The Fourth of July commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It serves as a reminder of the freedom, democracy and liberty the United States of America stands for, as well as those who fight every day for our great country. The best way to celebrate is to gather the family in red, white and blue and come alive with festivities such as fireworks, parades, or backyard barbecues to witness the unity of America. Here are 12 Fourth of July events for the family to have a fantastic day that will rock your socks off.  

MORE NEWS: 20 of the best summer staycation deals in Arizona

73rd  Annual Tempe Independence Day Celebration

Join fellow residents for an evening celebration on Thursday, July 4 at Tempe Beach Park. Enjoy games, activities, live music, shopping, craft food from local vendors, sweet treats and more with the whole family. Experience an unforgettable experience in the sky with a massive lakeside fireworks display. GA and VIP tickets are available at a discount if bought early. Ticket prices increase at the door. Hours for the event are 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Firework Fest Returns to Westgate

Westgate Entertainment District is celebrating Independence Day with a dazzling firework display and community event on July 4 from 5-9 p.m. Firework Fest, powered by Sanderson Ford and Desert Diamond Casino West Valley, is celebrating its 12th year at Westgate and will feature free airbrush tattoos,  classically restored fire trucks with a kiddo-approved splash zone, dining deals, an open-air beer garden with live music, games and more.

    Fabulous Phoenix 4

    This event is free and non-alcoholic for Thursday, July 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and features the largest fireworks display in the Southwest. 

      Fourth of July Freedom Fest at the Princess

      Spend the days poolside for Independence Day and enjoy the culinary adventure in Scottsdale for their annual Freedom Fest. Kick off the festivities on July 3 through to July 6 with a different entertainment singer each night followed by a fabulous fireworks display getting better each night with an explosive finale on July 4. Concert tickets are available to overnight guests only. On Independence Day, the All-Veterans Parachute Group take flight lit by pyrotechnics to light up the sky.

      Celebrate the Fourth of July in Scottsdale

      Start planning family fun and a patriotic 4th of July weekend this year and keep the family Red, White and COOL at Scottsdale 4th of July at WestWorld, with an overnight or two at a beautiful resort in Old Town Scottsdale. Scottsdale 4th of July returns for its 11th year bringing back loads of family friendly activities and the LARGEST fireworks show in Scottsdale. Meanwhile, all the amenities of Old Town Scottsdale are 15 minutes away and are sure to please everyone.  A 4th of July holiday itinerary might look like this:

      • Scottsdale 4th of July at WestWorld. Thurs., July 4. Stay RED, WHITE, and COOL in the indoors of WestWorld of Scottsdale where you can enjoy food, fun and fireworks lighting up the sky. There is tons to do for the entire family including old fashion games like cake walks and musical chairs, the Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers Summer Slider Eating Championship, Lerner & Rowe Bull Riding Rodeo and mutton busting for kids, Parade of Heroes, performances by Medieval Times along with their “Knight Training”, face painting and balloon artists, FREE Bobblehead YOU dolls by State Farm, water game and more;

      • Relax at a Spa or Resort. Fri., July 5, daytime. What better way to relax after July 4th festivities than at a pool or spa.  Scottsdale offers an abundance of options.

      • Dine Classy, or Casual, Your Choice. Fri., July 5, nighttime. Whether it’s nationally recognized or a local gem, Old Town offers fine dining to casual hot spots, including local breweries and wine tasting rooms;

      • Enlighten your Night Owl. July 5, after dinner. When the sunny skies set, the light on the dance floors light up Old Town. With an enormous roster of nightclubs, bars, and music venues, there is always happening nightlife in Scottsdale. 

      • Explore Old Town Scottsdale’s Art Galleries & Museums or Shop ‘til You Drop. July 6, daytime. With plentiful options from art exhibits to museums, what better way to escape the heat than to explore world-class galleries in Scottsdale Art District.  Or explore one-of-a-kind Old Town Scottsdale boutiques. Shop fashions, home décor, gifts and so much more; 

      • Golf on Your Days Off. July 6, option.  While the art galleries and shopping await ‘her,’ he might prefer the 200+ golf course options. Scottsdale earns the title “The World’s Finest Golf Scottsdale 4th of July at WestWorld is the “Red, White & COOL” opportunity for Arizona residents to experience the renowned amenities of Old Town Scottsdale, just as world travelers do.

      SCOTTSDALE 4TH TICKETS & ACCESS. Tickets start at $25 in advance; prices increase at the door. For tickets & more, visit Scottsdale4th.com. 

        Gilbert 4th of July Celebration

        This event is from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. Experience live performances by Chad Freeman & Redline, Dirt Road- The Jason Aldean Experience and Kenny Chesney Tribute, aerial entertainment, drone show plus a fireworks show. Each car is $15 for parking, credit card only.

        Red, White, and Poolside at W Scottsdale

        W Scottsdale, located in the lively Entertainment District and adjacent to the charming Old Town Scottsdale, will host its annual Fourth of July celebration, “Red, White and Bubbly” from Thursday, July 4 to Sunday, July 7 on the iconic rooftop WET Deck featuring pool parties, patriotic décor, live music with DJs, frozen cocktails, and Old Town Scottsdale’s only fireworks show that can’t be missed. On Thursday, July 4 from 12p.m. – 2a.m., W Scottsdale will host a festive celebration including night swimming and a stunning firework display at 9p.m. Attendees are required to be 21+. Hotel guests get complimentary admission, while the public are encouraged to book a cabana or table by texting 602-405-0099 or emailing vip@spellboundeg.com.

        Donabe, the Japanese Steakhouse residency located on the hotel’s WET Deck, is also featuring Fourth of July specials. Elevating the traditional Fourth of July BBQ with Japanese style grilling, Donabe’s Wagyu Hot Stone includes a 3oz Japanese A5 sirloin, served with white scallion, daikon, and shisho chimichurri.  The dish is served in a Donabe on a sizzling hot stone.  Patrons can cook to their desired temperature or enjoy the dish as it’s served. For a refreshing and bubbly cocktail, Donabe is serving the Fuji Spritz. A delicious and colorful twist on an Aperol Spritz, the specialty cocktail is mixed with Lychee-Strawberry Aperol, yuzu, prosecco, and soda. For reservations, visit DonabeAZ.com. 

        Additionally, the Sonoran property is offering the below summertime packages with enticing offers for guests to consider booking:

        • Cheers and Chill Package | Promo Code: ZJL

        • Elevate your stay with the hotel’s exclusive summer savings package featuring late check-out, early check-in, breakfast for two and a drink credit. 

        • AZ Rate Offer | Promo Code: SPU

        •  Drive in style, park with ease. Arizona locals get complimentary parking with this package.

        • Donabe Dinner Package | Promo Code: D60 

        • Treat your taste buds at Donabe, a Japanese Steakhouse located on the 2nd floor of W Scottsdale. Stay, dine, and live it up while enjoying the full Scottsdale experience only at W Scottsdale with this dining package: https://www.marriott.com/offers/indulge-off-114293/phxwh-w-scottsdale

          Flagstaff Chamber Fourth of July Parade

          Presented by the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and Nackard Pepsi, enjoy the historical route around Downtown Flagstaff. Attendance is free and it takes place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Enjoy a Flag Fourth Concert from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. that is free of charge. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and sunscreen for a patriotic pops concert at the Pepsi Amphitheater.  

            Walk like an Astronaut Flagstaff

            Every astronaut who walked on the moon trained in Flagstaff. Independence Day is the perfect time to trace their steps at the Flagstaff Lunar Legacy Landmarks Maps and Passports available at the visitor center. The moonwalk will hit Meteor Crater, USGS Astrogeology Center, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Cinder Lakes and Grand Canyon National Park. Collect stamps for a free prize.

              Fourth at the Fountain in Fountain Hills

              This event takes place at Fountain Park on Thursday, July 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy live music and entertainment, variety of food and beverages and beautiful fireworks display at 9 p.m.

                Red, White and Boom in Prescott

                Enjoy this free event at Prescott Valley Civic Center from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This will include fireworks, music and more. Enjoy bounce houses, food trucks and live performances by Tyller Gummersal, Southbound, and Bradshaw Mountain High School Colorguard.  

                  Light Up the Sky Avondale

                  Ignite Independence Day at Phoenix Raceway features VIP guests that will dance along with a DJ, win raffle prizes, have access to a private patio for games and firework viewing and eat gourmet food. This free event will also have a variety of food trucks, live music and a 25-minute fireworks display.  

                    4th of July Celebration in Apache Junction

                    All festivities will take place on Thursday, July 4 at Superstition Shadows Aquatic Center starting with a free volleyball tournament from 7:15 a.m., open swim 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and events kicking off at 6 p.m. for Independence Day. Vendor booths, activities and live music are available from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. finished with a fireworks display.