Phoenix things to do: November 19-21

Harry Potter, Miniature Tigers — so many good things to do this weekend. Take a look at some of the most exciting events of the weekend.

FRIDAY

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 @Valley theaters
Can you believe we’ve reached the final book and second to last movie in the Harry Potter series?

***

Mobile food court @ Phoenix Public Market
Go early for food truck Fridays at Phoenix Public Market. Sample crepes and duck fat fries at Truckin’ Good Food, gourmet hot dogs from Short Leash Dogs, an array of creme brulee from Torched Goodness.

Phoenix Public Market
14 E. Pierce St.
Phoenix, AZ
Fridays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAY!!!


SATURDAY

Red Bull Soundclash @American Junkie
The Roots and favorite local band, Miniature Tigers face off in an unlikely musical competition.

American Junkie
4363 N. 75th St., Scottsdale.
$10 (Buy online – $2 fee)


SUNDAY

Phoenix Faerie Festival @ Estrella Mountain Regional Park
Put on your wings and pointy ears for a weekend of elvish fun. Attend 2 different market areas — a traditional market with faerie-inspired goods, and a Goblin’s Market where you barter for your magical loot.

Estrella Mountain Regional Park
14805 W. Vineyard Ave.
Goodyear, AZ
$10. Kids 5 and under free.


CRACKING GOOD SALES

40% off @ Barneys
Taking 40% off MIGHT put Barneys’ goods into your price range. Maybe.

SeeSaw Vintage
Take 30% off everything in their Etsy shop through November 7.

20% off cold weather items @ Shopbop
Believe it or not, it will get (slightly) colder. Stock up on hats, scarves and other cold-weather woolens with coupon code WARMUP20.


CRACKING GOOD LINKS

I just learned about this video from the Jackalope Ranch crew. So cute!

Phoenix things to do: August 27-29

FRIDAY

Artists for Action @ Marquee

Screw those Arizona-boycotting musicians. Artists for Action is putting on a free show (if you promise to vote), featuring Calexico, Miniature Tigers (above), Salvador Duran, Big Son along with some other indie and Hispanic bands.

Marquee
730 N. Mill Ave.
Tempe, AZ, 85281
Free (if you promise to vote) or $30 if you’re opposed to voting

***

Dine @ Bliss
Drink @ reBar
Try out the new downtown comfort food spot featuring delicacies like mac ‘n cheese, pot roast and BBQ chicken. Afterward, sip a drink under the stars and find out what the “swagger” is the website promises.

Bliss & reBar
901 N. 4th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007


SATURDAY

Permaculture Design Course
Learn the principles of ethically and ecologically- minded landscaping. This 5-weekend intensive class will cover the permaculture cornerstones like water harvesting, patterns in nature and design.

Saturdays and Sounds through November 13th

$750


SUNDAY

Bowl @ Lucky Strike Lanes
All the talk is coming to fruition.  CityScape is opening Lucky Strike Lanes (among other things) and now it’s a bonafide destination. Visit for bowling, bites and beer. Saturday will probably be mayhem — but you might actually get a lane and have a relaxing game on a Sunday afternoon.

Lucky Strike Lanes
CityScape
50 W. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ
Open on Saturday until 2 a.m.


CRACKING GOOD SHOPPING

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: June 18 – 20

FRIDAY

Lunch @ Essence Bakery
The special of the day is Grilled Greek Meatballs (made with Power Ranch Grass fed beef) served with tzatziki cucumber sauce and a side Greek Caesar Salad for $8.95. I’m in!

Essence Bakery
825 W. University Dr.
Tempe, Arizona
(480) 966-2745
8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

***

Etsy 5th Birthday Craft Party and Swap @ Merry May Handmade and Butter Toast

Etsy, the mother of all do-it-yourself shops, is turning 5 years old! Celebrate their  DIY spirit with crepe paper, crafts, cake and fun people. For an inspirational push, bring some craft supplies and swap them for something new and different.

Merry May Handmade and Butter Toast
908 N. 6th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
7 p.m.
Free

***

Charlie Brand @ the Heard

I have mixed emotions about Miniature Tigers rapid success. Yay! they’re touring with great bands and I can hear them on Sirius radio. Boo! No more frequent local shows. Oh well, the front-man is playing a solo acoustic show — right before the release of their second album, Fortress.

Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
8 p.m.
Free


SATURDAY

Flowers in the Attic @ Mapcap Theaters
I remember reading Flowers in the Attic in middle school. I was engrossed in the tales of 4 startlingly attractive children imprisoned in their evil grandmother’s attic. There was intrigue, incest — which, by itself was enough to keep my 12 year old mind interested. It was made into a horrible movie with plenty of camp value.

Madcap Theaters
730 S. Mill Avenue
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 355-6060
8 p.m.
$8


SUNDAY

Do something nice with your Dad!

Phoenix things to do: August 28 – 31

FRIDAY
944 Birthday Bash
In honor of its 8th birthday, 944 is having a 3 day bash starting Friday. Visit the W Hotel in Scottsdale for an array of DJs …and probably some outstanding people-watching.

944 is 8 party
W Hotel
7277 E. Camelback Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
7 p.m. – 2 a.m.


SATURDAY
Planning your Garden @ Scottsdale Home & Garden Expo
Master Gardener Doreen Pollack dishes about good planting practices for the fall season.

Scottsdale Home & Garden Expo Center
13802 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Requested donation: $10

Miniature Tigers @ the Ice House
I’ve heard precious little about this show, but word on the street (and a few places online) say it’s on…early.

6 p.m.
The Icehouse
429 W Jackson St
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-257-8929
Free


Def Leppard @ Cricket Wireless Pavilion
My very favorite ’80s hairband is coming to Cricket Pavilion. I remember taking my younger sister to Compton Terrace in the late ’80s to see them for her birthday. I was  wearing my newly-ripped jeans, she was wearing those sandals with change-able laces. Good times. Oh yeah, Poison and Cheap Trick are going to be there too.

Def Leppard with Poison & Cheap
Cricket Wireless Pavilion
2121 N. 83rd Ave.
Phoenix, AZ
Tickets are $29.50-125
8 p.m.

Phoenix things to do: July 3-5

THE WHOLE WEEKEND
Shop Local!
Go gift shopping, take in a yoga class, have some delicious food…all for 20% off. Visit the Local First Arizona site to print out your 20% off Golden Tickets and find out who is participating.

Shop sales!

- 40-80% off at Karmaloop through July 8. Take an extra 10% off with coupon code INDY4TH
- 15% off sitewide at Lulus.com through July 4th. Enter coupon code “Firecracker” at checkout
- 30% off all sale items at Pink Mascara through July 6. Enter coupon code EXTRA30
- 80% off selected summer merchandise at Shop Intuition, and take 20% off full-priced items using the coupon code STARSTYLE
- 40% off Max Studio
- 60% off on selected items at BlueBee.com

SATURDAY
Miniature Tigers @ Star Swim Pool Party
One of my favorite local bands is playing the all day July 4th pool party bash. Bring your swim suit and join the hipster stew.

Star Swim Pool Party
Wyndham Hotel
50 E. Adams St., Phoenix, AZ
1 – 11:30 p.m.
$6 per person

SUNDAY
Intro to Permaculture
Get a brief introduction to all things permaculture.

East West Exchange
2051 W. Warner Rd. (SW corner of Dobson & Warner)
Chandler, AZ
3 – 3:30 p.m.

Get your nails done @ Sundrops
Summer sun and sandals take a toll on the toesies. This weekend, take $5 off any mani/pedi combo.

Sundrops Nail Spot
3949 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ  85018
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday