From the article: Celebrate 4th of July in Phoenix
Nearly everyone loves the 4th of July. It's a time for family, friends, cookouts and fireworks in celebration of our nation's independence. What is your favorite way to spend the 4th of July holiday in Arizona? Do you go to Prescott to Whiskey Row? To the rodeo? To one of the major Phoenix outdoor events with bands and fireworks? To neighborhood celebrations with rides and water play for the kids? Or do you prefer to stay at home, throw a few burgers on the BBQ and watch all the action on television? Tell us about your best 4th of July experience! Share Your Opinion
Harrold's in Cave Creek
- Wonderful, old time atmosphere and great fireworks
- —gailPhx
4th of Zoo-ly nearly great
- The Phoenix Zoo's event, which sets aside a private seating area to view the Tempe Town Lake fireworks display, was going fairly well this year until just over 10 minutes before the finale. That's when, apparently, about half the gathered crowd decided to leave early. This wouldn't have been much of a problem for the rest of us if they weren't boarding the trams taking them to the Zoo entrance right in front of the seating area blocking the view of those of us staying until the end of the event! Then people stood in front of the seated crowd while they waited for more trams to shuttle them away early. People in the crowd asked them to move or sit so we could have a clear view and they refused. Zoo staff stood by and did nothing to help. There was also some brush obstructing the view of some of the lower fireworks for about half of the people in attendance. Phoenix Zoo's event planners are better than this, but they really dropped the ball this time. We'll go elsewhere next year.
- —author1701
Poor effort by Peoria
- I have been to many fireworks shows at the complex. This years [2011] was by far the worst. Horrible vendors who ran out of food. The absolute worst grand finale that I have ever seen during any fireworks display. I should have saved the $5 admission fee and bought my own fireworks!
- —Guest Mike
Whatever Veronica wants to do...
- The 4th of July is my daughter's birthday and we would usually be on a plane coming back to AZ from our military home in Germany. Now we can celebrate our daughter's and our Nation's birthday at home in the good ole AZ and US of A!
- —Guest Suzie
I was so Excited!!
- When I found out there were fireworks that I could see from my house I was so Excited! Then I read that the fireworks would be after the show and the last performer goes on at 8:45. So what no fireworks til 10? What a bad choice. I wanted a family night out and there is nothing there available for kids either! We should be all about the family unit in today's time. So very, very disappointed. As Home of the Diamondbacks you should be more family friendly. You have more than enough space to have a family area. What were you thinking? - - - - [Note from About.com Phoenix Guide: This reader is referring to the Music festival at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale.]
- —Guest Jeri D of Scottsdale
Celebrate!
- My 17th birthday will be July 4th and this year I'll be with all my friends! I'm trying to find something different and really fun to do! I usually watch all the fireworks shows at the top of the Sky Harbor parking garage, which is always fun!
- —Guest AmandaLiberty
Small Town Parades
- It is always so fun to spend the 4th in the high country in a small town like Prescott or Eager. They have the best parades and rodeos and the locals are always so hospitable.
- —Guest The Austin Family
We like to be with friends!
- We typically enjoy going to a friends' bbq, hanging out by the pool and sitting on a rooftop to watch nearby fireworks! Great way to celebrate Independence day in Arizona! Cool and comfortable!
- —lgubler
A few suggestions
- The Chase Field fireworks are quite good. We've enjoyed the Chandler show at Tumbleweed Park with live entertainment. The Glendale Community College show was the scene of my first date with PJ, but that show isn't held anymore. The Tempe Town Lake show is spectacular, but to avoid the crowds we watched from the Phoenix Zoo which was less crowded and had seating available.
- —Guest Steve
View for the 4th
- We go to Rustler's Rooste they have the best view in Az of multiple displays going off! Plus they always have a live band!!!
- —Guest Kathy of Gilbert
We Like Variety
- We try to get to a different 4th of July event every year. Of course, spectacular fireworks are a must! Last year we went a a ballgame at Chase Field and the fireworks after the game were amazing.
- —gary466
