Summer's coming whether you like or not, and zero amount of wishful thinking or appeals to your higher power of choice can stop it. Instead, we recommend making certain your A/C is up to snuff before unearthing a swimsuit before heading out to any of seven high-style pool parties scheduled to take place this weekend or during April throughout the Phoenix area.
See Also: - Favorite Pool Party Photos of Summer 2012 (Slideshow) - Scottsdale's Maya Day and Nightclub to Open in April
Weekends at Hotel Valley Ho One of the few upsides of summer is the return of the Valley Ho's collection of upscale weekly events at its OH Pool Bar and Cabanas.
This year's edition once again offers its usual selection of swank music and libations in the shadow of the Midcentury Modern hotel. Rock-pop act Elvis Before Noon will once again perform as the band in residence from 3 to 6 p.m. during Happy Hour Fridays (though July 5) and the waitstaff serves select $6 cocktails, $4 beers, and $16 pails of bottled brews. The group's bassist, Mr. P-Body, will work the turntables poolside from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. during Session Saturdays, which start this weekend and run until September. And City Sundays wrap up things with $6 signature cocktails inspired by eight cities from around the world.
As always, the public is welcome to attend the Friday and Sunday events at the pool, while Saturdays and select summer holiday weekends are limited to registered hotel guests only.
Splash Bash at Phoenix Place Hotel & Suites The yearly Phoenix Pride Week festivities commence this weekend and include celebrations all over downtown and CenPho, including the annual Splash Bash on Friday, April 5. As in years past, all manner of activities and distractions are planned for the affair, including volleyball matches and other games, fashion shows, giveaways, dancing to the sounds provided by DJ Urban, and male strippers. Gates open at noon. Admission is free until 1 p.m. and $10 thereafter.
Summer Swag Swimsuit Fashion Show at Smashboxx Admittedly, this is cheating, because Smashboxx doesn't have a swanky swimming hole (unless one were unaware of has been installed). That said, the club will offer all the trappings of a Scottsdale-style pool party on Friday, April 5, only without the water. A total of 16 models will show off teeny-weeny bikinis from Triangles Swimwear and other swimwear emporiums, DJs will drop hot beats, potent adult beverages will be available, and the staff will hand out those glowing plastic batons to wave about while dancing. Doors open at 9 p.m. and there's no cover.
Springtime Groove at W Scottsdale Hotel The eastern end of Old Town Scottsdale's nightlife enclave is gonna be heavy on the upscale pool party tip this summer thanks to the impending arrival later this month of Maya Day and Nightclub and the always-classy WET Deck at the nearby W Scottsdale. The ritzy hotel will debut its latest high-style event on Saturday, April 6, which promises summertime cocktails, appearances by the Scottsdale 16 models, and spin sessions by DJ Knick Knack and Aaron Taylor of 104.7 FM each week. The fun runs from noon to 5 p.m. Call 602-405-0099 for admission info.
El Santo Cantina y Mas The EDM event promoters behind Relentless Beats won't be content with holding just one or two pool parties this year. Instead, they'll stage a whole series of their signature Relentless Beach fiestas at El Santo, featuring EDC-level DJs and artists (including the likes of Laidback Luke, Fedde le Grand, and Bingo Players). Things get going on Sunday, April 7, with a kick-off party starring such locals as Turner and Heit, Tranzit, LuJan, and Brett Ortiz. Doors open at noon. Admission is free to those who RSVP online.
Spanish Fly Meanwhile, El Santo's sister swim spot in Old Town Scottsdale already has been serving up potent parties pretty much every weekend, including its newest event, BabeWatch Sundays. Much as you'd expect, there are plenty of lookers in skimpy bathing suits and lookie-loos checking them out inside the Mexican beach bar-themed establishment (which has now been dubbed "The Fly") and around its pool during the event. This weekend's edition on Sunday, April 7, will feature a guest appearance by L.A. electro-house specialist DJ Drezo. Doors open at noon. Admission is free.
Wet Electric at Big Surf Although the summer season doesn't officially start at Big Surf until early May, the annual Wet Electric jumpstarts things a week early with its mix of amplified tunes and waterslide shenanigans. This massive swimming shindig -- taking place on Saturday, April 27 -- offers the opportunity to go wild out during a day of beats and bikinis as big-name EDM artists and DJs perform on a gigantic stage while attendees dive into the Big Surf's signature attractions. The slate of talent scheduled to perform at the event include Eric Prydz, Tony Arzadon, Swanky Tunes, and Chris Garcia. The event runs from noon to 6 p.m. Admission starts at $55.
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