4th of July in Scottsdale
Looking for a fun and magical Fourth of July weekend? Scottsdale’s family-friendly celebrations for Independence Day 2021 include everything from fireworks displays to poolside DJ’s. Here’s the inside scoop on the best ways to celebrate, Scottsdale-style!
Subaru Presents Scottsdale 4th of July
This patriotic celebration takes place in the shadow of the McDowell Mountains at WestWorld of Scottsdale. The VIP Backyard Barbecue includes a buffet-style meal, live music, face painting, balloon artists and a giant snow slide for the kiddos to keep them cool. Gates open at 5 p.m. for the Backyard Barbecue and at 6:30 p.m. for general admission to the dazzling fireworks display, which begins at 9 p.m.
CRUISE THE ZOO
Celebrate the Fourth of July weekend on the “wild” side with a driving tour of the Phoenix Zoo. You’ll see a variety of zoo animals like lions, elephants, giraffes and more – all from the air-conditioned comfort of your car! Tickets, including food, drink and souvenir options, must be purchased online in advance.
HOLIDAY WEEKEND POOL PARTIES
Looking for the ultimate Scottsdale pool party? Check out OH Pool at Hotel Valley Ho, the legendary Wet Deck at W Scottsdale, and The Saguaro Scottsdale all of which offer DJ-spun tunes and a see-and-be-seen atmosphere. If a live concert is your more style, Talking Stick Resort offers top-name entertainment at their spacious main pool.
AWARD-WINNING BARBECUE
What would the Fourth of July weekend be without some finger-licking-good barbecue? A lot less fun! Luckily, the Scottsdale area is home to some great spots for outstanding barbecue. In North Scottsdale, check out The Thumb, an upscale gas station/car wash/gift shop/barbecue joint featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins & Dives. A little further north, in the quirky town of Cave Creek, Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue was awarded “Best Ribs in Arizona” honors by the Food Network.
Burgers, Dogs & Drinks
Hamburgers and hot dogs go hand-in-hand with the Fourth of July, but if you don’t feel like firing up the grill, we’ve got a few suggestions that will satisfy your cravings. At Hand Cut Burgers & Chop House, the two-fisted Western Bacon Burger comes with melted cheddar, honey-cured bacon and chipotle barbecue sauce. More of a dog person? Check out Hash Kitchen’s Ultimate Brunch Hotdog, which boasts two bacon-wrapped hotdogs, golden hash browns, cheddar cheese sauce and a fried egg. Wash those pups down with Hash’s new-and-boozy snow cone cocktail flight. And if you’re looking for a place to kick-off your holiday celebration, head for Old Town’s Blue Clover Distillery, which is offering specials on 750 ml bottles of their handcrafted, flavor-infused vodka and gin – available to enjoy in-house or to-go for just $22.
FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS
Fourth of July weekend is back and better than ever at the Princess! Spend your days chilling poolside, then reserve the evenings for culinary adventures at one of the resort’s four on-property restaurants. Each day will include fun events like dive-in movies, a vintage aircraft show, an unforgettable nightly fireworks display and, new this year, concerts on the resort’s Lagoon Lawn. There’s something for all ages this year at the Princess!
HOTEL VALLEY HO
Soak up some sun under the palms this Fourth of July weekend at Hotel Valley Ho, Old Town Scottsdale’s mid-century modern hideaway. Visit ZuZu for inventive cuisine or cool off with an over-the-top “Show Stopper” Shake. Outside at OH Pool, enjoy cocktails and light fare while relaxing to chill, DJ-spun beats Friday through Monday (overnight stay or daybed or cabana rental required).
HYATT REGENCY SCOTTSDALE RESORT & SPA AT GAINEY RANCH
The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale is celebrating our nation’s birthday with their signature Red, White and Boom Fireworks Extravaganza on July 4th. Before the show, make a splash at the resort’s 2.5-acre water playground, which boasts 10 pools, a 30-foot waterslide, and a spacious sand beach. Kids will love the beachside Fun Zone, which includes a putting green, ping-pong, giant chess and an oversized Connect Four. Continue the fun with a cornhole tournament, watermelon eating contest, slide races, themed crafts, and, of course, the magic of the Hyatt’s annual fireworks display!
ROYAL PALMS RESORT AND SPA
Celebrate freedom with a getaway to this locally owned oasis. Amenities include private guest room entry, open-air corridors, five pools and all the space you need to relax and unwind. For the holiday weekend, there will be family-friendly outdoor games, as well as DJs at the main pool and live music in the Mansion Courtyard on Friday and Saturday.
EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON SCOTTSDALE
The recently renovated Embassy Suites, located just north of Old Town Scottsdale, celebrates the Fourth of July weekend with poolside deejays, an outdoor bar and grill, snow cones, dive-in movies and much more!
Check out Summer in Scottsdale for even more great tips, tricks and events to keep you cool and entertained all season long!
