Temperatures are rising to their peak levels this month in the Valley of the Sun, which sometimes means not as much is planned for the great outdoors, but opportunities for you to stay involved in activities and events around your neighborhood remain abundant.
We’ve gathered some ideas from different avenues of the city to keep the shine on summer fun. Whether you’re looking for interactive projects with your youngsters, or ways to stay engaged with other adults during this season of swelter, the following collection of local events and offerings is sure to keep your social calendars hydrated this summer:
Downtown Mesa
For family arts and crafts, head downtown to My Darling Dragon each Saturday morning, at 10 a.m. in July, to construct a variety of do-it-yourself (DIY) projects for kids of all ages. Tackling DIY watercolors is planned in July, a surefire way to stir the creative juices in your youngest artist. All workshops are just $5 per family, with early registration recommended. For a complete list of projects planned, visit the website at mydarlingdragon.com.
Also downtown, Arizona’s oldest and largest music store, Linton Milano Music, 38 W. Main St., is hosting Music and Me parent and toddler musical classes. This instruction offers an interactive musical opportunity for toddlers from ages 6 months to 4 years. Through an assortment of themes designed to develop intellectual and social skills for children, you and your future rock star will be exposed to a highly structured musical experience of sound. For early registration, visit Linton Milano Music’s website at lintonmilano.com/parent–tot-music-class.
Maybe you’re in need of a relaxing evening for yourself. How about a cold brew and some live music? Check out the sounds of the band that earned a first-place award at an Arizona Blues Showdown, Smokestack Lightning, performing live at Desert Eagle Brewing Company, on July 13, from 6 to 10 p.m. Visit the website at deserteaglebrewing.com.
Laughter really is the best medicine, and you’re sure to be in stitches after the sun goes down with comedy stand-up or improv jams scheduled nearly every evening of the month at Comedy Off Main Street. Ella Gale, named Texas’ Moontown County Festival’s must-see comic, Mean Boy Keith Carey, and local favorite Paul Goebel, are among the featured acts. For a complete schedule of performances, visit comedyoffmainst.com.
Spice up your step, with third Thursdays dedicated to learning Swing Dance, and Fridays reserved for Salsa lessons, at OneOhOne Gallery, 101 W. Main St. Classes are just $5 and available to anyone 13 and older.
Slow your roll in the downtown area, with the Mesa Arts Center’s Easy Like Saturday Morning Brunch and Booze on July 28. Each fourth Saturday, the Creative Catalysts meet at a local restaurant for brunch, crafting and smooth sounds. For a complete look at what this group is planning, visit mesaartscenter.com.
City of Mesa
If fireworks are in your future, the City of Mesa is hosting the coolest Independence Day celebration in Arizona, at the Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., on July 4, from 6 to 10 p.m., with fireworks being displayed at approximately 9:30 p.m. Experience Arizona’s celebration of freedom that evening with an abundance of water-related patriotic fun. There’s no charge for entrance into the event, but your donation of a non-perishable food item, bottled water or cash to contribute to the parade’s fire truck would be greatly appreciated. All donations support the United Food Bank’s efforts to help feed families throughout the community. For more information on the celebration of freedom, visit mesaaz.gov.
Las Sendas
Over in Las Sendas, we’re reminded that our skin also suffers a withdrawal from wonderfulness during summer’s heat spell. Therefore, the Las Sendas Spa is addressing the desire to quench our skin with a special pampering facial treat, in the colors of Old Glory, called the Red, White and Blueberry anti-aging facial. Consider reaping the benefits of this brightening facial treatment in order to put your best face forward this summer. The Las Sendas Spa is open to the public. To make an appointment, call (480) 832-6900.
Let your artistic talents shine while overlooking the sunset in the garden room at The Vistas Pavilion at Las Sendas, on July 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. Local artist Reagan Guzman guides your group through the brushing techniques of Paint and Pinot, where you will create your own masterpiece during the one-evening session. The cost is $35 per person and includes a glass of wine. This event requires a pre-registration. To reserve your space, contact Jess Miller at (480) 396-4000, ext. 227, or send an email to jessmiller@lassendas.com.
Mountain Bridge
Youngsters in the Mountain Bridge community are encouraged to attend an indoor carnival on July 12, from 4 to 5 p.m. The event takes place at the clubhouse and requires an RSVP with the number of children who will be accompanied by an adult. Send the information to mamabear9092@gmail.com.
Residents also can take advantage of LEGO Summer Camp at the Mountain Bridge Owner’s Club, from
July 30 to Aug. 2. Learn more about these interactive camps at play-well.org.
Around Mesa
Do you want your voice to be heard? Share your vocal talents Wednesday through Saturday evenings with karaoke at the Painted Mountain Golf Resort’s Restaurant and Lounge, from 6 to 11 p.m. Karaoke with Stephanie promotes fun-filled evenings with singing, dancing and great drink specials.
Night Splash continues each week through the end of July over at Golfland/Sunsplash, at 155 W. Hampton Ave., in Mesa. You’ll have the opportunity to slide beneath the stars with no fear of sunburn each Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 5 to 10 p.m.