Fun Scottsdale events July 13-16, 2023 means we still enjoy lots of cool fun things to do in Scottsdale even on sizzling hot weekends! Temps will be 112° +, so let’s make good choices to be cool and safe.
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!
Scroll for FREE! and low cost events and activities in Scottsdale.
- Sunset Swim at McDowell Mountain Aquatic Center
- Arizona Boardwalk Courtyard at Talking Stick
- Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
- Stay Cool in Scottsdale
Sunset Swim at McDowell Mountain Aquatic Center
FRI JULY 14, 6-9 PM: Sunset Swim | McDowell Mountain Aquatic Center | MAP | Cost: Scottsdale Residents: $4 for children; $6 for adults | Non-Residents: $6 for children / $9 for adults.
Arizona Boardwalk Courtyard at Talking Stick
FREE Foam Frenzy!
FREE Foam Frenzy is back! Say that 3 times fast — it’s one way to get the kids clean and burn off some summer energy.
- SAT JULY 15: 10 AM – 1 PM
- SUN JULY 16: 10 AM – 1 PM
Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
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
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 an amazing 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.
High temps are reaching 112°+ 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 desert still blooms with lots of showy, heaven-scented flowers, against a backdrop of hot, blue sky and mountains — amid Scottsdale’s famous architecture and public art. You can see these in the early mornings, from your car, and later from a balcony or pool to keep cool.
Let’s hit the trails, parks, dog parks and our famous golf courses EARLY, watch the sunrise and enjoy the still cool mornings.
Free fun things to do in Scottsdale, include hitting the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt!
The Water Parks, splash pads and aquatic centers are open for summer! They are either FREE! or with a small fee — to enjoy hours of cool fun in the sun. Wear your sunscreen, hat and sunglasses!
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 13 | FRI JULY 14 | SAT JULY 15 | SUN JULY 16:
Here are my pics this week to escape the summer heat:
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
Past Lives is an English/Korean romance and drama indie. Starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Mangaro — it looks really good!
What critics are saying:
- ‘A stunning, pitch perfect romance.’ [Rolling Stone]
- ‘Gentle, funny, and achingly gorgeous. A Miraculous film.’ [VOX]
- ‘Celine Song’s exceptional debut will have audiences swooning.’ [Variety]
- ‘A decades-spanning romance that makes you catch your breath.’ [The Hollywood Reporter]
- ‘The year’s first great movie.’ [Slate]
Ratings: 8.4/10 IMDb | 97 % Rotten Tomatoes | 93% Google Users Liked | PG13 | 1 HR 46 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 13, 6:30 – 9 PM | — FREE! Scottsdale ArtWalk in Old Town.
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 14 | SAT JULY 15: 7 PM | Illusions the Drag Queen Show | Tickets | Old Town | MAP
FRI JULY 14, 7 PM: Diva Royale Drag Queen Show | Tickets | Wasted Grain Old Town | MAP
SAT JULY 15, 1:30 PM | Diva Royale Drag Queen Show | Wasted Grain Old Town | Tickets | MAP
Talking Stick Resort Events
- FRI JULY 14, 8 PM: Happy Together Tour | Tickets
- SAT JULY 15, 8 PM: Little River Band | Tickets
Orange Sky Lounge Entertainment
Friday and Saturday 7 – 11 PM
- FRI JUL 14: Gustavo Angeles Trio
- SAT JULY 15: Paul Wells Duo
- 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 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 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 heating up, get out early this time of year to do your hiking, biking, walking and dog walking, running, 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 getting very hot. 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 — let’s go kick up our heels and not miss a minute of fun Scottsdale events and fun things to do, July 13-16, 2023! Play safe.
April Halstead
Scottsdale Lifestyle Blogger
I’m a 5th generation native Arizona gal who loves showing and telling what makes Scottsdale an amazing place to visit and make home! I hope you enjoy our city through my lens, making your own discoveries and memories here!
