news & updates
news & updates
Mesa, AZ - The 17th Annual Willmeng Arizona Celebration of Freedom, held Saturday, July 4, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., is the can't-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.This year's Celebration of Freedom is extra special as we also celebrate America's 250th birthday (try saying "Semiquincentennial" five times fast!). We will even have cupcakes and sing "Happy Birthday" because you can't have a birthday without cake and a song!
2.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.
3.There is always something new and unique at the Arizona Celebration of Freedom. This year it's a drone show sponsored by NTT Global Data Centers. The show features approximately 200 drones operated by Pulse Drones, which will form patriotic images to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday.
4.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.
5.Outside the fabulously air-conditioned Mesa Convention Center you will find a much bigger Patriotic Military Showcase this year. More than 25 vintage military vehicles will be displayed including a 1942 GPW Jeep, a 1945 MB Willys and a 1952 M38A1 Jeep. Aircraft include a T33 "T Bird" and a MD500 Little Bird helicopter. Recruiters from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps will be on hand and an Army enlistment ceremony will be held at the Mesa Amphitheater. The 108th U.S. Army Band will perform just before the enlistment ceremony.
6.We can't forget the Coast Guard. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Arizona Band will perform patriotic music at the Mesa Amphitheater starting at 8 p.m.
7.Phoenix Championship Wrestling is back and moves indoors this year at the Mesa Convention Center. Expect body slams, elbow drops and larger-than-life personalities. The Let Freedom Ring Laser Light Show will open the night and return between wrestling matches during the evening.
8.Two entirely different outdoor events are a must see! The BMX Patriotic Superhero Stunt Shows have amazing stunts and jumps by the bikers while the Great All-American Freedom Farm is the perfect way to see vintage and new tractors and farm equipment while learning more about Arizona's agricultural roots.
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 at 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 isn't enough. Freedom, fireworks, food and fun - did we mention it's all free? (Well, except for the food and drinks. And yes, there will be beer). This year, ACOF is a totally cashless event.
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 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; NTT Global Data Centers; Semper Fi Heating and Cooling, United Food Bank; and VCA Animal Hospitals.