Summer on the Trail at Western Spirit Museum

This summer, Western Spirit Museum: Scottsdale's Museum of the West invites guests to discover a dynamic lineup of experiences designed to inspire, entertain, and bring the community together. From engaging exhibitions, happy hours and family activities to film screenings, photo opportunities and exclusive member offerings, the museum offers a refreshing and enriching way to

spend the season; in addition to their newly opened $12 million expansion that has already drawn record-breaking attendance and drawn widespread attention.

“The debut of the Louis Sands Center combined with the array of activities we have for the whole family over the summer is going to provide a wonderful respite from the heat along with a new perspective on the Old West,” said Todd Bankofier, CEO of Western Spirit Museum.

WESTERN FILM SCREENINGS ON SUNDAYS:

Every Sunday at 2 p.m., Western Spirit Museum presents “Reel West Sundays” in conjunction with its exhibition Still in the Saddle: A New History of the Hollywood Western. Organized around rotating themes throughout the year – such as Clint Eastwood, Reel Indians, The Duke, and the Westerns of the 1980s and 1990s – each Sunday afternoon will feature an Old West film screening and discussion hosted by Western Spirit Museum’s Curator and nationally renowned film historian, Dr. Andrew P. Nelson, who provides behind-the-scenes context, historical perspectives, and unique insights into the films and the evolution of the Western genre.

Upcoming screenings in the Museum’s newly renovated theater include Little Big Man (1970), directed by Aurther Penn and starring Dustin Hoffman, Faye Dunaway, and Chief Dan George (May 17); Jeremiah Johnson (1972), directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Robert Redford and Will Geer (June 7); The White Buffalo (1977), starring Charles Bronson, Kim Novak, Jack Warden, and Slim Pickens; Heaven’s Gate (1980), directed by Michael Cimino and starring Kris Kirstofferson, Christopher Walken, Sam Waterston, and Jeff Bridges (Aug. 16); and Silverado (1985), starring Scott Glenn, Kevin Kline, Danny Glover, and Kevin Costner (Aug. 30).

Film screenings are FREE with Museum general admission, or $10 for program-only attendance. A full list of upcoming movies is available here.

4 FREE DAILY DOCENT TOURS:

To deepen the visitor experience, the museum offers free daily docent-led tours with general admission (no registration required). These four guided tours – which take place daily at 10:20 a.m., 11:20 a.m., 12:20 p.m. and 1:20 p.m. – provide rich insights, stories, and context for the artwork and exhibitions.

Included exhibits for each tour are found here.

AN OLD WEST FATHER’S DAY:

In celebration of Father’s Day, Western Spirit Museum is offering free admission for dads on Sunday, June 21. Families can also enjoy a special photo opportunity inside the Museum’s iconic immersive Western mural from 1 - 3 p.m., creating a fun keepsake together while exploring Western art, history and culture.

With free daily tours, engaging exhibitions and activities for all ages, it’s a unique way to celebrate Father’s Day in the spirit of the North American West. (Complimentary admission applies to fathers only.)

SCAVENGER HUNT EXPERIENCES FOR FAMILIES:

The family-friendly museum will be offering plenty of opportunities for kids throughout the summer, including the following scavenger hunt opportunities designed by the museum’s education team:

• Main Hunt: This journey takes guests through seven galleries, encouraging close observation of the artwork, and is perfect for adults and children. The experience takes approximately 30 minutes.
• Expansion Hunt: A 20-minute exploration of the four new exhibits in the Louis Sands IV Center.
• Hidden Treasures Hunt: Inspired by the West in Miniature exhibit, miniature-sized Zuni stone carvings are hidden throughout the museum for guests to discover. The interactive scavenger hunt takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.

Children earn a prize for completing a hunt, making it a fun and interactive way for families to experience the Museum together.

MONTHLY MEMBER’S HAPPY HOUR:

New this summer, members are invited to gather for a monthly Member Happy Hour, beginning June 4 and continuing the first Thursday of each month (June 4, July 2, August 6) from 3 to 5 p.m.

This private, lounge-style setting will include light bites, drinks, and opportunities to connect with fellow members, as well as learn about new and upcoming happenings. Live artist demonstrations take place from noon to 3 p.m. ahead of each happy hour, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.

“Our Member Happy Hours are another way we are bringing the spirit of the West to life; creating a welcoming space for our members to connect with fellow admirers of Western art, history and culture,” said Bankofier.

OTHER SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS:

Western Spirit Museum is making it easier than ever for guests to experience the museum this summer with cool indoor spaces that offer a welcome escape from the Arizona heat:

·Experience Scottsdale Passport: Through this City of Scottsdale program, visitors can pick up a passport book in Old Town Scottsdale and stop by the Museum to get their “Discover” stamp and receive buy-one-get-one-free admission. Information on the passport program is available at oldtownscottsdaleaz.com/discover/experience-passport/.

• Culture Pass program: Available through participating public libraries, this program allows library cardholders to check out FREE museum passes, making it an easy and way for families to spend time together, experiencing art and history. There are a limited number of passes available each day. Information about this program is available at act1az.org/culture-pass/.
• Blue Star Museums: Western Spirit Museum is proud to partner with the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of War and museums across America, to provide FREE admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including the National Guard and Reserve. The 2026 program runs from Armed Forces Day (May 16, 2026) through Labor Day (September 7, 2026).

“Making the Museum accessible is a big part of what we do,” said Sarah Smith, Director of Operations. “Programs like these help more people walk through our doors and connect with the stories we share about the West.”

For more information on the summer activities and current exhibits at Western Spirit Museum, visit www.westernspirit.org, call 480.686.9539, or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.