From Glendale to Gilbert, downtown neighborhoods across the Valley have flourished over the past decade, sprouting high with local restaurants, boutiques, theaters and that all-important “cultural density.” Now, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, they need our love more than ever.
This Saturday, October 19, 13 cideries from six states will come together in the Valley at the second annual Southwest Cider Festival. Hosted by Mesa-based Cider Corps, the Valley’s first fully dedicated cidery, the festival will showcase the growing popularity of craft cider in the region. Festivalgoers can enjoy samples of local and regional ciders while feasting on food truck fare and listening to live music. Attendees can imbibe ciders from Arizona’s four cideries –...
Nestled in an unassuming strip mall, east Mesa newcomer Tucked Away Craft Kitchen and Bar is aptly named. Owned by Sean Hayes and Jo Ann Franko, the couple behind Mesa’s Tipsy Cactus TapRoom, there’s more to this cozy, chef-driven eatery than meets the eye. “Our landlords had approached us with an offer to open a second spot in another of their locations,” Franko says. “Since we already owned a tap room where only beer and...
Recent changes in Mesa have champions of the sleepy burg thinking big.
Chef Danny Jeong’s freewheeling fusion eatery in Mesa combines Korean, Japanese and Italian cuisines.
A new live-work space for artists pops up in Mesa.
1. Deep Purple & Alice Cooper with The Edgar Winter Band at Ak-Chin Pavilion – August 15
Deep Purple continues their Long Goodbye Tour in support of their latest album, “Infinite.” Alice Cooper will join them as he plays all his hits like “School’s Out” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” $15+. 6:30-11 p.m. Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, concerts1.livenation.com.
1. Book of Souls Tour with Iron Maiden at Talking Stick Resort Arena – June 28
Whether you were a metal-loving teen in the ‘80s or discovered the genre in the 21st century, Iron Maiden has surely blasted forth from your speakers at some point. They have transcended the decades and continue to rock in 2017. This year’s tour is coming off their 2016 tour that reached six continents and 35 countries. They’ll be joined by the band Ghost while they travel in the states. $65+. 11 p.m. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, ironmaiden.com.
Still haven't hashed out your Easter plans yet? Forget toiling in the kitchen over dried-out ham and deviled eggs, and let the pros handle it. We've got you covered with a round-up of the best Easter brunches around the Valley.
1. AZ Wine & Dine – April 13
Arizona continues making its mark on the foodie world with AZ Wine & Dine. The sixth annual event brings together top chefs, restaurateurs and beverage makers from around the state for an evening of sampling. Presented by Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association, the event includes live entertainment, a silent auction, and tastings from boutique wineries and microbreweries. 5-8 p.m. $69-$79. Scottsdale Quarter, 15059 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, azwineanddine.com, 602-604-0729.
The Valley is no New York City, but it’s also not as whitewashed as some would have you believe. Case in point: In a 2016 study by WalletHub, Phoenix ranked in the top 50 most diverse cities in the nation. And we all know what that means… amazing ethnic food! From flavor-packed Ethiopian to level-five-spicy Thai to authentic Mexican, there’s always a veritable around-the-world restaurant crawl just waiting to happen. And if you want to try your hand at actually making Grandma’s recipe from the Old Country, the Valley’s got you covered at one of its many ethnic markets.
1. March Madness Music Fest at Margaret T. Hance Park – March 31-April 2
The 2017 Division I Men’s Basketball Championship will be taking place on April 1 and 3 at the University of Phoenix Stadium, but you don’t need to be a big hoops fan to enjoy the FREE three-day concert in Downtown Phoenix to celebrate the end of March Madness. Keith Urban will be playing on Friday. The Chainsmokers, Grouplove and more will take over on Saturday. The weekend will end with Aerosmith, Macklemore, Blink-182 and Nathaniel Rateliff on Sunday. F, 4-10 p.m.; Sa, 2-10:30 p.m.; Su, 3-10 p.m. Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver St., Phoenix, ncaa.com/marchmadness/musicfest.