The 16th Annual Willmeng Arizona Celebration of Freedom, held Friday, July 4, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., is the cant-miss Independence Day festival in the state. Here are the Top 10 reasons why you should be in downtown Mesa on the Fourth of July:
1. Yes, we have fireworks! Our spectacular fireworks show lights up the sky at 9:30 p.m., following our Salute to America program at 9:15 p.m.
2. The Celebration of Freedom is a salute to all things free (including admission) but mostly America! Inside the fabulously air-conditioned Mesa Convention Center, explore the Hall of U.S. Flags featuring the banners of all 50 states, learn the history of U.S. flags and pay respects at the Fallen Soldiers Memorial. Outside you will find the Patriotic Military Showcase with military vehicles on display.
3. There is always something new and unique at the Arizona Celebration of Freedom, and that includes wrestling! Phoenix Championship Wrestling Presents SLAMU at the Mesa Amphitheatre. Expect body slams, elbow drops and larger-than-life personalities.
4.Also new this year - military recruiters at the Patriotic Military Showcase. Recruiters from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Space Force will offer information about joining our armed services.
5.We cant forget the Coast Guard. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Arizona Band will perform patriotic music in between each laser show.
6.Speaking of lasers, the Let Freedom Ring Laser Light Show presents three shows featuring spectacular laser displays, photos and music inside the air-conditioned Mesa Convention Center.
7.The outdoor displays are cool to see. The Great All-American Freedom Farm offers a great way to see vintage and new tractors and other equipment. Attendees can also learn more about Arizonas agricultural roots. Its the most fun youll ever have next to a combine.
8.BMX bikes are a must-see! The stunt shows are packed with amazing stunts and jumps and topped off with a grand finale that doesnt include fireworks but will have you ooh-ing and aah-ing at the sky.
9. Belly up to the free water bar, hosted by Mesa Water Resources. We want you to stay hydrated, but this bar is BYOB - Bring Your Own Bottle. Refill whenever you need, including the water fountains inside the Mesa Convention Center.
10.Chill out, literally. You can beat the heat at our outdoor mist-chilled food court, Cool Zones with misting trailers and tents, the Splash Zone with inflatable waterslides and many patriotic displays inside the air-conditioned Mesa Convention Center.
11.Yes, 11. Because 10 just wasnt enough. Freedom, fireworks, food and fun did we mention its all free? (Well, except for the food and drinks. And yes, there will be beer).
The Willmeng Arizona Celebration of Freedom will be held at the Mesa Amphitheatre and Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., and along Center Street between First Street and University Drive. For more information, visit azcelebrationoffreedom.com.
The 2025 Willmeng Arizona Celebration of Freedom is sponsored by the City of Mesa, Mesa Convention Center, Mesa Amphitheater, Sertoma Club, Mesa Recycles, Mesa Water Resources, Downtown Mesa Association, Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Visit Mesa, Mesa Gateway Airport, AT&T, Niagara, Semper Fi Heating & Cooling, Delta Hotels, Prensa Arizona, VCA Animal Hospitals; 95.5 The Mountain, United Food Bank and Celerion.