Arizona Celebration of Freedom
One of Mesa’s most popular summer events honors Independence Day with free fireworks, live music, a car show and plenty of patriotic, family-friendly activities.
Free to attend, the Arizona Celebration of Freedom is Arizona’s largest free 4th of July celebration — historically with crowds upwards of 50,000 — one of Mesa’s signature annual events, and a perfect way to celebrate American independence on the 4th of July with the entire family. Attendees of all ages are invited to spend the evening in Downtown Mesa to enjoy a patriotic car show, naturalization ceremony and thrilling live entertainment, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
Where & When
The Arizona Celebration of Freedom festivities are held in Downtown Mesa on the campus of the Mesa Convention Center and Mesa Amphitheatre, located along Center Street between 1st Street and University Drive.
The family-friendly event will begin in the evening of July 4th and will end upon the conclusion of the fireworks show.
Food & Drink
Local food and beverage vendors, including some of Mesa’s signature restaurants, will be selling snacks, sandwiches, libations and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the event, including at the All-American Food Court. Find beer from area breweries at one of the beer gardens near the Mesa Amphitheatre stage, but note that alcoholic beverages must remain within the festival grounds.
Entertainment & Activities
The Arizona Celebration of Freedom will feature a jam-packed lineup of thrilling events, mesmerizing live entertainment, and activities sure to please attendees of all ages.
Live Music at Stage America
The Mesa Amphitheatre will transform into Stage America and will be home to several live music performances throughout the evening. Previous year performances include West London-based group, Kav, featuring singer songwriter, Pierce Kavanagh. The Salute to America program follows the evening performances and leads into the fireworks display. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs to sit in the lawn to relax and enjoy the live music as the sun sets on the Sonoran Desert.
BMX Stunt Show
This year’s festival will feature three different stunt performances by professional BMX riders near the All-American Food Court. Watch as these extreme Arizona-based athletes fly off of custom ramps and dazzle the crowd with a show-stopping finale.
The Great All-American Car Show
Returning for the Arizona Celebration of Freedom is the Great All-American Car Show. Now in its 14th year, the car show will feature over 50 American-made vehicles spanning decades, including classics, hot rods, and muscle cars, all competing for the coveted “Best in Show” award.
Historic Reenactments
Travel back in time as you watch We Make History — the only reenactment group of its type in the southwest — entertain and educate the crowd with captivating living history displays. The group will highlight the founding of the nation and perform other historical tributes while dressed in authentic costumes and equipped with black powder firearms.
Memorials, Activities & Other Experiences
In addition to awe-inspiring stunts, live music, car competitions and historical reenactments, Arizona Celebration of Freedom attendees will have an ample number of patriotic experiences to enjoy. Kids can compete in a variety of carnival-style games at the Yankee Doodle Kids’ Zone, and attendees of all ages can take a break from the outdoors and visit the climate controlled Hall of the U.S. Flag to sign the Declaration of Independence and watch a laser light show. Cool down at one of several Kool Zones spread throughout the event, or take a soaking ride down one of the inflatable water slides. Honor Arizona’s fallen soldiers at a Fallen Soldiers Memorial and learn how to support our troops at a patriotic military showcase featuring military vehicles.
For a full list of activities, experiences and entertainment, visit the Arizona Celebration of Freedom’s official website.
Fireworks
The Arizona Celebration of Freedom will come to a thunderous conclusion with a grand fireworks display over Downtown Mesa. Direct your eyes to the skies above the Mesa Amphitheatre for a colorful, patriotic salute to America that is sure to inspire.