Your guide to metro Phoenix 4th of July fireworks as America celebrates 250th birthday

The Phoenix-area skies will light up for the Fourth of July as America celebrates its 250th birthday.

With Independence Day events scheduled over several days this week, revelers don’t have to wait for July 4 to get their fireworks fix.

However, the red, white and blue main events will be Saturday, with more than a dozen Fourth of July celebrations across the Valley on the calendar (click the titles below for more information about each event).

Thursday, July 2

Phoenix Light Up the Sky: The free event with live entertainment, games and food vendors runs from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the American Family Fields spring training stadium in Maryvale (3805 N. 53rd Ave.). A fireworks show is scheduled for 9:10 p.m.

Friday, July 3

Arizona Diamondbacks postgame fireworks: Fans who watch the Diamondbacks play the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field (401 E. Jefferson St.) in a game that starts at 6:45 p.m. can stay for fireworks afterward.

Glendale Firework Fest: This free event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale (6770 N. Sunrise Blvd.) and features live music, food and drinks, family-friendly activities and local vendors. Fireworks launched from a nearby parking lot cap the evening.

Lake Pleasant Celebrate America: The festivities at Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant in Peoria (8708 W. Harbor Blvd.) run from 5 to 10:30 p.m., with fireworks launching at 9 p.m. Get there early to enjoy inflatable waterslides, bounce houses, food trucks and a concert by Aaron Nichols. Admission is free, and parking, which can be purchased in advance, ranges from $30 to $40.

Litchfield Park Sparkle in the Square: This free event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at Litchfield Square Park (279 N. La Loma Ave.), with games, food trucks, pie eating contests and more ahead of a fireworks show at 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 4

Arizona Diamondbacks postgame fireworks: Fans who watch the Diamondbacks play the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field (401 E. Jefferson St.) in a game that starts at 6:40 p.m. can stay for fireworks afterward.

Apache Junction 4th of July Celebration: Superstition Shadows Park (1091 W. Southern Ave.) hosts this free event with live music and family-friendly activities starting at 6 p.m. and a fireworks show at 8:30 p.m. Shuttles buses will run between the parking lots and event area throughout the night.

Avondale Light Up the Sky Independence Day Celebration: Gates open at 6 p.m., and the fireworks start at 8:25 p.m. at Phoenix Raceway (7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive). Live music, plenty of family-friendly activities and food trucks fill out the free event.

Buckeye Independence Day Celebration: Buckeye Airport (3000 S. Palo Verde Road) welcomes revelers from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy free live music, food trucks and family-friendly activities and crafts before fireworks start at 8:30 p.m.

Chandler All-American Bash: This free event runs from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Dr. A.J. Chandler Park Stage Plaza (178 E. Commonwealth Ave.), with live music, yard games, food vendors and a 15-minute fireworks show at 8:15 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to visit nearby bars and restaurants in downtown Chandler, too.

Fountain Hills Fourth at the Fountain: Popular Valley rockers Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers headline the night at Fountain Park (12925 N. Saguaro Blvd.). The free event starts at 6:30 p.m., the band takes the stage at 7:30 p.m., and fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

Gilbert 4th of July Celebration: This free, family-friendly event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. at Gilbert Regional Park (3005 E. Queen Creek Road). The festivities include music by Sedona Red, a drone show and fireworks. VIP packages with premier lawn seating, complimentary food and drinks, exclusive restroom access and more can be purchased online or at the gate. Parking is $20.

Goodyear Star Spangled 4th: The free celebration at Goodyear Ballpark (1933 S. Ballpark Way) runs from 6 to 9 p.m., with food trucks, live music and family-friendly activities. Instead of fireworks, the aerial display is a patriotic drone show at 8:45 p.m.

Maricopa Great American 4th: The city of Maricopa is hosting a free festival with live music and fireworks at Copper Sky Regional Park (44345 W. Bowlin Road) from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and a pool party with a cover charge at the at the park’s aquatic center ($10 per person for Copper Sky annual members, $15 for non-members and $20 for non-member/non-residents) from 6 to 9:30 p.m. There is a separate fee for parking.

Mesa Arizona Celebration of Freedom: This free celebration at the Mesa Convention Center and Mesa Amphitheatre complex (263 N. Center St.) runs from 6 to 10 p.m. It includes live music, picnic games, wrestling matches, stunt shows, laser shows, a drone show and fireworks.

Peoria All-American Festival: Peoria Sports Complex (16101 N. 83rd Ave.) is hosting a free celebration from 5 to 9 p.m., with live music, family attractions, interactive activities and fireworks to cap it off. VIP tickets are sold out.

Fabulous Phoenix 4th: Arizona’s largest city is holding its July 4 celebration at Steele Indian School Park (300 E. Indian School Road), which is next to the light rail line, from 5 to 10 p.m. The free event includes live music on two stages, a car show, an ice cream eating contest, activity zones for kids and teens, and more. The Phoenix fireworks show starts at 9:40 p.m.

Scottsdale 4th of July Celebration: WestWorld of Scottsdale (16601 N. Pima Road) is keeping it cool with an indoor, air conditioned celebration from 5 to 9:30 p.m., with an outdoor fireworks show capping it off. Activities include rodeo events, contests, games, a Parade of Heroes honoring outstanding leaders and more. Indoor access is $25 per person (kids 5 and under are free). Tickets for an all-you-can-eat backyard barbecue and access to a premium fireworks viewing area are $50 for individuals 11 and older, $30 for kids 6-10 and free for children 5 and under.

Surprise Independence Day Celebration: Surprise Community Park (16089 N. Bullard Ave.) and Mark Coronado Park (15960 N. Bullard Ave.) near Surprise Stadium are hosting a free event with food trucks and DJ music starting at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 8:45 p.m.

Tempe 4th of July Celebration: Tempe’s fireworks show was moved to Tempe Diablo Stadium (2200 W. Alameda Drive) due to a vendor issue at Tempe Town Lake. Admission is $2.50, with kids 5 and under free. The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. and includes live music, water slides, inflatable obstacle courses, face painting and balloon art.

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