Happy 4th of July, Scottsdale!

Good morning, Scottsdale. You’re reading Scottsdale Scoop, your insider pass to what’s fun, fresh, and worth checking out around town. Every issue features hand-picked events, local business spotlights, and hidden gems that make our city great.

Currently writing this issue from my hotel room in SF. I’ll be back just in time for the 4th!

Let’s dive in.

The biggest patriotic party in Scottsdale is back for its 13th year! The Scottsdale 4th of July Celebration at WestWorld runs from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday with water balloon battles, bull-riding sessions, mutton-busting for the kids, a slider-eating contest, cake walks, musical chairs, and a parade of heroes.

The fireworks display is billed as the largest in Scottsdale and kicks off at 9 p.m. General admission is $25 and gets you access to the air-conditioned North Hall and Rodeo Arena, a premium fireworks viewing area, live entertainment, and food vendors. Want the full experience? The $50 adult package ($30 for kids 5-10) includes all-you-can-eat barbecue and burgers.

Looking for something a little more elevated? W Scottsdale is throwing an All American Afterglow party at their WET Deck with a 21-and-over pool party and night swim. Doors open at 6 p.m. and there's a fireworks show right over the hotel at 9 p.m.

Passes are $118.85 and table packages start at $500 if you want to go all out. This one's definitely for the adults-only crowd who want to celebrate in style.

The Princess goes all out every year and Freedom Fest returns for its 16th year running July 2-4. This year they're honoring America's 250th birthday with three nights of live concerts, nightly fireworks, a 400-drone aerial spectacular, and a vintage air show piloted by retired veterans. Pretty epic lineup if you ask me!

If you're staying local and want to grab a bite, a few Scottsdale spots are doing holiday specials. The Montauk (4360 N. Scottsdale Rd.) is serving up festive cocktails like the bomb pop margarita plus hot dogs and sliders from July 3-5.

Pinyon Coastal Mediterranean (7363 E. Scottsdale Mall) has four signature $4 cocktails on July 4th with the purchase of a meal. And if you're up for brunch, SugarJam The Southern Kitchen in the Airpark is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with their Stars & Spritz cocktail (watermelon schnapps, champagne, blue curaçao). Reservations recommended!

I recently met Bryan, the owner of Discover Strength Scottsdale and I walked away genuinely impressed. This guy truly cares about helping people hit their fitness goals and it shows in everything they do at this spot.

Here's what makes them different: their trainers all hold degrees in exercise science and are certified exercise physiologists. We're talking about actual experts, not just someone who got a weekend certification. They've built their entire program around peer-reviewed scientific research, which means you're getting workouts that actually work.

The best part? It's only 30 minutes, twice a week. That's it. No more spending hours at the gym wondering if you're doing things right. Their team handles the thinking so you can just show up and put in the work.

If you're in North Scottsdale and serious about achieving your fitness goals, this is the place. And right now, Scottsdale Scoop subscribers get a free week of training on top of their already free intro session. That's a lot of time to see if it's right for you.

Claim your free week here.

I always forget Handlebar J exists until I'm driving past it and that honky-tonk facade snaps me right back. This place has been a staple forever and I stopped by the other weekend with friends. What a great time.

There's something about walking into a spot that calls itself "The West's Most Western Bar/Restaurant" and actually delivers on that promise. The BBQ is solid, the drinks are cold, and the whole vibe just screams old-school Scottsdale in the best way possible.

Handlebar J is one of those places that doesn't try to be trendy or chase whatever's hot right now. It just is what it is, and that authenticity is exactly why it deserves way more love from the locals.

I stopped by 40 Love again recently. I remember featuring them when they first opened maybe 6-7 months ago. Still just as good!

The food was really solid. The brown butter pommes were heavenly. Crudo was on point and the steak was 🤌🏽🔥.

They do this thing where they keep the menu short and focused, which I appreciate. Four lists, printed fresh each afternoon. Appetizers, raw bar, signature cuts. No filler.

The atmosphere holds up too. Great service, not pretentious, just genuinely attentive. If you're looking for a fun little date night spot in Old Town, this is it!

Pro tip: check out their Love Hour for half off apps and drinks before the dinner rush. Or if you're the late-night type, the kitchen runs until 1 AM on weekends with the bar going until 2.

Wednesday, July 1

🌹 Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST | ASU Gammage | Performance times vary (multiple days)

📚 School Supply Drive on the Scottsdale Wine Trail | Various Wine Trail Locations | Through August 31

Thursday, July 2

🥃 Angel's Share Social Club | Tequila Corrido | The Canal Club at The Scott Resort & Spa | 6:00 PM

Friday, July 3

🎾 Tennis N' Chill | Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

🍷 July Tasting Series: California | Jamie's Bottle Shop | 6:00 PM

Saturday, July 4

🏰 Fourth of July Freedom Fest | Fairmont Scottsdale Princess | 8:00 PM (multiple days)

🇺🇸 July 4th Weekend | Royal Palms Hotel | All day

🏔️ 4th of July Weekend | Mountain Shadows Resort | All day

🌴 Fourth of July in Scottsdale | The Scott Resort & Spa | All day

🍖 Fourth of July BBQ & Fireworks Viewing | ADERO Scottsdale Resort | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

🏊 July 4th Celebration | Allegra Scottsdale | 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM

🎺 Spotlight on Sousa | Musical Instrument Museum | 10:30 AM

Featuring the most expensive home sold in Scottsdale this week at $4.25M! Looks like it was just recently remodeled.

Here’s the link if you want to check it out.