Archive for the ‘Things to do’ Category
Phoenix things-to-do: December 18-20
FRIDAY
A Very Merry Yucca Christmas @ Yucca Tap Room
Get festive with some local Valley bands like Dry River Yacht Club and The Liar’s Handshake. Bring a can of food for some free champagne.
Yucca Tap Room
29 W Southern Ave.
Tempe, AZ
(480) 967-4777
9 p.m.
Free.
***
Get a holiday treatment @ a local spa
From a Peppermint Pedi to the Frankincense and Neroli Wrap with Scalp Massage, the Arizona Spa Girls have compiled a list of some of the most spirited ways to spa — some at a discount.
SATURDAY
Cooking class: Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate @ Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa
This 2-hour class will uncover some of the Biltmore’s secret chocolate recipes like the Yule Log, chocolate souffles and a flourless chocolate cake. Check out this class — or other cooking classes and wine tastings through the end of the year.
Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa
2400 E. Missouri Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(800) 950-0086
$45
SUNDAY
Free nutrition class @ Sutra Midtown Yoga
An introduction to a 4-part series on nutrition coming in the new year, Dr. Krystal N. Tellier, a naturopathic physician will discuss nutrition basics.
Sutra Midtown Yoga
2317 N. 7th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85006
(602) 253-9525
4-5 p.m.
***
Bob Meighan, Norm Pratt & Dick Furlow @ Duck and Decanter
Sit on the patio with a bottle of wine and a fruit and cheese plate and enjoy the folksy tunes.
Duck & Decanter
1651 E Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85018
(602) 274-5429
1 – 4 p.m.
Phoenix things-to-do: December 11-13
FRIDAY
A Silent Night of Laughs @ Madcap Theaters
One of my favorite people and 3 of his friends are behind this night o’ stand up comedy. Let New York comedy crew Team Submarine, plus AZ’s own Cristin Davis & Greg Freiler put the “ha” in your holiday festivities.
Madcap Theaters
730 S Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281-4250
(480) 634-51928 p.m.
$10 at the door. RSVP to save your seat.
SATURDAY
Grandevelt Mini Swap @ Trunk Space
Find more arts and crafting goodness with local DIY artists and designers at this mini swap meet. If that’s not enough, there’s also food, drinks, music AND you’re supporting a cool local event.
Trunk Space
1506 NW Grand Ave.
Phoenix, AZ
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
***
Phoenix Tequila Fest @ US Airways Center
Listen to music and sip delicious tequila from as many of the 20 local and national vendors as your tolerance can handle.
US Airways Center
201 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ
12 – 5 p.m. Saturday, 1 – 5 p.m. Sunday
$35 per day
SUNDAY
Up in the Air
Wind down the weekend with Clooney’s newest buzzed about film.
Check for theaters and showtimes
***
Muddy Buddy Ride & Run @ McDowell Mountain Park
Find a friend and buddy up for this unique run/bike race. Run a mile, do an obstacle. Bike a mile, do another. Eventually you and your partner will do the final mud-crawl together. Sound fun? Register now.
McDowell Mountain Park
16300 N. McDowell Mountain Park Dr
Scottsdale, AZ
8 a.m. start time
$150 per team plus $6 parking fee
***
Las Noches de las Luminarias @ Desert Botantical Garden
Bundle up and partake in a southwestern tradition. Wander desert garden paths lit by luminarias, sip spiked hot chocolate, listen to local bands, and leave with the holiday spirit.
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Pkwy
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Tickets are $25 for adults, $12.50 for children
Seeing how other people live
Over the weekend my husband and I visited a portion of the Tour de Coops tour, which felt like sanctioned backyard crashing. Sure we looked at people’s coops, but we also saw their vegetable gardens, outdoor dining spaces and home projects in progress. Fascinating!
Below are some chicken-centric photos from the tour:
There’s another opportunity to do something similar next year; The Real Gardens for Real People Garden tour.
Visit 6 Master Gardeners’ homes and a school to view how they use xeriscaping, permaculture, water harvesting and more to beautify their yards. Listen to garden experts talk about raising chickens, growing herbs, saving water, etc. And find out the names of the plants you love.
Phoenix things-to-do: December 4-6
FRIDAY
3rd Annual Indie Crafeteria @ Frances & Smeeks
30 local artists show off their gift-able wares in the Frances/Stinkweeks/Red Hot Robot/Smeeks parking lot. Peruse the jewelry, stationery and other hand-made items, then peek in the stores.
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
10 W. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ
****
1st Annual Gut-Check Worst Film Festival @ Mapcap Theaters
Join the Midnight Movie Mamacita for a night of horrible film-making starting with “Night of the Chihuahuas and ending with “Return to Yucca Flats” with a couple more in there for good (or bad) measure.
7 p.m.
Madcap Theaters
730 S. Mill
Tempe, AZ 85281
$20
Buy tickets online
SATURDAY
Composting for Beginners with Kellie Gutridge @ Baker Nursery
Learn how to use your kitchen and yard scraps to enrich your garden soil.
Baker Nursery
3414 N 40th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85018
9 – 10:30 a.m.
Suggested Donation $10
***
Tour de Coops
Interested in having chickens of your very own? Take the self-guided tour of Valley urban chicken coops and view over a dozen setups around town.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Buy tickets online and take your print-out to one of several starting locations.
$10 tickets available online or at the Phoenix Public Market Store
****
Indie Chic @ 10th Street — Mill Ave & 10th Street
Indie Chic @ 10th Street is an alternative craft fair featuring handmade items. It ain’t your granny’s craft fair. A range of arts and crafts will be for sale and just in time for holiday shopping! Take a look at participating vendors.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
ASU Art Museum
Southeast corner of 10th & Mill
Free
***
APS Electric Light Parade on Central
This parade is MY official start of the holiday season. This year, the theme is “going green.” LED lights? We shall see…
The parade travels along Central Avenue from Montebello to Camelback, east on Camelback to 7th Street, 7th Street south Indian School.
7 p.m. rain or shine
SUNDAY
Passion Pit and White Rabbits @ The Clubhouse
Indie band Passion Pit had a lot of hype behind it…so it’s no wonder that this show is sold out. If you can get tickets…it should be a good one.
The Clubhouse
1320 E Broadway Rd.
Tempe, AZ
7:30 p.m.
$10
Phoenix things-to-do: November 20-22
Sorry for the delay! Without further ado…things to do this weekend!
FRIDAY
The Graduate @ Biltmore Fashion Park
While you might want to see New Moon, it’s going to be way easier to find space on the Biltmore lawn for a free movie.
Biltmore Fashion Park
2502 E. Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ, 85018
(602) 955-8400
SATURDAY
Some Like it Hot @ Phoenix Art Museum
Enjoy Marilyn Monroe/Tony Curtis/Jack Lemmon classic Some Like it Hot in celebration of the Museum’s 50th anniversary.
Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004
1 p.m.
Price included with admission ($10 for adults)
2nd annual Indie Bowl @ The Sunset Bowl
Celebrate Phoenix’s independent businesses while listening to local independent bands.
Sunset Bowl
8925 N 12th Street (at Dunlap)
Phoenix, AZ
Get directions
SUNDAY
The Kickback @ Padre’s
Spend Sunday afternoons resting the weekend and preparing for the work week listening to good music and enjoying some Mexican fare.
Padre’s
1044 E. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ
Get a sneak peek at New Moon…and a dinner
I’ve heard that tickets to the New Moon opening November 20 are totally sold out and have been for ages.
“I know someone who bought tickets for herself and her kids at the beginning of the summer,” my friend told me over lunch.
I didn’t even know you could DO that!
For those Twi-heads who are also behind on their planning, Biltmore has come to your rescue!
You can buy tickets for $45 that include:
- A three course dinner at The Capital Grille, Cheesecake Factory, Sam’s Cafe, Steamers or True Food
- 1 ticket to a pre-screening of New Moon at 8:30 on November 19.
NOVEMBER 19! One day BEFORE it opens!
Visit shopbiltmore.com to buy your ticket to a delicious dinner and opportunity to see Edward & Bella in all their glittery/brooding loveliness.
Phoenix things-to-do: November 13-15
FRIDAY
Wedding Singer @ Orpheum
The big screen comedy from Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore is now playing on a stage near you. Check out the stage adaptation this weekend at the Orpheum.
Orpheum Theater
203 W. Adams St.
Phoenix, AZ
November 13, 14, 15
8 p.m.
$27.25 - 60.75
***
Phoenix Green Streets Festival @ Roosevelt Row
A neighborhood fair and street festival celebrating and promoting eco-friendly living. Music, food, arts and crafts, and a beer garden from Four Peaks Brewing Co.
Roosevelt Row
Roosevelt between Central Ave. and 7th Street
November 13 & 14
6-10 p.m.
Free
***
3rd Annual Downtown Pub Crawl
Check out downtown Phoenix while engaging in a favorite past-time, drinking. The festivities begin on 4th Street between Roosevelt and Garfield, then free trollies will shuttle crawlers to the subsequent locations.
4th Street between Roosevelt and Garfield
9 p.m. – 3:30 a.m.
$15
SATURDAY
In the Yard @ Bunky Boutique
Bunky Boutique and Phx DIY join forces for an outdoor shopping extravaganza with refreshments, giveaways and 20 percent off all Bunky merchandise. So peruse the fashion, jewelry, housewares, art and other unique items created by local artists.
Bunky Boutique
812 N. 3rd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SUNDAY
Modifest @ Modified Arts
This 3-day event is raising money to support music and arts programs at Teen Central, a space for kids at Burton Barr Library.
Modified Arts
407 E. Roosevelt
Phoenix, Arizona
(602) 462-5516
November 13, 14, 15
7 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday
$5 donation each day
***
Civic Space Jam @ The Downtown Civic Space
DJs, B-boys and beats combine for a free event downtown. Raffle tickets will be for sale benefitting Fair Trade organizations.
The Downtown Civic Space
424 N Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
(Not so) buried treasure
On November 12 from 4 – 8 p.m., local Phoenix businesses are holding a Twitter treasure hunt.
Here’s how to play:
Follow the following local businesses on Twitter to start the fun.
@FrancesSmeeks @GalloBlanco @OliverandAnnie @PostinoWineCafe @lisagwinebar @urbancookies @Maizies @PostinoCentral @hausmodern @stinkweeds @ HulasModern @RedHotRobot
Tune in on November 12 at 4 p.m. for Tweets every hour with clues.
Follow the clues for deals on food shopping, prizes and fun!
Phoenix Things to do: November 6-8
The weather’s cooling down, and our event calendar is heating up! There are so many things to do this weekend like…
FRIDAY
New Year’s in November @ Sutra Yoga
Join Sutra Yoga in celebrating their new expansion with live music, treats and prizes. If you’re interested in yoga, they’re offering a one-day-only deal of $99 for 2 month unlimited yoga.
Sutra Yoga
2317 N. 7th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85006
6 – 9 p.m.
***
Blissfest Vintage Western Masquerade @ Domestic Bliss
Enjoy dancing, costumes, fashion shows and shopping…all with a vintage western theme. Inspirational blogger, Stephanie Nielson and her husband will be special guests of the evening.
Domestic Bliss
166 W. Main St.
Mesa, AZ
6 – 10 p.m.
$10 donation or free if you’re dressed in western-wear
***
Finger Knitting Class @ Frances
Spend Fridays night quenching your creative spirit with a variety of classes at cool-stuff boutique, Frances. First in line, finger knitting.
Frances
10 W. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 279-5467
6 – 8 p.m.
$40
***
Scottsdale Fashion After Party @ Mondrian Scottsdale
If you like getting dressed up, sipping glamorous cocktails and hanging out with pretty people, but don’t really care about the already-available-in-the-mall fashions, then hit Mondrian’s Red Bar for the Scottsdale Fashion Week after-party sponsored by Phoenix Art Museum’s Arizona Costume Institute’s new younger chapter, ACI Nouveau.
Mondrian Scottsdale
7353 E. Indian School Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 308-1100, mondrianscottsdale.com.
10 p.m. – midnight
SATURDAY
Certified Local Fall Festival @ Duck and Decanter
Support local businesses and get a jump-start on your holiday shopping at this local shopping bonanza. Shop Phoenix faves like Frances, Smeeks, La Grande Orange, Urban Cookies, Desert Song Yoga and tons more.
Duck and Decanter
1651 E. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Located behind the Sports Authority and Copenhagen shopping areas
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
***
Blissfest Market @ Domestic Bliss
Shopping, artists & vintage finds and more.
Domestic Bliss
166 W. Main St.
Mesa, AZ
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
***
Crafty Chica products @ Michael’s
Our favorite local artist has a new set of glittery gear to decorate and inspire. Check out her new line at a participating Michael’s.
SUNDAY
Benefit for Cenpho.tv @ Stinkweeds
Local website Cenpho.tv recently became the victim of theft when their office was burglarized and their filming equipment stolen. Visit Stinkweeds, listen to a host of local bands, and donate a few dollars to help a local resource get back on its feet.
Stinkweeds Records
12 W. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85013
4 p.m.
$3 donation
Got a month? Write a novel
November is National Novel Writing Month, which means that RIGHT NOW is the perfect time to dust off that novel idea you’ve had lingering in the back of brain, and get cracking.
What do you have to do? First, sign up for the NaNoWriMo site, which will help you monitor your progress and send you encouraging emails throughout the month. Next, start writing!
The goal is to finish at 50,000 word novel by the end of the month. You don’t need me to tell you, but that’s a lot of words.
Kathy Cano-Murillo, also known as Crafty Chica, took the November challenge several years ago. Yeah, she had a couple of non-fiction books under her belt, but fiction was unchartered territory. The result of her write-a-thon became the skeleton of her new book out next year, Waking Up in the Land of Glitter.
Another friend spent 30 days writing and ended the month with a novel “…pretty much about a guy like me.” Okay, maybe not a resounding testimonial, but he is now working on a super-cool sounding screen play. Sometimes it’s just about cleaning the dust out of the proverbial attic.
