We know what you’re thinking. What events could possibly be happening in August in the hot desert! Well contrary to popular believe, the last month of summer in Phoenix and Scottsdale is full of social events that won’t have you hiding from the heat. Instead of hiding you’ll be embracing the heat and having fun these top events happening in Phoenix and Scottsdale in August! Check out food festivals, nature exhibits, and of course time by the pool at these events. Learn more about these Phoenix events and prepare to make this an August to remember by securing a luxury vacation rental from Manor Retreats.
Arizona Chef’s Week
Dates: August 1–10 at Select Restaurants Across the Valley
Do you love food? We knew you’d say yes. That’s why we are kicking off our list of top events in Phoenix and Scottsdale on a delicious note. The first week of August brings Arizona Chef’s Week! It’s a 10-day celebration of the culinary excellence that can be found in Phoenix, Scottsdale and surrounding cities. When you visit certain recipes throughout the area, you’ll get to dine from exclusive prix fixe menus, see chef collaborations, and try secret off-menu creations that you might not get to experience during any other time of year. Be sure not to miss the chef meet-and-greets and wine pairing events. Aren’t you glad you’ll be visiting the desert in August? So much deliciousness is waiting for you.
The Leaf Connection Exhibit at Desert Botanical Garden
Ongoing Throughout August at Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
Step into the beauty of the Sonoran Desert at the Desert Botanical Garden, specifically at The Leaf Connection exhibit. This exhibit explores the extraordinary role of leaves in the desert ecosystem. Learn all about how you’re connected to leaves and the part they play in keeping things going in the desert. Wander through shaded paths, along interactive installations and desert gardens to learn all about the biology, beauty and resilience of plants who make their home in this harsh desert climate. Slow down, stay hydrated, and observe the natural world of Phoenix in a thoughtful, up close and personal way.
Raptors or Reptiles at the Rails
Select August Dates at Verde Canyon Railroad, Clarkdale
Our next top event in August is a little out of the ordinary but well worth a visit. All aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad for Raptors or Reptiles at the Rails event. At this event, you’ll be experiencing a close encounter of the raptor and reptile kind! Prior to your train departing the station, engage in a meet and greet with amazing birds of prey like majestic owls, hawks and other raptors. There are also reptiles you can get to know like snakes, tortoises and lizards. It’s an interactive experience perfect for animal lovers of all ages. Wildlife experts will give you fascinating facts about these creatures and many more. This session is free to attend when you book your tickets for the train ride.
Sunset Swim-In Cinema at Andaz Scottsdale Resort
Dates: August 2, 15, 29 at Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
We couldn’t have a list of top events happening in August and not include one with a pool. Cool off throughout the month of August at the Sunset Swim-In Cinema event happening at Andaz Scottsdale Resort. This event combines the cool refreshing waters of a pool with a cinematic twist: a movie being shown on the big screen! Lounge by the poolside or float in the water as the movie plays. It feels like a luxurious way to watch a movie. After attending, we’re sure you probably won’t want to watch movies any other way again! The vibes are great, refreshments are available, and you’ll always remember the summer you spent watching movies in a pool.
Enjoy Phoenix Events and Stay with Manor Retreats This August
Where you decide to stay when attending these top August events in Phoenix and Scottsdale can make or break your trip. Wouldn’t it be sad to have the best time at these events, only to find out that the accommodations you didn’t give much thought to failed you in some way. Let’s prevent that from happening! Book a luxury stay at one of the elite vacation rentals from Manor Retreats. These large lavish homes will up the ante on your August experience in the desert.
Stay in a Manor Retreats vacation rental and enjoy the best of both worlds: days out exploring the Valley, and moments of downtime spent relaxing in your well-designed, luxury oasis. Each property includes high end amenities like private pools, hot tubs, full gourmet kitchens, spacious living and dining rooms, and private outdoor spaces. With Manor Retreats, it’s easy to relax, reconnect and find your bliss during a summer in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Book Your August Getaway Today
If you’re not careful, summer can pass you right by. Make the most of the month of August and check out these top events happening in Phoenix and Scottsdale! August is an excellent time to visit, so reserve your stay with Manor Retreats today.
July in the desert is quite warm. Balance the summer sun with the cool of AC and pools, so that you’ll be ready for the best events in Scottsdale and Phoenix in July 2025! Fireworks will crackle and pop across the desert sky. Art seen in air-conditioned galleries will inspire you for the summer and beyond. And you can take someone out to the old ballgame to see America’s pastime. Experience a summer to remember in Phoenix and Scottsdale and choose a vacation rental that matches the vibe from Manor Retreats!
Fireworks and Fun at Scottsdale Fourth of July Celebration
The holiday weekend sets the tone with Scottsdale’s Fourth of July Celebration at WestWorld. This Independence Day party is so big that it claims to have the largest fireworks display in city history. Clearly, you don’t want to miss that! The doors open at 5pm and then you can experience games like musical chairs and cake walks, live music, a parade, and a summer slider-eating contest. The adventurous members of your family or group can try bull riding or mutton busting. Fuel up for the festivities with delicious backyard BBQ and cold beers. Once the clock strikes 9pm, it’s time for the fireworks to paint the sky red, white, and blue.
Events in Scottsdale: Go to an Arizona Diamondbacks Game
If you love MLB, then why not experience a game up close this summer with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix. Enjoy the game undeterred by the intense summer heat since the stadium has a retractable roof and air-conditioned interiors to keep you cool. A summer game here feels equal parts ball game and indoor festival. Grab a churro dog and a soda as you settle in to watch the game. Keep your eyes peeled for fly balls and the mascot D. Baxter the Bobcat as he excites the crowd. This is a great event to add to your July travel plans in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Summer Break at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Our next best event in July takes you to Old Town for Summer Break @ SMoCA on Friday, July 11. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art hosts a summer party inside with games, performances, food and drinks. It’s an artsy way to spend a Friday night, with performances, interactive art games, and more. Kids are welcome to come since there are activities for all ages throughout the evening. There will be prizes so try your best! Get your tickets for the event before they max out.
Summer Movies at Harkins Theatre
Summer Movies at Harkins Theatres happens for 8 weeks, including every Saturday in July. Come to watch eight family-friendly flicks that can be seen for an easy $8 season pass. The seats are open first-come, first-served style. This event is great for moments of downtime during your visit. Your kids will feel like you’ve planned the day with them in mind. As you grab your snacks and settle in for the movie to begin, you’ll remember that you’re making core memories on summer vacation with your kids. They won’t forget the July they experienced Summer Movie Fun at Harkins Theatre and neither will you!
Book a Summer Rental from Manor Retreats
Summer in style with a vacation rental from Manor Retreats. These aren’t your average vacation rentals. These are the rentals you choose when you want to treat yourself to a luxury stay in the desert. The options are sizeable and can accommodate multiple guests so feel free to bring your extended family and friends. Once you get a look at the selection of rentals, you’ll be overcome with excitement to stay in one this July.
Start your day with breakfast and coffee made inside your spacious, gourmet kitchen. Excellent views and sunshine can be seen everywhere you look. After breakfast, you can choose to attend one of the best events in Scottsdale and Phoenix in July or have a day of poolside fun at your rental. Pack some essentials so that you’re ready for wherever the day takes you, whether it’s going for an early morning hike, checking out the Diamondbacks, or wandering the art museum.
After a full day of fun, return to your summer rental from Manor Retreats, kick off your shoes and relax with a movie or evening swim. If you’re looking for more things to do this July, the team at Manor Retreats can happily point you toward additional best events happening in July, and local treats that are off the touristy path.
Even though the temps are high, the energy is higher. Come experience the fun and festivities of a July spent in Scottsdale and Phoenix. When you do, choose the only appropriate option for luxury rentals – Manor Retreats!
Check out the selection of handpicked properties and choose the one that you love the best. Secure your dates and make it yours in a few clicks. Then you’ll be ready to make this July your coolest vacation ever. Reserve your summer stay with Manor Retreats today.