The 16th Annual Willmeng Arizona Celebration of Freedom (ACOF) returns Friday, July 4, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., promising an unforgettable night of FREE, family-friendly fun in the heart of downtown Mesa. Recognized as the states coolest Independence Day festival, ACOF takes place at the Mesa Convention Center and Mesa Amphitheatre campus, 263 N. Center St., with activities stretching along Center Street from First Street to University Drive.
While the temperatures may rise, attendees can stay cool outdoors thanks to shaded Cool Zones equipped with giant fans and misters and enjoy many indoor attractions within the air-conditioned Mesa Convention Center.
HIGHLIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS
- Live music on Stage America, located on the grass near Center and Second Streets. People Who Could Fly will take the stage at 6:30 p.m.
- The Salute to America program at 9:15 p.m. on Stage America will be followed at approximately 9:30 p.m. by the Fireworks Extravaganza. As is tradition, the fireworks display will be accompanied by patriotic music. Please do not bring your pets to the fireworks display due to the loud noises.
- The event always has something new. Catch high-flying action at Phoenix Championship Wrestling Presents SLAMU at the Mesa Amphitheatre. Enjoy thrilling matches featuring stars like Zamaya, Jon Wolfgang, Pretty City Express, Enrique Calderon, and Kevin Koa in this family-friendly showcase.
- Also new this year, military recruiters from the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Space Force will be at the Patriotic Military Showcase. Explore military vehicles and learn about careers in our armed services. information about joining our armed services.
- ACOF will begin with a flyover by four F-35 jets from Luke Air Force Base between 6 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
- Another spectacular attraction is the Let Freedom Ring Laser Light Show inside the Mesa Convention Center. There will be three 20-minute shows at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. featuring fabulous laser displays, photos and patriotic music. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Arizona Band will perform in between each laser show.
- Great All-American Freedom Farm is a great way to discover vintage and modern tractors, plus other equipment to learn more about Arizonas farm heritage.
- The Patriotic Superhero Stunt Show always draws big crowds. It features professional BMX stunt riders performing amazing stunts and jumps on customized ramps near the All-American Food Court.The riders are the top talent from right here in Arizona, and you dont want to miss the awesome finales!Performances are scheduled at 6:30 p.m., 7:20 p.m. and 8:10 p.m.
- BYOB: Bring Your Own Bottle. Refill your water bottle for free at the Water Bottle Refill Station near the Mesa Amphitheatre, courtesy of City of Mesa Water Resources.
- Beat the heat with the outdoor mist-chilled All-American Food Court. Beer gardens, offering beer, soda and water for sale, will be located at the Stage America Tailgate Zone and the All-American Food Court.
- The kids can beat the heat on inflatable waterslides in the Splash Zone.
- Mesa Convention Center will host Historic Flags of the U.S. at 6:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 8 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. The Hall of Flags features flags from every state and our U.S. territories.
- The Fallen Soldier Memorial is a breathtaking memorial honoring the Arizona fallen heroes from the war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. The memorial will be located inside the Mesa Convention Center.
- A naturalization ceremony at 5 p.m. inside the Mesa Convention Center features up to 100 people from 41 countries taking the oath of citizenship.
- Enjoy interactive crafts and displays from the i.d.e.a. Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History and Mesa Arts Center at Americas Arts and Culture Showcase.
- Tailgate Zone, located on the grass next to Stage America, will offer plenty of games for adults and kids to enjoy. The inflatable sports station will have basketball toss, football throw and soccer kick. Cornhole sets will also be provided.
- Yankee Doodle Kids' Zone offers free carnival-style games for kids and face painting.
- Several downtown Mesa businesses are offering food and drink specials in celebration of ACOF. Find participating locations on the Downtown Mesa Association website.
PARKING AND STREET CLOSURES
FREE parking is available in downtown Mesa public lots and on-street parking. ADA parking is located at the northeast corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Way (MLK Way, formerly 3rd Place) and Center Street. Vehicles must display ADA stickers, license plates or hangtags.
The following streets will be closed or restricted from 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 3 to 5 a.m. on Saturday, July 5:
- Center Street between University Drive and north post office driveway (1st Street) Access is maintained to the post office driveway on Center Street north of 1st Street. Post office access maintained using Center Street
- 2nd Street at Center Street. Through traffic detoured at Macdonald and Centennial Way.l Local access up to Drew
- MLK Way/3rd Place at Center Street. Through traffic detoured at Macdonald and Centennial Way. Local access maintained on 3rd Place up to Drew - access is maintained to the alley east of Drew
- Hibbert between 2nd Street and University. No access permitted
- 3rd Place between Pasadena and Pomeroy. No access permitted
- Pomeroy between 2nd Street (north of apartment entrance) and University. Local access up to the apartment entrance
- Traffic will be detoured around the event via 1st Street, Country Club Drive, University Drive and Mesa Drive.
PUBLIC TRANSIT
- Take Valley Metro light rail to the Center and Main Street stop and walk two blocks north on Center Street to reach the event.
- Light rail runs on a Sunday schedule for the 4th with enhanced service beginning at 5 p.m. The last westbound train will depart Gilbert Road at 12:35 a.m.
- Valley Metro buses run on a Sunday schedule. There will be no RAPID or Express bus service.
- The Mesa Downtown BUZZ will not operate on July 4 and will be on detour July 3 after 5 p.m.
Visit valleymetro.org or call (602) 253-5000 for updated transit info.
For full event details, including a list of allowed and prohibited items, 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, AT&T, Mesa Gateway Airport, Niagara, Semper Fi Heating & Cooling, Delta Hotels, Prensa Arizona, VCA Animal Hospitals, 95.5 The Mountain, United Food Bank and Celerion.