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Phoenix things-to-do: October 30 – November 1

Happy Halloween! Hope you’re all dressing up and ghouling out. Here’s a link to a huge list of Halloween events, haunted houses and more.

FRIDAY

$2 Shrimp Po’ Boys and Cheeseburger Sliders @ District American Kitchen
Celebrate District’s birthday the entire month of October with $2 po’ boys, sliders and draft beer.

District American Kitchen
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel,
320 N. Third St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-817-5400.
3 – 7 p.m.

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Sea Wolf @ Modified Arts
I’ve heard amazing things about these guys live. Go check them out tonight at Modified…which should be a comfortable temperature now that it’s cooling off outside. Can’t guarantee it’s going to smell good, though.

Modified Arts
407 E. Roosevelt
Phoenix, AZ 85004
8 p.m.
$10

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SATURDAY

Arizona Wayzgoose Letterpress Celebration @ The Paper Studio
Find letterpress equipment, do a little printing and paper-making, and shop in one of the coolest paper stores in town.

The Paper Studio
520 E. Southern Ave.
Tempe, AZ
(480) 557-5700

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Get your free black taco @ Taco Bell
Visit a Taco Bell near you after dark (between 6 p.m. and midnight) and come away with a free Black Jack Taco while supplies last.

Taco Bell (Find your nearest location)

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1st Annual Mill Avenue Halloween Music Festival @ Madcap Theater
This benefit for St. Mary’s Food Bank features local performers: Sydney Sprague, Courtney Marie Andrews, What Laura Says and more. Bring canned goods or cleaning products and receive a ticket to a raffle.

Madcap Theaters
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free

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SUNDAY

Dia De Los Muertos Celebration @ Desert Botanical Garden
Experience interactive alters, dance, storytelling, garden exhibits and Mexican food to learn about and celebrate the Day of the Dead.

Desert Botanical Gardens
1201 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ, 85008
(480) 941-1225
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Price included in admission to garden ($15)

Phoenix things-to-do: October 23-25

FRIDAY

Waterloo @ The Arizona State Fair
ABBA tribute band, Waterloo, brings everyone’s favorite pop music to life.

Veterans Memorial Coliseum
1826 W. McDowell Rd.
Phoenix, AZ
7 p.m.
$15 for reserved seats. General admission free with fair admission

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When Harry Met Sally @ Biltmore Fashion Park
’80s movies, lovely fall weather, why not? Make sure you show up early and nab a good spot. Two hours is a looooong time if you’re cramped on the ground.

Biltmore Fashion Park
The Northeast corner of 24th Street and Camelback
Phoenix, AZ
7:30 p.m.

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SATURDAY

Living with the Sun Tour @ homes around the Valley
Visit homes and buildings around the Valley to see how you can how you can use solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies to lower bills and be more eco-friendly.

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Shake! @ The Rogue
It’s Azcentral.com Reader’s Choice winner, DJ Funkfinger’s last night at the Rogue. Show him off by coming out and dancing your arse off.

Rogue Bar
423 N Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85257

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SUNDAY
Fry’s Free Weekend @ Arizona Science Museum
Visit the planetarium, IMAX theater and view Robots: The Interactive Exhibition….for Free.

Arizona Science Musuem
October 24, 25, 26
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
600 East Washington Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
General admission: FreePhoe

Phoenix things-to-do: October 16-18

There’s a lot going on this weekend. My suggestion, spend as much time as possible OUTSIDE!

FRIDAY
Waste-Not Empty Bowl Event @ Arizona Center
For $12 choose a handcrafted bowl filled with lunch provided by Sam’s Cafe with proceeds helping to feed the hungry.  The portion is not generous, but it’s typically what a homeless person eats in a day.

Arizona Center
455 N. 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Pretty in Pink @ Biltmore Fashion Park
Enjoy the crisp fall weather while viewing the most hideous prom dress of all time in John Hughes classic, Pretty in Pink. Make sure you show up early and nab a good spot. Two hours is a looooong time if you’re cramped on the ground.

Biltmore Fashion Park
The Northeast corner of 24th Street and Camelback
Phoenix, AZ
7:30 p.m.

Start shopping with the Care Card
Shop guilt free with the Care Card. Not only can you save 20% at over 500 participating retailers, your purchases will help support Ryan House, an organization that helps sick children. Purchase the Care Card for $50…then start shopping!

Care Card
October 16-25
Buy online

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SATURDAY
Forever 21 opens @ Scottsdale Fashion Square
One of the stand-bys for cheap trendy clothes is coming to Scottsdale. Find

Fashion Square
Camelback Road between Scottsdale and 68th Street
Opens @ 10 a.m.

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SUNDAY
Arizona State Fair
Eat fair delicacies, view farm animals, brave rides, attempt to win stuffed animals and do some good people watching this year at our own State Fair.

Arizona State Fair
19th Avenue & McDowell
Tuesday-Sunday
Free Wednesdays

Making Handcrafted Bread @ Sweet Pea Cottage
Learn how to make your own honey wheat bread from scratch.

Sweet Pea Cottage
2017 N. Laurel Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
1 – 5 p.m.
$20 for materials

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Any other ideas? Let me know!

Phoenix things to do: October 9-11

FRIDAY

Obscura @ Ruby Room
DJs Roya and Funkfinger spin alternative ’80s, Brit pop and other retro tracks to get your dancey-dance on.

Ruby Room
717 S. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ
Starts at 9 p.m.
$5

Sunny Day Real Estate @ Marquee
I’m not familiar with this band,  but many of my music-afficianado friends are going, so they are probably good.

Marquee
730 N. Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ
6:30 – 11:30 p.m.

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SATURDAY
Sketching in the Galleries @ Phoenix Art Museum
Bring your pencil, pad and creative spirit to the museum for some sketching amongst the masterpieces.

Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1685
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Included with Museum general admission.

Accessorizing with Rachel Zoe on QVC.com
Get tips for fashionable accessorizing, probably using products from Zoe’s new line on QVC.

QVC.com
1 p.m. EST (10 a.m. in Phoenix)

Perennial Divide @ UofA Cooperative Extenstion Office
Master Gardeners are holding a plant sale and a host of classes on herb gardening, backyard chickens, avocado growing and more for those interested in cultivating some seeds and some knowledge.

UofA Cooperative Extenstion Office
4341 E. Broadway Rd.
Phoenix, AZ
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Tour de Fat @ Tempe Town Lakes
Enjoy bikes, beer gardens and bands at this year’s Tour de Fat in Tempe. New Belgian Brewing company celebrates bikes with a wacky bike parade through downtown Tempe, followed by drinking and music.

Tempe Town Lake
80 W. Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ
Free
480-350-8625

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SUNDAY
Komen Race for the Cure @ the Capitol
You can still register to join more than 30,000 participants in a 5K run or walk to support breast cancer research.

6 a.m.
Arizona Capitol, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix.
$25

Phoenix things-to-do: October 2-4

FRIDAY
Chaos Theory 10 @ Legend City Studios
Enjoy art without having to troll through the First Friday mayhem. This is the 10th year organizer Randy Slack has coordinated this event, which brings together works from over 50 artists.
Legend City Studios
521 W. Van Buren St.
Phoenix, AZ
602-321-2887
6 p.m. to midnight
Free

Movies!
Can’t wait to see Ricky Gervais (and my friend Alison) in the Invention of Lying,  where Gervais is the only person in the world who can lie.

Drew Barrymore’s girl-power pics are always pick-me-ups. Whip It looks to be no different.

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SATURDAY
Bike Swap Meet @ Build-A-Bike
Where the people REALLY into biking go for good deals on parts. Bring someone who knows!

Build-A-Bike
6036 n 43 ave
Glendale az,850301
9:00a.m. -12:00p.m.
Free

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SUNDAY
AIDS Walk in Downtown Phoenix
Raise money for AIDS research and get some exercise; Join the race!

Event entrance at 1st Avenue and Washington
Downtown Phoenix
Walk starts at 8:45 p.m.
$25

Phoenix things to do: September 25-27

FRIDAY
Phoenix Home & Landscape Show @ Arizona Fairgrounds
Visit the Arizona Fairgrounds Friday through the weekend for sustainable garden lectures, home improvement seminars and the Queen of Clean!

Maricopa County Home Show
Arizona State Fairgrounds, located at 19th Ave and W McDowell Rd
Friday, September 25th & Saturday, September 26th from 10 – 7
Sunday, September 27th from 10 – 5.
Tickets $5. Get 1/2 off by visiting MaricopaCountyHomeShows.com
Parking $7

17 Again @ Civic Space
Don’t miss pretty-boy and one of Time’s most influential Zach Efron break from his High School Musical persona to play…another high schooler. The difference, this time there’s gratuitous chest baring. And fewer songs. And you’ll be sitting outside.

Movie Night at Civic Space
Central/Van Buren lightrail station
8 p.m.

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SATURDAY

Grand Avenue Festival on Grand Avenue
When was the last time you took a walking tour in Phoenix? Now’s your chance! Take a walking tour of historic Grand Avenue followed by an afternoon of live music from local artists, art and fashion shows.

Tours begin at Tilted Gallery @ 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
919 W. Fillmore
Phoenix, AZ
Live music from noon – midnight
Tickets for the walking tour $10

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SUNDAY

$28 Prix Fixe meal at Zinc Bistro
Enjoy the almost-outdoor-ready weather and sample a 3-course dinner at Zinc French bistro. Through the month of September (or another few days), they have been offering a rotating menu from Sundays through Tuesdays.

Zinc Bistro
15034 N Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254-8140
(480) 603-0922

It’s couch-time

What’s Cracking Good — Fall TV

If I had a dime for all the times I self-flagellate, thinking about all of the stuff I want/need to do, then recount the time I spent on the couch the night before watching television.

Well, I’d better get my whipping stick ready, because the new fall shows are starting!

Glee’s first season began last night (crossing my fingers it’s still on Tivo).

What I can’t wait for: Bones, The Office and Community starting a week from today. I want to check out HBO’s Bored to Death (with Jason Schwartzman). Thinking about getting Showtime and watching Dexter in a regular season, but not sure my heart can take it.

I downloaded this printable calendar from BuzzSugar with an easy-to-read downloadable calendar with all the September TV dates. Check it out…and plan on some serious couch wear-and-tear.

Feeding the tree of knowledge

What’s Cracking Good — Classes

I love classes.

Since I’ve started freelancing, I’m constantly taking classes; Either to get a sampling of something new or go more in-depth about something I already knew.

In the past 6 months, I’ve taken classes on CSS,  gardening, raising chickens, cooking with chilis and master gardening. I’ve looked at classes for jewelry making, ceramics, Japanese, Spanish, wax casting and about 20 other things.

For awhile, it became a point of slight embarrassment when the answer to the “What are you doing?” question became consistently, “I’m taking a class in (fill in the blank).”

That said, there are SO many great places to take classes…some expensive, some no-reason-to-pass-up cheap. Here are a few places to try:

• The city
• Community colleges
• Local organizations (Phoenix Permaculture Guild)
• Local business (Sweet Basil Gourmet)
• Mesa Arts Center

Anything I’m missing?

Phoenix things to do: September 4-7

FRIDAY
Cucumber Refresher Pedicure @ Sundrops Nail Spot
From September 3-6, get the cucumber pedicure for $25. Afterward, stop at the water store in the same strip mall (next to the former Electric Ladyland) and pick up a Hawaiian ice made with their own flavors, $2 for a small, $2.50 for a large.

Sundrops Nail Spot
3949 E. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85018
602-956-0822

Pretty Young Things @ Majerles’ Club 9
Listen to ladies spin disco, R&B and hip hop…with bubble machines, photo booths and party favors. Party favors? Sponsored by Three Olives Bubblegum Vodka. Might be enough to try that.

Majerles’ Sports Grill
24 N. 2nd St.
Phoenix, AZ

SATURDAY
Buy denim @ Urban Outfitters
This weekend only, Urban Outfitters has a variety of denim styles on sale for $39.

Urban Outfitters
Various locations

SUNDAY
Coming soon…

MONDAY
National Eat-in @ Arizona State Fairgrounds
In order to send a message that our children need better school lunches, local people are gathering with their neighbors to dine. So go, bring a picnic, talk to your neighbors about food, and support good eating for school kids.

Arizona State Fairgrounds
1826 W. McDowell Rd.
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix things to do: August 28 – 31

FRIDAY
944 Birthday Bash
In honor of its 8th birthday, 944 is having a 3 day bash starting Friday. Visit the W Hotel in Scottsdale for an array of DJs …and probably some outstanding people-watching.

944 is 8 party
W Hotel
7277 E. Camelback Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
7 p.m. – 2 a.m.

SATURDAY
Planning your Garden @ Scottsdale Home & Garden Expo
Master Gardener Doreen Pollack dishes about good planting practices for the fall season.

Scottsdale Home & Garden Expo Center
13802 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Requested donation: $10

Miniature Tigers @ the Ice House
I’ve heard precious little about this show, but word on the street (and a few places online) say it’s on…early.

6 p.m.
The Icehouse
429 W Jackson St
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-257-8929
Free

Def Leppard @ Cricket Wireless Pavilion
My very favorite ’80s hairband is coming to Cricket Pavilion. I remember taking my younger sister to Compton Terrace in the late ’80s to see them for her birthday. I was  wearing my newly-ripped jeans, she was wearing those sandals with change-able laces. Good times. Oh yeah, Poison and Cheap Trick are going to be there too.

Def Leppard with Poison & Cheap
Cricket Wireless Pavilion
2121 N. 83rd Ave.
Phoenix, AZ
Tickets are $29.50-125
8 p.m.