Entertainment & Activities

Thank you for coming! See you again in 2024

July 4, 2024
263 N. Center Street
Downtown Mesa
6 – 10 p.m.
Fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Entry into the event and activities are FREE.

2023 Event Map

IMPORTANT: Lighting throughout the event will dim and/or be turned off at approximately 9:05 p.m. to prepare for fireworks.  PLEASE WATCH YOUR CHILDREN so they do not get separated from you. Each event entrance and all information booths will have wristbands available for your children. Please take one so that you can write your name and phone number on it just in case you do become separated.

2023 Schedule

Additional entertainment & activity details are available below the schedules. All times are subject to change.

Naturalization Ceremony

5:00 pm
Building C, Main Hall

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will welcome 100 new U.S. citizens representing several different countries during this ceremony.

Public is welcome to attend.

EVENT ENTRANCE
Anyone interested in attending will be required to use the event entrance on N. Centennial Way.

3:30 pm – Entrance opens to public

4 – 5 pm – Mesa City Band plays patriotic music

5 pm – Naturalization Ceremony

6 pm – Entrance to entire event opens

Stage America

6:30 pm – Cold Shott and The Hurricane Horns
9:15 pm – Salute to America program
9:30 pm – Fireworks

We Make History Amphitheater

6:45 pm – Revolutionary War Reenactment
7:05 pm – U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Arizona Band
7:45 pm – Revolutionary War Reenactment
8:05 pm – U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Arizona Band
8:45 pm – Revolutionary War Reenactment
9:05 pm – U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Arizona Band

Mesa City Band & Let Freedom Ring Laser Light Show

Independence Hall – Building C – Main Hall

Mesa City Band plays after Naturalization Ceremony until 6:30 pm 

Laser Show:
7:00 – 7:20 pm
8:00 – 8:20 pm
9:00 – 9:20 pm

Historic Flags of the U.S.

Independence Hall – Building B – Conference Theater

6:30 – 7:00 pm
7:15 – 7:45 pm
8:00 – 8:30 pm
8:45 – 9:15 pm

Patriotic Superhero Stunt Show

Between Food Court and Amphitheater

6:30 pm
7:20 pm
8:10 pm

Picnic Games

In the Yankee Doodle Kids’ Zone

6:30 pm –  Candy Flag Game
7:00 pm – Ring Toss
7:30 pm – Balloon Pop
8:00 pm – Three-Legged Race
8:30 pm – Potato Sack Race
9:00 pm – Trivia Tic Tac Toe

Details

Stage America & Tailgate Zone

Relax on the grass at Stage America and enjoy the live music throughout the night, as well as the Salute to America program before the fireworks, while playing tailgate-style games.

Cold Shott and The Hurricane Horns

COLD SHOTT and THE HURRICANE HORNS started in Phoenix, AZ in 1990, as the 3-piece “COLD SHOT BLUES BAND” under the leadership of founding bass player and manager Ted Kowal. Thirty years later, Cold Shott and The Hurricane Horns is one of Arizona’s longest-running successful entertainment ensembles, having an Arizona shelf-life of over 20 years. Today Cold Shott and The Hurricane Horns are THE entertainment ensemble for Funk, Soul, Rhythm and Blues, Rock, and today’s Pop trends. Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns pull material from over 5 decades of music ranging from vintage blues, classic soul, modern pop, classic rock, and even today’s hottest dance tunes.

 

Patriotic Superhero Stunt Show

Featuring professional BMX stunt riders performing amazing stunts & jumps on customized ramps located near the All American Food Court.  The riders are the top talent from right here in Arizona and you don’t want to miss the awesome finales!

The Great All-American Car Show

The Great All-American Car Show is one of the event’s most popular attractions, a showcase for classic American cars. Cars from decades past will fill the event area conjuring up memories and becoming conversation pieces for thousands of individuals, families and especially car enthusiasts. This is sure to be the “hottest” car show of any Independence celebration again this year. (Please DO NOT TOUCH any vehicles)

New in 2023! Freedom Farm – Celebrate Arizona’s rich farming history with both antique and modern farm equipment. Climb on up in the seat and take a picture while you are there.

We Make History Amphitheater

Revolutionary War Reenacting Team of We Make History provides education and entertainment with period costumes and historical tributes.

Please note: Black powder firearms will be in use.  They are not dangerous to spectators but do cause loud gunshot noises.

Additional Activities

Yankee Doodle Kids’ Zone
FREE carnival-style and picnic competition games for all ages!

Independence Hall
Visit the Hall of U.S. Flags, learn about the history of U.S. flags, sign the Declaration of Independence, and enjoy the cool indoors while enjoying the new laser light show.

Fallen Soldiers Memorial
A breathtaking memorial honoring the Arizona fallen heroes from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Located in Building B, Palo Verde Rooms.

America’s Arts & Culture Showcase
Crafts and displays from the i.d.e.a. Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, and Mesa Arts Center. Located in Building B.

Celebration Splash Zone
FREE inflatable water slides.  PLEASE NOTE: Water slides along Center St. will end the lines at 8:45 pm to prepare for slides to come down at 9:00 pm before the fireworks display.

Patriotic Military Showcase
Get up close and personal with a variety of military vehicles and learn more about how you can support our Troops.

Cool Zones
Besides several activities indoors, there are misting trailers and tents throughout the event to help you cool down!

All American Food Court
An array of food and drinks to enjoy!

Beer Tents
Beer, soda and water can be purchased in the Stage American/Tailgate Zone and All American Food Court beer tents.