IMPORTANT! Click here if you are looking for Phoenix fireworks shows for 2011.

All across the country, cities and towns will be having picnics, concerts and of course fireworks displays to celebrate Independence Day this July 4th.

Here is a list of towns in the Phoenix East Valley, with as much info as I could find…

Gilbert:

Gilbert’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration starts at 5 p.m. at the Gilbert Youth Soccer Association’s soccer fields located at Germann and Greensfield roads.

Fireworks for this event start at 9 p.m. The event is free.

There will be live music, and other performers, as well as the traditional pie and watermelon eating contests. New this year is a singing contest, with the winner getting to sing the national anthem at the next Gilbert Rodeo.

The event is presented and sponsored by the Town of Gilbert. 

Chandler:

Chandler's Family Fourth of July 7UP Fireworks Spectacular starts at 4 p.m. at Tumbleweed Park, located on the southwest corner of McQueen and Germann roads.

The fireworks for the Chandler event begin at 9:30 p.m. The event is free but on-site parking is $5 per vehicle.

There will be live music, a bike parade, free kids carnival, a classic car show, food and drinks.

The Chandler 4th of July 7UP Fireworks Spectacular is presented by the City of Chandler and the Chandler Lions Club.

This is typically one of the larger celebrations in the East Valley, with 30 – 40,000 expected to attend.

East Mesa:

Mesa's 46th annual 4th of July Fireworks Show begins at 6 p.m. at the Mesa Community College Riggs Stadium, Dobson Road and Southern Avenue.

The fireworks will start at 9 p.m. Admission to the stadium is $1.00 per person but children under 6 are admitted free. Parking is $5.00 per vehicle.

A food court and drinks will be in the stadium area. Entertainment, such as kids rides and singing, begin at 7 p.m.

This event is sponsored by the Sertoma Club of Mesa.

Apache Junction:

Apache Junction will be celebrates all day long at Apache Junction High School, 1091 W. Southern Avenue.

Events begin at 10:00am with a youth basketball game featuring a three point competition and a game of horse. There will also be a citywide swim meet at noon. There will be booths and vendors throughout the area which leads to free watermelon for everyone between 6-9 p.m. Fireworks will start at 9 p.m.

Hosted by the City of Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Department.

We attended the AJ event a few years ago. Excellent fireworks and crowds smaller than you'll find in the other East Valley cities.

Queen Creek:

Queen Creek celebrates their annual Fourth of July celebration at 5 p.m. at Schnepf Farms, 22601 E Cloud Road.

The fireworks display starts at 9:15 p.m. The event will be free, parking is $10 per vehicle.

There will be a handful of bands playing before hand as well as other events and vendors for the public. One band, the Sunshine Generation, will provide a concert specifically for the younger attendees.

The event will offer pony and camel rides in addition to other rides for children.

This event is sponsored by The Kiwanis Club of Queen Creek.

UPDATE!

Tempe:

Reader Laura was kind enough to point out what may be the single most glaring ommission in the history of the Phoenix Real Estate Guy.  Somehow I managed to leave out The July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival — probably the biggest party of the year in the Valley.

Advanced admission is $6 (under 12 free. $8 at the gate or 2 for $15). Parking is $10, but trust me, take a free Park-n-Ride.

4:00 – 11:00pm at the Tempe Town Lake Beach Park. Too much happening here to list, check their web site…

Produced by the Kiwanis of Tempe, sponsored by CBS 5 and US Airways.

==========

Here is an article from the East Valley Tribune with more fireworks locations across the Valley.

At most (if not all) of these events, no ice chests, large coolers or alcoholic beverages are allowed for security reasons. All most likely will allow water to be brought in — a good idea given it's likely to be about 400 degrees outside in the late afternoon/evening.

All of these events should be great family entertainment. Enjoy yourselves and be safe!

[tags]Phoenix fireworks, East Valley, July fourth celebrations[/tags]