Looking for an exciting Fourth of July weekend? Scottsdale’s Independence Day celebrations include everything from fireworks displays and tribute bands to poolside DJs and much more. Here’s the inside scoop on the best ways to celebrate, Scottsdale-style!
Special Events
Get in the spirit of the holiday on July 2 at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park’s annual Red, White & Choo-Choo celebration. The fun starts at 4 p.m. and includes water slides, pie-eating contests, unlimited train and carousel rides, a live DJ and spectacular fireworks.
On the actual holiday, be red, white and cool at Scottsdale’s 4th of July Celebration, an evening of live entertainment and fun for the whole family. Highlights include the Parade of Heroes, Summer Slider Eating Contest, circus performers, a backyard barbeque, Disney shows and, of course, the largest fireworks display in Scottsdale history! Gates at WestWorld of Scottsdale open at 5 p.m.
Resort Celebrations
The Fourth of July Freedom Fest at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is hotter than ever this year! Family-friendly festivities include a Vintage Air Show; a meet-and-greet with “Maverick,” America’s favorite pilot; nightly fireworks July 1-4; and concerts under the stars featuring headliners like Abbacadabra and Queen Nation.
Celebrate the holiday poolside at the W Scottsdale during the Splash and Sparklers Fourth of July Celebration. This grown-up pool party happens daily July 1-4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and includes deejay entertainment, poolside cocktails and a see-and-be-seen atmosphere.
The good vibes also will be flowing at Hotel Valley Ho’s Oh Pool June 30 through July 2 with poolside cocktails and music courtesy of DJ Darkslide (Fri.-Sat.) and DJ Pulse (Sun.). On Sunday, try a sample of the Mule in Paradise signature cocktail. If you like it, order a pitcher and get a food ticket to the onsite taco cart!
The Boulders Resort Scottsdale presents the Valley’s legendary classical guitarist, Esteban in concert at El Pedregal on July 4. Food and drink vendors, face painting and more are sure to create a festive evening the whole family will enjoy. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Center Stage
Tribute bands and other musical talents will be in the spotlight this holiday weekend. On Friday, June 30, Pink Floyd lovers can celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Dark Side of the Moon’s release during Shine on Floyd at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. At Casino Arizona, Showstoppers Live! pays tribute to the greatest hits by legends like Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, The Temptations, Elvis and more with two shows nightly on June 30 and July 1. And on July 1, the Canadian group Black Tiger Sex Machine brings their live show – an immersive light, visual and music experience – to The Pool at Talking Stick Resort.
Wildlife Night
July 1 is a full moon, which means you can tour Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center after dark! These full-moon tours offer you the opportunity to see what the Sonoran Desert’s most fascinating inhabitants – including mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, black bears, foxes and javelina – are up to at night! While their primary focus at this working sanctuary is on rescue, rehabilitation and release, Southwest Wildlife provides a lifelong home to any animal that cannot be rereleased into the wild. (Note: reservations are required)
Check out Summer in Scottsdale for even more great tips, tricks and events to keep you cool and entertained all season long!
