Will the 4th Feature Festivals and Fireworks? or Will You Make Your Own Excitement?

Will the 4th Feature Festivals and Fireworks? or Will You Make Your Own Excitement?

For many, the 4th of July means pool time, watermelon, cookouts and fireworks. If your heart is set on fireworks you’d be smart to forego the home version and pop over to one of the community sponsored displays (East Valley celebrations are listed at the bottom of this page) While festive explosions can be entertaining, do-it-yourself fireworks have some major drawbacks; they can damage the environment, start wildfires, spook pets and endanger children. Always best to leave fireworks to the experts. If you’re looking to celebrate 4th of July sans fireworks, here are a few fun suggestions:

Water balloons Fight! Your guests, especially the kids, won’t even notice the fireworks are missing if they’re dousing each other in water balloons… cool, colorful, and crazy fun!

Movie night. Once the sun has set, instead of firing up those DIY Roman Candles, set up an outdoor movie venue in your back yard, make a big batch of popcorn and settle in for a 4th of July themed movie night. ‘Independence Day’ anyone? Disney’s ‘Johnny Tremain’ is both patriotic and kid friendly [PG]. Amazon even has videos available of Patriotic fireworks displays from around the country.

Neighborhood Chilli Cook off. To create some friendly competition, have a cook off at your neighborhood 4th of July party. Challenge friends to bring their best appetizer, chilli, or their most inventive burger. Then everyone vote on the winner and hand out fun prizes.

Fire pit. Looking for something a little more peaceful? If you just can’t imagine the 4th without some sizzling fun, a small backyard gathering around the firepit is much more controllable than home grown fireworks. Grab your S’mores supplies and spark up some great conversation.

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A Few For the Locals – Phoenix Area July 4th Celebrations

Gilbert: Higley High School / Time: 6pm – 9pm, Fireworks scheduled for 8:30
To Do: Food Trucks & Fireworks

Chandler: Tumbleweed Park / Start Time: 5pm, Fireworks 9:00
To Do: Live Music, Games, Face Painting, Balloon Artist, Lego Train, Inflatable w/Misters

Scottsdale: Westworld / Time: Starting at 3pm, Fireworks at 9:00
To Do: BMX Stunt Show, Bull Riding Rodeo, Pony Rides, Kids Zone w/ Meet & Greet, Food & Drinks

Tempe: Mill Ave & Tempe Town Lake / Time: Beginning at 5pm, Fireworks at 9:20
To Do: Food and Merchandise Vendor Booths / Inflatable Village for the Kids
Live Entertainment & Local Bands

Glendale: Westgate / Time: Beginning at 5pm, Fireworks at 9:00
To Do: Splash Pad, Beer Garden, Live Music, DJ & Dancing

Queen Creek: Schnepf Farms / Time: Beginning at 4pm, Fireworks at 8:45
To Do: Rides, Water Slide, Rock Wall, Petting Zoo, Bounce House, Games, Hay Ride