4th of July Events

TOP 6 THINGS TO DO IN FLAGSTAFF ON JULY 4TH

Independence Day is all about food, fun and freedom. In the mountain town of Flagstaff, we have so much of that, you’ll need a three-day weekend (or more) to pack it all in. Flagstaff 4th of July Weekend is an all-American, stars and stripes celebration filled with excitement—all in the cool pines. It’s no surprise that Travel Channel selected Flagstaff for “Top 10 Small Town Fourth of July Celebrations.” 

1. WATCH THE FLAGSTAFF 4TH OF JULY PARADE

The 2024 Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Independence Day Parade will follow the usual route around Historic Downtown Flagstaff. Starting at Elm & Beaver, it will go south down Beaver, turn left on Aspen to San Francisco and north on San Francisco back to Elm.

2. EARN YOUR STARS AND STRIPES

Explore the FREE Street Faire entertainment in downtown Flagstaff at Heritage Square, complete with a photo booth, balloon artists, face painters, live music and more! Then, earn your stripes when you zip through the world’s largest Ponderosa pine forest at Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course. Not everyone can say they conquered aerial obstacles that include swings, slides, suspended bridges and nets. This thrilling activity is treetops above the rest in providing safe, fun and physical outdoor experiences. Reservations are recommended during Flagstaff 4th of July Weekend. 

3. CELEBRATE OUR NATIONAL PARKS and Monuments

Get your patriotism on by visiting Flagstaff’s nearby national parks. Walnut Canyon is within 30 miles (48 km) from Flagstaff and for another monumental option, take the beautiful scenic 80-mile drive north to Grand Canyon National Park.  

4. WALK LIKE AN ASTRONAUT

Every Apollo astronaut who walked on the moon trained in Flagstaff. Independence Day is the perfect time to trace their steps with Flagstaff Lunar Legacy Landmarks Maps and Passports available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center (1 East Route 66). Your moonwalk will take you to Meteor Crater, USGS Astrogeology Center, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Cinder Lakes and Grand Canyon National Park. Collect stamps on your passport for a free Flagstaff Lunar Legacy prize.

5. Indulge in BBQ Goodness

Nothing says 4th of July like grilled-up goodness. Take the family out to enjoy a slow smoked, fall-off-the-bone, melt in your mouth dinner after all the festivities conclude for the day. From traditional smokehouses to innovative eateries, Flagstaff boasts a diverse selection of BBQ joints. For those seeking a classic and tender brisket, there are local establishments that have perfected the art of low-and-slow cooking, infusing each bite with rich, smoky flavor. Adventurous foodies can explore the culinary landscape further, discovering a BBQ blend of traditional techniques with creative twists, offering unique dishes only found here in Flagstaff.

6. GET YOUR (4TH OF JULY) KICKS ON ROUTE 66

Escape the mundane when you cruise like the wind with the windows down and sunroof open, take the top-down to enjoy your convertible or ride your motorcycle along the nostalgic Route 66. The Mother Road runs right through Historic Downtown Flagstaff, where Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper rode in scenes from the movie, Easy Rider. From here, cruise out to hidden spots and obscure roadside attractions.  You’ll capture the spirit and freedom of simpler times on scenic roads–without the big-city traffic. Be sure to stop at the Flagstaff Visitor Center located in the heart of downtown Flagstaff at One East Route 66. Take a selfie on the Route 66 street graphic, grab a few souvenirs, and experience the self-guided "Walk this Talk" tour. Simply call the toll-free number (928-213-2926) to begin the audio tour at the Visitor Center which is introduced by Flagstaff native and actor, Ted Danson. The "Walk this Talk" tour stops will guide you along a one-of-a-kind Route 66 historical journey.