By admin 
PHOENIX — With triple-digit temperatures in the Valley, summer fun is in full swing! July offers plenty of family-friendly activities: exciting new exhibits at local museums, indoor events to cool off with the kiddos, special deals at Valley attractions, and community gatherings to make the most of the season.
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Check out the lineup below:
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
The Western Spirit Museum has expanded with the $12 million Louis Sands IV Center, a two-story, 12,000-square-foot addition that brings several exciting new exhibits, including the following:
- Visions in Bronze
- From Earth to the Stars
- Fire of Ages
- Working Pardners: Masterworks from the Eddie Basha Collection
- Address to the museum: 3830 N Marshall Way in Scottsdale
Upcoming programs include “Reel West Sundays” which offers classic Western films and expert-led discussions, featuring movies from the Still in the Saddle exhibition with costumes worn by John Wayne and the largest collection of Western posters. July dates for this program are:
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- Reel West Sundays
- Rio Lobo (1970) | July 5 at 2 p.m.
- Big Jake (1971) | July 12 at 2 p.m.
- The Cowboys (1972) | July 19 at 2 p.m.
- The Train Robbers (1973) | July 26 at 2 p.m.
Tanabata Celebration
The Japanese Friendship Garden will host an intimate evening of live jazz with Pamela Morita, featuring music, storytelling, sake, beer, and reflections inspired by Tanabata and Japanese American history.
- Date to save: July 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Address for the garden: 1125 N 3rd Ave in downtown Phoenix.
Free Family Summer Saturday at the Heard Museum
At the Heard Museum’s Free Family Summer Saturday in July, visitors can meet Molly from Molly of Denali, take photos, join a dance party, and enjoy Alaska-inspired art activities like making puffins, frosty spinners, and Northern Lights lanterns.
- Date to save: July 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Address for the museum: 2301 N Central Ave in Phoenix
Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) offers a variety of events for both adults and children, including free admission for educators. The museum is located at 4725 E Mayo Blvd in north Phoenix.
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- Spotlight Series: Spotlight on Sousa
- July 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Experience France
- July 11 & 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Educator Appreciation Month
- Educators receive free admission from July 1-31 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Throughout July, MIM celebrates Educator Appreciation Month by offering free general admission to K-12 educators, administrators, student teachers, homeschool educators, and private music teachers with studios of five or more students, in recognition of their vital community leadership and partnership.