4th of July 2025 in Arizona: When it's legal to light fireworks

The Fourth of July federal holiday falls on a Friday this year, making a three-day weekend for many.

Some plan to boycott Independence Day events. But for those who want to get out of the house, there are fireworks shows, parties and concerts happening around metro Phoenix. If you plan to light your own fireworks, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rules and safety guidelines for their use.

Interested in getting out of town? The Arizona Republic has compiled some last-minute getaway ideas to escape the heat. We've also assembled a list of July Fourth hours for grocery stores, post offices and other services around the Valley.

Here is what to expect when traveling throughout Arizona on July Fourth weekend, including traffic issues, event coverage and weather updates.

Follow coverage throughout the July Fourth holiday weekend from Republic reporters.

When can you light fireworks in Arizona? Here's how to legally enjoy Fourth of July 

Arizona law requires cities and counties to allow the sale of fireworks from May 20 through July 6.

Arizona Revised Statutes 36-1606 listed out what qualified as legal use of fireworks, granted that they weren't ruled out entirely by fire restrictions. 

For Arizonans celebrating Independence Day, it was legal to use fireworks any time between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. from June 24 through July 6, with any nighttime usage prohibited.  

An exception to nighttime bans was on the July Fourth holiday, from 11 p.m. through 1 a.m. July 5. 

Outside of those dates, it was illegal to use fireworks in Arizona. 

—  Rey Covarrubias Jr.  

Fireworks near you: Biggest 4th of July displays in metro Phoenix 

What makes up a perfect Fourth of July? Is it downing as many hot dogs as your heart desires? Is it going to a pool party or taking a float with friends down the Salt River? 

But no matter how you celebrate Independence Day, the night is all about the fireworks. 

Across metro Phoenix, communities from Anthem to Glendale to Tempe to Gilbert will host an array of Fourth of July parties complete with live music, entertainment, food, games and activities for all ages. And all of them will end in a big, bold fireworks display. 

However, keep an eye on weather conditions. Rain, high winds or excessive fire hazards could cancel any plans for fireworks to light up the sky, so check your destination’s website and social media pages to stay up to date. 

— Meredith G. White 

Group advocates for July Fourth boycott including no fireworks, shopping or parades 

Grassroots advocacy group the People's Union USA encouraged people to stay home on the Fourth of July, avoid parades and public fireworks displays and only spend money on small local businesses to send a message to large companies and the government. 

"We are holding this entire corrupt system accountable," John Schwarz, the group's leader, said in a late June Instagram video promoting the economic blackout day. 

Schwarz organized the first spending blackout on Feb. 28 and the second in April. He told The Arizona Republic earlier this year that the actions of The People's Union USA are influenced, but not caused by, companies' diversity, equity and inclusion stances. 

Boycotts were planned against Walmart, Amazon and McDonald's. Schwarz shared a flyer on social media that described a series of upcoming boycotts: 

July 1-31: Boycott of Starbucks, Amazon and Home Depot. 

Aug. 1 -31: Boycott of Walmart, McDonald's and Lowe's. 

— Reia Li 

Fourth of July weekend 2025: Here are some Arizona things to do 

From Westgate in Glendale to Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix to Tempe Town Lake to Apache Junction, we've rounded up every place to see the fireworks in metro Phoenix. Flagstaff has a huge nighttime Fourth of July drone show planned, and Prescott will host the World's Oldest Rodeo with fireworks and a parade.

Pack the cooler and bring plenty of sunscreen for a lazy float down the scenic Salt River to celebrate July Fourth weekend. It's been a beloved summer tradition since the late 1970s. Here's everything you need to know about Salt River Tubing. Pro tip: Make a reservation; holiday weekends are busy.

While you'd expect celebrities rolling through Phoenix to eat at high-end restaurants and bars, it turns out that many of them prefer checking out our hidden gems. Check out where Post Malone, Elijah Wood, Gordon Ramsey and Guy Fieri went while they were in town. Some of these eateries might not be open for July Fourth, so check their hours before heading out.

Fourth of July weekend also has some fun options for music fans. The Subtronics will be playing the Clubhouse at Maya July 4. Kesha and Scissor Sisters will make an appearance July 6 at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix.

—  Meredith G. White 

Fireworks and wildfires: Here's what to know

Arizonans are gearing up to celebrate Independence Day. Meanwhile, brush fires and wildfires are popping up around the state. Here’s how wildfire restrictions could affect your celebrations this Fourth of July.

Arizona state law allowed the use of fireworks between June 24 and July 6, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., with an extended window until 1 a.m. July 5 for the Fourth of July holiday.

However, this permission comes with a major caveat — Arizonans cannot use fireworks on most public lands, regardless of the dates.

Fireworks were prohibited on most federal and state lands in Arizona, no matter the fire conditions.

Almost all of Arizona’s state and federal lands were currently under Stage 1 or Stage 2 fire restrictions, which both prohibit fireworks.

Stage 1 limited open flames, smoking and fireworks, except in designated areas. Stage 2 restrictions were more restrictive, banning nearly all forms of open flame, even in developed campgrounds.

Cities, which may be exempt from some restrictions, often adopt similar bans when necessary. Fireworks were also permanently banned in Phoenix wildland parks like Papago Park, Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak.

― Austin Corona

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Tucson, Pima County

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Tucson at 1:53 p.m. July 3. This warning applied to Pima County and was scheduled to run through 4:30 p.m.

Meteorologists warned of winds as strong as 60 mph as well as small hail.

"Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from windows," the National Weather Service said. "This storm is capable of producing damaging winds."

Locations that were impacted included Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Casas Adobes, Drexel Heights, Flowing Wells, Tanque Verde, South Tucson, Three Points, Pascua Pueblo Yaqui Reservation, Tortolita, San Xavier Community, Tucson Mountain Park, Tucson Estates, Valencia West, Saguaro National Park West, Tucson International Airport, Catalina Foothills, Catalina State Park, Summit, Avra Valley and Picture Rocks.

A flash flood warning was also issued for those locations through 4:45 p.m.

― Staff reports

AZ puts brakes on highway closures over July 4th holiday weekend

There are no scheduled closures on state highways over the Fourth of July weekend, but Arizona Department of Transportation officials still cautioned drivers to focus on safety and prepare for delays during holiday road trips.

There could still be unexpected, unscheduled closures in cases of crashes, disabled vehicles, fires or other incidents.

The Interstate 17 improvement project work zone between Anthem Way and the Sunset Point Rest Area north of Phoenix is expected to see heavy traffic over the weekend.

Other highways expected to be busy at times include State Route 87 between Fountain Hills and Payson; U.S. 93 between Wickenburg and Hoover Dam; I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix; and I-8 and I-10 between the Phoenix area and the California state line.

To assist motorists during the holiday, ADOT response units will patrol Phoenix-area freeways in Maricopa County from 4 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. The IRU operators assist state troopers as well as drivers who need help.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at AZ511.gov, the az511 app, or by calling 511. ADOT also gives highway condition updates via its X.com feed at @ArizonaDOT.

― Corina Vanek

Water advisory issued after toxins observed in Lake Powell

The National Park Service issued a water advisory for Lake Powell just before the July 4th holiday weekend after concentrations of a harmful toxin in the water were detected at the high end of safe exposure levels.

Boaters should use caution and avoid unnecessary exposure to the water if fishing, boating or recreating in the area, the Park Service recommended in its July 2 advisory. Recreation remains open throughout the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Cyanotoxins, which are produced by certain types of algae blooms, were detected at the mouth of Antelope Canyon in Lake Powell. Cyanotoxins can be harmful to humans and animals. The algae that create cyanotoxins, called blue-green algae, are natural and common in Arizona and Utah, and can multiply quickly, especially in areas of shallow, warm water.

— Corina Vanek

Which stores are open on July 4?  

In advance of Fourth of July festivities, a grocery store run may be needed. Some stores and other services may be closed or have limited hours. Here’s what we know.  

Walmart and Target: Open during regular business hours on the Fourth of July, varying by location. 

These stores also will be open during their usual hours: Albertson's, Bashas', Food City, Fry's, Safeway and Sprouts. 

These stores have modified hours: Aldi: Closes at 4 p.m.; Costco: Closed.; Trader Joe’s: Closes at 5 p.m.; and Whole Foods Market: Closes at 6 p.m. 

All bank and post office locations will be closed for the federal holiday. Also, FedEx and UPS will not have pickup or delivery services on July 4. 

— Reia Li

Starbucks unveils new limited-edition Fourth of July drink

Just a couple of months ago, Starbucks brought back its seasonal summer menu, including its lineup of fruity Summer Skies refreshers and a brand-new horchata shaken espresso. 

Now, the coffee giant is extending its summer menu lineup with a new limited-edition drink for the Fourth of July. 

The new Firework Frappuccino takes the flavor profile of the seasonal Summer Berry refresher — made up of raspberry, blueberry and blackberry flavors — and adds coconut milk, strawberry puree and vanilla sweet cream, all blended into a frappuccino that reflects the red, white and blue of the American flag. 

“This is a summer vacation in a cup,” Amanda Conaway, one of the drink's developers, said in a news release. 

— Endia Fontanez

Starbucks is adding the new Firework Frappuccino to its menu for a limited time from July 1 to July 7.