This year’s Fourth of July marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation, and Glendale is going all out to celebrate. From dazzling fireworks to a patriotic drone show in Murphy Park, the city offers a mix of family-friendly activities, live music and nostalgic traditions to commemorate the nation’s sesquicentennial.
Making plans for how to join the festivities? We’ve rounded up the best places to experience the 4th of July in Glendale, from big public displays to fun celebrations in the heart of the town.
America 250 Celebration at Murphy Park
Saturday, June 20 | 4-9 p.m.
Get a head start on the fun at the America 250 Celebration, featuring a patriot drone show at the end of the night. The free event takes place in Murphy Park in downtown Glendale and offers a mix of entertainment and festivities:
Live Music: DSB: A Tribute to Journey will play Journey’s greatest hits while the Glendale Summer Band—made up of community members from high school juniors to senior citizens—will entertain throughout the evening.
Family-Friendly Activities: Kids can have a bubbly good time in the Foam Zone and Bubble Play Area, get their faces painted and enjoy other family-friendly activities like the America the Beautiful art show.
Dining and Drinks: Food trucks will be on hand to satisfy your hunger but leave room for the free ice cream social. If you’re over 21, you can quench your thirst at the beer garden.
Patriotic Drone Show: After the sun goes down, the night lights up with drones forming the symbols of our nation like the Stars and Stripes and the Statue of Liberty.
Firework Fest at Westgate Entertainment District
Friday, July 3 | 6-9pm
One of the most popular Fourth of July celebrations in the Valley, the free Firework Fest at Westgate Entertainment District has everything you’d expect at a patriotic party: live music, family fun, great food and, of course, fireworks.
Entertainment: A classic rock band sets an upbeat tempo for the evening while you browse booths of the local vendor market. In the parking lot, classically restored firetrucks will be on display.
Family Fun: Kids can burn their energy in bounce houses or cool off in the water play zone. There will also be train rides, balloon twisting and face painting.
Dining and Drinks: The Westgate Entertainment District is home to a mix of popular restaurants, from Pei Wei Asian Kitchen to Five Guys. Make reservations early for a table inside or purchase one of the grab-and-go items available for the night.
Fireworks: Bursts of red, white and blue fill the skies over Glendale beginning at 9 p.m.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix
Saturday and Sunday, July 4 and 5
Located in Glendale, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix promises a Fourth to remember on the nation’s 250th birthday. Kick off the fun with a splashing good time on the park’s 30-plus water rides. Then, fuel up with burgers, pizza, wings, ice cream and other summer foods. The day ends with Star Spangled Nights fireworks display.
For more information, visit the official event page.
Glendale Area Fireworks Shows You Won’t Want to Miss
While Glendale’s Fourth of July options rank among the best in state, nearby communities like Peoria, Surprise and Avondale hold their own and are just a short drive away.
Peoria’s All-American Festival at Peoria Sports Complex this year includes concerts, carnival rides and one of the largest fireworks displays in the Valley. Admission is free.
Saturday, July 4 | 5-9 p.m.
Lake Pleasant Celebrate America ’26 will take place at the Peoria marina with inflatable waterslides, bounce houses, concert by Aaron Nichols, food trucks and fireworks.
Friday, July 3 | 5-10:30 p.m.
Surprise Independence Day Celebration occurs at Surprise Community Park and Mark Coronado Park, featuring food, games, and great views of the city’s fireworks.
Saturday, July 4 | 6-8:45 p.m.
Avondale’s Light Up the Sky Celebration at Phoenix Raceway wows with a free evening of food vendors, entertainment, live music, kids zone, and pyrotechnics.
Saturday, July 4 | Gates open at 6 p.m. | Fireworks at 8:25 p.m.
Note: Event details are subject to change. Please refer to official event websites for the most up-to-date information.