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.
All-Star Workout Day and Home Run Derby
It couldn’t have been choreographed better, as Katy Perry’s “Firework” played as the New York Yankee’s Robinson Cano cranked out 12 home runs in the final round to win last night’s State Farm Home Run Derby. The crowd went wild and scrambled to catch one of Cano’s big hits – one fan even dove into the pool in right-field, not even spilling his beer.
I would have to say that last night’s Home Run Derby was one of the most exciting baseball events that I have ever been to. If you weren’t able to make it, check out the photos below for highlights of yesterday’s All-Star Workout Day and Home Run Derby.
MLB All-Stars warm up for the night with batting practice.
Fans came early to catch a glimpse of their favorite All-Star.
Take heed.
Fans going wild as Robinson Cano comes up to bat in the last round.
The crowd goes wild for a fan that made a fantastic catch in the pool.
Things to do for All-Star Week in Greater Phoenix
Baseball’s midseason showcase is here, so we’ve put together an “All-Star” list of things to do around Greater Phoenix leading up to the big game on Tuesday.
Official MLB All-Star events can be found in our Major League Baseball All-Star Summer comes to Phoenix blog post.
Food and Drink
Greater Phoenix restaurants and bars are stepping up to the plate with fun All-Star themed menu items and specials.
Citizen Public House in Scottsdale (7111 E. Fifth Ave., Ste. E) will be serving up some home-made “Citizen Jacks,” ala Cracker Jack for $5 (with prizes too). Don’t forget to order their Tender Belly Berkshire dog with pastrami fat-braised sauerkraut, bourbon mustard and house-cured pickle served on a rye bun.
Beckett’s Table (3717 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix ) will also be celebrating All-Star week with free endless homemade popcorn, half-priced draughts all night Sunday through Tuesday. Order the hot dog and garlic fries for a gourmet version of the stadium specialty. Beckett’s will also be giving away special edition MLB-labeled bottles of red blend Decoy by Duckhorn Winery.
If you haven’t tried the latest pop-up restaurant, Cycle (1100 N. Central Ave., Phoenix), this weekend is the perfect time to do so. Cycle will celebrate the MLB All-Star Game with an all day happy hour featuring wine, local beer and specialty cocktails.
District American Kitchen & Wine Bar (320 N 3rd St., Phoenix) is partying all week long with live music on Friday and Saturday, and all day happy hour specials. They’ve also created some fun All-Star themed cocktails. We think the Ball Park Cotton Candy Martini sounds pretty sweet.
Nightlife
This desert town will keep things hot at night with plenty of after parties. Who knows, you may spot one of your favorite MLB players out on the town.
The W Scottsdale Hotel (7277 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale) will host former baseball players like Jermaine Dye, Frank Thomas and more on Saturday at the Coolest Party in the Desert . The party starts at 8pm and is free and open to the public. Sunday at the W, Maxim hosts Neil Diamond Tribute band, Diamond in the Desert. The Wet Deck will be decorated as a baseball stadium, complete with an Old Spice locker room lounge, sports-themed photo booth and a concession stand. Admission is $100 and the party starts at 10pm. Tuesday night after the All-Star game the W will host an after party starting at 8pm that is free and open to the public.
Check out Old Town Scottsdale’s newest nightclub, The Mint (7373 E Camelback Rd.), on Saturday night from 8pm – 2am for the All-Star Jam fundraiser with Tampa Bay Rays Evan Longoria. The event is free, but attendees are encouraged to buy raffle tickets at this Nike sponsored event for $20 to benefit the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Some of the Arizona Diamondbacks will be special guests at American Junkie's (4363 North 75th St., Scottsdale) red carpet affair on Sunday night. The FOX Sports Girls will also be in the house and legendary rapper Biz Markie will be DJing all evening. Doors open at 8pm.
All-Star events will be held nearly every evening from Friday night through the big game on Tuesday night at Club Silver (136 East Washington St.) in downtown Phoenix. The parties taking place Sunday through Tuesday will also feature the duo, Mando and Fuego, appearances by Arizona Diamondbacks players, and special giveaways. Doors open at 8pm each night. Admission is $10.
Pool Party
NFL legend Roy Green will host a charity pool party on Saturday afternoon at the Millennium Resort (7401 North Scottsdale Rd.) in Scottsdale. Attendance is expected by such greats as Eric Dickerson and William "The Refrigerator" Perry. Gates open at 11am and admission is $20.
Music
MLB announced an all-star roster of musical guests throughout All-Star Week.
Country music star Jason Aldean will perform before the State Farm Home Run Derby at 5pm on Monday, July 11. He will also play in the Taco Bell Legends and Celebrity Softball Game on Sunday, July 10th.
Bernie Williams will perform the National Anthem acoustically with his guitar at the Legends & Celebrity Softball Game, in which he will also play.
Phoenix native Jesse McGuire, an internationally famous trumpeter who's performed the National Anthem for three U.S. presidents, will perform the National Anthem prior to the Home Run Derby.
Hometown girl and American Idol star, Jordin Sparks will sing the National Anthem before the big game on Tuesday and Sedona native, Michelle Branch will perform during the 7th-inning stretch.
“The Voice” judge Cee Lo Green, the Soul Machine, will perform at the Major League Baseball Gala at the Phoenix Convention Center.
If you’re looking to catch some local music before or after some of the All-Star events, on Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10, The Foundry on First (402 S. First St., Phoenix) will host a two night grand opening party. Cowboy Mouth will play both nights to celebrate downtown Phoenix’s newest music venue.
Also in downtown Phoenix, Kepi Ghoulie plays The Trunk Space (1506 W. Grand Ave., Phoenix) on Saturday night. Doors open at 7:30pm.
Have an All-Star Week!
Spring Training Begins
Hey-yy, Batter Batter Batter, Swing, Batter! You know what that means - it's Spring Training time in Greater Phoenix. Cactus League commences today with the Diamondbacks vs. Giants at Scottsdale Stadium. Game time is 1:05pm, so skip out of work a little early (I won't tell!), grab some peanuts and a cold beverage and let the fun begin. After all, this is one of the things that makes springtime in Phoenix so great.
Spring Training lasts through March 29 and with 15 teams playing here, there are plenty of chances to catch a game. And to get your favorite player's autograph. To plan your baseball outing, go to www.visitphoenix.com/cactusleague to see a schedule, team & ticket info and a map of where the stadiums are located.
Play ball!
Waste Management Phoenix Open
The Waste Management Phoenix Open is known as the "Greatest Show on Grass" because of the amazing desert views, the mild "winter" weather, on top of the obviously talented golfers. It's set apart from the other stops on the PGA Tour because the fans cheer, boo and heckle like it's any other sport and most etiquette from the gallery is thrown out the window. Perhaps that's why it's generally the most well-attended stop on the Tour.
This year, fans are encouraged to wear green on Saturday, February 5th, to create the "Greenest Show on Grass." For everyone who wears green (including players, caddies, vendors and fans), the Thunderbirds will donate money to Arizona Clean & Beautiful.
The much-anticipated lineup for the concerts at the Birds Nest have also been announced. Here are the headliners:
Wednesday, February 2 - The Doobie Brothers
Thursday, February 3 - O.A.R.
Friday, February 4 - Slightly Stoopid
Saturday, February 5 - MetalHead
Check out the full schedule for each night.
No matter which day you go to the Open, if you want a good seat - especially on the famed 16th hole - be sure to get there early. If you want a chance to see your favorite player up close, head to the front nine, since most of the crowd stays at the end of the course. And if you need to wet your whistle after all the cheering, the Thundebirds food booth generally has the cheapest beer, best food (the famous Thunderdogs) and shortest lines.
See the official Waste Management Phoenix Open site for more details.
After the Open: What to Do
We are right in the middle of the Waste Management Phoenix Open week, of course with the big signature weekend to come tomorrow and Sunday. The Open is up at the TPC in Scottsdale, and is definitely known for being the rowdiest, loudest, most energetic crowds on the Tour. All that energy has to go somewhere once you've left the gates, and if the Bird's Nest isn't your thing, here are our suggestions for what to do and where to go in the North Scottsdale/Phoenix area:
WHERE TO EAT
Skip the chain restaurants and head to these local gems up north:
Zinc Bistro: At Kierland Commons, just a little more than a mile away from the TPC, you can find Chef Matt Carter whipping up his French specialties. It's delicious and you can eat on the patio, on the side or tucked away in a back courtyard, to absorb the perfect weather. Whatever you do, get the molten cake - just make sure to order in advance.
North, Greene House: North (and Bar North) and The Greene House are all brain children of you-guessed-it, Sam Fox, and both are at Kierland Commons. If you haven't tried The Greene House, prepare to be wowed. The atmosphere and food are fresh as can be, laid back but sophisticated at the same time.
The Compound: Live Music + Grill: The creators of the McDowell Mountain Music Festival have set up shop - err, restaurant - at the Scottsdale & 101. But this is no ordinary grill, of course there's live music to be had nearly every night. Great place to go to relax after the Open.
El Encanto: You're already up north, so head a few more miles up and visit El Encanto, one of Phoenix's oldest (and most delicious) Mexican restaurants. You'll be surprised, too, by the lake surrounded by trees, with swans floating around -it's what they're known for. That, and the year-after-year award-winning margaritas.
White Chocolate Grill: Oddly, not every dish is made with white chocolate. A disappointment to some chocoholics like me, until I tasted the oh-so-fresh American fare. It's reminiscent of a Houston's-type restaurant, with the classy dark wood, really expertly cooked food, but the WCG as we call it has a killer bar and atmosphere. Get there early.
NIGHTLIFE
You've seen some golf, now you're full from one of the restaurants above, and you want to go out. Here's where to do it:
Devil's Martini North: The sister to the original location in Old Town Scottsdale, Devil's North - as it's called - is the primary dance club/bar/lounge in North Scottsdale. It always has the best DJs (before you go, you can even request music on their web site), stiff drinks, and what's widely known as the best looking crowd in town. Don't be fashionably late this weekend - go early to save yourself time in line.
Stone Rose Lounge: This swanky place is at the swanky Fairmont Scottsdale, literally right behind the Open, which means you won't have to find a DD to get there. There will be live music and drinks with a bite, but this isn't the place to go to dance. This is the place to go if you want to relax on the patio or watch the action around the bar.
Armitage: Just a couple miles north of the Open is DC Ranch, and Armitage is the oh-so-popular wine bar you've gotta try. There's a long wine list for the sophisticated type, and a spirit list for the rest of us that really is full of spirit with creative concoctions. It's really cozy with oversized chairs and couches, but it's quaint so don't wait too long to get your spot.
