This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for September 3-8.
Calendar listings include public events and attractions from around the Valley and state. Confirm information before making plans by calling the listed phone number, or check each website for last minute confirmation or cancellations. E-mail calendar.events@citieswestmedia.com to submit events for consideration.
SPECIAL EVENTS
September 4
Tucker Carlson
It’s an election year, so if you want even more commentary on the candidates, you can watch the former Fox News TV host ruminate on the race and more. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, footprintcenter.com
16th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art
Starting September 7
More than 20 artists from the southwestern United States will capture the majestic beauty of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim “en plein air” in full view of the park’s visitors. The finished works will be on display and available for purchase online and at the Kolb Studio inside the park, with proceeds benefiting the Grand Canyon Conservancy. Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, 928-638-2481, grandcanyon.org
September 7
Sippin’ Series: Empress Gin Garden Party
Cocktail scholars eager to sample the finest spirits can stop by and sip some drinks mixed with Empress Gin. 7-9 p.m. $50. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale, scottsdaleperformingarts.org
September 4
Creed
Whether the post-grunge band is worthy of a comeback is up to the fans to decide. With its greatest hits compilation climbing the charts, fans are declaring the “With Arms Wide Open” group never really went away. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-7200, livenation.com
September 4
Buddy Guy
The influential blues guitarist, who turned 88 this year, isn’t interested in slowing down. He still plays more than 100 shows a year, including this one in Phoenix at the historic Celebrity Theatre. 7:30 p.m., $40-$135, Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, 602-267-1600, celebritytheatre.com
September 7
Alec Benjamin
The singer-songwriter (and native Phoenician) is returning home to perform songs from his newest album, 12 Notes. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
Flashlight Nights
Through September 14
Bring the family to experience a magical nighttime adventure during self-paced flashlight tours at Desert Botanical Garden. It’s an excellent opportunity to see, hear and feel the desert night, including nighthawks, snakes, insects and night-blooming flowers. Sa, 6:30-9:30 p.m. $24.95 adult admission, $14.95 children ages 3-17. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 480-941-1225, dbg.org
Summer Arts Classes
Through August 29
Children of all ages can take classes in dance and movement, mosaics, ceramics and watercolor painting. Call for times and prices. Phoenix Center for the Arts, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix, 602-254-3100, phoenixcenterforthearts.org
CONCERTS
Tuesday, 9/3
- Jack Botts @ Valley Bar
Wednesday, 9/4
- CREED with 3 Doors Down & Finger Eleven @ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
- Mike Ryan @ Valley Bar
Thursday, 9/5
- Dan + Shay with Jake Owen & Dylan Marlowe @ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
- Kikuo @ The Van Buren
Friday, 9/6
- KIDZ BOP LIVE 2024 @ Arizona Financial Theatre
- Novo Amor @ The Van Buren
Saturday, 9/7
- The Airborne Toxic Event with Tyler Ramsey @ The Van Buren
- Alec Benjamin with Matt Hansen @ Arizona Financial Theatre
- Logan Ledger & Jeremy Pinnell @ Valley Bar
Buy tickets at LIVENATION.COM or TICKETMASTER.COM
SPORTS
Arizona Diamondbacks
The D-Backs cap off another amazing season by taking on the Texas Rangers, Sept. 10-11; Milwaukee Brewers, Sept. 13-15; San Francisco Giants, Sept. 23-25; and San Diego Padres, Sept. 27-29. Call for times and ticket prices. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-514-8400, dbacks.com
ASU Football
The Sun Devils take on Mississippi State University, Sept. 7; Kansas University, Oct. 5; and University of Utah, Oct. 11. Call for times and ticket prices. ASU Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480-727-0000, thesundevils.com
Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury will close out the all-star season against the Atlanta Dream, Sept. 3; Washington Mystics, Sept. 5; Connecticut Sun, Sept. 13; and Seattle Storm, Sept. 19. Call for times and ticket prices. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, mercury.wnba.com
Phoenix Rising F.C.
The season for the Valley’s soccer team comes to a close with matches against F.C. Tulsa, Sept. 6; San Antonio F.C., Sept. 21; Las Vegas Lights F.C., Sept. 28; Monterey Bay F.C., Oct. 4; and Memphis 901 F.C., Oct. 19. Call for times and ticket prices. Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium, 3801 E. Washington St., Phoenix, phxrisingfc.com
THEATRE & DRAMA
September 5-29
Hansel and Gretel
The dark tale from the Brothers Grimm about two kids, a witch and an edible home will be brought to life with rod puppets and music from the famous opera by Engelbert Humperdinck. Call for times. $12, adults; $8, children 12 and younger. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org
September 4-November 3
We Ain’t Ever Gonna Break Up: The Hymon & Parfunkel Musical
Mamma Mia, Jersey Boys, Tina. The jukebox musical is more popular than ever, so the time is right for them to be parodied. Featuring music from a band that never existed, this play follows the hilarious story of a folk duo that rose to fame with their signature song about staying together, only to break up constantly. Call for times and ticket prices. Judith Hardes Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com
September 6-22
Cats
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking, family-friendly musical, based on the work of poet T.S. Eliot, tells the story of a tribe of felines who must choose who among them is worthy to ascend to the “Heaviside Layer.” Check website for times. $40-$46. Gyder Theater at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Dr., Peoria, 623-815-7930, theaterworks.org
Through October 5
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice penned this musical that retells the Biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. Check website for days and times. $39-$58. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, 480-497-0277, haletheatrearizona.com
Through October 31
Drunk Shakespeare
If you didn’t like Shakespeare in high school, this is the event for you. The concept is simple: One performer downs five shots of liquor and takes the cast through a play by the Bard in 90 minutes. Check website for times and ticket prices. The Rose Theatre, 455 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, drunkshakespeare.com
Clue: The Musical
Through September 22
Try to solve this fun-filled murder mystery with catchy songs and a surprising twist. Check website for times and ticket prices. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria. azbroadway.org
THINGS TO DO LOOK AHEAD
Green Day
September 18
Two of the punk band’s landmark albums, Dookie and American Idiot, are celebrating their 30th and 20th anniversaries, respectively. The trio will perform each of them in their entirety for this raucous show. 5:30 p.m. Check website for showtimes. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-514-8400, dbacks.com
Kacey Musgraves
September 27
The country-pop star will come to Glendale as part of her Deeper Well World Tour, with accompanying acts Father John Misty and Nickel Creek. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, 623-772-3240, desertdiamondarena.com
Kevin Hart
October 11-12
The busiest (and shortest) man in showbiz is heading out on the road for a comedy tour titled Acting My Age. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
Swan Lake
October 24-27
Tchaikovsky’s classic score intensifies the passion and heartbreak of this timeless love story. Check website for times and ticket prices. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix, 602-262-6225, balletaz.org
November 8-17
Canal Convergence
Eye-popping art that reflects color, water and light in both the literal and metaphorical sense will illuminate the Arizona Canal this fall. This annual event, presented by Scottsdale Public Art, will also feature hands-on activities, workshops, music and dance performances, and a beer and wine garden. Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, canalconvergence.com
