Summer days can be long and hot, especially in Arizona! Despite the warmer temperatures, local Arizona residents like to get in on the fun by enjoying the summer months with some exciting annual activities. Here are some of the top things going on in the state during the summertime that should be checked out!
Tombstone at Twilight
Tombstone by Twilight is hands down one of the very best ways that any local or visitor can experience the desert in the summer. Enjoy the cooler (yet still warm!) evenings in the streets of Tombstone with live contests, more gun shows, and longer shopping hours for all the shops and restaurants. For those who dare, the Bird Cage Theater puts on a few ghost hunting expeditions that can be spooky and super exciting at the same time. And for the adults, a late night of music and drinks at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon might be in order as well!
Cool Summer Nights at the Desert Museum
Every summer, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum hosts a series of weekend evenings for visitors to come and experience the park and its exhibits during the evening. It’s a special treat, as they light up the pathways and some of the animal homes so that people can see them in a different way. Each weekend a different theme is the focus, for example, a particular animal or something about the desert at night is highlighted for the evening hours. This is the only time of year that the museum does this, as the nighttime is the only time when the sun isn’t so harsh!
Winter In July
The Phoenix Zoo’s Winter In July event couldn’t be more exciting for Arizona residents, as each year they find new and fun ways to “chill out” here in the desert. For just one day, the zoo staff make 35 tons of snow and give it to people coming into the zoo. In addition to that, there’s usually a snow slide, live music, and all of the animals are given a cool ice treat to help them beat the heat!
Reid Park Zoo’s Summer Safari Nights
The Summer Safari Nights at Reid Park Zoo are some of Tucson residents’ favorite summer pastimes, as the zoo opens its doors in the after-hours to visitors. There’s lots of family fun on-site such as live music, animal encounters, activities that involve the wildlife, zoo rangers walking around to answer questions, and sponsor booths that are set up to meet and greet the animal lovers. Bring your own blanket to set up a nice view on the lawn for the concert, and adults can even order a beer or glass of wine for the show!
Sedona Street Art Festival
One of Sedona’s most popular summer events is their Sedona Street Art Festival, which happens monthly during the summertime. It’s a lot of fun for the whole family, as there are plenty of things to look at, many food and beverage options, and tons of live music entertainment shows.
Bisbee Pirates of the High Desert
The Annual Bisbee Pirates of the High Desert event is another one of this little town’s exciting summer events, and it typically happens during the month of August each year. The whole town gets into it, and both visitors and residents are expected to walk around in their best and most favorite pirate gear. Local restaurants and hotels pitch in on the fun by providing some sort of entertainment of food arrangement.
Tempe History Museum
Every summer the Tempe History Museum puts on a very entertaining month of events that are inspired by the theme of their current display on hand. Activities and performances are just some of the things that go on during this hot summer month, and it makes for a very interesting, educational, and extremely fun event. Bring the kids too, as there will be hands-on crafts and lots of other inspiring activities happening!
