Fun Scottsdale Events, July 4th Weekend, 2022 is packed with lots of cool ways to celebrate freedom for 3 whole days! Fun things to do in Scottsdale includes indoor and outdoor events and activities for every age and budget. Keep in mind the monsoon is here and temps will be ~ 105 daily, with T-storms possible. Play safe and enjoy!
- Scottsdale 4th of July 2022 Events:
- Scottsdale’s 4th of July Celebration Westworld
- Scottsdale Resorts 4th of July
- Red, White and Choo and Choo
Scottsdale 4th of July 2022 Events:
Scottsdale’s 4th of July Celebration Westworld
MON JULY 4, 5 – 9 PM: Scottsdale’s 4th of July Celebration at Westworld — Red, White and Cool! TICKETS | FREE for kids under 4 | MAP
My favorite thing to do on the 4th of July? Going to the rodeo! There’s something patriotic about cowboys galloping horses and waving Old Glory. And fireworks on the 4th! And, eating a Navajo taco.
In Scottsdale, we offer what I call ‘Rodeo Lite,’ for July 4th — with everything but the horse. It’s too hot for horses, but don’t despair.
Where else can you enjoy an indoor backyard barbecue, line dancers, bull riding, mutton bustin’ for kids, a canine stunt dog show and more — in air-conditioned comfort? This ain’t no bull!
Note that fireworks will be enjoyed from the comfort of your air-conditioned vehicle as the price of gas approaches $7 per gallon. Gloat if you drive electric or can take the heat of those hot summer nights! This event is not lite on the wallet, but kids under 4 attend for FREE.
Scottsdale Resorts 4th of July
Many Scottsdale resorts are celebrating July 4th in their unique style! Here are a few — and my handy resorts post with tables from N to S — with amenities to find your perfect summer day, play or staycation!
FRI JULY 1 – MON JULY 4: Fourth of July Freedom Fest at the Scottsdale Princess is a deluxe way to enjoy fireworks every night, , with live concerts, Veterans Parachute Team, vintage air show, dive-in pool movies, dining and private time at the spa.
MON JULY 4, 11 AM – TUES JULY 5, 2 AM: Red, White and Bubbly Independence Day Weekend @ the W Scottsdale | includes fireworks! | MAP (hope you don’t have to work on Tuesday!)
FRI JULY 1 – MON JULY 4: Star Spangled July 4 @ The Hyatt at Gainey Ranch | Red, White and Boom fireworks on July 4 | MAP
Red, White and Choo and Choo
McCormick Stillman Railroad Park is hosting their family-friendly 4th of July celebration:
SUN JULY 3: 4 – 9 PM, Red, White and Choo and Choo | Location MAP | Park MAP
Budget-friendly fun for all! Bring your own picnic, line up for the BBQ food truck or join the BBQ competition. Cool off with water slides and the dunk tank. There will be bounce houses, field games, and a mechanical bull. But wait, there’s more: carousel and train rides, a pie-eating contest, a live DJ, the Lucky Devils band and fireworks!
Consumer Fireworks in Scottsdale
‘Fire officials prefer you leave fireworks to the professionals, who have safety personnel onsite to immediately address fire issues. Fireworks are prohibited in the preserve, Pinnacle Peak Park and all properties located within one mile of these fragile desert lands. Use of fireworks is prohibited on all publicly owned properties, including, but not limited to city buildings/parking lots, city parks, public schools and city streets.’ Learn more: ScottsdaleAZ.gov/fire/fireworks
Source: City of Scottsdale – Government
What Else is Hot in Scottsdale this Weekend
My favorite Scottsdale indoor activities when it’s hot outside include the Libraries — FREE! Sign up for the Summer Reading Program! Note: the libraries are closed on July 4. And, the amazing low-cost Western Museum. How about indoor mall walking and window-shopping — also FREE! I like the contrast of hot and cold at our outdoor malls. And, our Entertainment District has many cool escapes and hot adventures for all ages!
Scottsdale Public, Party Pools and Splash Pads
Do you know about Scottsdale’s public pools and fitness centers? Our very own Aquatic and Fitness Centers boast inflation-busting low-fee fun. Yep, there are even 2 water parks and lifeguards! And, you can work out in cool comfort at the fitness centers.
MON JULY 4 | Public Pool Schedules:
- Cactus (lap swim only) – 8 a.m.-noon
- Chaparral – Closed
- McDowell Mountain Ranch and Eldorado waterparks (includes lap swim): 1 – 5:30 PM
Scottsdale’s Splash Pads include the Quad at the Quarter, the Waterfront Splash Pad in Downtown, and the newly redone pad at Chestnutt Park — all are FREE!
How about a Scottsdale pool party? Spend the day or weekend at one of Scottsdale’s resorts — posh on the cheap. Here’s my resorts post, complete with a table of pools and amenities. Find the perfect quiet pool and spa oasis for adults, raucous pool parties for grown-up fun — or, a lazy river and rowdy water slide to wear the kiddos out.
Enjoy a Scottsdale stay/daycation or a Talking Stick Summer Playcation — and support our local hotels!
Scottsdale Movie Date
New Features and Classic Films
Harkins Camelview Theatre at Fashion Square
THU JUNE 30 – MON JULY 4:
Hot desert nights and Camelview movies are a long Scottsdale tradition. My picks this week — Official Competition, a comedy starring Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas (subtitles). And, British comedy, Mr. Malcolm’s List with Ashley Park and Freida Pinto.
Here are other Scottsdale movies playing this weekend and everything you need to know about Harkins!
Art, Music, Theater and Comedy
THU JUNE 30, 7 PM – 9 PM: FREE Scottsdale Art Walk in Old Town.
Parking Map and Tips in Old Town
Arrive early for good parking! Here are other fun, safe ways to avoid Old Town traffic snarls, tickets and DUIs: Riding Around Old Town Scottsdale.
Old Town Parking Map
Live Music Daily | Weekly — Downtown | Old Town
- Belle’s Nashville Kitchen — Live music daily
- Rusty Spur Saloon — Since 1951. Live music every day
- Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row — Live music weekly
Talking Stick
- SAT JULY 2, 5 PM | Pool Party: Release After Dark — DJ Slushii | Tickets | MAP
Scottsdale Drag Shows
FRI JULY 1 | SAT JULY 2, 7 PM — Illusions the Drag Queen Show | MAP
SUN JULY 3, 1:30 — Illusions the Drag Queen Brunch Show | Old Town | MAP
SUN JULY 3, 1:30 PM — Diva Royale Drag Queen Show | Old Town | MAP
Scottsdale Farmers Market
SAT JULY 2, 8 AM – 12 PM
Old Town Farmers Market — Lots of great food, fresh produce, entertainment, artisanal fare, plus people and dog watching! MAP
Ongoing Scottsdale Outdoor Activities
More Fun things to do in Scottsdale Outdoors
How about cheaper golf and hiking, strolling or cycling to maximize your outdoor fun for FREE? Frisbee golf is free too! Here you go — everything you need to know and tables of amenities for fast choices to seize our sunshine and shade!
NOTE: Get outside early. Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen and your hat. Be mindful of you, your furry friends — plus tiny and older ones getting too hot. Watch where you’re stepping, for rattlesnakes, cacti and rocks — so no bites, pokes, sprains or falls to spoil your fun. Tell someone who cares about you, where you’re going and when you plan to be back — just in case.
- Golf: Table from N. to S. with all the good stuff!
- The Indian Bend Multi-use Trail
- Parks, Playgrounds, Fishing and Dog Parks
- Hiking, Walking, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing and Horseback Riding
- Scottsdale Cycling and Self-Propelled Wheeling
- Tennis and Pickleball
Daylight’s burning — let’s go kick up our heels and not miss a minute of our fun Scottsdale events for July 4 weekend, 2022! Let’s play safe.
April Halstead
Scottsdale Lifestyle Blogger
I’m a 5th generation native Arizona gal who loves showing and telling what makes Scottsdale an amazing place to visit and make home! I hope you enjoy our city through my lens, making your own discoveries and memories here!
