Get ready to show your patriotic spirit, because Mesa is throwing a massive Independence Day shindig and everyone's invited. As detailed on the city's website, the 15th Annual Arizona Celebration of Freedom, brought to Mesa denizens courtesy of AT&T, is going to light up the night on July 4 with a grand display of festivities. The event, free to the public, is set to take place at the Mesa Convention Center and Mesa Amphitheatre from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
From a patriotic "Salute to America" program beneath the open sky to the Great All-American Car Show getting a new twist by Infamous Mopar AZ, who uses automobiles as therapy for service members and veterans, the event promotes a diverse American experience. Adding to the roster of activities, a new addition is the Primetime Grill semi-truck that will satisfy cravings with its spread of barbecue and burgers. Lest you forget, there's the iconic fireworks display, starting approximately at 9:30 p.m., promising to dazzle with pyrotechnics timed to the rhythm of nationalistic melodies.
For history buffs, the event has the goods with the Fallen Soldier Memorial paying homage to Arizona's military personnel who've fallen in the line of duty. Families can engage with America's farm past at the Great All-American Freedom Farm, featuring vintage tractors including a classic 1923 John Deere Model D. Varied performances are also on the schedule, such as the revolutionary war reenactments and shows by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Arizona Band. For the kids, the Splash Zone's inflatable slides will spell relief from the summer heat. And yes, there's free parking downtown and street closures around the celebration vicinity—something to keep in mind when planning your visit.
This year's festivities will mark the first ever with a squadron of F-35 jets from Luke Air Force Base decorating the sky between 6 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. If that's not enough, Mesa's local businesses are chipping in with food and drink specials, all listed on the Downtown Mesa Association website. The event is not limited to leisure and celebration—young ones can dart through the Yankee Doodle Kids' Zone for carnival games, or families can take a patriotic odyssey across America through crafts and displays at the America's Arts and Culture Showcase.
Not to be forgotten, as the heat rises, visitors can cool down at the All-American Food Court, which will feature mist-chilled areas this year, along with beer gardens for adult refreshment. And speaking of hydration, the city is providing a touch of thoughtfulness: a Water Bottle Refill Station positioned outside the Mesa Amphitheatre means you can BYOB—that's Bring Your Own Bottle—and stay hydrated at zero cost. The event promises many ways to honor America, quite literally from ground to sky, reflecting the nation's colorful tapestry of history, service, and unity.
