Arizona Travel

About this time every year, we get dozens of emails asking about what Fourth of July events are happening all around the state of Arizona. Now, most people are looking for fireworks, and we certainly have ‘em. But because of the unusual amount of spring rain and growth we experienced this year, followed by hot, dry summer weather, much of Arizona is under high fire danger, thus making public fireworks displays unsafe. Below, find a comprehensive list of Arizona 4th of July events, listed by region or city.

Northern Arizona - Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, Sedona

• Grand Canyon - No fireworks in or around the National Park.
• Williams - just 50 miles directly south of the Grand Canyon South Rim, Williams is home of the Small Town Fourth of July. The celebration on July 4th and will include a fabulous parade, local BBQ, ice cream social and family activities. Enjoy our small town mountain community and spectacular fireworks display. This event is a regional favorite. For more information visit www.williamsfestivals.com/schedule.html. The Williams fireworks are launched from Gonzales Lake but you can park at the baseball field or the elementary school. Take the 2nd Williams exit off Interstate 40 (if coming from Flagstaff… look for the McDonald’s.)
• Flagstaff
  • The 11th Annual Fourth of July Parade in Flagstaff is also a great event every year. Just about 1.5 hours from the South Rim, Flagstaff is one of the largest cities in northern Arizona and is a neat mix of college-town and railroad/Route 66 history. The parade begins at 9:00 am in downtown Flagstaff. Celebrate one of the most spirited community events in Flagstaff. More info, call 928-774-4505.
  • 53rd Annual Coconino County Horse Races happening July 3–8 at Fort Tuthill (exit 337 off I-17.) Live thoroughbred and quarter horse races with full parimutuel wagering. Gates open at 11:00 a.m. For info, call 928-679-8000.
  • Movies on the Square - Just as every Friday night from May to September 2008, lucky July 4th revelers can enjoy The Last Mimzy at sundown. Live entertainment featuring Dave Stilley precedes the show starting at 6 pm. Free! For up to date information on movies and weather updates, call the Movie Hotline (877) MOVIE-19 (877-668-4319).
• Sedona - No fireworks in Sedona. But you can check out the galaxy’s fireworks on a Sedona Astronomy Tour of the Universe with Evening Sky Tours. View Mars, Andromeda, Earth’s moon, spiral galaxies and double stars through their state-of-the-art telescopes. Enjoy an entertaining evening of astronomy under the canopy of Sedona’s brilliant night sky. Professional astronomers guide you through the Universe using large telescopes and laser pointers. View and learn about constellations, planets, galaxies, comets, satellites, and meteors. Your tour guides are knowledgeable professional astronomers. Bring your family for an evening of “edutainment” under Sedona’s gorgeous star-filled dark skies. Sedona is a dark sky city with exceptional conditions for stargazing.
• El Prado Show Introduces the Art of Collecting - El Prado celebrates our Nation’s beginnings by helping you begin your own art collection. On July 4th, El Prado by the Creek starts the “Collector Inauguration” show and features nationally recognized emerging artists and select works from well established artists. On Independence Day, be to discover your personal insight. The “Collector Inauguration” show kicks off with an opening reception on Friday, July 4th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. with the experienced and friendly art consultants of El Prado by the Creek… more about Fourth of July in Sedona at El Prado Gallery
• Camp Verde - check out our post about Fourth of July events at Cliff Castle Casino
• Laughlin, Nevada - A little out-of-the-box thinking and a short 2.5 drive west from Williams, AZ, this AZ/NV border town and gaming destination features Rockets Over The River. Just after dark on July 4th, see a huge annual firework display over the Colorado River. Rockets Over The River is one of the most spectacular firework displays in the West. Brilliant colors light up the dark desert sky and reflect in the Colorado River below, creating a memorable and dramatic experience. The fireworks show is choreographed to patriotic music that will be simulcast by the Laughlin hotels and radio stations.
• White Mountains Area
  • Sunrise Resort Park - Check out this ski destination in its off season for an archery shoot or scenic ski lift ride. Sunrise Lodge will be open to guests. For reservations, call 800-772-7669 ext 2154
  • Showlow - Annual 4th of July Parade, Deuces Wild Rodeo, Freedom Fest & the best Fireworks display on the mountain. This year’s celebrated theme for the 4th of July is: “Celebrating Our Memories.” Come and experience the perfect weather, beautiful surroundings and local folks that make you feel right at home. Call 1-888-show-low and plan your hot summer in the cool mountains of Arizona.

Central Arizona - Prescott, Phoenix, Scottsdale

• Tempe - The largest fireworks event in the state, the Tempe Town Lake Festival or “Tempe 4th” is an afternoon and evening celebration on Tempe Town Lake. Produced by the Kiwanis Club of Tempe, this huge event at Tempe Beach Park opens at 4pm and will feature live music, family fun, a splash zone, an inflatable village, impressive food court and of course, the 57th Annual SRP Fireworks Spectacular - best fireworks show in the Valley - shot from Mill Avenue bridge. The spectacular family night SRP Fireworks Show will be choreographed to patriotic and classical music.
• Prescott
  • The City of Prescott’s Fourth of July Celebration at Pioneer Park, located off Commerce near Willow Creek Road. Largest fireworks display in the tri-city! Free admission to fireworks. Also, all-day carnival. Includes world’s largest water slide, bungee jumping, climbing walls, pony rides, bumper boats, carnival games, and so much more. Pre-sale carnival wrist bands can be purchased for $12 or at the gate for $15. Live entertainment, contests, give-a-ways, a free craft tent, and great food. The fireworks show begins at 9:00 pm followed by post fireworks entertainment by the band Distant Fury. Park at Embry-Riddle on Willow Creek Road for a free shuttle to Pioneer Park. For more information, call (928) 777-1349.
  • Kiwanis Kiddie Parade - 8:30 Prescott Downtown Square (Added June 30, 2008)
  • World’s Oldest Rodeo - PRCA sanctioned rodeo — 8 performances — 7:30PM June 30 through July 5, PLUS 1:30PM performances on July 4th & 5th only. Entrance fees range from $12 to $22 based on seating options. Visit www.worldsoldestrodeo.com for more information.
  • Frontier Days Parade - Okay, so this event is actually on Saturday, July 5, 2008, but it is the second largest parade in the state (second only to the annual Fiesta Bowl Parade.) Join thousands of spectators in downtown Prescott, starting at 9:00 am. (Added June 30, 2008)
• Scottsdale - Scottsdale’s July 4th Family Barbecue at Scottsdale Stadium will hit the coals from 5 to 7:30 p.m on July 4th. Scottsdale Stadium is located at Osborn and Drinkwater/74th Street in Old Town. Activities include free hot dogs, watermelon eating contest, potato sack races, tug-o-war competition, music and arts and crafts. Pictures/cards will be made for soldiers oversees. Barbecue grills will be provided and families are encouraged to bring food to cook up and eat at this community picnic. Admission and parking are free. Call 480-312-2771 for information.
• Phoenix - Fabulous Phoenix Fourth is the largest free fireworks event in the state. Come down to Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix. Local entertainment and a Kids’ Zone will offer rides and other entertainment. Expect large crowds and be sure to bring your blanket, lawn chairs and coolers. The Fabulous Fireworks start sparking at approximately 9:15 pm.

If you have additional events to share, please feel free to post them in our comments!