Good morning, Mesa.

Cities across Arizona will celebrate Fourth of July with festivals, fireworks and drone shows on July 4; the guide lists 20 major events including Downtown Mesa’s Celebration of Freedom and Avondale Light Up the Sky’s fireworks at 8:25 p.m.—many events are free.

Arizona Opera announced that Brian DeMaris is its new president and general director and he will lead new programming to connect local audiences with diverse art forms.

He brings 20 years of music experience—spanning opera, ballet, musical theater and symphony—and plans to partner with state universities, businesses and arts groups to address funding challenges.

AAA’s Julian Paredes said the conflict in the Middle East pushed up gas prices across Arizona with regular gas averaging about $3.28—3 cents higher than last week—while prices varied by county and it remained unclear when they would drop.

At their June 16 meeting, Mesa City Council approved a 16‑month contract for heavy equipment, accessories, parts and supplies for the Facilities Management Department+ the decision is expected to support efficient city operations.

Virtual Tour of Senior Living Community

9 AM – 7 PM — Jones Family Care Home — Free entry — Explore nutritious meals and award-winning care at a top-rated senior living facility.

Engineering for Kids: RoboSports Challenge and Game Coding Camp

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Slick City Action Park — Pricing varies — Engage in a hands-on LEGO robotics challenge and creative game coding experience.

Imaginarium Mesa: Winter Wonderland

6-10 p.m. — Imaginarium Mesa — Tickets required — Step into a magical light festival and walk through a captivating winter wonderland.

Arizona ToyCon

9 a.m. — Mesa Convention Center — $10 general admission, kids free — The ultimate destination for toy enthusiasts featuring over 200 tables of collectibles and merchandise.

Imaginarium Winter Wonderland

6:00-10:00 p.m. — Imaginarium Mesa — Cost TBD — Step into a magical light festival featuring a whimsical winter theme for all ages.

Mesa Arizona Business Networking

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee — Network with entrepreneurs, business owners, and influencers to foster connections and grow your business.

Imaginarium: Winter Wonderland

6-10 p.m. — Imaginarium Mesa — Tickets available — Step into an enchanting world of magic and light at this spectacular all-ages walk-through experience.

VANA Live with Honey Revenge, Daisy Grenade, and Nightlife

6-10 p.m. — Nile Theater — Tickets available — Experience a night of pop-rock energy with up-and-coming bands from Los Angeles.

Mesa Business Networking Event

10:30-11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — Drop-in fee $25 after two visits — Build connections and grow your business in a supportive community of entrepreneurs.

Autumn Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Nile Theater — No refunds — Rock out with Autumn and CMB Ru in a lively performance at the Nile Theater.