Fireworks return this year to Tempe Beach Park with the Kiwanis Club of Tempe presenting the 73rd Annual Tempe 4th of July Celebration on Thursday, July 4, from 4 to 10 p.m. 

Spend an evening at Tempe Beach Park filled with games, food, ice cold drinks, entertainment for kids, live music and a spectacular fireworks show over the lake to end the night, a city release explained. Arrive before 6 p.m. to catch a patriotic U.S. Air Force F-35 flyover. 

General admission is $12 pre-sale and $15 at the door for adults, $5 for children and free for children 5 years and under. Kids 12 and under will receive free general admission before 6 p.m. when accompanied by a paid adult, according to the release.

VIP tickets are $50 for children and $100 for adults, which include shaded seating, a catered dinner, non-alcoholic drinks, dessert, a special light-up gift, activities for the kids and more. 

The annual event raises funds for local youth organizations, the release stated

Public parking is available in the surrounding areas, but very limited. Due to the high traffic and crowds expected on the 4th of July, public transportation or ride shares are highly encouraged. More info on parking lots can be found here.

The city also asks residents to consider the welfare of their neighborhood before celebrating with personal fireworks as not everyone loves the color, sound and smoke of fireworks. Some veterans, people with asthma or autism, and many pets, birds and animals are negatively affected by them, the release noted.

Through July 6, Arizona State law allows residents to use certain consumer fireworks in Tempe. But just because a particular firework is sold at a store does not mean it is legal for use in the city. Firecrackers, bottle rockets and Roman candles are not permitted. Check the list.

If you see or hear illegal fireworks being set off in your neighborhood, call Tempe Police non-emergency number at 480-350-8311. Learn more at tempe.gov/fireworks.

Additionally, several heat relief locations will operate holiday hours on July 4, but help is still available. 

Tempe Church of Christ, the Church of Epiphany and University Presbyterian Church in Tempe will open regular hours. Find all locations on the Heat Relief Network website. You can also call 2-1-1 to find free cooling centers, water, transportation assistance, A/C repair and more.