This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for August 25-September 1.
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
Kali Uchis
August 27
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. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. PHX Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, phx-arena.com
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
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
Through 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
ASU Football
Forks up! The Arizona State Sun Devils kick off the 2025 season Saturday night at Mountain America Stadium against Northern Arizona. 7pm. Tickets at thesundevils.com
Phoenix Rising F.C.
The Valley’s soccer team is heating up! Watch them take on 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 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
August 25
Modest Mouse
The alt-rockers’ breakthrough album Good News for People Who Love Bad News is now old enough to drink, so grab your favorite beverage and see the Portland-based group perform “Float On.” 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 480-659-1641, livenation.com
August 26
Pantera
Now that frontman Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown are friends again, the metal pioneers are hitting the road for the Heaviest Tour of the Summer. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-7200, livenation.com
August 27
The Offspring
Jimmy Eat World is opening for the punk rockers behind the hits “Self-Esteem” and “Pretty Fly (For A White Guy).” 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-7200, livenation.com
August 28
The Wallflowers
The Wallflowers started as a band led by Jakob Dylan, son of Bob, but in the decades since, it has evolved into more of a solo project for the charismatic frontman. Not to worry, he’ll still play “One Headlight,” which took home a Grammy, with his touring band. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, 480-829-0607, luckymanonline.com
August 28
Nelly
If the temperature is too much this summer, blame the St. Louis rapper for bringing the heat. The “Hot in Herre” artist is coming to Phoenix to party with Ja Rule and Eve. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-7200, livenation.com
August 29
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
Contemporary hits get a ragtime twist thanks to the clever arrangements of this musical collective, which gained popularity on YouTube for its covers of Lady Gaga and Meghan Trainor. 8 p.m. $46-$86.50. Ikeda Theater at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com
August 31
“Weird Al” Yankovic
The comedy star, known for parodying hit songs by Michael Jackson and Nirvana, is playing his extensive catalog of hits on his Bigger and Weirder Tour. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
THINGS TO DO LOOK AHEAD
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
November 8 & 9
Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships
America’s most attended polo event returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale for two days filled with fashion, music and of course: the sport of polo with teams coming in from all over the world. Dubbed “Polo Weekend,” the event includes a brand new WestWorld Art & Wine Experience. Ticket and info at thepoloparty.com
