Archive for the ‘Things to do’ Category
Phoenix things to do: July 30 – August 1
Hello! I’m not in town this weekend, so I must admit, I’ve been a little lackadaisical about finding things to do in Phoenix. Chances are, if you’re into Lady Gaga (who plays this Friday), you already have your tickets and outfit ready for the big show. For the rest of you — stay out of the heat and maybe try something new…like:
Have dim sum @ a Valley location
A friend had suggested Phoenix Palace for delicious BBQ pork and raved about the dim sum. I finally went the other day and I think it might be my favorite destination in town. It was a little fancy, the food was delicious and the bill still came to less than $10 per person — and we were all filled to capacity.
Mini Tigers storm Phoenix with Fortress
What’s Cracking Good — Miniature Tigers new album
One of my favorite (now former) local bands, Miniature Tigers, is all grown up.
Their second album, Fortress, is set to hit streets tomorrow, and they are celebrating with a local show for their truest fans — US!
Tickets for the show (also with Spinto Band & Kinch) are available at Stinkweeds, Hoodlums or Zia Records. With your purchase, you will also receive a coupon for a free 7″ of the new single Gold Skull, which can be redeemed at the show. Arrive early, copies are limited.
Rhythm Room
1019 E. Indian School Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
$10-12
Phoenix things to do: July 23 – 25
FRIDAY
Beat the Clock 48 Film Challenge viewing @ Phoenix Art Museum
33 teams are given 48 hours to write, shoot and edit a 3 minute film. Watch what they come up with.
Phoenix Art Museum
1625 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. First screening at 6 p.m.
SATURDAY
Check out the new HM @ Scottsdale Fashion Square
It’s seems like there’s been a place-holder for HM in the Barney’s wing of SFS forever! Finally, it’s time to see the new stylish discount store in all its glory. Question: will this increase the changing room line at Forever21…or decrease it?
Scottsdale Fashion Square
Scottsdale Rd/Camelback (see map)
SUNDAY
Watch the new season of Mad Men on AMC
When we left off, Don Draper and crew are starting their own agency and Don and his wife were getting a divorce (good riddance, Betty!). Get spiffy, pour yourself a martini, and watch the drama unfold.
AMC (43 if you have Cox)
10 p.m.
CRACKING GOOD THINGS OF THE WEEK
Old Spice responds to your Tweets
Phoenix things to do: July 16 – 18
FRIDAY
Sing-a-long with Grease @ AMC Esplanade
Tell me more, tell me more…
I’ll tell you…it’s Grease. You sing. It’s fun.
AMC Esplanade
2515 E Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ
7:00 p.m. & 9:45 p.m.
SATURDAY
Scottsdale Twilight Town Trek in Old Town Scottsdale
It’s the Scottsdale version of The Amazing Race. 2 members per team, 11 clues, 10 destinations, challenges and more.
The Blue Moose
7373 Scottsdale Mall
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Registration/check-in at 6 p.m.
Race from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
$90 per team
SUNDAY
50% off vintage @ Blueberry Deluxe
For the remainder of July, get 50% off all vintage at Blueberry Deluxe: dresses, jewelry, belts, shoes and more.
Blueberry Deluxe
702 Montecito Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85013
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
CRACKING GOOD SALES
- 21% off summer deals @ Forever21 through 7/18
- Take an extra 15% off sale items @ Lulu’s with coupon code SUMMER
- Find items under $100, $50 or $30 at Need Supply Company.
CRACKING GOOD THINGS OF THE WEEK
Boy finds his own E.T.
Boy Finds Own Real-Life E.T.
Hopelessly devoted to sing-a-longs
What’s Cracking Good — Sing-a-longs
Several years ago, I resided in Burbank, California, and commuted to Phoenix once a month to see my now-husband. On his trips to me, I attempted to plan new, fun and interesting things to do; thus my discovery of Sing-a-long with Sound of Music at Hollywood Bowl.
I’ve watched Sound of Music all my life. I even used to put on performances of Sound of Music in my basement as a kid (I was always Leisl). I figured that I was probably one of the few people in the Los Angeles area who felt such a kinship with the movie. I waited until the event day to buy tickets — I figured we’d be one of a few in the audience.
I was wrong.
20,000+ people crowded into the Hollywood Bowl to sing The Hills are Alive at the top of their lungs. Hundreds dressed up for the costume contest (the winning costume: the hills are alive). It might have been one of the most fun things I’d ever done.
So you can only imagine my excitement to hear there’s a Sing-A-long to Grease event right here in Phoenix.
As much as I loved Leisl, I wanted to BE Olivia Newton John. My mom even tried to do my hair in Bad-girl Sandy-style for my first dance.
Now, for 2 hours, I can at least sing with her — with a couple hundred other Phoenix residents.
Grease Sing-A-Long
AMC Esplanade
July 15, 2010
7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Get a free pass via Crafty Chica
Staff picks
What’s Cracking Good — Staff meals
I remember visiting Pizzeria Bianco back when it was located at Town & Country Mall.
The spot is now a destination for spandex gym rats, but back then, my not-yet-husband and I would visit, dine, watch Chris Bianco’s pizza artistry, and feel like we’d uncovered something cool (obviously).
On one late-ish night visit, the employees pushed a bunch of tables together and gathered around. Soon after, Chris brought out a platter heaped with amazing-looking pasta — everyone dug in.
We felt like we were viewing some secret restaurant rite: the staff meal.
Now, however, the staff meal has come to mean something a little different. The new staff meal is for everyone — and consists of one or more late-night specials: often comfort food, but with a gourmet twist, like Sonoran hot dogs or pork tacos.
A few Scottsdale restaurants have started introducing these special after-10 p.m. offerings:
Petite Maison
Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m., the chef offers one or two special items — usually between $8 and $12 each. Items range from last week’s poutine (aka gourmet-y cheese fries) to soft-shell crab sliders. Follow them on Twitter to get the menu item of the day.
FnB
Friday and Saturday nights this new hot spot is open ’til midnight where — can eat $10 chilaquiles, $3 chips and salsa and other nightly specials. Note: FnB closes for summer vacation from July 26 – August 16.
Phoenix things to do: July 9 – 11
FRIDAY
Try some homemade noodles @ China Magic Noodle House
Some things are worth the trek to Chandler. Noodles are one of them. I’ve been dying to try this new noodle spot ever since I saw a photo of a chef pulling noodles from a ball of dough. I want to try seafood with fried noodles, beef noodles with garlic sauce — and then some sort of soup.
China Magic Noodle House
2015 North Dobson Rd. (in the Lee Lee’s market plaza)
Chandler, AZ
(480) 786-8002
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday
SATURDAY
Converting from Grass to Xeriscape to Save Water, Time & Money @ Dobson Ranch Branch Library
Landscape Designer, Nick Bourque, will explain how to remove grass, then offer design ideas for a less water-intensive landscape.
Dobson Ranch Branch Library
2425 S Dobson Rd.
Mesa, AZ
***
Prowl and Play @ Phoenix Zoo
Visit the zoo when it’s (relatively) cooler …and cheaper. The train and kids’ rides will be open, and Radio Disney will be on-site with music and prizes…and then there are the animals.
Phoenix Zoo
6 – 9:30 p.m.
$5 for members, $6 for non-members
***
Obscura @ Rips
Britpop, indie, new wave — DJs Roya & Funkfinger do it up dance-style.
All this and $2 house pints, $3 wells, $5 calls all night. Go! Dance!
Rips Ales & Cocktails
3045 N. 16th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
$5
SUNDAY
World Cup Final: Netherlands vs Spain
After this game is over, you don’t have to think about soccer again for another 4 years.
WEEKEND DEALS
Phoenix things-to-do: July 2 – 5th
FRIDAY
Real Twi-hards were probably in line at midnight Tuesday night. Now it’s everyone else’s turn. Want something less teen? Try Cyrus with Jonah Hill and John C. Reilly.
***
MC Hammer @ Fort McDowell Casino
“U Can’t Touch This,” “Too Legit to Quit” — those were some good tunes back in the day. Hell, they’re good tunes NOW. One can only hope that the Hammer will be wearing his signature pants.
Fort McDowell Casino
10424 N. Fort McDowell Rd.
Fort Mcdowell AZ, 85264
8 p.m.
$25-40
SATURDAY
Firecracker Film Extravaganza @ Madcap Theaters
12 hours of yet-to-be-named movies from 1977 to 1989…non-stop. The movies will remain a mystery, but the website indicates that “Films selected will showcase the talents of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Robert Englund and Harrison Ford.” Guests are encouraged to bring something for the in-movie potluck.
MADCAP Theaters
730 S. Mill Ave.
Tempe AZ, 85281
7 p.m.
$15 tickets available online
SUNDAY (JULY 4th!)
Watch fireworks around town
What’s an Independence Day without fireworks? Just another barbecue. Here’s a list of fireworks around town.
MONDAY
Sign up to win home decor items @ MarthaStewart.com
Every day this month, Martha Stewart is offering a different design giveaway. Monday’s giveaway: $100 Home Decorators Collection Gift Card. Sign up — what do you have to lose?
***
Diamondbacks vs. Cubs @ Chase Field
What’s a more American way to spend the July 4th holiday weekend than with dogs, beer and D-backs.
Chase Field
401 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
1:10 p.m.
$12 – $175
WEEKEND DEALS
Save 50% on all mens and womens clothing, like this cool hoodie, originally $108, now $54.
Enter code FIREWORKS at checkout to receive discount. Free shipping on orders over $40. Ends July 5.
Take an extra 30% off clearance tops through Monday, July 5th with coupon code TOP30.
Lots of good spring stuff on sale up to 50% off, like this jersey wrap dress, originally $118, now $69.90.
Enter coupon code BR4JULY to receive the discount through July 5th.
Street artists — in Phoenix
What (or Who) is Cracking Good — Banksy
I can’t say I was really excited to see the movie.
It was Sunday, 110 degrees and I was headed to see an art film, Banksy’s Exit Through the Gift Shop. I didn’t really feel like it, but friends were going, my husband was interested. What else was I going to do?
I’d heard of Banksy (pronounced Banks -y. I had always thought it was Ban – sky) in general terms: street artist, London, blah blah blah.
He produced things like this and this on Isreal’s West Bank Wall and this and this in London.
I braced myself for an art film. And then for the next 90 minutes — I smiled.
What I came away with: Banksy is genius. Clever, talented, funny…and a flippin’ genius.
“That was so fun!” I enthused upon exiting. “And probably totally fake,” remarked someone else.
I hope so. I really hope so.
***
On the way out, my husband and I passed an older gentleman going to the theater, “What did you see?” he asked us.
“Exit Through the Gift Shop,” we replied.
“Did you like it?” he continued.
“It was a lot of fun,” I told him. “What are you going to see?”
“Now I’m going to see that movie.”
I love that old man.
Exit Through the Gift Shop
Harkins Camelview 5
East Highland Ave.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Banksy’s art museum capers:
Phoenix things to do: June 25 – 27
Sticky Fingers’ Michael Jackson Tribute Night
I can’t believe it’s been a year since Michael Jackson died. However sad the occasion, I still get excited at the prospect of a night of dancing to his tunes.
Rips Ales & Cocktails
3045 N. 16th St.
Phoenix AZ, 85016
9:30 p.m.
SATURDAY
Red Hot Robot 3rd Anniversary @ Red Hot Robot
Celebrate Phoenix’s coolest toy gallery with food, drinks, treats, gift bags and more.
Red Hot Robot
14 West Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85013-2568
7 – 10 p.m.
SUNDAY
Exit Through the Gift Shop @ Harkins Camelview
Why not spend an arty Sunday with brunch followed by a documentary/biopic involving British graffiti artist Bansky.
Harkins Camelview
East Highland Ave.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
WEEKEND DEALS
30% off the whole site @ Old Navy
Use coupon code ONBIG30 at checkout to receive your discount through June 29th.
25% off all regular-priced styles @ Banana Republic
Use coupon code BRSUNNYDAY at checkout through June 27th.
50% off selected items @ Blue Bee
Summer stuff from top brands is on sale through July 6th.
Summer Sale @ Topshop
Save on Kate Moss and more trendy/cool dresses, jackets, tops from the super-cool discount shop.
Save up to 80% @ Alloy
It might be “the end of the season, but we have loads of hot weather ahead. Save on shorts, dresses, tees and more — up to 80%.
CRACKING GOOD THINGS OF THE WEEK
Curry Kitty – A cat after my own heart.
