Updated June 29, 2026

Best Events This July

July in Phoenix is hot — there’s no getting around it — but that’s exactly why the Valley knows how to do summer better than almost anywhere else. Between the air-conditioned arenas, evening events timed perfectly around the heat, and resort pool days that turn an ordinary Tuesday into a mini-vacation, there’s genuinely no shortage of things to do. This month brings Fourth of July celebrations across the Valley, a packed Diamondbacks home schedule, WNBA action with the Mercury, world-class circus entertainment, a two-week dining event in Tempe, and some of the best indoor attractions in the Southwest. Whether you’re keeping the kids entertained, planning a date night, or just looking for a reason to get out of the house, July has something for everyone. Here are the best events happening in Phoenix this month — and a roundup of resort pool day passes to keep things cool all summer long.

Arizona Science Center – CaveScape & Summer Exhibits
When: Throughout July – Downtown Phoenix
One of the best indoor escapes in the Valley. This summer features CaveScape, a fully climbable installation built from packing tape where kids and adults can crawl through tunnels and hidden chambers. Add in 300+ hands-on exhibits, a five-story Giant Screen Theater, the Dorrance Planetarium, and Camp Innovation STEM programming through July 24. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:30 AM–4 PM. General admission starts at $22.95 for adults and $16.95 for children.

Fabulous Phoenix 4th
When: July 4, 6–10 PM – Steele Indian School Park
Phoenix’s flagship Independence Day celebration returns with one of the Southwest’s largest fireworks displays, live entertainment, a kids zone, Veterans Village, food and artisan vendors, and a classic car show. Free admission.

Arizona Celebration of Freedom
When: July 4, 6–10 PM – Mesa Convention Center
Downtown Mesa’s free Fourth of July event features Revolutionary War reenactments, a patriotic superhero stunt show, a naturalization ceremony, the “Let Freedom Ring” laser show, live music, cool zones, and fireworks at 9:30 PM. Bring blankets, chairs, and a picnic.

Avondale Light Up the Sky
When: July 4, Gates open 6 PM – Phoenix Raceway
A free west Valley Fourth of July celebration with food trucks, live music, tailgating, vendors, and fireworks at 8:25 PM. A great option if you want to skip the downtown crowds.

Taste in Tempe
When: July 12–26 – Restaurants Throughout Tempe
Tempe’s prix-fixe dining program returns for year two with three-course menus from $25–$55 per person at dozens of local restaurants including Caffe Boa, Cocina Chiwas, North Italia, and more. A great excuse to explore Tempe’s dining scene without cooking in the heat.

Desert Botanical Garden – Summer After Dark
When: Throughout July – Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
The Garden transforms after sunset with 12 brand-new light installations inspired by Arizona’s monsoon season, plus Flashlight Nights every Saturday (all ages, included with admission), Sunrise Yoga on Wednesdays, and Sonoran Sippin’ — a 21+ cocktail evening on July 18. Note: The Garden is closed June 29–July 5 and reopens July 6.

Arizona Diamondbacks – July Home Games
When: Throughout July – Chase Field
The D-backs play a packed July home schedule inside one of the best air-conditioned venues in the Valley. With fireworks nights, bobblehead giveaways, and matchups against top National League competition, a Diamondbacks game is one of the quintessential Phoenix summer outings. Tickets start around $15.

Phoenix Mercury – WNBA July Home Games
When: Throughout July – Mortgage Matchup Center
The Mercury are deep into the WNBA season with home games against the Seattle Storm, Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun, and Golden State Valkyries. Great value tickets, fast-paced basketball, and a cool indoor venue — an easy summer win.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – The Greatest Show On Earth
When: July 23–26 – Mortgage Matchup Center
The iconic circus returns to Phoenix, reimagined for a new generation with trapeze artists, Mongolian acrobats, a high-speed bicycle troupe, and the Double Wheel of Destiny. Kids tickets start at $15, with multiple show times across the weekend. A family slam dunk.

Best Resort Pool Day Passes

Beat the Phoenix heat with a resort pool day pass — no overnight stay required. All of the options below can be booked through ResortPass. Reserve online, check in at the front desk, and pick up your wristband and towels. Book early — July fills up fast.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Day Pass: From $80 adults / $62 children
Four pools including the Sonoran Splash zone with two 200-foot waterslides and a 9,000 sq ft white sand beach. One of the most complete family pool setups in the Valley.

Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort
Day Pass: From $45 adults / $35 children
Ten pools, a 3-story waterslide, a sand beach, and full poolside dining. One of the best values for a full-day family pool experience in Scottsdale.

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Day Pass: From $45 adults
The Adventure Water Park features a lazy river and a 110-foot-long waterslide. A solid all-around pick for families who want water park fun without the water park price tag.

Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Day Pass: From $60 adults / $30 children
Moorish archways, courtyard fountains, and citrus-lined paths make this one of the most beautiful pool settings in Scottsdale. A more elevated, relaxed experience ideal for couples or a girls’ day.

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn
Day Pass: From $50 adults
Spend the day at the Jackrabbit Pool with full poolside dining and cocktails from Hoppin’ Jacks. Classic Scottsdale resort vibes at a fraction of the room rate.

W Scottsdale – WET Deck
Day Pass: From $25 adults
Old Town’s sleekest pool scene — shaded cabanas, chaise lounges, and craft cocktails in a modern, social setting. The most affordable entry point for a high-end Scottsdale pool day.

Senna House Scottsdale
Day Pass: From $16 adults
A rooftop pool with panoramic Camelback Mountain views and mixologist-crafted cocktails from Sonora Swim Club. The most budget-friendly resort pool pass in Scottsdale.

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa – Oasis Water Park
Day Pass: From $40 adults / $15 children
A sprawling 7-acre outdoor water park with slides and a lazy river inside a full-service Phoenix resort. South Phoenix’s go-to for families who want maximum splash without leaving the Valley.