The most dazzling Fourth of July fireworks across Arizona

The aroma of charcoal grills and the aesthetic of red, white, and blue can only mean one thing: it’s time for Fourth of July fireworks. 

State 48 may have been late to the party, but we certainly know how to bring it unlike any other. From all four corners and everything in between, there are parades, music, barbecues, and even quirky cook-offs to complement the star of the celebrations: Fourth of July fireworks.

Even if you already pulled out the party hats for summer solstice, this Fourth is set to be the best birthday bash for America yet. So cue your “oohs” and “ahs,” unleash the thirst for fun, and get ready to enjoy the Independence Day show.

Northern Arizona

Although no fireworks are allowed in Grand Canyon National Park, there are some spectacular nearby spectacles to check out. As a bonus, check out a quirky competition to add to your traditions list.

Flagstaff

Full of innovation, Flagstaff will host several Fourth of July festivities with a laser light show instead of a traditional fireworks show. This will be a fun and welcome replacement that offers respect to the surrounding forests that are often under fire watch.

Other than the unique way to light up the sky, Historic Downtown Flagstaff will host the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Independence Day Parade that starts at Elm and Beaver at 9 a.m. This starts off the Independence Day festivities, which are vast and noteworthy. The annual Flag 4th Fest at Fort Tuthill is where everyone will gather for the laser show, food, beer, music, and kids’ events. This shindig includes an outdoor performance by The Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra beneath the ponderosa pines. In closer proximity to the Grand Canyon, with the nickname “Flag,” it is no surprise that Flagstaff delivers a grandiose Independence Day gathering.

Cottonwood

Sedona doesn’t allow fireworks of any kind, but nestled only 30 minutes away between Jerome and Sedona is a wonder known as Cottonwood. Cottonwood is a quirky and fun artsy town with access to the Verde River, excellent wine, and, of course, the annual Fantastic Family Fourth of July celebration.

This free event is located at the Cottonwood Kid’s Park and runs from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Join for free food—including hot dogs and watermelon—games, patriotic salutes, and fireworks.

Oatman

Before heading out for the fireworks, how about adding a quirky tradition to the list? Oatman takes literally the saying “it is so hot you could fry an egg on the sidewalk.” People from all over join in the competition to fry an egg in 15 minutes using only the heat of the sidewalk to sizzle the breakfast staple. Although attempts aren’t always successful, it certainly is a fun way to make use of the notorious Arizona summer heat.

Pro tip: When I was a little girl, my Grandpa successfully cooked an egg on the sidewalk using a sheet of tin foil. Perhaps you’d like to try that out for yourself.

Central Arizona

Phoenix is home to nearly two-thirds of State 48’s residents. Phoenix is also centrally located in the state. Accordingly, there are many celebrations to choose from.

Phoenix

In the city of Phoenix, the main Fourth of July fireworks show is the Fabulous Phoenix 4th, held at Steele Indian School Park on Friday, July 4. It’s a free, family-friendly event with live entertainment, activities, food trucks, and of course, fireworks.

This event begins at 5 p.m., but there is no public parking provided, so arriving earlier to find street parking, or even planning to take the Valley Metro Light Rail, is highly recommended.

Scottsdale

Scottsdale is a local haven for fun, and Fourth of July celebrations follow suit. The cashless event at Westworld includes a water balloon toss, a slider eating contest, award-winning BBQ, museums, a rodeo, games, and the largest fireworks show around! In its 12th year, this annual celebration is much anticipated by locals even in the surrounding Valley areas.

Gilbert 

Gilbert Regional Park transforms into a land of patriotic festivities for the annual Gilbert 4th of July Celebration presented by Earnhardt Auto Group and Haydon Companies, LLC.

Gates open at 5 for the free event, which features live performances, a drone show, and a spectacular fireworks display. There will also be ample food and drink vendors selling nourishment for nominal fees. On-site parking is available for $15.

Prescott

Make a weekend out of the holiday in Western style by heading over to Prescott. Friday, July 4, will launch the weekend off right with the morning Kiwanis Kiddie Parade, followed by the evening’s “Red, White, and Boom” celebration. This annual tradition includes fireworks, live performances, food, and activities at the Prescott Valley Civic Center.

The morning of the 5th starts with the Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo Parade downtown. Once that is complete, head on over to the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza to explore the Prescott Rodeo Days Fine Arts and Crafts, which boasts wares from the World’s Oldest Rodeo.

Buckeye

Buckeye has been growing in popularity and population over the last several years, and with events like the Independence Day Celebration, it’s no surprise as to why. Located at the airport, this celebration is different from the rest. The free admission includes live music and festivities, as well as access to awesome food and drinks via vendors.

However, unlike the other celebrations of the state, this one is done tailgate-style. When the fireworks begin to light up the skies, attendees are expected to drive into the lot with blankets, chairs, and/or truck beds to lounge beneath the colorful embers. This is about as close as you can get to a drive-in movie here in the Grand Canyon State. How special!!

Southern Arizona 

Although fireworks are prohibited in the largest city of Southern Arizona, Tucson, there are still many wonderful nearby shows.

Oro Valley

With live music, food trucks, and nighttime fireworks, the free event at James D. Kriegh Park in Oro Valley is sure to delight. The event begins at 5 p.m., and the fireworks make the sky pretty at 9 p.m.

Marana

The largest Independence celebration of Southern Arizona is Marana’s Star-Spangled Spectacular. The event begins at 5 p.m. behind the Arizona Pavilions Shopping Center, located within the Continental Ranch neighborhood. Free for everyone, there are games, live entertainment, a splash pad, and over 35 food vendors to choose from!

Sahuarita

At 5 p.m., head on down to Anamax Park to enjoy Sahuarita Stars & Stripes. With live music, food trucks, and water play zones, time will fly before the fireworks show at 9 p.m.. This year, the display takes on a new technological edge as it will also include a drone light show, helping to better adhere to fire safety regulations.

Tucson

Do you like baseball and good causes? The Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium will again host the “Diamonds in the Sky” event, which includes a baseball game and a 30-minute post-game fireworks show. The price of admission is $1 or 1 item of non-perishable food per person, which gets donated directly to the food bank to help raise awareness about and solutions to food insecurity. This is a truly American way to celebrate Independence Day.

Bisbee

Recently declared the best small desert town, Bisbee hosts an annual Fourth of July event like no other. This year’s theme, “Independence United for Good,” will be evident in a parade that begins at 11 a.m. Stick around for the coaster races, games, contests, and of course, a fireworks show.

Fireworks alternative

While it is a blast—get it, blast—to go out for the Fourth of July fireworks, staying at home doesn’t have to mean forgoing fun.

Years ago, when I lived in Scottsdale, my housemates and I barbecued up some burgers, set off our own “safe and sane” fireworks in the backyard, and crawled onto the roof to enjoy the view of Camelback and several Valley shows in the distance while sipping on soda and laughing up a storm. My housemate was a veteran, and I had a new dog, which led us both to want to stay close to home for some soothing breaks from the loud and lively celebration.

Fortunately, for those with similar wishes, many cities still permit the use of certain fireworks on private property. Be sure to check your local regulations and have a hose handy to put out the smoke. Whatever you choose to do this Independence Day, may you have fun and stay safe.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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