This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for August 3-9.
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
John Mellencamp
August 9
The singer-songwriter is hitting the road with a playlist of classics he hasn’t performed in years, including “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” and “I Need a Lover.” 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-7200, livenation.com
August 8-9
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire
Did you ever wish that your toy trucks could come to life? In this family-friendly event, Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Boneshaker, Bigfoot and the firetruck HW 5-Alarm will smash cars right before your eyes. There will also be a laser light show, dance parties and giveaways. Check website for ticket prices and showtimes. Desert Diamond Arena, 29400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, 623-772-3200, desertdiamondarena.com
August 6-9
2026 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships
Some of the best junior and senior gymnasts will be competing in Downtown Phoenix for a national title as well as a spot on the U.S. National Team for a chance to compete in this year’s World Championships in Rotterdam. Check website for time and ticket prices. Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, mortgagematchupcenter.com
Flashlight Nights
Through September 26
Bring the family to experience a magical nighttime adventure with the Desert Botanical Garden’s series of self-paced flashlight tours. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience the desert night, filled with the beauty of night-blooming flowers and the sounds of flying predators, slithering snakes and insects scurrying in their natural habitat. Saturdays only. Check website for available times. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 480-941-1225, dbg.org
THEATRE & DRAMA
Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville
Through August 29
Get ready for mystery and laughs in this adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes story The Hound of the Baskervilles. Check website for days and times. $32-$42. 8989 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, 480-314-0841, donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com
Rumpelstiltskin
Through August 9
This fairy tale about a woman who promises her firstborn to a mysterious little man with a very long name gets a hilarious twist in the hands of the puppeteers of the Great Arizona Puppet Theater. Call for times. $15, adults; $8, children 12 and younger. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org
Les Misérables
Through August 30
Don’t miss this award-winning musical based on the epic Victor Hugo novel. It chronicles one man’s search for resilience and redemption in 19th-century France, and features classic showtunes like “One Day More” and “I Dreamed a Dream.” Call for times and ticket prices. Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J Stephenson Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Through August 15
A mermaid longs to be part of the world above the ocean, so she makes a deal with a sea witch to make her dream come true in this production based on the timeless Disney classic. Check website for times and ticket prices. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, 480-497-0277, haletheatrearizona.com
Drunk Shakespeare: Drunk Pirates
Through August 30
A swashbuckling story will be told on stage. However, one of the actors will be drunk on five shots of whiskey while the sober cast follows their lead. Check website for times and ticket prices. The Rose Theatre, 455 N. Third St., Phoenix, drunkshakespeare.com
CONCERTS & COMEDY
August 3
John Cameron Mitchell: Hedwig 25th Anniversary Movie Tour
John Cameron Mitchell, the writer, director and star of the cult film Hedwig and the Angry Inch, will be in Phoenix for a 4K screening of the punk musical. After the credits have stopped rolling, Mitchell will then share stories about the making of his masterpiece, answer audience questions and perform acoustic versions of some of the songs from the soundtrack. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 480-659-1641, livenation.com
August 5
Passion Pit
It was 20 years ago when multi-instrumentalist Michael Angelakos began Passion Pit in his dorm room at Emerson College. Now the “Sleepyhead” group is celebrating this milestone with a nationwide tour. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 480-659-1641, livenation.com
August 7
Rick Ross
The rapper is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut album, Port of Miami, with an orchestra tour. Fans are encouraged to dress in black tie for the show. 8 p.m. $89.04-$300.04. Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, 602-267-1600, celebritytheatre.com
August 7
O.A.R.
Gavin DeGraw and Lisa Loeb will join the “Shattered (Turn the Car Around)” band as they celebrate its 30th anniversary together. 6:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
August 8
Trace Adkins
There is a rumor that Adkins will be hanging up his cowboy hat for good after he completes his 30th Anniversary Tour this fall, so now is a good a time to catch the “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” singer live on stage before it’s too late. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Showroom at Wild Horse Pass, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, playatgila.com
Kali Uchis
August 7
The genre-fluid singer, who possesses one of the most distinctive voices in pop music today, is taking her dreamy new album Sincerely on the road. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, livenation.com
August 9
John Mellencamp
The singer-songwriter dropped the “Cougar” from his name decades ago. However, he is hitting the road for a tour with a playlist of classic songs he hasn’t performed since he was known by that name, including “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.,” “I Need a Lover” and “Ain’t Even Done with the Night.” 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-7200, livenation.com
SPORTS
Arizona Diamondbacks
Will Ketel Marte and the D-backs find a way to the top of NL West? Find out when they take on the San Diego Padres, Aug. 3-6; Los Angeles Dodgers, Aug. 7-9; Colorado Rockies, Aug. 10-12; Cincinnati Reds, Aug. 21-23; Chicago Cubs, Aug. 24-26; and Philadelphia Phillies, Aug. 31. Call for times and ticket prices. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-514-8400, dbacks.com
Phoenix Mercury
Will the Mercury make another run for the WNBA Finals? There’s only one way to find out. Watch them live as they take on the Portland Fire, Aug. 16; Atlanta Dream, Aug. 22; Washington Mystics, Aug. 25 and 27; and Toronto Tempo, Aug. 29. Call for times and ticket prices. Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, mercury.wnba.com
Phoenix Rising F.C.
The Rising are making another run for the USL Championship. Watch them as they take on Colorado Springs Switchbacks F.C., Aug. 19; and Indy Eleven, Aug. 29. Call for times and ticket prices. Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium, 3801 E. Washington St., Phoenix, phxrisingfc.com
THINGS TO DO LOOK AHEAD
Arizona Craft Beer Festival
October 31
Brand new location: The Post in Downtown Mesa! Come celebrate the best of Arizona beer at the AZ Craft Beer Festival. PHOENIX magazine, in partnership with the Arizona Craft Brewer’s Guild, is proud to present the 5th Annual AZ Craft Beer Awards, recognizing the best in Arizona brewing! The Festival, held on October 31, 2026, will be the celebration of these awards, bringing the beer community together so we can all enjoy the best Arizona has to offer! October 31, 2026; VIP Entry: 11 AM; General Admission Entry: 12 Noon; Late Admission Entry: 1 PM; Event ends: 4:00 PM. Tickets on sale now at tickets.phoenixmag.com
Lionel Richie with Earth, Wind & Fire
August 11
Are you going to “Sing a Song” or start “Dancing on the Ceiling”? Now that the latest season of American Idol is over, Richie can do what he does best: perform his decades of hits. Joining him: Earth, Wind & Fire. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, ticketmaster.com
Jack White
October 3
Arguably Detroit’s best export since the automobile, White presently resides in Tennessee. The prolific guitarist will be coming to the Valley to perform songs from his latest album, the raucous No Name. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, livenation.com
Jack Johnson
October 6
Fans can get a sneak peek at Jack Johnson’s latest documentary, titled SURFILMUSIC, and hear some of the songs on its soundtrack when the “Better Together” singer-songwriter heads out on tour for the first time in four years. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, livenation.com
Labyrinth: In Concert
October 29
It’s been 40 years since David Bowie’s codpiece traumatized a generation of children in Jim Henson’s classic fantasy film. Now you can relive that experience with a live band performing the movie’s classic songs, including “Magic Dance.” 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix, orpheumphx.com
About this guide
Calendar listings include public events and attractions from around the Valley and state. Confirm information before making plans by calling the listed phone number. Submissions must arrive at least 8-10 weeks prior to the month of publication/event. E-mail to: calendar.events@citieswestmedia.com; or mail to: PHOENIX magazine, 16100 N. 71st St., Ste. 170, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
