Tag Archives: Fun things to do in Phoenix

No Joke, It’s First Friday!

First Friday Art Walk In Downtown Phoenix Arizona- April 1st, 2016

Jesse Perry April 1st, 2016

Arts Walk Phoenix,Roosevelt,historic,central,districts,roosevelt

Courtesy of Shade Projects

It’s no time to be an April Fool – join the festivities in downtown Phoenix for this month’s Art Walk and see what everyone is talking about. There is always something new and exciting to discover around every corner, even for you frequent-frequenters of First Friday.

Alley Cats

You’ve heard of street art, but have you heard of alley art?  Take a peep tonight from 7-10 p.m. “… and maybe watch your step”, in the alleyway between Roosevelt and Garfield and 5th & 6th street for the first feature exhibit of Alley Art, a DIY style art show series brought to you by Kharli Mandeville. Behind Lawn Gnome Publishing, located at 905 N. 5th Street.

Inspired Soles

First Friday,arts walk,phoenix,historic,real estate

Courtesy of Kharli Mandeville

Join over 70 artists for this years 5th Annual Inspired Soles show, which features a host of stiletto-shaped canvases that have been transformed into unique works of art, ranging from paintings to sculptures to wearable designs. Come out and see if you can find your “sole mate” in Warehouse 215 at Bentley Projects, located at 215 E. Grant Street, from 6-10 p.m.

The Naturalness of Strange Things

Award winning artists, Bill Dambrova and Abbey Messmer are known for their, “inspired by strange things” style of artwork, so it was natural that they would want to exhibit together. Shade Project is proud to present this mind-altering combo displaying a tapestry of, “vibrant, bold and diverse paintings and mixed media sculpture.” Come connect with these artists and find out what their focus is all about, tonight from 6-10 p.m. in the MonOrchid, located at 214 E. Roosevelt St.

We Can All Be Free

There are moments in history that ripple with creativity and are eternally inspirational.  One such moment took place in post-war Hungary in the 1950’s with people painting entire villages with bright, colorful, thematic images that reflected their culture and beliefs. This is where artist Lara Plecas draws her inspiration. Join her to see how it all comes together, tonight from 7-9 p.m. at Practical Art, located at 5070 N. Central Ave.

PSYCHOPOMP

Don’t expect this exhibit to be filled the ‘usual’ pomp and circumstance. In fact, it will be any thing but. Featuring the work of Constance McBride and Dean Reynolds, this show promises to deliver a fierce display of traditional skills and techniques in a juxtaposed flurry of graphite drawings, oil paintings and breath-taking sculpture depicting the human form in ways that can only be described as deeply reflective.  Join the artists tonight from 6-10 p.m. at 9 the Gallery, located at 1229 Grand Avenue, Phoenix, AZ.

This is one of many events occurring in Historic Phoenix. Subscribe to our blog to keep up to date on fun events in and around Phoenix.

CityScape to Present Weekly Jazz Concert Series in April

Weekly Jazz Concert Series Begins at CityScape In Downtown Phoenix in Advance of Phoenix International Jazz Day

downtown phoenix jazz,central phoenix,real estate,historic districtsFree Outdoor Lunchtime Concert Series Every Tuesday in April Leads Up to April 30 Event

CityScape Phoenix will host a free outdoor lunchtime jazz concert series every Tuesday in April leading up to the 5th Annual Phoenix International Jazz Day on Saturday, April 30.

The series and event is in partnership with The International Jazz Day Foundation and will entertain audiences with a lineup of great local jazz and blues artists who will perform at Patriots Park, located in the center of CityScape, every Tuesday from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. With cool spring temperatures and a variety of restaurants at CityScape, it’s the perfect excuse to order lunch to-go and enjoy it outside.

Weekly Jazz Concert Series at CityScape

  • April 5 – The Musical Magic of Doc Jones Ensemble
  • April 12 – The Anthony Pear Project
  • April 19 – Tom Daley & Friends
  • April 26 – Bobby Hamilton
    The free series leads up to the 5th Annual Phoenix International Jazz Day held at CityScape on April 30 from 4pm until 10pm. This same day more than 196 global celebrations take place to celebrate jazz and the role it plays in uniting people around the world. General admission is $25 at the gate and VIP seating is available for $75. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketlobster.com or 602-268-0600.

Arizona’s own lucky charm trumpeter Jesse McGuire headlines this year’s jazz event, with a surprise special guest to be named later. Famous for his execution of the Star Spangled Banner, Jesse McGuire has performed for three U.S. presidents, and at many major sporting events, most notably game seven of the 2001 World Series when the Diamondbacks defeated the NY Yankees to bring home a victory.

5th Annual Phoenix International Jazz Day Featured Performers

  • Royce Murray – accomplished songwriter whose career includes collaborations with R&B icon Barry White; opening acts for Tony Monaco, Joey DeFrancesco and the legendary Jimmy
  • Smith; and playing organ for ABC, CBS and NBC television soap operas.
  • Dowell Davis – known as “D” to his fellow players, Davis has graced national and international stages with his drumming since 1983. He’s an accomplished artist who has played a variety of musical styles, and has an innate understanding of grooving.
  • Dan Pinson- Born in Phoenix, he has appeared with or opened for Stevie Wonder, Spyrogyra, The Temptations, Beach Boys, Gato Barbieri, Pinson has performed in venues around the world.
  • Carlos Rivas – International Latino jazz artist who has performed throughout the world. He is founder and director of Mex-Sal, one of Arizona’s most prestigious Latin groups.
  • Kerry Campbell – Jazz saxophonist and former member of The Dramatics and famed band War, Campbell has performed with jazz greats Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Joe Sample among others.
  • Loannis Goudelis – Piano “Ioannis Goudelis has performed internationally at festivals, clubs and concert halls throughout the world including the most of the United States, Europe, Africa, Central America and the Pacific.
  • William “Doc” Jones – Jazz saxophonist, keyboard artist, founder of NextStudent Academy and Jaz Day AZ, Doc Jones has performed with Aretha Franklin and The Temptations among others.

For more information, visit www.cityscapephoenix.com. Ample and convenient underground parking is available and validated by restaurants and retailers with purchase.

If you live downtown in or near historic districts like Willo, F.Q. Story, Encanto-Palmcroft or Roosevelt, you can walk or bike to the light rail and get there easily and quickly.

Check, Please! Arizona Festival 2016 In Downtown Phoenix

Don’t miss the 4th annual Check, Please! Arizona Festival! Sample chefs’ signature dishes and discover restaurants from some of your favorite episodes of Check, Please! Arizona. Enjoy the cuisine of independently owned restaurants featured on the show along with wine and beer pairings from participating wineries and breweries as well as cooking demonstrations and panel discussions with top Arizona chefs. All festival events, food and wine/beer samplings are included in the ticket price. Downtown Phoenix Event

When: Sunday, March 20, 2016
Time: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Margaret T. Hance Park, Downtown Phoenix

Exciting new things are on the way for the 2016 Check, Please! Arizona Festival! Arizona PBS is pleased to welcome the star of the popular series Lidia’s Kitchen, Lidia Bastianich, and Savor the Southwest host Barbara Pool Fenzl – alongside our very own Emmy Award-winning host of Check, Please! Arizona, James Beard Award winner Chef Robert McGrath.

While you’re at the festival, make sure to check out the Inspired by Lidia Booth sponsored by MATCH Cuisine & Cocktails and special guest  David Manilow.

We are also in a new location this year, which will allow us more space to expand the experience! Margaret T. Hance Park, also known as the Central Deck Park connecting downtown and midtown Phoenix neighborhoods, is the green space running east-west between Culver Street and Portland Streets from 3rd Street to 7th Avenue. This event will take place on the “neighborhood side” of the park, located on the west side between 3rd Avenue and Central Avenue (67 West Culver).

Plus, just as in years past, you’ll have a chance to audition for the show at the event!

Margaret T. Hance Park is also easily accessible via Valley Metro Light Rail from either the Roosevelt stop near the Roosevelt Historic District or the McDowell stop – an easy way to go green on your way to the festival, and a great option if you’re planning to enjoy beer and wine sampling at the event.

Buy tickets here.

Promotion assistance by HistoricPhoenixDistricts.com

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Annual Coronado Home Tour In 2016 will Highlight Country Club Historic District

Sunday, February 28, 2016 is the 29th Annual Coronado Historic Neighborhood Home Tour from 11 am–4 pm. Start at Circle Park, 10th Street & Windsor, Phoenix 85006. This year, Country Club Park Historic District will be featured.

Coronado Historic District 2016 Home Tour

Coronado Historic District’s Annual Home Tour

From the Coronado Neighborhood Association Website

The Coronado Neighborhood Association welcomes you to a Picnic in the Park, the 29th Annual Coronado Home Tour. This year we will gather at Circle Park and enjoy food and picnic games surrounded by music, arts and crafts for the kids, a lively street fair, homes open for tour and the Coronado Classic car and bicycle show.

This year’s tour will highlight the Country Club Historic District, one of three historic districts in the Greater Coronado neighborhood. Country Club Park earned historic designation in 1993 and has a history dating to 1888 when Charles Orme filed a homestead patent for the area. Read the full history of County Club Park Historic District here.

Home Tour tickets can be purchased in advance online for $13 (including fees) or on Tour Day for $15 cash or credit. Pick up your wrist band (your pass to the homes on tour) and Home Tour Guide at the ticket booths on each end of Circle Park.

VEHICLE PARKING: Coronado is a residential neighborhood, so you may park in front of any home throughout the area and walk to Circle Park on Windsor Ave. (two blocks south of Thomas Rd.) between 8th and 10th St. Please be courteous of residents and do not block driveways.

BIKE PARKING: We encourage you to ride your bike to the event. There will be over a dozen bike racks available around Circle Park and in front of homes on the tour you can lock your bike up to. Just make sure to pick up your bike by 4pm if in front of a home or 5pm if locked up at Circle Park.

For tickets and more information, click here. Check out other historic districts in Phoenix, AZ.

9 am Kids Parade around Circle Park

9 am – 4 pm Fair, Family Festival and Picnic Games in the Park

80+ vendors, 10+ food trucks & treat booths

live music entertainment

11 am – 4 pm Coronado Classic car and bicycle show

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Celebrate Arizona Beer Week in Downtown Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix Events

Beer Week Arizona 2016

Arizona Beer Week 2016

Arizona Beer Week festivities begin this Thursday and whether you’re a craft brew connoisseur or just a beginner, you’re sure to find something to please your beer-drinking palate. Events are scheduled across the state from February 11 through February 21, but here is a list of events you’ll find in the greater downtown Phoenix area.

Thursday, February 11

Clever Koi – THAT Brewery Beer Dinner

Friday, February 12

Oven & Vine – Two Brothers Beer & Food Tasting

Angels Trumpet Ale House – Stone/Sierra Nevada Tap Takeover

The Coronado – San Tan Brewing Craft and Charity Night

Saturday, February 13

Angels Trumpet Ale House – Brunch Before the Storm

Steele Indian School Park – Strong Beer Festival

Sunday, February 14

Phoenix Ale Brewery, The Velo Bike Shop/Bicycle Nomad Cafe, ThirdSpace, The Rose & Crown Pub – Phoenix Ale Beer & Bike Social Ride

Flowers Beer and Wine – VIP Wristband

Rose & Crown Pub – VIP Wristband

Sun Up Brewing Co. – Central Phoenix Brewery Tour

Pizzeria Bianco – Historic Brew Co. “Beer is for Lovers” Dinner

Monday, February 15

Sun Up Brewing Co. – Food Pairing with Copper Dome Pilsner

Tuesday, February 16

Sun Up Brewing Co. – Cupcake and Beer Pairing

Stand Up Live – Strong Beer Night

Wednesday, February 17

DeSoto Central Market – Sonoran and Phoenix Ale Tap Assault and Burger Night

Circle 6 Studios Gallery – Hot Glass Cold Beer with THAT Brewery

Thursday, February 18

Angels Trumpet Ale House – Arizona Firkin Day

Friday, February 19

Sun Up Brewing Co. – Cigars with Uwe

Rose & Crown Pub – Left Hand Keep the Pint Night

Sunday, February 21

ThirdSpace – Ice Cream Beer Brunch with SanTan Brewing

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