Scottsdale City Council Approves Wildfire Protection Ordinance

Scottsdale City Council Approves Wildfire Protection Ordinance

by | Jul 7, 2025 | News

By Matthew Holloway |

In a unanimous vote on July 2nd, the Scottsdale City Council approved what Mayor Lisa Borowsky described as a “crucial update,” to the city’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance (ESL) to adapt it for current environmental conditions and increase wildfire prevention.

“This crucial update reinforces Scottsdale’s long-standing commitment to preserving its unique desert character while ensuring the safety of its residents and natural resources,” Borowsky said in a statement.

“Wildfire mitigation is a crucial priority for me and learning our ESL ordinance hadn’t been updated recently to better protect homeowners — and their property — from wildfire dangers I asked Fire Chief Tom Shannon to take a look at how we could improve local protections.”

The ordinance was adopted in 1977 as the “Hillside Ordinance,” was last updated and renamed in 1991, and subsequently in 2001, 2003, and 2004. Although effective according to the city, and successful at protecting Scottsdale’s natural features, wildlife habitat, unstable slopes, and areas prone to erosion and flooding, the 21-year-old ordinance was in need of “a comprehensive review and modification,” of fire defensible space parameters.

“This forward-thinking amendment underscores Scottsdale’s proactive approach to environmental stewardship and public safety, ensuring the city’s unique natural landscape remains protected for generations to come,” Borowsky said.

According to the city, the new ESL addresses the following shortfalls of the previous law: responding to increased wildfire threat, updating defensible space requirements, setting compatible maintenance techniques, avoiding non-conforming conditions, ensuring consistency with fire code, maintaining environmental protection, and optimizing the existing regulatory framework.

The new regulations created by the ESL will refine defensible space requirements in relation to Natural Area Open Space (NAOS) and identify maintenance techniques and buffer strategies for NAOS areas as well.

Arizona’s 2025 fire season has already been a stressful one for Valley municipalities with the Monarch Fire burning just outside of Wickenburg on July 2nd, and the Gate Fire of 2024, which burned 100 acres in North Scottsdale and forced evacuations is a very fresh memory for many.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.

Rep. Gillette Mocks AG Mayes For Lawsuit Against Federal Agencies’ Administrative Data Sharing

Rep. Gillette Mocks AG Mayes For Lawsuit Against Federal Agencies’ Administrative Data Sharing

by | Jul 6, 2025 | News

By Matthew Holloway |

Arizona State Representative and U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major (ret.) John Gillette (R-LD30) offered a public rebuke of Attorney General Kris Mayes in a July 2nd post to X. Gillette offered a stern correction to Mayes after the Democrat AG announced a lawsuit against the federal government and accused the Trump administration of “violating privacy protections with its decision to share Medicaid data with DHS, which houses ICE.” Mayes claimed the administrative data sharing is an “illegal transfer of Arizonans’ private, personally identifiable health data.”

In a statement announcing the lawsuit, Mayes’ office wrote, “Arizonans accessing Medicaid services do so with the assurance that their data would be confidential. While administering AHCCCS and other healthcare programs, Arizona has relied on the federal government’s assurances that it will follow the law and protect confidentiality. It appears the federal government has broken their promise.”

In his post to X Gillette wrote, “Administrative data sharing with DHS, DOJ, HHS is lawful. The state agreed to the terms when they took the matching funds. 42 CFR 431 privacy act, every service member knows this is only protected from non govt use.” According to 42 CFR §431.300 the law “requires agencies to exchange information to verify the income and eligibility of applicants and beneficiaries.” It further defines under § 431.302 that “Purposes directly related to plan administration include—

(a) Establishing eligibility;

(b) Determining the amount of medical assistance;

(c) Providing services for beneficiaries; and

(d) Conducting or assisting an investigation, prosecution, or civil or criminal proceeding related to the administration of the plan.”

Under these terms, the sharing of information between the State of Arizona and the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and Health and Human Services aren’t merely lawful, but are mandatory. Any extrajudicial attempts to disrupt this information sharing by Arizona would likely be grounds for the Federal government to similarly take legal action against Arizona at the taxpayers’ expense.

Strict limitations are also placed on the federal agencies requiring that they safeguard the information shared regarding program participants, provide “conditions for release and use of information about applicants and beneficiaries,” and restrict access to the information “to persons or agency representatives who are subject to standards of confidentiality that are comparable to those of the agency.”

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.

AZ Dept. Of Education Responds After Federal Government Pauses Grants For ‘Migrant Education Program’

AZ Dept. Of Education Responds After Federal Government Pauses Grants For ‘Migrant Education Program’

by | Jul 3, 2025 | Education, News

By Matthew Holloway |

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) has issued guidance to public school districts and charter schools following a pause and review of five grants by the U.S. Department of Education (USED) pursuant to the proposed FY26 federal budget which eliminates them entirely. The action from USED has placed $6 billion in previously approved federal education grants to schools on hold.

ADE stated Tuesday that the USED has not issued grant award notifications for Title I-C Migrant (Migrant Ed), Title II (ESEA Consolidated), Title III, Title IV, Part A (ESEA Consolidated), Title IV, Part B (21st Century), and Adult Education Basic Grants for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Per Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, the hold impacts approximately $120 million in funds earmarked for Arizona schools. However, ADE said in a statement, “This does not affect any prior year’s funding that districts or charters may have available to use.”

As reported by USASpending.gov, one of the grants for $9.8 million was designated “to assist States in ensuring that migratory children have the opportunity to meet the same challenging State content and performance standards that all children are expected to meet.”

The USED told state officials in a message reported by NPR, “Given the change in Administrations, the Department is reviewing the FY 2025 funding for the [Title I-C, II-A, III-A, IV-A, IV-B] grant program(s), and decisions have not yet been made concerning submissions and awards for this upcoming year.”

The USED told the outlet that it “remains committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the President’s priorities and the Department’s statutory responsibilities.”

Without USED obligating funds for these programs on July 1 before completing a review of federal awards, the ADE cannot access federal monies earmarked for the affected programs.

According to a release from ADE:

“ADE will be taking steps to minimize confusion for interfacing with the affected programs in grants management for FY 2026 funding applications:

A) FY 2026 funding applications that have not been SEA Director approved will not be approved until a federal award has been provided by USED

B) FY 2026 funding applications that have already been SEA Director approved will have a programmatic hold placed to ensure that potential reimbursements from the affected programs are not drawn down

No adjustments will be made to FY 2025 funding applications, and Local education agencies (LEAs) may continue to use funds for the affected programs in the respective funding applications.

LEAs will be able to use FY 2026 funds to reimburse themselves for valid obligations made on or after the later of the following dates, contingent upon future grant awards from USED:

  • The date the SEA may begin obligating funds (i.e., July 1, 2025), or
  • The date the LEA submits its application to the SEA in substantially approvable form. (34 CFR §76.708(a))”

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.

Arizona’s Patriotic Independence Day Celebrations Planned

Arizona’s Patriotic Independence Day Celebrations Planned

by | Jul 3, 2025 | News

By Matthew Holloway |

All across State 48, the youngest of the contiguous United States, from Flagstaff to Bisbee and from Yuma to Queen Creek, patriots across Arizona will be joining together to celebrate the 249th anniversary of American independence with friends, family, fireworks and fry-bread; hot dogs, hamburgers and high temperatures (and hopefully misters).

No matter how you like to celebrate the 4th of July, be it with the Stalwart folk of Arizona’s Mountains and the Mogollon Rim, or the hardy denizens of the Valley of the Sun, undismayed by triple digits scorchers, you’ll find the best events for the Independence Day weekend right here.

Anthem

Anthem Independence Day Celebration
Location: Anthem Community Park – 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway
Date/Time: July 3, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Cost: Free admission.
Details: Celebrate in Anthem for a family-friendly event with a fireworks display, water slides, activities, and festival-style entertainment. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the fun-filled event and food trucks.

Apache Junction

Apache Junction 4th of July Celebration
Location: Superstition Shadows Park – 1091 W. Southern Ave.
Date/Time: July 4, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: Free admission.
Details: A free community event with game booths hosted by local vendors and nonprofits, live music, and a fireworks display. There will also be many food trucks with a variety of food.

Avondale

Light Up the Sky Fireworks Event
Location: Phoenix Raceway – 7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr
Date/Time: July 4, 6:00 PM, fireworks at 8:25 PM
Cost: Free admission.
Details: Celebrate your 4th of July in Avondale with friends and family. There will be many food trucks, vendors, and games for all ages. There will also be live music before the West Valley’s largest fireworks display.

Bisbee

Bisbee 4th of July Celebration
Location: Downtown Bisbee
Date/Time: July 4, All Day
Cost: Free admission.
Details: A historic celebration with a parade, spring contests, patriotic events, dances, picnics, and fireworks. The parade starts at 11:00 AM, and there will be prizes for Best in Show and Best Themed.

Buckeye

Buckeye Independence Day Celebration
Location: Buckeye Municipal Airport – 3000 S. Palo Verde Rd.
Date/Time: July 4, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: Free admission.
Details: Pack your blankets and chairs to celebrate the 4th of July with the City of Buckeye. Bring your favorite yard games and friends to enjoy a tailgate-style event. There will be a variety of food trucks, vendors, and live music to enjoy during your evening out.

Casa Grande

Casa Grande 4th of July Celebration
Location: Paul Mason Sports Complex – 2525 N. Pinal Ave
Date/Time: July 4, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: Free admission.
Details: A free community event with fireworks, live music, water inflatables, games, and a bubble zone. Swimwear is recommended for water activities. There will also be food trucks and the ability to win giveaways.

Chandler

Chandler’s All-American Bash
Location: Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E Commonwealth Ave
Date/Time: July 4, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Cost: Free admission.
Details: Enjoy Downtown Chandler while celebrating with the community on the 4th of July. There will be a big Outside the Line musical event with many food and drink vendors. The first 400 people will get to claim a coupon for a free treat at one of the participating food vendors.

Clarkdale

Clarkdale’s Old-fashioned 4th of July Celebration
Location: Main Street and Historic Town Park – 1001 Main St.
Date/Time: July 4, 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Cost: Free admission.
Details: A small-town celebration with a parade on Main Street, a pancake breakfast in the historic town park, and additional patriotic activities. There will be many events for kids, including children’s games and a children’s parade.

Cottonwood

Fantastic Family Fourth of July
Location: Cottonwood Kids’ Park
Date/Time: July 4, 4:00 PM–9:30 PM
Cost: Free admission. $1 parking per car
Details: Bring your family and come celebrate the 4th of July in the city of Cottonwood. There will be a variety of games, activities, and vendors for all ages to enjoy the day. After all of the fun, there will be a fireworks show at 9:00 PM.

Flagstaff

Celebrating America’s Freedom Drone Show
Location: Multiple viewing locations: Buffalo Park – 2400 N. Gemini Dr., Moonshot – 2225 N. Gemini Dr., Flagstaff Aquaplex – 1702 N. Fourth St.
Date/Time: July 4, 9:10 PM
Cost: Free admission
Details: With multiple viewing points, take your family and grab your blankets and chairs to view a mesmerizing drone show. This replaces fireworks with growing concerns about wildfires during the hot months.

Chamber 4th of July Parade
Location: Beginning at Elm and Beaver, going south on Beaver and then taking a left on Aspen to San Francisco. Then north on San Francisco until back to Elm.
Date/Time: July 4, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Cost: Free Admission
Details: Floats will be driving through the patriotic backdrop in Historic Downtown Flagstaff. Enjoy the 4th of July parade and support local businesses and organizations.

Fountain Hills

Fourth at the Fountain
Location: Fountain Park – 12925 N Saguaro Boulevard
Date/Time: July 4, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Cost: Free admission.
Details: Celebrate the 4th of July at Fountain Park with a variety of food vendors, including Italian ice and frozen lemonade to keep you cool. Bring as many blankets and chairs as you need to enjoy a night at the fountain. There will also be live music by Rock Lobster right before the fireworks.

Gilbert

Gilbert 4th of July Celebration
Location: Gilbert Regional Park, 3005 E Queen Creek Rd
Date/Time: July 4, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Cost: Free admission. $15 parking per car
Details: Join the Town of Gilbert in celebrating the 4th of July this year. There will be live performances, a drone show, and a fireworks show. There will also be a variety of food and drink vendors.

Glendale

Firework Fest at Westgate
Location: Westgate – 6700 N. Sunrise Blvd.
Date/Time: July 4, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend.
Details: A big community event with airbrush tattoos, family games, pop-up splash zone with fire trucks, live music by Honeygirl and DJ MixedKid x The Sunflower King, and a large fireworks show. Dining deals are available.

Goodyear

Goodyear Fireworks
Location: Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S Ballpark Way
Date/Time: July 4, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Cost: Free admission.
Details: Bring your family and enjoy a night celebrating the 4th of July at Goodyear Ballparks. There will be food trucks, live music, and plenty of family fun for all ages. The city will also be hosting its first-ever drone show.

Kingman

July 4th Fireworks Show
Location: Mohave County Fairgrounds – 2600 Fairgrounds Blvd.
Date/Time: July 4, 9:15 PM
Cost: Free Admission
Details: The City of Kingman is putting on a fireworks show to celebrate the 4th of July. The main viewing is at Mohave County Fairgrounds, but can also be seen from around the city.

Lake Havasu City

Fire on the Water 4th of July Festival
Location: Rotary Park Baseball Diamond – 1400 S. Smoketree Ave
Date/Time: July 4, 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: Free Admission
Details: This event is full of vendors and food trucks, including cold beer and lawn chair seating. There will also be a car and boat show with fireworks and lasers finale.

Lake Pleasant

Pleasant Harbor’s Celebrate America ‘25
Location: Lake Pleasant – 8708 W. Harbor Blvd
Date/Time: July 3, 5 PM – 10:30 PM
Cost: Free Admission, $35 parking, $40 parking with watercraft
Details: Celebrate the 4th of July along the shores of Lake Pleasant with tons of free kids’ activities along with concerts, food trucks, and vendors. Feel free to bring your lawn chairs, coolers, tents, and canopies to enjoy the celebration, and conclude it with fireworks at 9 PM.

Litchfield Park

4th of July Splash Bash
Location: Litchfield Park Recreation Center – 100 S. Old Litchfield Rd.
Date/Time: July 4, 10 AM-5PM
Cost: $6 per person or free with pool pass, $2 for kids under 3 years old
Details: Plenty of patriotic games, music, and activities. It will be open to the public for community gatherings and tons of family fun while celebrating with friends and family on the 4th of July.

Marana

Marana’s Star-Spangled Spectacular
Location: Crossroads at Silverbell District Park – 7548 N. Silverbell Rd.
Date/Time: July 4, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Cost: Free admission.
Details: Independence Day festival with a massive fireworks show, live music, yard games, and family activities. There will be food trucks, vendors, and even a petting zoo and creation station for the kids.

Mesa

Arizona Celebration of Freedom
Location: Downtown Mesa, 263 N Center Street
Date/Time: July 4, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: Free admission.
Details: Billed as Arizona’s “coolest” Independence Day event, this free celebration includes live music, yard games, food vendors, and patriotic displays, culminating in a fireworks show.

Oro Valley

Oro Valley 4th of July Celebration
Location: James D. Kriegh Park – 23 W. Calle Concordia
Date/Time: July 4, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Cost: Free admission.
Details: Come celebrate in the Town of Oro Valley for a free, family-friendly event with live music, games, and a fireworks show. There will also be food trucks, a beer garden, and kids crafts.

Payson

4th of July Celebration
Location: Green Valley Park, 1000 W. Country Club Dr.
Date/Time: July 4, 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: Free Admission
Details: Join the city of Payson all afternoon, celebrating the 4th of July in many ways. It begins with family games, vendors, and food trucks, and a concert starting at 4:00 PM. A pie-eating contest will follow at 6:00 PM, and the day will end after the fireworks show at 9:00 PM.

Peoria

City of Peoria’s All-American Festival
Location: Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N 83rd Ave
Date/Time: July 4, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
Cost: Free admission.
Details: Bring your family and pack your blankets and lawn chairs to celebrate with the City of Peoria in their 4th of July festival. There will be a variety of food trucks and sweet treats for everyone in the family to enjoy. There is a $45 VIP option that includes meals, private bathrooms, and an air-conditioned space.

Phoenix

4th of July Parade and Celebration
Location: Royal Palm Park – 8405 N. 15th Ave.
Date/Time: July 4, 7 AM-9 AM
Cost: Free Admission
Details: Family-friendly event full of vendor booths, bike parade, and pie-eating contest. The Fire Department will also be there with a water spray experience.

Splash After Dark at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Location: Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Date/Time: July 4, 2025, 5:00 PM–late
Cost: Hotel guests only.
Details: Features Aspen Vodka tastings and La Fresas cocktails (5:00–6:30 PM) in the lobby, followed by Flecha Azul tequila tasting and Pineapple Jalapeño Margaritas at Breeze Bar (7:00–8:30 PM). Includes music and giveaways.

Fabulous Phoenix 4th
Location: Steele Indian School Park, 300 E Indian School Rd
Date/Time: July 4, 2025, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM (fireworks at 9:00 PM)
Cost: Free admission.
Details: One of the largest fireworks displays in the Southwest, this free, non-alcoholic family event features live entertainment, food vendors, and a variety of family-friendly activities.

Pinetop

July 4th Fine Arts and Crafts Festival
Location: Orchard at Charlie Clark’s Steakhouse – 1701 E. White Mountain Blvd.
Date/Time: July 4 & 5, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, July 6, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Cost: Free Admission
Details: Join Pinetop in celebrating the 4th of July all weekend long at their 50th Annual July 4th Fine Arts and Crafts Festival. There will be a variety of vendors showing their amazing artistic abilities and talents.

Prescott

Prescott’s 4th – Freedom, Fun & Fireworks
Location: Watson Lake
Date/Time: July 4, 2025, gates open at 1:00 PM, fireworks at 9:00 PM
Cost: Free admission.
Details: Bring your family to the mountains of Prescott to enjoy a family-friendly event with live music, patriotic activities, and a fireworks display.

Red, White, and Boom
Location: Prescott Valley Civic Center – 3300 Prescott Valley Pipeline Mul Path
Date/Time: July 4, 3:00 PM–9:00 PM
Cost: Free admission.
Details: Join the community in celebrating the 4th of July at the Red, White, and Boom Event at the Civic Center. There will be food trucks, drinks, dessert vendors, and many more fun things to do with your family.

Queen Creek

Hometown 4th
Location: Schnepf Farms – 24810 S. Rittenhouse Rd.
Date/Time: July 4, 4:00 PM
Cost: $45 per car
Details: Enjoy the 4th of July at Schnepf Farms. The gates open at 4:00 PM with tons of food trucks, live music, and vendors. There are also water Inflatables for all ages, and a Beer and Wine Garden (21+). To end the night off, there will be a sky full of fireworks.

Get tickets here: Hometown 4th at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek – Checkout

San Luis

San Luis Fourth of July Freedom Celebration
Location: Joe Orduño Park – 965 Park Ave
Date/Time: July 4, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: Tickets $1 presale, $2 at gate
Details: A great community event featuring fireworks, live music, and family-friendly activities. Food and drink vendors will be there offering a variety of different items.

Scottsdale

Splash & Sparklers July 4th Event
Location: W. Scottsdale
Date/Time: June 30–July 4, 2025, daytime pool parties, fireworks on July 4
Cost: Tickets from $25 for non-guests; free for hotel guests
Details: A five-day celebration with poolside DJ sets, chilled cocktails, and rooftop fireworks on July 4, followed by a night swim party. Book a hotel room for free access or reserve a VIP cabana. 21+ event.

Freedom Fest at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Location: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Date/Time: July 3–July 5, 2025, fireworks nightly at 9:00 PM
Cost: For resort guests only.
Details: Resort-guest-only event with fireworks, live concerts (Sapphire Sky, PopROCKs, Al Paris & The Heartbreakers), vintage military air shows, roping games, gem panning, rodeo zones, and dive-in movies. Offers 25% off for 2-night stays, 30% off for 3 nights.

WestWorld of Scottsdale July 4th Celebration
Location: WestWorld, Scottsdale – 16601 N. Pima Rd.
Date/Time: July 4, 2025, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: $50 for indoor backyard BBQ for ages 11+ and $30 for ages 6-10, Children under 5 go in for FREE, $20/car for fireworks only.
Details: Indoor/outdoor event with Scottsdale’s largest fireworks display, live bull riding, mutton busting, musical chairs, cake walks, face painting, Summer Slider Eating Contest, Parade of Heroes, and a backyard BBQ.

Sedona

4th of July Celebration – Summer Splash
Location: Sedona Community Pool – 570 Pose Ground Rd.
Date/Time: July 4, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: Free Admission
Details: Spend your day with the community of Sedona and enjoy the city’s biggest pool party with music, food, and fun. The event is free, but there will be vendors who charge for their services. Dry off just in time for the city’s fireworks show at dusk.

Enchantment Resort’s Fourth of July Celebration
Location: Enchantment Resort, Sedona, AZ
Date/Time: July 5, 2025, 5:30 PM–evening
Cost: $95/adult, $65/child.
Details: Western-style event with BBQ dinner, Charles Goodnight Whiskey tastings, live music by Kicked Out of Cottonwood, line dancing lessons, and lawn games like axe throwing and cornhole. For Enchantment and Mii amo guests only.

Show Low

Freedom Fest
Location: Main Street, Show Low High School
Date/Time: July 4, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Cost: Free Admission
Details: The celebration begins at 9:00 AM with a 4th of July Parade along Deuce of Clubs. Following that is a Wet Zone at Frontier Park and a Freedom Fest celebration on the high school football field at 3:00 PM. The night ends with a fireworks show at the high school at 9:00 PM.

St. Johns

4th of July
Location: Throughout the town, ending at the Airport Fairgrounds
Date/Time: July 4, 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Cost: Free Admission
Details: Celebrate in St. Johns with a day full of events. The day starts with a 1-mile and 5k race and will be followed by a Pancake Breakfast. At 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM there is a patriotic program and free BBQ. Gather around at the end of the night with fireworks at the Airport.

Surprise

Independence Day Celebration
Location: Surprise Community Park – 16089 N. Bullard Ave.
Date/Time: July 4, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: Free Admission
Details: Celebrate the 4th of July with the community of Surprise and enjoy a variety of food trucks and other vendors. Arrive early to ensure a great spot and bring plenty of blankets, chairs, and water.

Independence Day Pool Party
Location: Surprise Aquatic Center – 15831 N. Bullard Ave.
Date/Time: July 4, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: $6 per person
Details: For Surprise Residents only. Bring the whole family out to the Aquatic Center for an evening filled with friends and fun. Admission also includes games and activities for all ages, and a poolside view of the city’s annual fireworks show. Space is limited to the first 400 residents.
Get your tickets now: Activity detail | Surprise Parks & Recreation

Tempe

Tempe 4th of July Celebration
Location: Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W Alameda Dr
Date/Time: July 4, 2025, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM (drone show and fireworks at 9:00 PM)
Cost: $12 per person, kids under 12 have free admission
Details: Features a drone show and fireworks, with games, live music, and family activities. The event will be full of food trucks and different areas full of excitement for you and your family.
Get your tickets here: Tempe 4th of July Celebration | City of Tempe, AZ

Tolleson

4th of July Celebration
Location: Tolleson Veterans Park, 8601 W. Van Buren St.
Date/Time: July 4, 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Cost: Free Admission
Details: Celebrate the 4th of July with the city of Tolleson and enjoy live music, waterslides, and watermelon. End the night off with the city’s fireworks show. Free Uber Rides for all Tolleson Residents.

Tucson

Poolside DJ & S’mores at Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
Location: Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Tucson, AZ
Date/Time: July 4–July 5, 2025, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Cost: Included with resort stay.
Details: Sabino’s Pool Bar & Grill hosts food service (10:00 AM–8:00 PM), live DJ (11:00 AM–7:00 PM), LALO Tequila samples (12:00–2:00 PM), swim-up movie (7:30 PM), and complimentary s’mores (8:00 PM).

City of Tucson 27th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Location: “A” Mountain/Sentinel Peak Park – 1001 Sentinel Peak Rd. South
Date/Time: July 4, 9:00 PM
Cost: Free admission.
Details: A free fireworks show launched from “A” Mountain, viewable from various public locations around Tucson. No formal event activities, but public viewing is free and accessible.

Wickenburg

4th of July Spectacular
Location: Sunset Park – 3020 W. Wickenburg Way
Date/Time: July 4, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Cost: Free Admission
Details: Enjoy this 4th of July in Wickenburg with live music, food trucks, vendors, and many games. There will also be water slides and face painting for all ages. Bring your chairs, blankets, and coolers for an evening of fun with the family. The night will end with a fireworks show at 9:00 PM.

Williams

All-American Block Party
Location: Cureton Park, 601 N. Grand Canyon Blvd.
Date/Time: July 4, All Day
Cost: Free Admission
Details: Start your day with the All-American Block Party that includes an all-day softball, cornhole, and horseshoe tournaments for all ages. Then cool off with a dunk tank, fire department spray, and a kid zone. At 6:00 PM, there will be a parade with the opportunity to catch all the action and even some candy and goodies. The night will end after the fireworks show at 9:00 PM.

Yuma

Yuma 4th of July Spectacular
Location: Desert Sun Stadium, Yuma, AZ
Date/Time: July 4, 2025, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM (fireworks at 9:00 PM)
Cost: Free admission.
Details: Join Yuma in celebrating the 4th of July with a free community event. There will be a fireworks show, family-friendly activities, and a variety of food vendors. Gates open at 6:00 PM.

As we approach Independence Day perhaps the words of President Thomas Jefferson can remind us of the cause our freedom that out Founding Fathers fought and died for:

“Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights.”
–Thomas Jefferson to Richard Price, January 8, 1789.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.