July may be one of Phoenix’s hottest months, but there’s no shortage of cool (figuratively and literally) activities. Read on. . . (And thanks as always to About.com for the listings!)

For information about what’s going on in Phoenix on the Fourth of July, read Monday’s blog.

4th Friday ArtWalk
What: Photography, jewelry, crafts, paintings, sculptures and more. Live music.

Arizona Derby Games
What: All-girl Roller Derby

Where: Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix

Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball
What: The Arizona Diamondbacks play professional baseball
When: Visit http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/schedule/downloadable.jsp?c_id=ari for the schedule

Birds in the Garden
What: Join expert birders for a morning bird walk along the Garden trails. Everyone, including first-time birders, is welcome. Wear a hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. Bring binoculars if available.

Where: Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix

How much: This activity is included in the regular admission fee.

Cave Creek Film & Arts Festival
What: Choreography, film, music, photography, poetry, short stories and visual arts competition.

Crossroads of the West Gun Show
What: The shows offer hundreds of tables of interest to both the once a year hunter and the avid collector.

Where: Arizona State Fairgrounds

First Friday
What: About 100 downtown Phoenix art galleries, studios and art spaces.

Flashlight Tours
What: Nights in the desert are anything but dull. Nighthawks fly, night-blooming flowers open, toads sing and owls watch as you roam the trails of the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, never knowing what will be around each corner. Wear walking shoes, and bring a flashlight.

Where: Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix

How much: Flashlight tours are free with admission, but require reservations. Call 480-941-3510.

Latin Rhythms Festival
What: Live music, wine tasting, food sampling

Lori Piestewa National Native American Games
What: Sporting competitions in basketball, cross country, softball, track & field, volleyball.

Where: Fort McDowell Indian Community, Salt River Indian Community and the greater Fountain Hills area

Maricopa County Home and Garden Show
What: Hundreds of exhibitors. Seminars, demonstrations, and displays.

Where: University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Free Concerts
What: Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a variety of music

How much: Free; train and carousel rides are available during all concerts for a small charge.

Mighty Mud Mania
What: Part of Scottsdale Parks and Recreation Summer Program. The one place it's O.K. for the kids to get dirty.

Monsoon Madness
What: Inflatable bounce-houses, water slides, dunk tank, the Queen Creek Mud Pit, and more.

Movies at the Museum
What: Independent and classic cinema and documentaries relating to art, artists, and works on view in the Museum, usually followed by discussion.

How much: Free with paid museum admission. First come, first seated.

Movies in the Park
What: Classic Disney and Pixar movies. Bring your own snacks and a blanket and enjoy the show.

How much: All movies are free; snacks will also be available to purchase. Call for info 520-316-6961.

New Works Festival
What: The works may include stage and screen plays, musicals, children's theatre and performance pieces. The Festival also includes educational components such as works-related discussions, workshops and internships.

Phoenix Mercury WNBA Basketball
What: The women of the Phoenix Mercury play professional basketball

When: Visit http://www.wnba.com/mercury/schedule/ for the schedule

Where: US Airways Center in downtown Phoenix

Scottsdale ArtWalk
What: Spend a casual evening walking downtown and enjoying fine art.

Starry Safari at the Phoenix Zoo
What: Select zoo trails will be open as will gift shop and snack bar. Animal encounters, water play activities, carousel rides and more. Bikes and boats available to rent.

Summer Band Concert
What: Live music. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. No pets.

Where: Glendale Amphitheater in downtown Glendale

How much: Free; refreshments will be available for purchase.

Summer Concert
What: Live music

Summer Concert Series
What: Live music

Summer Family Night at SMoCA
What: The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) invites your family to celebrate the Dog Days of Summer, this year’s annual Summer Family Night. Activities include a puppet show and a show by the Great Arizona Puppet Theater. Tour SMoCA’s galleries and see the new exhibition Unexpected Wegman, interesting and unusual prints by this famous artist who often (but not always) uses dogs as models for his artwork. Kids can make an artwork inspired by their favorite dog, followed by splashing in the fountain, bubble play and popsicles. Bring kids’ swimsuits and a towel.

How much: $20 for a family of up to 4 people, and $4.00 for each additional child. Pre-registration is required.

Summer Spectacular ArtWalk
What: Scottsdale Arts District and dozens of galleries host artist receptions, demonstrations, and live music.

Third Friday Concert in the Park
What: Bring a blanket and listen to local bands perform.

Winter in July
What: Chill out with the animals at c. Activities will include piles of snow, a separate toddler snow-play area, snowball targets, water slides, snow and ice treats for the animals.

When: Chill out with the animals at The Phoenix Zoo. Activities will include piles of snow, a separate toddler snow-play area, snowball targets, water slides, snow and ice treats for the animals.

Did I miss your favorite July activity? Click on the “Comments” link below and let me know!