Fun Scottsdale Events, July 20 – 23, 2023

Fun Scottsdale events July 20-23, 2023 means we still enjoy lots of cool fun things to do in Scottsdale — even on sizzling hot weekends! Temps will be 115° + or -, so let’s make good choices to stay cool and safe. Scroll for FREE! fun things to do in Scottsdale — and low cost events and activities in Scottsdale.

Let’s face it. Those who can’t take our heat escape it. The rest of us make the best of it. Not all sidewalks are rolled up. Here are great ideas to have lots of summer fun right here!

Scottsdale Public Pools, Water Parks, Aquatic Centers and Splash Pads

It’s time to hit Scottsdale’s Public Pools and Splash Pads! Scottsdale boasts 4 Aquatic Centers and 2 Water Parks — plus 4-5 Splash Pads! There’s no better way to cool off for FREE! and at a low cost. Enjoy hours of cool fun in the sun. Wear your sunscreen, hat and sunglasses!

Both residents and non-residents are welcome to attend. Here’s a N-S table of Aquatic Centers and Water parks, plus amenities, maps and a registration to get your passes. Click to register and purchase passes.

Scottsdale also has 4 Splash Pads, Spray Poles, and a Spray Pad — for FREE! They are open from mid-March/April 15 — October 15. And, are turned on at 9 AM and off at 7 PM. Questions? Give ’em a call weekdays 8 AM – 5 PM: (480) 312-7275

They are located from N to S:

• Spray Pad – Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park | MAP
• Splash Pad – Chestnutt Park | MAP
• Splash Pad – Paiute Park | MAP
• Splash Pad – Vista Del Camino Park | MAP | Note: this is a BIG park. The Splash Pad is located near the parking lot at 7712 E. Roosevelt St.
• The newly revamped Civic Center has a Water and Fog plaza for kids to spray themselves, but it’s not ready yet — stay tuned!

Scottsdale Quarter Splash Fountain — Yep, and this one’s posh and in N. Scottsdale. Right now, in the blazing heat, they’re running the Pop Jets 24/7, so all can come early and stay late!

Seasonally, the Splash Fountain and Pop Jets run from March/April until ~ October. For the holidays, starting in November, there is flat water with no pop jets. It’s hard to believe it will ever be cold again, huh?

Questions? Call ’em: (480) 270-8123

Here’s my post for Shopping in N. Scottsdale, so you can take turns watching the kids splash, escaping the heat inside icy shops, restaurants, or the theatre!

Scottsdale Aquatic Center Events

FREE! Swimming at Chaparral Pool

To celebrate the newly renovated Chaparral Pool at Chaparral Aquatic Center in Chaparral Park, swimming is FREE! After these dates, fees are cheap!

TUE JULY 18, 8 AM – SAT JULY 22

Sunset Swim at Eldorado Aquatic Center

SAT JULY 26, 6-9 PM: Sunset Swim | Eldorado Aquatic and Fitness Center | MAP | Cost: Scottsdale Residents: $2 for children; $3 for adults | Non-Residents: $3 for children / $5 for adults. You can pay a drop-in fee on-site or click to register and purchase passes.

Safety Luau and Movie at Eldorado Aquatic Center

SUN JULY 30, 4 – 9:30 PM: Safety Luau | Eldorado Aquatic and Fitness Center | MAP | FREE!

Bring the whole family! Learn water safety tips, enjoy open-swim, practice your hula skills and watch a ‘Dive-In’ Movie: Disney’s Lilo and Stitch!

Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Women of the West

‘Behind every strong man, there is a strong woman. See how women played a vital role in the American West as guides to artists and to even actors. Travel around the museum to understand their importance.’

WEDS JULY 26, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Tickets

Spirit of Summer Family Days

Get this! Our Best Western Museum has Artist Tuesdays and Western Wednesdays during Spirit of Summer Family Days! They’re hosting lots of special activities — with children 5 and under admitted FREE!

July 12 – August 23: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Tickets

It’s a great and inexpensive way to spend a cool few hours indoors. Get wowed by extraordinary Art. And, learn about the Old West and Native American life and culture.

Stay Cool in Scottsdale

There are lots of ways to stay cool in Scottsdale — scroll for FREE! and low cost events and activities.

Walk at the Taj Mahal of Scottsdale malls for a cool and luxurious early indoor walk! FREE! — unless you find an irresistible must-have when the mall opens for biz!

Scottsdale’s amazing libraries are another great way to stay cool, meet new friends, learn, get interactive and of course — read! All for FREE! They have a fantastic summer events calendar for every age.

With high temps are reaching 114°+ degrees, be smart in the heat, especially if you’re visiting. It’s dangerous to you, your loved ones and pets — if you’re not careful.

The summer desert is surreal against a backdrop of hot, blue sky, monsoon clouds and mountains — amid Scottsdale’s famous architecture and public art. You can see these in the early mornings, in your car with the A/C blasting — and later from a balcony or pool to keep cool. Head indoors to avoid a dust storm, rain and lightning!

Let’s hit the trails, parks, dog parks and our famous golf courses EARLY, watch the sunrise and enjoy the warm mornings.

Free fun things to do in Scottsdale, include hitting the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt!

Discounted Resort Rates are back summer — for a romantic weekend getaway at a posh desert oasis, or take the family for a wet and rambunctious staycation. My Resort post has tables to find what suits your vibe – fast!

With lots of outdoor and indoor events — and activities for every age and budget, let’s get out there. Soak up some shade and have fun!

Scottsdale Movie Date

New Features and Classic Films

Harkins Camelview Theatre at Fashion Square

THU JULY 20 | FRI JULY 21 | SAT JULY 22 | SUN JULY 23:

Here are my pics this week to escape the summer heat:

The Miracle Club is an indie comedy starring fave actors Maggie Smith, Kath Bates and Laura Linney:

‘There’s just one dream for the women of Ballygar [Ireland] to taste freedom: to win a pilgrimage to the sacred French town of Lourdes. With a little benevolent interference from their local priest, a group of close friends get their ticket of a lifetime.’

Ratings: 7/10 IMDb | 68 % Rotten Tomatoes | 75% Fandango | 100% Google Users Liked | PG13 | 1 HR 31 MINS

Sound of Freedom is an indie dramatic action thriller starring Jim Caviezel, Mira Sorvino, et al. It looks tough to watch, but good:

‘After rescuing a boy from ruthless child traffickers, a federal agent learns the boy’s sister is still captive and decides to embark on a dangerous mission to save her. With time running out, he quits his job and journeys deep into the Colombian jungle, putting his life on the line to free her from a fate worse than death.’

Ratings: 8.2/10 IMDb | 72 % Rotten Tomatoes | 96% Google Users Liked | PG13 | 2 HRS 11 MINS

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a true summer blockbuster. My bestie says Harrison Ford’s still got it at 80 — 42 years after the premier of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom thrilled us.

‘Daredevil archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary dial that can change the course of history. Accompanied by his goddaughter [played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge], he soon finds himself squaring off against Jürgen Voller, a former Nazi who works for NASA.’

Ratings: 6.9/10 IMDb | 69 % Rotten Tomatoes | 82% Google Users Liked | PG13 | 2 HRS 34 MINS

Asteroid City is a quirky space age Wes Anderson retro romcom, with a star-studded cast including Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Margot Robbie, Bill Murray and many more of your favorites. And likely some who aren’t. It’s waaay out there!

Ratings: 7.1/10 IMDb | 73 % Rotten Tomatoes | 71% Google Users Liked | PG13 | 1 HR 45 MINS

Joy Ride is a maybe, if you’re up for a Harkins large caffeinated soda brand of fast-paced, raunchy and edgy comedy. Starring Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, et al.

‘When Audrey’s business trip to Asia goes sideways, she enlists the help of Lolo, her childhood best friend, Kat, a college friend, and Deadeye, Lolo’s eccentric cousin. Their epic, no-holds-barred experience becomes a journey of bonding, friendship, belonging and wild debauchery that reveals the universal truth of what it means to know and love who you are.’

Ratings: 7/10 IMDb | 91% Rotten Tomatoes | 83% Fandango | 68% of Google Users Liked | R | 1HR 35 MINS

Here are other films playing this week and everything you need to know about Harkins! See you at the movies!

Art, Music, Theater and Comedy

Art Walks and Festivals

Scottsdale ArtWalk — FREE!

THU JULY 20, 7:00 – 9 PM | — FREE! Scottsdale ArtWalk in Old Town. Heat Warning: Next Thursday’s forecast is 116°.

Live Music Daily, Weekly, Weekends — Downtown | Old Town

• JOJO Coffeehouse — Live music at Brunch, SAT/SUN 11 AM – 2 PM
• Belle’s Nashville Kitchen — Live music daily
• Rusty Spur Saloon — Since 1951. Live music every day
• Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row — Live music weekly

Parking Map and Tips in Old Town

Arrive early for good parking or hitch a ride share! Here are other fun, safe ways to avoid Old Town traffic snarls, tickets and DUIs: Riding Around Old Town Scottsdale.

Old Town Parking Map

Scottsdale Drag Shows

FRI JULY 21 | SAT JULY 22: 7 PM | Illusions the Drag Queen Show | Tickets | Old Town | MAP

FRI JULY 21, 7 PM: Diva Royale Drag Queen Show | Tickets | Wasted Grain Old Town | MAP

SAT JULY 22, 1:30 PM | Diva Royale Drag Queen Show | Wasted Grain Old Town | Tickets | MAP

Talking Stick Resort Events

Orange Sky Lounge Entertainment

Friday and Saturday 7 – 11 PM

• FRI JULY 21: Gustavo Angeles Trio
• SAT JULY 22: Paul Wells Duo
• FRI JULY 28: Gustavo Angeles Trio
• SAT JULY 29: Paul Wells Duo

Casino Arizona

Showstoppers Live! Tribute band faves and comedians July 14 – August 26, 2023. Tickets sell out fast, so don’t miss your favorite shows!

Upcoming Scottsdale Events July/August 2023:

Plan ahead so no more FOMO. Get your tickets! Don’t miss any of these peak Scottsdale experiences:

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

• United Colors of AZ Theatre – UCAT Summer Series – Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. ‘Enjoy a three-part cabaret series by Arizona-based BIPOC talent, empowered by reflections to elevate to a higher self.’
• FRI JULY 21, 7:30 PM: Tickets
• SAT JULY 22, 2 PM: Tickets
• SAT JULY 22, 7:30 PM: Tickets
• SUN JULY 23, 2 PM: Tickets

Talking Stick Resort Events

• SAT AUG 5, 8 PM: The Tubes | Tickets
• FRI SEP 15, 8 PM: Chiquis | Tickets
• THU OCT 26, 8 PM: Jake Owen | Tickets

Orange Sky Lounge Entertainment

Friday and Saturday 7 – 11 PM

• FRI JULY 28: Gustavo Angeles Trio
• SAT JULY 29: Paul Wells Duo

Casino Arizona

Showstoppers Live! Tribute band faves and comedians July 7 – August 26, 2023. Tickets sell out fast, so don’t miss your favorite shows!

SAT AUG 5, 9 AM – 1 PM: Slide the Rails | McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park | MAP

Scottsdale Farmers Markets – Closed Until Fall

Ongoing Scottsdale Outdoor Activities

More Fun things to do in Scottsdale Outdoors

With the desert hot as Hades, get out early this time of year to do your hiking, biking, walking and dog walking, running, golfing, tennis, pickle ball, etc. There are so many desert and flat trails in the city, including Accessible ones. See my post and table links below. Consider our wonderful water parks and aquatic centers, plus indoor fitness centers — see links and tables below.

Free fun things to do in Scottsdale, include hitting the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt! Or take a FREE! ride around town on the Scottsdale Trolley weekdays. Take the dogs out to rough-house at the dog parks and make new friends! Did you know Scottsdale is the number 1 pet-friendly city?

Top Golf Scottsdale’s Bargain Special:

MON – FRI 10 AM – Noon | $15 per person | Hit unlimited balls!

How about golf, hiking, strolling or cycling to maximize your outdoor fun for FREE? Disc golf is Free! Here you go — everything you need to know and tables of amenities for fast choices to suit everyone’s wants and needs to seize a little sunshine, shade and fresh air!

Here are posts and tables to ease your search for fun and FREE or low-cost things to do in Scottsdale:

• Aquatic and Fitness Centers
• Hiking, Walking, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing and Horseback Riding
• Golf: Table from N. to S. with all the good stuff!
• The Indian Bend Multi-use Trail
• Parks, Playgrounds, Fishing and Dog Parks
• Scottsdale Cycling and Self-Propelled Wheeling
• Tennis and Pickleball

Be Smart and Safe in the Desert

The desert is a land of extremes and it’s extremely very hot right now. Be smart. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Wear sunscreen, your hat and the right shoes. Check the weather and bring other appropriate gear.

Be mindful of your furry friends, plus tiny and older ones getting too tired and hot.

If hiking, stay on the trail and watch where you’re stepping, for rattlesnakes, cacti and rocks — no bites, pokes, sprains, falls or helicopter rescues need to spoil your fun. Don’t pester or feed wildlife. Pick up your dog’s poop. Don’t take anything out but your trash and dog poop.

Give yourself plenty of time to make it on and off the trail safely and see a stunning sunrise.

Churches and Temples in Scottsdale

There are many choices for worship, faith traditions, and community at Scottsdale Churches and Temples. And, if you seek fellowship or are struggling, Scottsdale has a strong 12-Step recovery community. Many recovery meetings are held in churches, temples and North Scottsdale Fellowship Club.

Daylight’s burning for real — let’s go kick up our heels and not miss a minute of fun Scottsdale events, fun and FREE! things to do, July 20-23, 2023! Play safe.