Fireworks aren’t the only thing popping this Fourth of July. Restaurants and resorts across the Valley are rolling out limited‑time menus, patriotic cocktails and stay‑and‑play packages. Arizona has plenty to offer: a poolside barbecue, a chef‑driven holiday menu, or a family‑friendly getaway with a front‑row view of the fireworks.
AC Hotel Scottsdale Old Town
AC Hotel Scottsdale Old Town is marking America’s 250th birthday with its Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights getaway. Guests receive a $30 dining credit per night and rooftop pool access now through Labor Day. Book here.
Arizona Science Center
In honor of America’s 250 birthday, purchase a Discovery Pass at Arizona Science Center on July 4 for $17.76 (a $18.19 savings). The pass includes access to the four levels of Arizona Science Center, Learning Lab, live demonstrations, one Evans Family SkyCycle ride ($7 value), one screening in the Dorrance DOME ($14 value), one film in the Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater ($8 value), and one admission to its summer traveling exhibition, CaveScape ($8). The promo code is USA250. The museum is at 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix.
DEEPER DIVE: ‘America’s Top 50 New Boomtowns’ includes 7 Arizona cities
Backyard Desert Ridge and Backyard Gilbert
Backyard Desert Ridge and Backyard Gilbert’s annual Fourth of July celebration returns with an all-American summer party, including barbecue dishes, a beer garden, themed holiday cocktails, and live music beginning at 5 p.m. Visit the website for addresses.
Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails
Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails is celebrating Independence Day with a barbecue-inspired menu crafted by Executive Chef Alex Stratta and Executive Sous Chef Fidencio Alatriste. Available from 3 to 9 p.m., featured dishes include buttermilk fried chicken with jalapeño-cherry cornbread, corn on the cob, coleslaw and barbecue hot sauce, as well as barbecue beef brisket with mole negro, charred chiles and an Oaxaca quesadilla. The restaurant is located at 8876 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Suite 100, Scottsdale.
Bottled Blonde
Bottled Blonde, 7340 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, will serve red and blue Jell-O shots ($4) throughout the holiday weekend.
Buck & Rider
At Buck & Rider in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Gilbert on July 4, the restaurant is serving four signature cocktails, with the purchase of a meal. The drinks are Sant’ Andrea Spritz (gin, Italian amaro, house citrus-cello and sparkling wine); Secret Garden (vodka, cucumber, yuzu and Chareau); Diego Rivera (tequila, grapefruit and thyme); and Golden Hour (bourbon, Amontillado sherry, honey and chamomile). Visit the website for the street addresses.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Freedom Fest returns for its 16th year (July 2–4), and this year will be honoring America’s 250th birthday with three nights of live concerts, nightly fireworks, a 400-drone aerial spectacular, and a vintage air show piloted by retired veterans. The full summer slate of fun atc the Princess also includes dive-in movies, catch-and-release fishing derbies, pickleball, and daily Camp Trailblazers programming, along with new happy hours and “Burgers, Brews & Floats” on weekends.
Foley Ranch
From July 3 to July 5, Foley Ranch at Desert Ridge Marketplace in North Phoenix will serve $25 unlimited St. Louis ribs accompanied by live music, dueling guitars and DJ Ryan. Other specials include $3 Coors Banquet and Coors Light; $4 well drinks and green tea shots, and $5 Montana teas.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria in Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler and Peoria is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with its seasonal red, white and barbecue menu, featuring barbecue chicken pizza and cheesecake topped with red and blue sprinkles, seasonal cocktails and the Liberty Cooler Blue Mocktail. From July 1 to July 5, guests can purchase an 18-inch traditional pizza for $17.76. See the website for addresses.
Hash Kitchen
On July 3 to July 5, at Hash Kitchen, guests can order from a $4 menu: the red, white and blue cannoli doughnut; Billionaire’s bacon, thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon coated in yuzu glaze, brown sugar chile rub and finished with 24K gold flakes. See the website for the six restaurants’ addresses.
HiFi Kitchen & Cocktails
Guests can beat the Arizona heat with HiFi Kitchen & Cocktails’ frozen red, white and boozy blue ($10). HiFi Kitchen & Cocktails is at 4420 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale.
Hilton Phoenix Resort at The Peak
The Hilton Phoenix Resort at The Peak at 7677 N. 16th St., Phoenix, has a host of events and specials:
- Reserve two or more nights at $250/night and receive a one-time $250 resort credit for dining, water park fun, or relaxing spa experiences. Book before Sept. 30; based on availability. Book here.
- The Peak Spa Package at Tocasierra Spa and Fitness Center includes one 50-minute classic massage plus one 50-minute classic facial; $250 plus tax and gratuities, from July 1 to July 6. Based on availability. Book here or call 602-906-3820.
- Slim’s will offer poolside street tacos and tortas from Chef Joe Flores and his culinary team 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 3 to July 5. Tacos start at $12 for a plate of three; tortas start at $12. Signature margaritas, beers and frozen cocktails also available poolside at Slim’s all weekend long.
- The Peak’s River Ranch Water Park, featuring a 130-foot waterslide to a half-mile lazy river, offers new six-person private cabanas with stocked mini fridges, towel service and food and beverage service. The cabanas start at $175. Reserve and more details here.
- The Peak has a “Stay, Splash and Savor” package through Sept. 10. Packages vary. Book here.
The Hot Chick
The Hot Chick at 4363 N. 75th St., Scottsdale, is having a “Glizzy Party,” with boozy snow cones ($10) and bar games before the festivities culminate at midnight with its signature hot dog toss.
Ingo’s…