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Cool Off, Chill Out & Snap a Pic | ¡Sombra! à la Mode

This summer, beat the heat in the coolest way possible—with free ice cream and inspiring public art! The ¡Sombra! à la Mode Ice Cream Truck Tour is rolling into parks across Phoenix, inviting the community to explore the ¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade installations while enjoying a complimentary frozen treat from Leo’s Ice Cream Truck.

At each stop, visitors can grab a free ice cream, explore striking shade structures created by nine local and national artists, and snap a photo under their inventive canopies. Post your pic on social media with #sombraphx for a chance to win an exclusive Sombra Prize Pack—featuring cooling merch and a limited-edition artist-designed umbrella.

The ¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade installations are on view for a limited time, now extended through October 31, 2025—so don’t miss your chance to see them!

Join us for these special one-hour pop-up events:

¡Sombra! à la Mode – Leo’s Ice Cream Truck Tour Dates & Locations

• Wed, Sept 3 • 3:00 p.m. – Roesley Park, 4205 S 15th Ave
• Sat, Sept 6 • 12:00 p.m. – Eastlake Park, 1549 E Jefferson St.
• Sat, Sept 6 • 2:00 p.m. – Steele Indian School Park, 300 E Indian School Rd
• Wed, Sept 10 • 3:00 p.m. – Sereno Park, 5702 E Sweetwater Ave
• Sat, Sept 13 • 12:00 p.m. – Los Olivos Park, 2802 E Devonshire Ave

“This is the perfect summer mash-up—tasty frozen treats, public art, and a chance to win amazing prizes,” said Carrie Brown, Deputy Director for Phoenix Office of Arts & Culture. “We want people to explore the city, discover these unique shade installations, and enjoy a sweet, cool moment in the park.”

¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade is an innovative public art project developed by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture to address extreme heat in Phoenix. Winner of a $1 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Public Art Challenge, this project showcases the extraordinary solutions that arise when artists partner with civic leaders. The installations will remain on view for a limited time —making this summer the perfect opportunity to see them.

For more information on the installations and the tour, visit sombraphx.org or follow @sombraphx on social media.

For more information about ¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade, visit sombraphx.org