This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for August 18-24.
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
Arizona Cardinals
The preseason ends with a matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug. 23. Check website for game times and ticket prices. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, 602-379-0102, azcardinals.com
Hidden Brain on Tour
August 23
Do you know what’s really going on in your head? The host and creator of the Hidden Brain podcast, Shankar Vedantam, will share his insights into the best stories from the show’s first decade. 6 p.m. $56.50-$91.50. Ikeda Theater at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com
Phoenix Art Museum
Through August 31
Charles Gaines: Numbers and Trees (Arizona Series), through July 20; The World of Anna Sui, through Sept. 28; Funny Business: Photography and Humor (pictured), through Jan. 4, 2026; and Florentine Baroque: The Haukohl Collection, Aug. 27-July 26, 2026. Call for times and ticket prices. 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-257-1880, phxart.org
THEATRE & DRAMA
The Little Engine That Could
August 21-September 21
Will an optimistic train engine make it over the big hill? Find out in this puppet play made just for little ones. Call for times. $15, adults; $8, children 12 and younger. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org
Drunk Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet
Through August 31
If you didn’t like reading Romeo and Juliet in high school, then this is the event for you. The concept is simple: One performer downs five shots of liquor and then hilariously takes the cast through the greatest love story ever written. Check website for times and ticket prices. The Rose Theatre, 455 N. Third St., Phoenix, drunkshakespeare.com
SPORTS
Arizona Cardinals
The preseason begins with matchups against the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug. 23. Check website for game times and ticket prices. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, 602-379-0102, azcardinals.com
Arizona Diamondbacks
See if the D-backs can slither their way to the top of the NL West when they take on the Cleveland Guardians, Aug. 18-20; and Cincinnati Reds, Aug. 22-24. Call for times and ticket prices. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-514-8400, dbacks.com
Phoenix Rising F.C.
The Valley’s soccer team is heating up! Watch them take on Colorado Springs F.C., Aug. 23; and El Paso Locomotive F.C., Aug. 30. Call for times and ticket prices. Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium, 3801 E. Washington St., Phoenix, phxrisingfc.com
Phoenix Mercury
The WNBA’s Mercury begin their rise to the top as they take on the Golden State Valkyries, Aug. 22; Chicago Sky, Aug. 28; and New York Liberty, Aug. 30. Call for times and ticket prices. PHX Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, mercury.wnba.com
CONCERTS & COMEDY
Damian Marley and Stephen Marley
August 19
This year would be iconic reggae artist Bob Marley’s 80th birthday. His sons – Grammy-award-winning musical artists in their own right – are hitting the road to celebrate. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 480-659-1641, livenation.com
Lil Jon
August 23
The rapper and producer who pioneered crunk is coming to the Valley to “Get Low.” 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. The Showroom at Gila River Resort, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, 800-946-4452, playatgila.com
Men I Trust
August 23
The Canadian dream pop band is going on tour to support its critically acclaimed new albums: Equus Asinus and Equus Caballus. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
Big Time Rush
August 23
Fans of the beloved Nickelodeon series, take note: The boy band will be performing songs from each episode of the show, and it’s bringing co-stars Katelyn Tarver and Stephen Kramer Glickman (Jo and Gustavo) along for the ride. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-7200, livenation.com
Tennis
August 23
Before they go on indefinite hiatus, the husband-and-wife duo of Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley are touring in support of their final album, Face Down in the Garden. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 480-659-1641, livenation.com
THINGS TO DO LOOK AHEAD
Summer Wine Series
August 28
The Wine Collective of Scottsdale will provide the drinks at this event located at the Museum of Illusions that you have to see to believe. Tickets include two glasses of wine, charcuterie, access to the museum’s exhibits and music provided by a live DJ. 6-8 p.m. $39.95. Museum of Illusions Scottsdale, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, moiscottsdale.com
Arizona State Fair
September 19-October 26
It’s the perfect time of year for rodeos, monster trucks, carnival rides, deep-fried food and other state fair traditions. There’s also the Coliseum Concert Series, where the Latin pop group Reik is scheduled to perform. Check website for ticket prices and event schedules. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, 602-252-6771, azstatefair.com
September 24
Benson Boone
After a jaw-dropping set at Coachella, where he performed Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” with the group’s guitarist Brian May, the backflipping singer-songwriter is hitting the road to perform songs from his latest album, American Heart. 8 p.m. Check website for prices. Desert Diamond Arena, 29400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, 623-772-3200, desertdiamondarena.com
