Enjoy a Star-Spangled Staycation
Sure you can see the airplanes and fireworks from the surrounding neighborhoods, but they’ve never looked better than poolside with a frosty beverage as a guest of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The Fourth of July Freedom Fest continues July 3-4 with vintage airplane shows, paratroopers, salutes to the military, fireworks and entertainment by Jelly of the Month Club, Transcend and Rocket Man (an Elton John tribute band). Flash your Arizona ID for a 35 percent nightly discount. Festivities are free for resort guests. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale, 480-585-4848, scottsdaleprincess.com.
Get the Party Started Early in Mesa
Celebrate Independence Day with “ooohs” and “aaahs” galore at the Arizona Celebration of Freedom drive-in fireworks show, July 3. Guests are welcome to bring food (no grills or heating equipment), nonalcoholic drinks, chairs and blankets. Tune into 94.5 KOOL-FM to hear patriotic music to complement the fireworks. The lot opens at 7 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m. Free. Fiesta Mall, 1425 W. Southern Ave., Mesa, azcelebrationoffreedom.org.
Have a Blast at WestWorld
Taking place in air-conditioned comfort, Scottsdale 4th of July Celebration boasts a bounty of picnic foods, musical entertainment, snow play for children and a fireworks finale. Guests have three ways to enjoy the family-friendly patriotic wonderland: A VIP backyard barbecue, gates open at 5 p.m.; polo field parking with BYO food and drink, 6:30 p.m.; and general admission parking, 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $26 per carload, general admission; $41 per carload, polo fields; VIP: $41, adults; $21, children, with free parking. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, scottsdale4th.com.
“Go Your Own Way” with Tribute Band
The ’70s and ’80s are resurrected in decadent fashion as Rumours of Fleetwood Mac takes the stage, July 2-3. The tribute band delivers an authentic musical experience with such favorites as “Don’t Stop,” “Leather and Lace,” “Rhiannon,” “Tusk,” “Dreams” and “Landslide.” Doors open at 8 p.m.; show begins at 9 p.m. $25-$45. We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 WeKoPa Way, Fort McDowell, 480-789-4957, wekopacasinoresort.com/entertainment.
Put Some Pride in Your Stride
USO Arizona honors military service members and their families with Four on the 4th, through July 5. The second annual virtual race invites members of the community to run, jog, walk, swim or bike 4 miles in support of the men and women who serve our country. Participants will receive a Four on the 4th USO T-shirt, race medal and race bib, as well as an opportunity to sponsor free races for USO military families to join. For registration details, visit arizona.uso.org/events/12.
