How to Spend your 4th
Looking to plan a way to celebrate the fourth of July this year? Well, you needn’t look any further. The team at Phoenix.org has put together a list of events going on both in the Phoenix Metro area and around the state. If you live and work in the Phoenix area, there are events happening all weekend all over the valley. Here are three we have chosen to highlight; Phoenix, Mesa and Chandler.
Phoenix Metro Area
Fireworks Over Phoenix
25th Annual Freedom Wireless Fabulous Phoenix Fourth
July 4
Steele Indian School Park
Phoenix
FREEDOM WIRELESS FABULOUS PHOENIX FOURTH— Help celebrate our country’s freedom once again at Steele Indian School Park, 3rd Street and Indian School Rd. The fun will begin at 6 p.m. with an expanded fireworks display beginning at 9:20 p.m. There will be two stages of entertainment, Kids World area, Classic Car exhibit, refreshment vendors, and more! For more information call 602 262-6862.
For More Information
http://www.phoenix.gov
Phone: 602-262-6862
Phoenix, AZ
Downtown Mesa
Celebration of Freedom
July 2 through July 3
Downtown Mesa
Mesa
Visit downtown Mesa for the inaugural Arizona’s Celebration of Freedom festival. There will be classic cars, motorcycles, beer gardens, art, music, games, and more.
Celebrations start Friday with the ever popular, “Motorcycles on Main” and a flag raising at Stage America. Along Main street bands will be playing music and businesses and restrautants will be open for your shopping and dining pleasure.
Saturday night includes an American classic car show and the official Salute to America program featuring musical performances, brief comments by Mayor Scott Smith and others and a spectacular fireworks display choreographed to a special selection of patriotic songs.
Each night, the event includes “fun zones” and specific program areas up and down Main Street. The Wet Zone, a “you-will-get-soaked” area at the event, is sure-to-be popular with kids and adults with more than a dozen water activities. The Family Fun Zone, your traditional county fair area includes games, pie-eating and watermelon-eating contests, carnival games for the kids and more.
FREE TO THE PUBLIC, FREE PARKING
Fri., July 2, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sat., July 3, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Downtown Mesa (Street Closures: Main Street, from Morris just west of Robson to Centennial just east of Center Street Center, Macdonald, and Robson 1st Street to 1st Avenue)
For more information go to www.azcelebrationoffreedom.org.
July 4th- A Star Spangled Shoot Out!
July 4
Rawhide Wild West Town
Chandler
5:30pm – 11pm
Celebrate your independence this July 4th western style with us right here at Rawhide! If it’s a party yer lookin’ for, we’ve got you covered with cowboys, gunfights, food, fun, family and fireworks!
Attractions & Entertainment:
- Live music throughout town
- Action Packed Performances
- Aerial Fireworks Display
Admission: $10 per person (ages 6 & up), Kids 5 years old and under are Free.
Admission cost includes Rawhide attractions, entertainment & Aerial Fireworks Display.
For More Information
http://www.rawhide.com
Phone: 480-502-5600
Chandler, AZ
If you’re looking for something different to celebrate this year—a chance to get away from the crowds—there are celebrations going on throughout the state. Phoenix.org will highlight a few for you.
Around the State:
Prescott Rodeo
Perhaps you are looking for a Rodeo. At just under a two hour drive, the Prescott Rodeo and dance is sure to please. Or maybe you’re looking for a more small-town rodeo. In that case, why not make the trip to Taylor, AZ, or Eager, AZ, where both towns will be hosting rodeos, and enjoy a scenic drive through the Tonto National Forest while you’re at it.
Should you be looking for a non-traditional way to celebrate the fourth, there are events going on which will be enjoyable and certainly entertain.
Clarkdale Train
Head on up to Flagstaff to watch an outdoor movie on the square, and while you’re there, catch a Renaissance Faire and Mountain Music Festival or the 77th Annual Hopi Festival of Arts & Culture.
Superior, AZ is also offering a unique experience. Make the one-hour drive to Superior and enjoy a Dragonfly Walk; sure to be a highlight in the non-traditional celebration of the Fourth of July weekend.
Or perhaps, you’d like to spend your day riding the Firecracker Express through the majestic tunnels of the Tonto National Forest in Clarkdale. For the athlete, head to Tucson to spend the fourth participating in the 15th Annual Holualoa Firecracker Triathlon. Whatever you choose, Arizona has much to offer.
Lake Powell
Looking for a scenic place to watch the fireworks? Here are a few options in the beautiful state of Arizona. Head north to the city of Page and watch the colors as they gleam off Lake Powell. As a closer option, choose to visit Parker, AZ and enjoy the fireworks on the Colorado River. If you’re planning a trip to the east-side of the state, make Pinetop one of your stops to enjoy fireworks over Sunrise Lake.
While there are sure to BBQs going on in neighborhoods and backyards all over the state, should your mouth be watering for professional Barbequeing, head to Williams, AZ where teams will compete for $10,000 in prize money. At a closer option, Maricopa, just outside South Phoenix, will also be hosting a city-wide BBQ.
Maybe you’re looking for something to do with an old-fashioned feel. Well, look no farther! Visit Clarkdale to eat a pancake breakfast, ride the train and a live band concert. In Williams, AZ you can join in a game of vintage baseball, railhead shoot and hometown parade.
Tucson Music Hall
If you’re looking to light up the weekend with the sounds of patriotic music, head to the Tucson Music Hall to enjoy the Arts Express Choir and Orchestra.
Regardless of what your tastes are, we’re confident that one of these activities highlighted by Phoenix.org will be right for you and your family. If you know of an event that is not listed here that you would like our readers to know about, please contact us and we will be sure to update this article.
Have a safe and happy fourth!
Check out other celebrations happening throughout Arizona!
Railhead Shooting Competition
July 1 through July 4
Williams Shooting Range
Williams
43rd Annual 4th of July Celebration
July 2 through July 4
Veterans Memorial Park
Sierra Vista
2010 Light Up the Sky Festival
July 2
Maryvale Baseball Park
Maryvale
6th Annual Art Barn 4th of July Arts and Crafts Festival
July 2 through July 4
Pinetop
Pinetop
Frontier Days Parade
July 3
Courthouse Plaza
Prescott
Independence Day Celebration
July 3
Alpine
31st Annual Prescott Rodeo Days Fine Arts & Crafts Show
July 3 through July 5
Courthouse Plaza
Prescott
30th Annual Pine-Strawberry Arts & Crafts Festival
July 3 through July 4
Pine Community Center
Pine
Show Low Main Street Farmers’ Market & Art Walk
July 3 through July 31
Festival Marketplace
Show Low
4th of July Celebration
July 4
City Park
Benson
Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks
July 4
Paul Mason Sportsplex
Casa Grande
11th Annual Fantastic Family Fourth of July
July 4
Cottonwood Kid’s Park
Cottonwood
Freedom Fest
July 4
Florence Pool & Heritage Park
Florence
Fourth of July Celebration
July 4
Patagonia
Family Style 4th of July
July 4
Medigovich Field
Tombstone
Bisbee’s Annual Fourth of July Celebration
July 4
Tombstone Canyon
Bisbee
4th of July Fireworks & Celebration
July 4
Veterans Memorial Park
Douglas
14th Annual 4th of July Parade
July 4
Historic Downtown
Flagstaff
Star Spangled Spectacular
July 4
Crossroads at Silverbell Park
Marana
July 4th Celebration
July 4
Pioneer Park
Prescott
Prescott Valley 4th of July Celebration
July 4
Mountain Valley Park
Prescott Valley
39th Annual Fourth of July Celebration
July 3
Sunset Park
Wickenburg
Fourth of July Fireworks
July 4
Emil Nasser Stadium
Winslow
24th Annual Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony
July 4
Caballero Park
Yuma
Yelp in Bloom Highlights Some of the Best of Phoenix
Vivian N. Is the owner of PhoenixNeighborhoodBlogger.com and a regular contributer to the entertainment and food columns on Phoenix.org
Yelp in Bloom Highlights Some of the Best of Phoenix
With the gorgeous Desert Botanical Gardens as a back drop, Yelp in Bloom took place on Wednesday evening, March 4th, offering Valley Yelpers a chance to indulge in some of the best Phoenix has to offer. Yelp is a website that allows readers to review and vote on popular eateries, businesses and events throughout the country. Phoenix is quickly a top city for Yelpers to write, talk and blog about.
The Yelp in Bloom event was a way for Yelp to thank their members and offer local culinary hotspots an environment to spotlight their best eats. From heavenly foie gros from Petite Maison to delicious bruchetta from 5th and Wine, eateries from around the Valley provided succulent fare for tasting. There was no lack of sweet stuff as cupcakes, brownies and gelato were all in attendance.
For tasty drinks, Maker’s Mark, Cruz Tequila, Full Sail Brewery along with several other distributors offered plenty of spirits. Water was in abundance, provided by the Valley’s new Main Ingredient restaurant, to ease up on some of the succulence. The Botanical Gardens staff offered evening tours to Yelpers leaving many checking membership costs and researching the Botanical Gardens event calendar.
5th and Wine, Bombay Spice, Cien Agaves, Gelato Spot, and Petite Maison are a few of the participants that really should be added to your evening-out lists. The staff at these establishments were delightful to talk with and really went out of their way to make a positive impression on new patrons. Of course the Desert Botanical Gardens are a must visit as well and provides a lively canvas for a fun event.
Restaurant Review: Brinkley's Restaurant
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Binkley’s Restaurant is a little off the beaten path, but its adventurous “molecular gastronomy” approach to food is well worth the drive. Every stunning dish here is presented like a work of art, and customers will appreciate Chef Kevin Binkley’s knack for unexpected flavor combination’s and Amy Binkley’s welcoming presence as maitre d’. Binkley’s was one of the Bon Appetit 50 Hot Restaurants of 2005 and has received accolades from the James Beard Foundation. Despite its stellar reputation amongst locals and critics alike, you won’t feel out of place if you show up in jeans and a blazer; Binkley’s is worlds away from pretension and has a laidback atmosphere with incredibly friendly service who will make you feel like you’re at home.
Binkley’s menu is seasonal and changes daily. Offerings include cold and hot appetizers, fish, meat, poultry, cheeses (over 50 varieties), and desserts. Entrées range from $30 and up, and feature locally grown organic products whenever possible, such as Mclendon Farm beets. You’ll find anything from filet mignon to pheasant breast. Vegans and vegetarians, as well as other customers with dietary preferences or restrictions, can request special dishes in advance via Binkley’s online reservations service, OpenTable.
We find the best values are the tasting menus, which are available in four, five, or six courses. While the portions are slightly smaller than the à la carte offerings, you get to taste a wide variety of dishes without having to pay for or waste full-size dishes, and even better, you get to pick the dishes you want to taste – no worrying that the chef will send you out some strange dish you didn’t want! Tasting menus start at just $60. You might enjoy a black truffle pasta salad, smoked baby octopus with fiddlehead ferns, caramel-crusted quail, marinated white anchovies with purple potatoes, or a Grand Marnier frozen souffle with candied mint. Or, if you’re in a more adventurous mood, try the foie gras dipping dots, deconstructed baked potato shot, pear consommé lava lamp, or flash-frozen banana split. If you’re a true epicure, you can have the sommelier pair each course with its own wine for $35 more.
If you’re in the mood for entertainment with your food, try and reserve a seat at the bar, especially seats 1 and 2. You’ll be able to see straight into the kitchen and watch as talented chefs work their magic. Chef Binkley often comes through the area to ensure that customers are happy and well-fed, and you’re likely to end up with a free course or two if he sees you. While prices are higher than your average American steakhouse, a dinner at Binkley’s is more than a meal: it’s an experience to remember.
Binkley’s Restaurant
6920 East Cave Creek Road
Cave Creek, Arizona 85331
Reservations: 480-437-1072
This Weeks Phoenix "Hot Spot"
Phoenix Hotspots
Metro Phoenix is one of the hippest, most happening places in the Southwest, and the hottest area of Phoenix these days is the suburb of Scottsdale, just 20 minutes from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Kind of like an Arizona Mykonos, Scottsdale is home to the upscale and beautiful, but it’s got its dive bars and honkytonks too.
With dozens of watering holes and clubs, Old Town Scottsdale is a great place to bar-hop. Start things off classy at the Drift Lounge. This Polynesian-themed lounge bar brings a South Seas flair to the desert with kitschy-but-cool 60s décor and a hip, casual atmosphere. Indulge in a tiki drink on their gorgeous patio, or dig into a hearty Pu Pu platter with friends. Their prices are reasonable, and Tuesday through Friday from 4-7 pm there’s even a free buffet offered with drink purchase. What’s not to like about free food and rum punch?
For a different feel, head to Mickey’s Hangover. This dive lounge has 15 different beers on tap and offers hearty diner-style food perfect for loading up for a night of drinking. Their happy hour specials are pretty sweet too, half off almost the entire menu – including all wines and beer – from 4 to 9 pm. Check out a game on their big screen TVs as you chill on couches or the screened-in porch.
Suede is a Euro-Asian restaurant and lounge with a full bar, great for a more relaxing evening. Its décor is sleek and sexy, giving the place a very upscale club feel. High tables are scattered throughout, but we recommend nabbing one of the corner couches for more intimate conversation. If you’re the adventurous type, you can try out the dance pole, though you should wait till the DJs start their thing around 11 (from 8-11 they play live jazz). The coolest part of Suede is their frost-top bar, which keeps your martini at the perfect temperature as you chill – literally – with your pals. The menu features Asian fusion cuisine and a large selection of liquors.
Across the street from Suede, Axis/Radius is a great choice for dancing. It’s actually two multi-level clubs connected by a large outdoor patio. Different rooms play different music, and if you have a larger party you might be able to score entry into the VIP room, which has a better view and great service. Axis/Radius is also a popular post-concert spot – you might spot celebrities like Pete Wentz (who’s also DJ’ed for the club occasionally) or Nick Lachey as you bump and grind on the dance floors. The staff are hot and dress to impress. There’s also Myst, which is typically regarded as the place to see and be seen in the Phoenix area, but it’s often crowded and can be hard to get into. If you can spare the time in line, though, it’s worth checking out: the atmosphere is lavish and extravagant, and has a variety of swanky themed rooms. People party late in Phoenix, so don’t expect the party to start before 11 p.m. – which gives you plenty of time for dining and drinking first!
