Arizona Celebration of Freedom Hosts a 250th Birthday Party for the USA

Arizona Celebration of Freedom Hosts a 250th Birthday Party for the USA

The Willmeng Arizona Celebration of Freedom (ACOF) promises to be a memorable night of fun to honor America's semiquincentennial, or 250th birthday, at the Mesa Convention Center and Mesa Amphitheatre, 263 N. Center St.

The FREE, family-friendly event on Saturday, July 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. includes a true Happy Birthday party at the Mesa Amp at 8:45 p.m. It will include a community singalong of both Happy Birthday and God Bless America, a procession and posting of colors by the Mesa Police Department Honor Guard and a Mesa "Family Photo" opportunity in front of the stage. Attendees can also enjoy a birthday cupcake when leaving the Amp following the program.

"Birthdays bring people together, and America's 250th birthday is no exception. As we celebrate this historical year, we also honor the generations of service, sacrifice and civic spirit that have shaped our nation and our community." Said Mayor Mark Freeman "I invite everyone to join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate our country's past, present and future together."

The Arizona Celebration of Freedom features patriotic activities both outdoors and inside the air-conditioned Mesa Convention Center. Outside displays will include the Patriotic Military Showcase with more than 35 vintage military vehicles, an Army enlistment ceremony at 7:45 p.m., the BMX Patriotic Superhero Stunt Show, the All-American Car Show, live music on two stages, a food court, picnic games and the Celebration Splash Zone with inflatable waterslides. Indoor events include Phoenix Championship Wrestling, Let Freedom Ring Laser Light Show, the Hall of Flags and Fallen Soldiers Memorial.

The event culminates with a Salute to America Program at 9:15 p.m. followed by a drone show at 9:25 p.m. sponsored by NTT Global Data Centers and a spectacular fireworks show at 9:35 p.m.

More details about the Arizona Celebration of Freedom are available at azcelebrationoffreedom.com. This year, ACOF is a totally cashless event. We will accept mobile payments and debit/credit cards.

The 2026 Willmeng Arizona Celebration of Freedom is sponsored by the City of Mesa; Mesa Convention Center; Mesa Amphitheatre; Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities; Sertoma Club; Mesa Chamber of Commerce; Visit Mesa; AT&T; American Leadership Academy; Benedictine University; Boeing; Delta Hotels; Downtown Mesa Association; Mesa Gateway Airport; Mesa Recycles; Meta; Nesbitt Contracting; Niagara; NTT Global Data Centers; Semper Fi Heating and Cooling; United Food Bank and VCA Animal Hospitals