Your 2022 Fourth of July Planning Guide
Scottsdale 4th of July Celebration at WestWorld, photo credit, Scottsdale 4th of July
By Lauren Wong
It’s almost time for one of my favorite holidays. The day our whole country comes together in celebration of freedom as we get all decked out in red, white, and blue. A full day off work as you raise your cup, surrounded by your friends and family, and all your worries blown away by that perfect summer breeze. And, of course, my favorite part of it all, lounging out under the star filled sky as fireworks fizzle out around you.
Unsure what to do this year? Here’s just a few, fun Arizona events to check into…
When: July 1 - 4
Where: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Cost: Prices vary
photo credit, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Extend your Fourth of July festivities and join in as the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess brings you nightly firework shows, dive-in movies, and more. On July 4, at 4:45 p.m. they’ll be hosting a Vintage Air Show. Retired veterans will fly more than 50 military aircrafts (that flew in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam) over the resort. It’ll be a way to “salute real-life heroes.”
You can lounge at the pool in celebration, dine in one of their exceptional restaurants, treat yourself at the spa, and grab a float and dive-in at a movie showing on their giant inflatable screen. The schedule is as follows.
July 1: Frozen
July 2: Trolls
July 3: Onward
July 4: The Incredibles
When: July 1 - 4
Where: Window Rock, AZ
Cost: Prices vary
During the first few days of July, the Navajo Nation 4th of July Celebration will be bringing an ample amount of events. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions there will not be a carnival this year, but there’ll still be plenty to do. There’s a 5k walk/run on the NN Fairgrounds, a Pow Wow at the Veterans Memorial Arena, and Concerts and a PRCA Pro Rodeo taking place at the Dean C. Jackson Memorial Arena. The Annie Wauneka Arena will host Song and Dance, an opportunity to dance to traditional Navajo songs.
When: 6 - 10 p.m. July 3
Where: Tempe Beach Park
Cost: Free
Tempe is bringing you a night of lively entertainment full of music, activities, and a unique fire show. Rock Lobster, an 80’s cover band, will be performing throughout the night while you check out their different kid-friendly activities, and food/beverage options. To end a great night, there will be a huge fire show, choreographed to music on Tempe Town Lake.
When: 6:45 - 9 a.m. July 4
Where: Downtown Flagstaff
Cost: $35
photo credit, Run Flagstaff / Team Run Flagstaff
Brought to you by Team Run Flagstaff and the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, participants get to start out their Independence Day early by running the iconic Mile. The two-loop course on the parade route has six event categories; Masters Women and Masters Men (40+), Citizen Men and Women (all ages), Elite Men and Women (competing for a cash purse), and a half-mile Kids’ race.
Additional prizes will be given out to the top finishers in each category. If you’re not too confident in your running, dress your best for a chance to win the costume contest! Enjoy the parade afterwards with a sense of accomplishment from the sweat you left out on the course. Proceeds will go towards supporting Flagstaff Shelter Services.
When: 5 - 9 p.m. July 4
Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale
Cost: $15 - $40
photo credit, Scottsdale 4th of July
Get ready for everything ‘red, white, and cool,’ at Scottsdale’s 9th Annual 4th of July Celebration at WestWorld. This year’s event has a lot going on! You can expect everything from bull riding, and mutton busting for children, to balloon artists, face painters, old-fashioned cake walks, and more.
For live entertainment, enjoy performances of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” from feature film Encanto, and watch as Mayor Ortega presents “The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show,” which was featured on America’s Got Talent. Throughout the duration of the event you’ll also be able to join in on the Cha Cha Slide, chicken dance, and other games. Community leaders involved in Safety, Fire Safety, Veterans, the Neighborhood, Healthcare and the Community will be honored in the Parade of Heroes.
When the clock strikes 9, after your day full of activities, sit back and relax while you enjoy the largest fireworks display in Scottsdale set over the McDowell Mountains.
When: 5 - 10 p.m. July 4
Where: Peoria Sports Complex
Cost: Free General Admission (VIP Experiences available for purchase)
Take advantage of Peoria’s state-of-the-art Sports Complex from the Main Stadium to the Mariners side. There will be giant inflatable water slides, food and drink vendors, a fireworks display, cornhole tournament, and live music.
The Sidewinders, Roger Clyne, and the Peacemakers will be taking the stage for this year’s entertainment. To accommodate all guests, there will be a Sensory Room in the Visitor’s Clubhouse with noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, plush chairs, and soft toys. Visit their website for information regarding their VIP tickets.
When: 6 - 10 p.m. July 4
Where: Mesa Convention Center
Cost: Free
This year is bringing bigger and better fireworks than ever before! This family friendly event features live music, patriotic displays, a car show, a naturalization ceremony, BMX stunt show, and activities for all ages. Also, add in some history to honor this special day and watch as We Make History brings you reenactments from the Revolutionary War. Arizona fallen heroes will be honored at the Fallen Heroes Memorial.
When: 7 - 9:30 p.m. July 4
Where: Chandler Downtown Stage
Cost: Free
Come together with your community to celebrate this year’s Fourth of July! Bring your whole family because there will be plenty for everyone to do. Go head to head against your friends and family in Connect 4, Checkers, or one of their other yard games. Get yourself glammed up with a glitter tattoo, and get a souvenir to carry around and bring home from their balloon artist.
For refreshments there’ll be different food, beverage, and snack vendors to choose from. While you revel in the festivities, watch as Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns take the stage to celebrate this day, and 32 years of “Rockin’ Rhythm and Blues in the Valley of the Sun.” There will be two 60-minute sets, one starting at 7:05 p.m. and the other at 8:25 p.m.
