Chandler
July 4
All-American Bash
7:00 p.m. -9:30 p.m.
A.J. Chandler Park
178 E. Commonwealth Ave.
The downtown Chandler event to celebrate Independence Day will feature live music, yard games, kids activities, cold treats and more. Fireworks to start at 8:20 p.m. Free. chandleraz.gov.
Flagstaff
July 4
Annual Fourth of July Parade
9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
Downtown Flagstaff
The parade takes place downtown and features colorful floats, music, and community groups celebrating the holiday. Dark Sky Brewing’s Beer Garden is located on Beaver Street and is a great place to enjoy a local brew while watching the parade instead of being part of the crowd along the sidewalk. Admission: Free
July 4
A Flag Fourth: Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra
Doors Open 2:00 p.m., Show 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Pepsi Amphitheater
250 Garrison Rd.
The FSO is back on July 4 for the annual Flag Fourth concert! This family-friendly patriotic pop concert is perfect for all ages, free of charge, and open to the public. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and sunscreen for this fantastic Independence Day celebration in the pines with live symphony music. Free
Fountain Hills
July 4
Fourth at the Fountain
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
12925 N. Saguaro Blvd.
Celebrate the Fourth of July at Fountain Park with live music from Rock Lobster and a big fireworks show, weather permitting, as the finale. Free. experiencefountainhills.org.
Gilbert
July 4
4th of July Celebration
4:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Gilbert Regional Park
3005 E. Queen Creek Road
The event at Gilbert Regional Park will feature performances from Jason Aldean and Kenny Chesney tribute bands, aerial entertainment, a drone show and more followed by fireworks show at 9 p.m., weather permitting. Free; parking is $15 per car, VIP tickets are $30 per person, free for children 2 and younger. gilbertaz.gov.
Glendale
July 4
Westgate Entertainment District Firework Fest
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Westgate
6770 N Sunrise Blvd.
Celebrate the Fourth of July at Westgate Entertainment District’s Firework Fest, where there will be free face painting, balloon twisting, classically restored firetrucks, a splash zone, beer garden, games, live music and more. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Parking is free but space is limited. Free. westgateaz.com/event/america.
Goodyear
July 4
Star Spangled Fourth
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Goodyear Ballpark and Goodyear Recreation Campus
1933 S. Ballpark Way and 420 Estrella Parkway
Goodyear Ballpark will have yard games, live music, a bubble zone and arts and crafts for kids. Goodyear Recreation Campus will have more of a tailgate party vibe with wet and dry bounce inflatables, photo opportunities, a DJ dance party and food trucks. Fireworks will go on at 8:45 p.m., weather permitting. Free. goodyearaz.gov.
Marana
July 4
Star Spangled Spectacular
5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Crossroads at Silverbell District Park
7548 N. Silverbell Road
At Marana’s Star-Spangled Spectacular enjoy live entertainment, games, the park’s splash pad, a car show and 35 food vendors from across the region for a night of fun. Fireworks at 9. Free, bring money for food
Maricopa
July 4
Great American 4th
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Copper Sky Regional Park
44345 West MLK Jr. Blvd.
The city of Maricopa’s Great American 4th will offer family-friendly activities, live entertainment, food and fireworks, weather permitting, at Copper Sky Regional Park. Fireworks event is free. Copper Sky Aquatics Center pool party costs $10 for Copper Sky members, $20 for nonmembers, free for age 3 and younger. ga4th.com.
Mesa
July 4
Arizona Celebration of Freedom
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Mesa Convention Center
263 N. Center St.
The downtown Mesa celebration will feature live music, history reenactments, superhero stunt show and picnic games that will end with fireworks at 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. Free. azcelebrationoffreedom.com.
This holiday is not to celebrate a date on the calendar and a long weekend. It is to celebrate the courage of the founders of this nation to take extreme risks to secure the liberties that sadly, most of our generation take for granted. Let’s give this day the solemn respect it deserves, by calling it what it is, Independence Day, and stop disregarding its solemn meaning with the misnomer, “4th of July.” The words we choose matter.