Tuesday, July 1, 2014 / by Natasha Tomlinson
July 2014. Things, Places & Peeps
4th of July Festivals and Fireworks Celebrations
Every city and town in the Valley has some sort of Independence Day event that is suitable for the entire family.
Various dates and times throughout the first week of July
http://phoenix.about.com/od/4thofjuly/tp/4thjuly.htm
Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball
The Arizona Diamondbacks play professional baseball at Chase Field in Phoenix. Day, afternoon, and evening games.
Various dates and times in July
http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=ari
Farmers Markets
Vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, breads, jams, cheeses, juices, local specialty foods and crafts. Several locations.
Various dates and locations in July
http://phoenix.about.com/od/foodanddrink/ss/Phoenix-Farmers-Markets.htm
Movies at the Museum
Phoenix Art Museum. Independent and classic cinema and documentaries relating to art, artists, and works on view in the Museum, usually followed by discussion. Free with paid museum admission. First come, first seated. Phoenix Art Museum.
Various dates in July
http://www.phxart.org/events/film
Phoenix Mercury WNBA Basketball
The women of the Phoenix Mercury play professional basketball at the US Airways Center.
Various dates and times in July
http://www.wnba.com/mercury/index_main.html
Kids Play Golf for Free
Junior golfers ages 17 and under will play for FREE -- every day, all day -- at any of the three city of Phoenix nine-hole courses this summer, when accompanied by a paid adult. Golfers can enjoy the “Kids Play Free” program from June 1 through Aug. 31.
The program is designed to encourage families to enjoy golf together and to promote junior golf in Phoenix. The special is good for one youth per adult. If only one adult is present, additional kids’ rounds are only $5 each. Junior participants will also receive a free PING hat while supplies last!
Every Day through August 31
http://phoenix.gov/news/052814kidgolf.html
Birds in the Garden
Join expert birders for a morning bird walk along the Garden Trails. Everyone, including first-time birders, is welcome. Wear a hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. Bring binoculars. Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix. This activity is included in the regular admission fee.
Every Monday, May - September; 7 a.m.
Art Bridge Thursdays
Crafters, jewelers, and artists displaying their work in an outdoor setting with live demonstrations and entertainment in Downtown Scottsdale on the Marshall Way Pedestrian Bridge. Family Friendly. Free admission.
Every Thursday; 5 p.m. - 10p.m.
http://www.artisanmarketsaz.com/index.php
Scottsdale ArtWalk
ArtWalks are free to the public every Thursday evening along Main Street from Scottsdale Rd. west to Goldwater Blvd., and on Marshall Way north of Indian School Rd. to Fifth Ave. Restaurants, museums and free trolley and/or horse-drawn carriage rides are available during ArtWalk to transport folks from numerous free parking areas throughout the Scottsdale Arts District and Scottsdale Downtown.
Thursdays in July; 7 - 9 p.m.
http://scottsdalegalleries.com/
Summer Band Concerts
The Glendale Summer Band is an all-ages, all-volunteer band. Free Admission. Glendale Amphitheater in downtown Glendale. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Thursdays through July 24; Concerts start at 8 p.m.
http://www.glendaleaz.com/events/
Flashlight Tours at Desert Botanical Garden
See, hear and feel the desert night including, nighthawks, tortoises, insects and night-blooming flowers. Bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes. Tours begin at 7 p.m. Recommended for families and children of all ages. Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.
Thursdays and Saturdays in July; 7 - 9 p.m.
http://dbg.org/events-exhibitions/tours-activities
Desert Ridge Marketplace Concerts
Free concerts on two stages in North Phoenix at Desert Ridge Marketplace.
Friday & Saturday Nights in July
http://www.shopdesertridge.com/events/live-music/
Downtown Chandler Art Walk
Visit more than 70 artisans set up along the streets in front of the unique shops and cafes of Historic Downtown Chandler. Free admission.
Third Friday of the Month; 6 - 10 p.m.
Summer Concert Series at Arrowhead Towne Center
Pop, rock and jazz in the evening at Arrowhead Towne Center Amphitheater, Glendale. Enjoy Music under the Stars! Join family and friends at the annual summer concert series in the
outdoor amphitheater. Listen to your favorite tunes as the sun sets. Grab some yummy treats from one of our many eateries and settle in for a night of fun.
Saturdays in July; 7 - 9 p.m.; Free Admission
http://www.arrowheadtownecenter.com/Events/Details/204912?startDate=4/25/2014
First Friday
Visit more than 100 downtown Phoenix art galleries, studios and art spaces. Free admission.
Friday, July 4; 6 - 10 p.m.
http://phoenix.about.com/cs/enter/a/firstfriday.htm
Summer Splash Tour
Water and splash activities, games, live entertainment, and water safety instruction. Includes a toddler and preschooler section. Free admission. Founders Park, Queen Creek.
Saturday, July 5; 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
http://www.summersplashaz.com/
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Free Concerts
Scottsdale. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a variety of music. Train and carousel rides are available during all concerts for a small charge. Free Admission.
Sunday, July 6; 7:30 - 9 p.m.
http://therailroadpark.com/events
Lori Piestewa National Native American Games
Sporting competitions in basketball, cross country, softball, track & field, volleyball. Various locations.
Thursday - Sunday, July 9 - 13, various times and events
http://www.gcsg.org/events/nativegames/
2nd Friday Night Out in Mesa
Live music, entertainment, art walk, prizes. Each month has a theme. Family friendly. Free admission. On Main Street in Downtown Mesa.
Friday, July 11; 6 - 10 p.m.
http://www.2ndfridaynightout.com/
Prowl & Play at the Phoenix Zoo
Guided night hike along the darkened trails of the Zoo and find out what sort of silly antics the "animals" are up to when no one is around. Water fun, train rides, music and games. Phoenix Zoo. Admission $6 members, $8 general. Discounts available for multiple night packages.
Friday & Saturday, July 11 & 12; 6 - 9:30 p.m.
http://phoenixzoo.org/event-items/prowl-and-play/
Arizona Derby Dames
Roller Derby is a true classic American past time. Roller Derby has a rich history of evolution and adaptation to reflect social currents. An American-invented contact sport—and historically, a form of sports entertainment—roller derby is based on formation roller skating around an oval wooden banked track. Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix. General Admission $12; Kids under 12 free.
Saturday, July 12; 7 p.m.
Birds 'n' Beer
Birds 'n Beer offers local professionals a fun and refreshing way to learn about Arizona birds and other wildlife while networking with fellow nature-lovers. Have a cold brew while enjoying an enlightening and lively presentation on Arizona nature. Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center in Phoenix. RSVP requested 602-468-6470. Free admission
Thursday, July 17. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., program begins at 6:30 p.m.
Christmas in July
Christmas shopping, Christmas music, holiday crafts and Santa. Start at the Glendale Visitor Center. Historic Downtown Glendale.
Saturday, July 19; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
http://www.visitglendale.com/pdf/Christmas_In_July_Map.pdf
Winter in July
Chill out with the animals at The Phoenix Zoo. Activities will include piles of snow, a separate toddler snow-play area, snowball targets, water slides, snow and ice treats for the animals. Phoenix Zoo.
Saturday, July 19; 7 - 11 a.m.; admission included with general park admission
http://phoenixzoo.org/event-items/winter-july/
Crossroads of the West Gun Show
The shows offer hundreds of tables of interest to both the once a year hunter and the avid collector.
July 19 & 20; Arizona State Fairgrounds; Admission $16 https://www.crossroadsgunshows.com/purchase/event.php?eid=100060
Glendale's Live at the Library
Musical entertainment at 6:30 p.m. at the Glendale Main Library. Different themes each month. Concerts are free. Call 623-930-3573 for more details.
Thursday, July 24; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.