Summertime is officially upon us, which means it’s time to relax and enjoy all that Phoenix has to offer. Phoenix has fun and exciting ways to celebrate the weekends during those hot summer months, whether it’s for a holiday or for no reason at all. These seven events are sure to get your mind off the scorching sun and the triple digits, and each are (thankfully) timed just right, when the sun is just beginning to set.

1. Music in the Garden

From 7:30-9:30 p.m. on June 10, 17 and 24, head over to the Desert Botanical Garden, where live bands play and guests the chance to dance under the moonlight as well as indulge in the beautiful night weather on the professional ballroom dance floor.

Admission: $21 General, $15 for DBG members

[stextbox id=”grey”]Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008
480-941-1225
www.dbg.org [/stextbox]

2. Hot Summer Nights Concert Series

Come hear live bands for free on High Street at CityCenter of CityNorth. A Kids Club Zone is also available with face painting and balloon artists, while adults can take advantage of exclusive restaurant and shopping deals. Open to the public from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on June 11 and 25 and July 9 and 23.

Admission: Free

[stextbox id=”grey”]CityCenter of CityNorth
5455 E. High St., Suite 115
Phoenix, AZ, 85054
480-347-1313
www.citycenterofcitynorth.com[/stextbox]

3. Prowl and Play at the Phoenix Zoo

Kids and adults have the chance to experience the zoo like never before! Guests can enjoy animal meet and greets, take part in Squirt Gun Water Wars, and even visit the sting ray exhibit. When the sun begins to set, you can sign up for a guided night hike where you can visit some of your favorite animals and see what they do during the night. Prowl and Play is available from 6-9:30 p.m. on June 11, July 9 and August 13.

Admission: $6

[stextbox id=”grey”]Phoenix Zoo
455 North Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008
602-273-1341
www.phoenixzoo.org [/stextbox]

4. 5th Annual Bloomin’ Beerfest

This festival celebrates Irish author James Joyce and his novel, Ulysses, with Irish food and music, readings from the novel, and of course, beer tasting. The event runs from 7-10 p.m. at the Irish Cultural Center in downtown Phoenix on Saturday, June 11.

Admission: $25 presale, $35 at the gate
Price includes all activities plus 16 token tickets which can be used towards food and beer.

[stextbox id=”grey”]Irish Cultural Center
1106 North Central Avenue
Phoenix Arizona 85004
602-258-0109
www.azirish.org[/stextbox]

5. After Dark in the Park

From 7-9 p.m. on June 25, community members and families are invited to celebrate an evening full of live music, enjoy cuisine from local food vendors, and watch fireworks.

Admission: Free

[stextbox id=”grey”]Maryvale Baseball Park
4420 N. 51st Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85031
602-262-6275[/stextbox]

6. Light Up the Sky

At the Maryvale Sports Complex, guests are able to enjoy a night full of different activities, food, entertainment and an outstanding fireworks display to end the night. This is a family oriented and non-alcoholic event and is free to the public. Light Up the Sky takes place on Friday, July 1 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Admission: Free

[stextbox id=”grey”]Deer Valley Park
19602 N 19th Ave
Phoenix, AZ, 85027
602-495-3735[/stextbox]

7. Fourth of July Fireworks in Tempe

The Tempe Town Lake offers a patriotic and fun-filled Fourth of July. The event promises local live entertainment, face painters and the Splash Playground for children, as well as a rock climbing wall and rides. The Budweiser Beer Garden will also be open to adults. A spectacular 40-minute firework show will take place from the Mill Avenue Bridge and will be choreographed to patriotic music. The event starts at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 4.

Admission: $6 at all Fry’s Food Stores, $8 at the gate

[stextbox id=”grey”]Tempe Town Lake
S Rural Rd & E Rio Salado Pkwy
Tempe, Arizona 85281
www.tempe4th.com[/stextbox]