Summer days in Arizona don’t mess around. By 8 a.m., the sun already feels relentless. But once it sets, even if the temperatures stay stubbornly high, it is the time when locals venture out to enjoy the rare hours when it becomes just a little more bearable. Here are five ways to make the most of Arizona after dark this summer.
1. Explore a Night Market
Mesa
Once the desert sun dips below the horizon, Mesa comes alive with cuisine and culture at the Metro Phoenix Night Market, held on the second Saturday of the month. The AZ International Marketplace is transformed into a buzzing family-friendly event. Think sizzling street food, Japanese cheesecakes, ube butter mochi, and rows of anime-inspired merchandise. The open-air setup runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on June 14, July 12, and Aug. 9.
Cost: Free to attend.
For more information: phoenixfoodfestivals.com.
2. Hike Under the Full Moon
Queen Creek
For those missing their outdoor hiking when the heat turns up, San Tan Mountain Regional Park in Queen Creek offers monthly full moon hikes, providing a unique opportunity to experience the desert landscape under the moonlight. These ranger-led hikes typically occur on the evening of the full moon, with the next scheduled hike on Tuesday, June 10, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Participants embark on a 2.1-mile loop with terrain ranging from smooth to uneven paths. The hike is rated as easy to moderate and is limited to 20 participants. Registration is required and can be completed by calling the San Tan Nature Center at 602.506.2930 ext. 7.
Cost: Free with park entry, which is $7 per vehicle or free with an annual pass.
For more information: www.maricopacountyparks.net.
3. Groove to Summer Tunes
Mesa
If live music is part of a perfect summer evening, Downtown Mesa has it covered with the new Sunset Music Series. This monthly event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on the third Thursday through September, bringing local bands to spots like Cider Corps, Pedal Haus, and Margaritas Fresh Cocina. The goal is to create memorable, high-energy nights that connect the community with local talent and give downtown’s lively vibes.
Cost: Free to attend.
For more information: www.downtownmesa.com.
4. Party Under the Stars
Phoenix
Desert Ridge Marketplace in North Phoenix embraces summer nights with a full lineup of Arizona after-dark events. The Summer Block Party Series features themed nights on every third Thursday of the month, like Country Bar Night on June 19, Salsa Night on July 17, and Throwback Night on Aug. 21 with DJs, dance lessons, games, and DIY stations. Each Thursday-night event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. on the District Stage. Desert Ridge Marketplace also offers live music every Friday and Saturday night, plus a daily Sip & Stroll experience for guests 21 and older.
Cost: Varies by event.
For more information: shopdesertridge.com.
5. Gaze at the Night Sky
Flagstaff and Tucson
Escape the heat and the city lights by heading to higher elevations where the night skies are clearer and cooler. Arizona is home to some of the country’s best observatories, including Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff and the Mount Lemmon SkyCenter Observatory near Tucson. Both host evening programs with telescope access and expert-led astronomy talks. Lowell’s Star Treks include constellation tours and telescope viewing, while SkyNights on Mount Lemmon offers dinner, lectures, and a chance to peer through the largest public telescopes in the Southwest.
Cost: Admission to Lowell Observatory is $35 for adults; $30 for seniors, 55 and older; $20 for children, ages 6 to 17; and free for children, ages 5 and younger. Admission to Mount Lemmon SkyCenter is $88.50 for adults; $78 for military and seniors, 65 and older; and $62.50 for children, ages 7 to 17.
For more information: lowell.edu; skycenter.arizona.edu.