Fourth of July celebrations planned at Phoenix casinos

A festive martini perfect for the holiday weekend.

If you’re looking for food, fireworks and fun with your gaming then check out the Independence Day events coming up at area casinos this weekend in and around Phoenix –

Start the weekend off right with a trip to Fort McDowell Casino near Fountain Hills on Friday, July 3 for the casino’s big holiday bash. The Fort McDowell fireworks will begin at 9:30 pm but there will be plenty to do before the show including gaming in the casino or you could plan on dinner at one of the several restaurants on property. Our favorite is the Ahnala Restaurant and Lounge at the adjacent Radisson Resort where specialties such as thick steaks and juicy burgers are cooked over a mesquite fire and many of the house specialties showcase citrus, pecans and herbs grown locally at the Fort McDowell Yavapai Farm. Don’t miss the extensive list of specialty cocktails including the “Deep Blue Sea Martini” – a particularly festive tint for celebrating this holiday, don’t you think?

On the Fourth of July, fireworks will light up the sky at Rawhide Western Town on the Gila River reservation. Located near the community’s popular Wild Horse Pass Casino, this replica of an 1880’s Old West town will host “A Star Spangled Shoot Out!" from 5:30pm - 10pm. The event’s producers promise fun for the whole family featuring entertaining cowboys and gunfights with lots of cowboy grub for sale plus a big fireworks show at evening’s end. Gate admission of $10 per person includes Rawhide attractions and fireworks display. Parking and kids under 5 years old are free.