Thermometers in Downtown Phoenix are about to get a workout: summer is officially here.
But what does one do when the Valley of the Sun becomes the Surface of the Sun? You smile, that’s what. Because in Downtown Phoenix, we don’t need to beat the heat, we embrace it with tons of awesome events and fun things to do all summer long.
From live concerts and pool parties to free movie nights, beer festivals and more — now’s the time to celebrate summer in the city.
Take a creative class at Phoenix Center for the Arts
No matter your age or ability, there’s something for everyone at Phoenix Center for the Arts — from youth classes in anime and manga to mosaics, piano and printmaking lessons for adults. The summer schedule starts in May but it’s not too late to enroll for many of the programs or try a drop-in class. Click here to view the summer catalog.
Get fit, make friends at Meet Me Downtown 
If you can’t break the sweat — work for it. The weekly social walk/run Meet Me Downtown continues through the summer, so you can join a couple hundred other health-minded people of all sorts in getting your workout on Monday nights. Can’t stand the heat? Check out the FREE group kick class hosted indoors at Civic Space Park by the Lincoln Family YMCA.
Party it up at Lustre’s 100 Days of Summer
Downtown’s trendiest rooftop pool bar has something fun to do almost every night of the week. Industry Mondays get hospitality peeps food and drink specials, discounted VIP cabanas and more. They’ve also got a slew of summer parties, so mark your calendar: Tiki Pool Party June 3, Summer Solstice June 17, Miami Vice night party and more. Feel the flow on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Phoenix’s original class in the clouds: Sutra in the City. The DJ-powered rooftop yoga classes come with stunning city views and awesome vibes.
Watch the WNBA play a live game
If you’ve never experienced the energy of a Phoenix Mercury game, now’s your chance to make that happen. Catch the season opening game Sunday, May 14 when the awesome athletes play head to head against the Dallas Wings. Watch the rest of the season live at Talking Stick Resort Arena through September 3. Tickets start at $11, click here for more info. 

Be captivated by “Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera” at the Heard Museum
Take the light trail to midtown to get a glimpse inside the life and works of two of the most important and recognizable artists of the 20th Century. “Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera” makes its only North American stop on its world tour at the Heard Museum through August 20. This special exhibition cost $7 in addition to non-member general admission.
Catch a free flick at City Lights Movie Nights
Bring the whole family down to CityScape Phoenix on the second Friday of each month to watch a free movie under the stars. With a splash pad, fun games and activities, and giveaways to boot, City Lights Movie Nights is always a great way to cool down on summer nights. Best of all, it’s free. BYO chair and blankets.
See live storytelling at Bar Flies
The monthly storytelling event is as cool as it is popular. With a residence at your local neighborhood basement venue, Valley Bar, Bar Flies features different storytellers reciting true stories relating to different themes each month. This one consistently sells out, so it’s best to get your tickets early. Tickets are $5 but the air conditioning is free.
Celebrate craft brews at the Real, Wild & Woody Beer Festival
This one-of-a-kind celebration of craft beer features fresh flavors and seasonal specialties from more than 60 small and large-scale breweries from across the state and beyond. Tickets cost between $25 and $57. Saturday, July 29 from 2-6 p.m. at the Phoenix Convention Center.