Avondale "Light Up the Sky" Independence Day Celebration

City of Avondale will hold its annual "Light Up the Sky" Independence Day Celebration at Phoenix Raceway on Friday, July 4, presented by Avondale Toyota. This event, which features the largest tailgate fireworks experience in the Valley, is free to the public. Attendees can enjoy a spectacular 25-minute fireworks show in the midway of Phoenix Raceway, along with live entertainment from The Taide Band, a variety of food vendors and exhibitors, and crafts, face painting, photo booth and games inside The Barn located along the midway.

Gates will open at 6 p.m., with the fireworks display set to begin at 8:25 p.m. The event concludes after the fireworks. Phoenix Raceway is located at 7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr., Avondale, AZ 85323. Please note that there is no event parking along Jimmie Johnson Drive or at Tres Rios Nature area.

General tailgate admission is free, and attendees can enjoy the show from their vehicles. Families are encouraged to bring folding chairs, coolers, and snacks. Grills and open-fire cooking are prohibited. For the best viewing experience, canopies or tents must be lowered at sundown. Attendees should turn off all car lights and tune their radios to 99.7 FM for music synchronized with the fireworks.

To enter the Phoenix Raceway breezeway, guests must pass through security screening checkpoint prior to entry and are required to follow the Phoenix Raceway Entry Policy. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and review the list of permitted and prohibited items below to ensure a smooth entry process. Please note: All items are subject to inspection, and security reserve the right to refuse entry to any item deemed unsafe or inappropriate. There are no provisions for checking or holding prohibited items at the gates. Items left unattended will be removed and discarded.

Permitted Items Include:

• Up to two (2) bags per person (backpacks, diaper bags, clutch bags, and fanny packs) not exceeding 18” x 18” x 14”\

• One (1) soft-sided cooler per person (max size: 14” x 14” x 14”) – may contain ice

• Sunscreen, sunblock, hand sanitizer, and bug spray (aerosol, gel or liquid)

• Pre-packaged and sealed food and beverages in soft-sided coolers (No alcohol or glass)

• Insulated cups (empty, max size 64 oz) – water refilling stations will be available at the gates

• Cameras, binoculars, scanners, and headsets

• iPads, tablets, and laptop computers

• Seat cushions (without metal components)

• Cigarettes and lighters

• Service animals

• Nationality flags on pencil-sized wooden sticks (must not obstruct views)

Prohibited Items Include:

• Foam or hard-sided coolers
• Weapons (including pocket knives) and other restricted items per Local, State, or Federal law
• Displays of the Confederate flag
• Fireworks or explosives
• Glass or ceramic containers
• Alcoholic beverages
• Dry ice
• Bags/containers exceeding size limits
• Laser pointers, noise makers, air horns
• Unauthorized aerosol cans
• Selfie sticks, tripods, monopods
• Illegal substances
• Seat cushions with metal
• Collapsible chairs, wagons
• Drones/UAVs
• Frisbees, balloons, beach balls, or similar projectiles
• Skateboards, scooters, bicycles, hoverboards, roller skates
• Obscene or inappropriate clothing

"Light Up the Sky" is an official City of Avondale Parks, Recreation, and Libraries event in partnership with Phoenix Raceway.

For more information, visit www.AvondaleAZ.gov/LightUptheSky or email ActiveAvondale@AvondaleAZ.gov. Follow Avondale Parks and Recreation on social media at @AvondaleParksandRec and use the hashtag #AvondaleEvents to post, tag, and share your event experience.      

View and download event flyer here.