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. At the carnival, kids will be able to compete in a basketball shootout, ride a mechanical bull, or run the obstacle course. A fireworks show is also scheduled for Saturday at 9 p.m. on the Casita Lawn. Rates start at $169 per night.
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia: Over the 4th of July weekend, you can enjoy American-themed cocktails, live music, exclusive culinary events, and spa specials at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa. The ongoing Stars, Strips & Savings package provides additional savings. Book by July 18 for stays through September 11, 2016, for up to 20 percent off the best available rates when you stay three or more nights.
July 2
Scottsdale Independence Day Celebration: WestWorld celebrates the 4th of July indoors at the 300,000-square-foot, fully air-conditioned Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center on July 2, from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Festivities include trampoline shows by Flippenout, super kids’ play zone, petting zoo, pony rides, Dirty Money Cattle Company Bull Riding Competition, mutton busting, Star Wars “The Fourth Awakens” interactive stations, live entertainment, and fireworks.
Tickets are $6 in advance for Scottsdale residents who purchase their tickets online. For residents of other communities, general admission is $12 in advance. Children 5 and under, first responders, and military are free. VIP tickets $35 in advance. Rides are additional. Wristbands for the rides are $20 for the first child, $10 for each additional child, and $5 for children 5 and under. If you just want to come for the fireworks, there’s a $20 per car charge. Gates for the viewing area open at 7 p.m.
July 3
Salt River Fields Fireworks & Movie Night: This year, Salt River Fields will be holding a movie night (instead of last year’s music festival) featuring the family-friendly movie, “The Sandlot.” The movie will be followed by fireworks. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but there is a $10 per car fee to park.
July 4
July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival: Gates open at 5 p.m. for one of the Valley’s biggest Independence Day celebrations, featuring live music, a free inflatable village with rides, rock climbing walls, and a food court. The fireworks, which are shot from Mill Avenue Bridge and are choreographed to music, will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m.
You can purchase tickets online here or at all Fry’s stores. Some tickets will also be available onsite until the park reaches capacity. General admission is $5. VIP options are available for $30 and $60.
Fourth at the Fountain: This free event is held at Fountain Park in Fountain Hills and runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fireworks over the fountain begin at 9 p.m. Admission is free, and you can bring coolers and picnic (although no glass or alcohol are allowed). You can also bring balls and lawn games, but pets and personal fireworks are not permitted.
Fabulous Phoenix Fourth: One of the largest fireworks displays in the Southwest, the Fabulous Phoenix Fourth features two stages with local entertainers, interactive exhibits, rides, inflatables, a water spray zone, and a classic car show. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.
The free event annual attracts 100,000-plus participants and is held rain or shine at Steele Indian School Park, located at 3rd Street and Indian School Road.
Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team – RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-351-5359
don@scottsdalerealestate.com
