Things To Do Around the Valley This Week (November 5-11)

This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for  November 5-11.
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

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

Phoenix Veterans Day Parade
November 11

Former Arizona Diamondback Luis Gonzalez is the grand marshal of this event honoring those who have served our country. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Begins at North Central Avenue and Montebello Avenue, Phoenix, honoringamericasveterans.org

Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express
November 8-December 30

Santa’s elves will read Chris Van Allsburg’s popular holiday book (the basis for the movie starring Tom Hanks) as your family ventures up to “the North Pole.” There will be hot chocolate, cookies, sing-alongs and Santa Claus. Check website for dates. The train leaves at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and RV Park, 233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams, 888-848-3511, thetrain.com

November 9
Walk for Hope 2024

Go the distance and walk to raise funds for City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States. The event begins at 7 a.m. Check website for schedule and entry fees. City of Hope Phoenix Campus, 14200 Celebrate Life Way, Goodyear, cityofhope.org

November 9
Tom Segura

The hilarious co-host of the podcasts Your Mom’s House and Two Bears One Cave brings his brand of observational humor to the Valley. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, footprintcenter.com

November 11
East Valley Veterans Parade

“Arizona Heroes – Global War on Terrorism” is the theme of this annual event honoring veterans and active military. More than 100 parade entries are expected. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Downtown Mesa, near University Drive and Center Street, evvp.org

November 11
Rainbow Kitten Surprise

Attendees of the 2020 Innings Festival were astonished by the indie rock stylings of Rainbow Kitten Surprise. The North Carolina-grown group is catching on as it performs in bigger digs. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com

Tianyu Lights Festival 
Through January 5, 2025

Nature and art come together in one spectacular walk-through light show. Displays include forest creatures, pandas, unicorns, dragons and a three-story, color-changing “butterfly tree.” W.-Su., 5:30-10:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Camelback Ranch – Glendale, 10710 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, tianyuculture.us

THEATRE & DRAMA

November 7-24
The Little Red Hen

The titular character wants to make some bread, but a chick is the only animal willing to help. Will the hen share the bread with the barnyard animals? Find out in this delightful adaptation of the 500-year-old story. Call for times. $15, adults; $10, children 12 and younger. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org

Holiday Inn
Now through November 23

It’s never too early to get into the holiday spirit. That must be why this production of the 1942 musical film about romance and yuletide cheer is getting underway weeks before Halloween. The film starred Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, and featured songs by Irving Berlin, including “White Christmas,” which was allegedly written at the Arizona Biltmore, and inspired its own hit movie musical in 1954. Check website for days and times. $39-$55. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, 480-497-0277, haletheatrearizona.com

Waitress: The Musical
Through November 24

The hit indie film about a waitress who longs for a new life is now a musical featuring music by Sara Bareilles. Call for times and ticket prices. Mainstage Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com

 

SPORTS

Phoenix Suns

Will this year be the one the Suns bring home a championship? Find out when the team takes on the Miami Heat, Nov. 6; Sacramento Kings, Nov. 10; Orlando Magic, Nov. 18; New York Knicks, Nov. 20; Los Angeles Lakers, Nov. 26; Brooklyn Nets, Nov. 27; Golden State Warriors, Nov. 30; San Antonio Spurs, Dec. 3; Indiana Pacers, Dec. 19; Detroit Pistons, Dec. 21; Denver Nuggets, Dec. 25; Dallas Mavericks, Dec. 27; and Memphis Grizzlies, Dec. 31. Call for times and ticket prices. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, suns.com

Arizona Cardinals

The Red Sea will rise as the Cardinals take on the New York Jets, Nov. 10; Seattle Seahawks, Dec. 8; and the New England Patriots, Dec. 15. Call for kickoff times and ticket prices. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, 602-379-0102, azcardinals.com

November 8-10
NASCAR Championship Weekend

It’s the biggest weekend in racing when NASCAR Championship Weekend pulls into Phoenix. Four races take place over three days, and when the checkered flag waves at the finish line, winners will be crowned. Check website for races, times and ticket packages. Phoenix Raceway, 7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr., Avondale, 866-408-7223, phoenixraceway.com

ASU Football

The Sun Devils enter the Big 12 Conference with matchups against University of Central Florida, Nov. 9; and Brigham Young University, Nov. 23. Call for times and ticket prices. Mountain America Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480-727-0000, thesundevils.com

CONCERTS

TUESDAY

• bixby with Joon @ The Rebel Lounge
• Girlschool with Alcatrazz & Lillian Axe @ The Van Buren
• vaultboy with Jordan Suaste @ Valley Bar

WEDNESDAY

• Mark Ambor with kenzie @ Crescent Ballroom
• nobigdyl. with Aklesso and Jon Keith @ Valley Bar
• Warren G with The Twinz @ The Van Buren

THURSDAY

• Jesse McCartney @ The Van Buren
• Nitzer Ebb @ Crescent Ballroom
• Shakira @ Footprint Center
•  Zinadelphia @ Last Exit Live

FRIDAY

• Club 90s Chappell Roan Night @ The Van Buren
• Emo Nite LA @ Crescent Ballroom
•  LFA 196 @ Arizona Financial Theatre
•  Marco Antonio Solís @ Footprint Center
• Vincent Lima with Chance Emerson @ Valley Bar
• Vir Das @ Mesa Arts Center

SATURDAY

•  John Craigie with Kassi Valazza @ Crescent Ballroom
• King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard with King Stingray @ Arizona Financial Theatre
• Mod Sun & lovelytheband with Huddy & No Love For The Middle Child @ The Van Buren
• Porches with sweet93 @ Valley Bar
• Zach Templar with Frank Sativa @ The Rebel Lounge

SUNDAY

• Homeshake @ Crescent Ballroom

MONDAY (VETERANS DAY)

• Bear Hands with Worry Club @ Crescent Ballroom
• Rainbow Kitten Surprise with Madi Diaz @ Arizona Financial Theatre
• State Champs with Knuckle Puck, Meet Me @ The Altar & Daisy Grenade @ The Van Buren

Buy tickets at LIVENATION.COM or TICKETMASTER.COM

 

November 16
AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews

Tap into this event that features more than 25 local breweries, distilleries and wineries. There will also be a variety of food trucks to keep you and your designated driver happy. 1-5 p.m. $19-$85. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, azbottlesandbrews.com

January 18-26
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction