Bring your lawn chairs & blankets!
The City of Flagstaff, PROSE, and Discover Flagstaff presents the Celebrating America’s Freedom Drone Show in East Flagstaff this 4th of July! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets!
When: Friday, July 4, 2025
Time: Show begins around 9:10pm
Location: East Flagstaff (see below for parking and viewing places)
Cost: FREE!
Why drones this year? Drones present significantly less wildfire risk than fireworks.
Please note that tall trees, vegetation and buildings may block views.
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.”
This July 4th, experience Independence Day like never before in Flagstaff! ✨🎆 As twilight fades over the cool pines, get ready for a mesmerizing drone light show that replaces traditional fireworks. Starting around 9:10 p.m., this dazzling display of multicolored lights synchronized to patriotic music offers a safe and environmentally friendly celebration. Why drones this year? Drone shows have an advantage over fireworks for communities concerned with wildfires, and presenting significantly less risk.
The 2025 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. For more itinerary suggestions and to be rewarded for your adventures, try using the user-friendly 66 Things to Do on Flagstaff's Route 66 digital passport.
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The Flagstaff Travel Guide is an annual publication featuring the accommodations, restaurants, activities and useful travel information for the Flagstaff area.
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