How to Get Out and Have Fun in Phoenix Every Weekend This August
Phoenix sports are in full swing. Do your best craft brewer impression. See a show at your local theater. August is jam-packed with fun.
Phoenicians make the most of their desert climes by knowing when to get outdoors and when it’s time to stay cool inside. Just peep the variety of options: museums, indie bookstores, restaurants, bars, music venues, local shops, and a strong sports landscape, too.
As for the actual landscape, the Valley of Sun has lots of beauty and wonderful hikes to help you appreciate it. And if you’re just visiting, there’s plenty of great hotels for your post-outdoorsy adventures. Further afield, travel to nearby wonderlands where dude ranches proliferate, or where you can gaze at the night sky unencumbered.
With all this in mind, our monthly events guide will help keep your calendar full with a variety of fun things to do in August 2023. Stay tuned here to discover the best things to do in Phoenix, updated monthly.
Family-Friendly Events in Phoenix
August 26 & 27
The Madison Center for the Arts, $15+
The acclaimed family production, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, is bringing 4 of Eric Carle’s timeless classics to the stage. Created by Jonathon Rockefeller, this production of the critically acclaimed show features a menagerie of over 75 magical puppets, including the star of the show: The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
August 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19
Hale Centre Theatre, $30 for kids and $45 for adults
Come to Gilbert’s premier performance space to watch Disney’s Beauty & the Beast come to life before your eyes! This is based on the Broadway musical, so expect plenty of stunning scenery, costumes, and magical songs. The run ends on August 19 so catch it while you can.
Sporting Events in Phoenix
August 5, 12, & 30, 7:30 pm
Sky Harbor, $25+
Phoenix Rising FC will keep their fans busy with theme nights during the month of August. 90’s Night is August 5, with free fanny packs to the first 2,000 attendees, and August 12 is Kick Cancer Night, where fans could receive a free foam hand. But when the weather is hot, nothing goes better with soccer than cold beer—luckily, $1 Beer Night is back on August 25.
August 11–13, 25–27
Chase Field, $22+
The Diamondbacks are trying to keep the momentum going into the last half of the season but whether they’re playing well or not, you can still enjoy a night at the game. There will be several event nights during their August homestands, including ASU, GCU, and NAU nights. August 12 will celebrate the team’s 25th anniversary and the 26th will be a Corbin Carroll bobblehead giveaway.
August 5, 18, 20, & 27
Footprint Center, $22+
The Phoenix Mercury are playing quite a few games at home in August, which gives you the perfect chance to head downtown to see them in action. Stop by on the 5th for clap banners for Banner Health Rock the Pink night and Women’s Empowerment Night on the 18th. And if you check your Fry’s grocery store receipt, you may be able to score free tickets to a game.
Outdoor Activities in Phoenix
Hike White Tanks
August 4, 11, & 26
White Tanks Mountains, Free
Even with scorching high temperatures, it can still be nice to get outside (in the right situation) and the White Tank Mountains Regional Park offers some great ways to enjoy the mountains. They will have two hikes, one for Native seed deployment on the 4th and one for cacti on the 11th, both starting at 7 am. On the 26th at 10:30 am, Karen Krause will be giving her “History of the White Tank Mountains” presentation at the Nature Center.
August 4, 11, & 25, 7 pm
Arizona Biltmore, $150
On Friday nights, the Arizona Biltmore’s Twist triple waterslide in Paradise Pool will stay open late, allowing guests to twist and slide into the sunset. After the sun sets, a family-friendly movie airs on a blown-up movie screen. It’s a fun way to spend time with the entire family! Guest entry is complimentary, outside guests may attend with purchase of a cabana (which comes with air-conditioning!).
Food & Drink Events in Phoenix
Fur-Tuesday
August 1
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, Free
The hotel is partnering with local shelter Saving Paws Rescue, who will bring in their puppies for cuddles and snuggles with guests and staff. While enjoying some puppy love, grab some hand-crafted cocktails and bites from &More by Sheraton.
August 19, 6–10 pm
Egyptian Motor Hotel, $20
Throw on your favorite breezy linens for live R&B, Neo Soul, Afro Beats, and Reggae under the misters! The live performance will be led by Flight 407 and DJ Brian Huedon. The most flavorful cocktails will be served at Egyptian Live, with Heatwave Happy Hour running from 7 - 10 p.m., and come hungry for the to-go menu at Chilte.
August 20 & 27, 7–9 pm
Renata’s Hearth, $150+
Indulge in an exquisite evening of culinary artistry and expertly crafted libations. This exclusive dining event will offer the opportunity to engage with Chef Daniel of Renata’s Hearth. He will personally share the inspiration behind his culinary creations, while diners enjoy a carefully crafted 5-course meal with perfectly paired drinks.
August 25, 4–10 pm
Pedal Haus Brewery, free or VIP tickets for $50
Pedal Haus Brewery’s Tempe location is undergoing a major renovation and to celebrate, the team is hosting a party. The event will include performances from three bands, the first 200 guests to RSVP will receive their first beer for $1, raffle prizes and more. VIP tickets will be available for $50 and give guests access to a private buffet, open bar, reserved seating, raffle tickets to win tickets to ASU football games, a front-row view of the bands and Pedal Haus swag.
August 27, 1–3 pm
Hundred Mile Brewing Co., $35
Led by HMBC Head Brewer Paul Alva, this class invites brew enthusiasts to tap into their inner brew master as they learn from a master and enjoy sampling too. Attendees will feel the texture and take in the aromas of different hop varieties as well as taste various specialty malts while sampling some of Alva’s own hand-crafted beers. Throughout this sensory sampling experience, guests will also explore the range of flavors of various styles of beer while learning to identify the characteristics that make each beer unique.