Things to do in Phoenix this weekend (October 14 – 16)
While looking at our events calendar this week, we noticed that there are a ton of events to choose from this weekend. We decided to put them all in one place for you. Enjoy!
Friday, October 14 – Sunday, October 16
Heard Museum Shops Annual Fall Sale
Get a jump on holiday shopping – and check out the bargains – at the Heard Museum Shops Annual Fall Sale. This twice-yearly shopping event offers discounts on the finest authentic American Indian artwork – almost everything from Kachina dolls, jewelry to baskets, to textiles, pottery and fine art will be 10 percent off. Heard Museum members save an extra 10 percent off all purchases – for a total of 20 percent off – and non-members will save 10 percent off on handmade, one-of-a-kind American Indian art, which the Shop purchases directly from artists.
Wild Western Festival at Saguaro Ranch Park
Celebrate Arizona’s western heritage at this festival benefiting the Arizona Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. There will be western themed exhibitions, activities for all ages and a western themed market.
The Arizona State Fair kicks off this weekend with tons of kickin' concerts, adrenaline-pumping rides, deliciously sinful foods, exhibits and more! The Arizona State Fair goes through November 16th and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Thrill seekers can run with 40 bulls on a quarter-mile track in downtown Cave Creek. Participants must be 18 and older. The festival features parties, concerts, rodeo clown competitions, exhibit booths and food and drink vendors.
Saturday, October 15 – Sunday, October 16
Jazz lovers won’t want to miss this event with two full days of great music and entertainment featuring artists such as, guitar great Norman Brown and recent winner for Best Wind Player at the American Smooth Jazz Awards, saxophonist Richard Elliot, as well as other jazz mainstays including, Jonathan Butler, Eric Darius and Maysa, Euge Groove, Mindi Abair, Turning Point and more!
This food festival will feature over 20 Cave Creek area restaurants, a film festival, wine tasting a beer garden, live music and so much more.
Saturday, October 15
Put on your Lederhosen or Dirndls and come out for this great Bavarian Festival. A traditional German Volksfest in the heart of Phoenix, a giant Bier Garten with buxom beer maidens serving Bavarian brews and Bavarian bands playing lively tunes and leading sing-alongs of old time drinking songs will all be on display. With mouth watering sausages and authentic strudel , this is surely the biggest old-world family event! Whether you hail from Germany or central Phoenix, sample traditional German foods and drinks, enjoy the music, and shop from a variety of authentic German products. Bring the family - there are lots of fun kid’s activities for their enjoyment. Bis Spaeter!
Everyone from valley restaurants to amateur competitors will sign up for their chance to taco-battle it out for $7,500. Expect a huge VIP tent, lucha libre wrestling, beer donkeys, a main bar experience sponsored by a local taco shop, a margarita challenge, hot chili pepper eating contest, and a boutique tequila expo tent featuring over 30 different brands of premium tequilas, a kid’s zone, and so much more. Get ready for the Scottsdale Waterfront turning into taco town and a place that will be sure to spice things up this weekend.
TASTE Chandler Culinary Festival
TASTE Chandler’s Culinary Festival is a gourmet food and wine tasting event that features Chandler’s finest. The idea and concepts have been created to showcase local businesses, local restaurants, benefiting local charities, and maintaining community involvement and outreach.
Giant Flaming Robot? Marshmallow Chucker? These are just a few of the crazy inventions you'll find at MakerFaire. A one-day, family-friendly event that celebrates arts, crafts, engineering, food, music, science and technology projects and the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset. It’s for creative, resourceful people who like to tinker and love to make things.
Front Porch Festival and Old Town Marketplace
Enjoy the beautiful fall weather in Downtown Glendale at the 17th Annual Front Porch Festival & Old Towne Marketplace. More than 80 shops and eateries have lots of special activities planned for the day, including demonstrations, make & take crafts, special treats and so much more. The shops in Catlin Court showcase their specialties on their lawns and porches, while the shops in Old Towne always have something wonderful going on inside. Plan to spend your day in the area. Start at the Glendale Visitor Center (5800 W. Glenn Drive, #140) to pick up a downtown walking map.
The annual traveling bike parade and beer festival returns to Tempe Beach Park, inviting revelers to pedal up in their craziest costumes and enjoy craft beers from New Belgium Brewing. The all-day event starts with a wacky bike parade through Tempe, then everyone gathers at the park to sip on Fat Tire Amber Ale and Hoptober Golden Ale, listen to live bands and people watch.
8th Annual Native Foods and Crafts Fair
Shop for produce, visit the pumpkin patch, try your luck at the Watermelon eating contest and stop by the free Kid's Crafts area. Native American artists and craftspeople will be demonstrating traditional arts and crafts. Frybread and other refreshments will be available for sale.
Annual Otsukimi Moonviewing Festival
The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix presents a traditional Japanese celebration of the full moon and an abundant fall harvest: Otsukimi Moonviewing 2011. This annual fundraiser is an evening of delicious fare (prepared by Tohzan Nagasaki Grill and Fujiya Market) and exciting entertainment. Experience a taiko explosion by Fushicho Daiko Taiko Drummers, demonstrations by Arizona Aikido and Kenshin Dojo of Iaido Swordsmanship, authentic Japanese Ondo Folk-dancing, poetry reading, and heartfelt musical performances throughout the evening. Discover shopping pleasures from a variety of vendors at our Marketplace.
You will enjoy bento under the clear fall sky, peer through a telescope at the moon, stroll the path and feed the gorgeous koi as you cross the bridge over the pond. Feeling creative? Write a haiku poem or send your wishes to the wind. When you arrive, sign in at the Tea House to view a tea ceremony demonstration presented throughout the evening.
Rocky Horror Picture Show Sing-Along
Get ready to do the "Time Warp" at this one-night-only sing-along of the cult classic, hosted by Grand Canyon Performing Arts. Fans are encouraged to don their best "Rocky Horror"-inspired costumes, and join others for a fun time at Steele Indian School Park. Prizes will be given out for the best costume and best performance, and there'll be a cash bar and silent auction.
Things to do for Labor Day in Greater Phoenix
BBQ
Celebrate the holiday weekend with some delicious BBQ. Pick up pre-marinated meats for fajitas from La Tolteca , premium steaks from Hobe Meats, or locally made sausages and brats from Schreiner’s Fine Sausages .
Free things to do
This Friday (September 2nd) is First Friday so admission is free at the Phoenix Art Museum (6-10pm) , the Arizona Science Center for Adults Night Out ( 5:30-9pm, no kids, just adults acting like kids) and the Children’s Museum ( 6-10pm, lines can get long so get there early).
On Saturday and Sunday, Bank of America customers can get free admission to the Phoenix Art Museum and Musical Instrument Museum through the Museums on Us program.
More free things to do in Greater Phoenix.
Stay and play with special Labor Day packages
Take advantage of the many Labor Day packages that area resorts and attractions are offering this weekend.
Events
There are always plenty of events going on in Phoenix, especially over a holiday weekend.
If you are a foodie, don’t miss Phoenix Cooks this Saturday at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. This indoor event has opportunities to learn, cook, taste, sip, and experience the pleasures of the culinary lifestyle.
Spend the holiday weekend floating down the Lower Salt River rapids for the end-of-the-summer bash with four local radio stations playing your favorite tunes.
This is the last Saturday to catch a fireworks show at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Get there early to get a good seat by the pool, or make reservations at one of their fabulous restaurants for a pre-fireworks meal. Fireworks start at 9:15pm.
Pretend you are in paradise this Sunday at Zog’s Tiki Lounge Party at the Rhythm Room. This fun event features entertainment, tunes from surf rock bands, tiki carving and tiki art. Of course there will be tiki drinks and food from the Hey Joe Filipino food truck.
Have a great weekend!
AMC Esplanade 14 Dine-In Theatre
AMC Espanade 14 is now a dine-in theatre.
Now you can do dinner at the movies with AMC’s newest concept opening next week in Central Phoenix. The AMC Espanade 14 has been remodeled and is now a dine-in theatre featuring a full menu and bar. We were invited for a sneak peek and tasting earlier this week. Here’s a first look.
Meet me at MacGuffins
There is no longer a box office at the front of this theatre. You now must buy your tickets in advance online or at the ticket kiosk outside the theatre. When you walk into the lobby, it feels like a lounge with tables and comfy chairs where you can enjoy food and drink before or after your movie. The bar is called MacGuffins, after a term coined by Alfred Hitchcock meaning "a plot element that catches the viewers' attention or drives the plot of a work of fiction."
No more ticket office.
There are two meal-and-a-move options: the Fork & Screen or Cinema Suites. The Fork & Screen experience has in-theater dining, seat-side service, a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic specialty drinks, including beer and wine. The Fork & Screen experience also welcomes families and children accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The Fork & Screen theatre.
Cinema Suites is AMC’s “premium, upscale in-theatre dining experience.” You can reserve your seats in the theatre’s comfortable, reclining lounge chairs, enjoy an expanded menu and drink options served in-theatre. For the Cinema Suites experience you must be at least 21 years old.
My co-worker found the Cinema Suites' lounge chairs so comfortable, she decided to take a nap.
Ticket prices range from $6-15, depending on the day of the week and show time. All food and drink is a la carte, separate from the ticket price. Most meals were around $10-12.
The blackened salmon was delish, as was the baked macaroni and cheese dish. Yum!
This weekend you can get your own sneak peek of AMC’s Dine-In Theatre for FREE! The theatre opens to the public on Wednesday, September 7th.
AMC Esplanade 14 Dine-In Theatre is located at 2515 East Camelback Road in Phoenix. More photos from our sneak peek can be found on Flickr.
Free things to do in Greater Phoenix
Getting out of the house and having fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We’ve found some great things to do in Greater Phoenix that are FREE.
The Phoenix Art Museum has several opportunities to take in exhibits for free. If you are a Bank of America customer, you can get free admission through the Museums on Us © program the entire first weekend of every month. Every Wednesday (3-9pm) and First Friday (6-10pm) there is free admission for all.
Another great First Friday deal is the Target sponsored free admission at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix (6-10pm). We’ve heard that it gets crowded fast, so get there early.
One of our favorite free deals in Phoenix is Adults Night Out every First Friday at the Arizona Science Center (5:30 – 9pm). No kids, just adults acting like kids. This weekend (August 13-14) everyone gets free admission for Fry’s Free Weekend (10am – 5pm).
Tony Bennett called the Musical Instrument Museum his favorite museum in the world. See if you agree for free the first weekend of the month with Bank of America’s Museums on Us © program.
One of our favorite places to visit and to take guests is the Desert Botanical Garden. Every second Tuesday of the month admission is free (1-8pm). On October 25th admission is free (9:30am – 5pm) as a part of the valley-wide CALA Festival.
As the name suggests, FilmBar shows movies and serves libations. You can catch an independent film for free on your birthday. Bring a friend to buy you drink.
Arizona wines have been getting quite a bit of attention as of late; try some for free every Wednesday and Saturday at the Downtown Phoenix Public Market’s Urban Grocery. Check their calendar for the featured winery and hours.
This Friday (August 12) celebrate the opening of Yogurtini at CityScape with free fro-yo (11am – 2pm).
Did we miss anything? Tell us in the comments below.
What to do for First Friday – August
First Friday is here again! The heat won't stop us from enjoying all of the fun that First Friday has to offer. Here's a quick roundup of what's going on this Friday night.
“Luck Nothing” by Jeff Falk and Annie Lopez Opening Reception at Willow North Gallery 2811 N. 7th Avenue, 6-10pm, Free
Local artist Jeff Falk’s collage works are featured, as well as the photography of Annie Lopez.
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Chase Field 401 E. Jefferson Street, 6:40pm, $12 and up
This season has been an exciting one for our home team. Make sure to stay after the game for a fireworks display.
Buy tickets for the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game.
“In Your Head and Under Your Bed” Opening Reception at Modified Arts 407 E. Roosevelt Street, 6-9pm, Free
Ten artists are featured in this exhibit at Modified Arts inspired by the subconscious and dreams. Pieces range from paintings to sculptures to fabric designs.
Kendal Hathaway Artist Reception at Sutra Midtown Yoga 2317 N. 7th Street, 7-9pm, Free
Yoga studio turned art exhibit, Sutra Midtown always puts on a great show for First Friday. During the opening reception, Sutra will be collecting art supplies (Items Needed: acrylic paint sets, watercolor sets, oil pastel sets, packages of paintbrushes, canvases, watercolor paper, charcoal sets, packages of clay, glue/hot glue, beads, feathers, etc. ) for the Bergamot Institute and will be serving seasonal sangria.
First Friday at the Phoenix Art Museum 1625 N. Central Avenue, 6-10pm, Free
Enjoy free Museum admission every First Friday! Experience great art from around the world, delight in a drink from ARTenders and enjoy a variety of entertainment on the First Friday of every month.
For August, giddy up to a mix of bluegrass, Old-Time, cowboy/country, folk and originals performed by the Back Porch Bandits. Banjo player Josh Tharp, mandolin monster Billy Parker, bass boy Joel Dowling and guitarist/ringleader Ken Clemmer will have you dancing in no time. So dust off those boots and come boogie with the bandits!
Adults Night Out at Arizona Science Center 600 East Washington Street, 5:30 - 9pm, Free
Explore the Center's exhibit galleries on the First Friday of each month from 5:30 to 9pm. Free for everyone. Please leave children at home. Additional evening options include: A lecture presentation at 7 p.m. (free); and an IMAX film or planetarium presentation at 8:15 p.m. (Regular admission fees apply for film and planetarium presentations.) Additional fees apply for entrance to featured exhibitions.
Betsy Ganz at Practical Art, 5070 North Central Avenue, 7-9pm, Free
Snacks and drinks will be served. Make sure to browse around the store to find that perfect gift for that upcoming birthday, anniversary, etc.
First Friday Mobile Food Court, 408 E. Roosevelt Road, 7pm
Try the delicious mobile cuisine of Riteway Catering Company, Sunshine and Spice, Short Leash Hot Dogs, Sweet Republic, Jamburritos Cajun Grille – Express, and Frufrupops.
Cool things to do in Phoenix this weekend
A heat wave is sweeping across the nation, but here in Phoenix it’s the status quo. Phoenicians know how to stay cool in the summer heat, so here are a few of things that we recommend to do this weekend.
Movies! Theaters keep the a/c cranked so they are the perfect place to hang out and chill for a few hours. There are quite a few unique ways to see movies in Phoenix too, from the luxury movie going experience at iPic, indie films and brews at Film Bar and dive-in movies at the Arizona Biltmore.
Here in Phoenix we think culture is pretty cool, literally. Museums are the perfect place to spend a day in air-conditioned cultural bliss. From Native American Art at the world-renowned Heard Museum, hands-on interactive exhibits designed to engage the minds of kids of all ages at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, to the global representation of music at the Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix has some cool culture for any family member of any age. Here’s a tip: Admission at the Heard Museum is FREE this Sunday, July 24!
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream when the temperatures start to rise. Local ice cream shop, Sweet Republic, has been garnering quite a bit of attention these days with national awards and recognition. Their Toffee Banoffe Sundae will be featured on the Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate” this weekend, so head over and try this now famous dessert!
This Friday shoot some hoops indoors at the US Airways Center during the Phoenix Suns Operation Orange Shoot Around. This free event is open to all ages and will offer fans a unique opportunity to shoot baskets on the main court. In addition, participants of all ages will have a chance to compete in a variety of basketball skills competitions, including 3-point and free throw contests along with a skills competition. Prizes will be awarded within each age group.
Members of the Suns Dancers, APS Solar Squad and Verve Sol Patrol will be on hand to interact with fans. For younger participants, the Suns will have two adjustable hoops and an inflatable slide in the lower bowl of the arena and the APS Gorilla’s Greenhouse will be open for free-play throughout the event.
You don’t have to stay indoors to stay cool this weekend, just wait until the sun goes down for the Desert Botanical Garden Flashlight Tours. Flashlight Tours are a sensory adventure where you will see, hear and feel the desert night with its nighthawks, snakes, insects and night-blooming flowers. Flashlight Tours are great for families and children of all ages and make a perfect summer date night.
