Cornhole Bowl
For the sixth year in a row, Sun Devil Family Charities hosts a tournament to rival all tailgates. The Cornhole Bowl, fashioned around the classic bag throwing game, features a social amateur competition, as well as a higher intensity competitive tournament. Spectators and sore losers alike can soak up the music, food and drinks.
Cornerstone Plaza, 930 E. University Drive, Tempe, sundevilfamily.org, noon to 5 p.m., Saturday, January 26, amateur teams $50 and competitive teams $65.
Brunch Bash
Your basic bottomless mimosa deal goes up a notch with this full-blown party that encourages attendees to “brunch so hard.” With a menu of eggs Benedict, pancakes, a cereal bar, as well as cocktails, diners can revel in their sate with beach games or wait out the impending hangover watching live music.
CityScape Phoenix, 1 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, brunchbashaz.com, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, January 26, $8-$100.
Aladdin
Making its way across the country before the latest silver screen adaptation, this larger-than-life musical tells the story of street rat Aladdin, who, with the help of a genie, procures himself a life bigger than he ever imagined. Featuring beloved tunes like “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me,” the stage version is sure to dazzle any fan of the original.
ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, asugammage.com, times vary, Thursday, January 31, to Sunday, February 17, $30-$110.50.
Bohemian Rhapsody: Queen Night and ’70s Party
The anthemic music of ’70s and ’80s group Queen has found a resurgence following the release of the Rami Malek-fronted biopic. As such, The Van Buren celebrates with a dance party dedicated to stadium shout-outs like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You,” as well as other glam rock and disco hits. The first 300 dancers to enter will snag a free pin.
The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx.com, 10 p.m., Friday, February 1, $10-$15.
Jesse McCartney
He may be more than a decade removed from his Disney Channel days but this singer-songwriter is just as candid as he was in “Beautiful Soul.” With a new album on the way and a back catalogue of hits like “Leavin’,” “Right Where You Want Me” and “Body Language” in his back pocket, it’s a guaranteed good time for fans new and nostalgic.
The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx.com, 8 p.m., Thursday, February 7, $25-$149.
Girl Scout Cookie and Beer Pairing
While it’s not a combo as commonplace as peanut butter and jelly, this Four Peaks specialty has quickly become a beloved tradition. The brewery serves up flights of five cookies comprised of Girl Scout faves and Four Peaks originals, alongside supplementary brews. Admission also includes free appetizers, a reception beer and a souvenir glass.
Four Peaks Brewing Company, 2401 S. Wilson Street, Tempe, bit.ly/2HamDk4, 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, February 8, $25.
Worldwide Women’s Film Festival
With a dearth of female representation behind the camera in Hollywood, this women-centric film festival may be more important than ever. Taking over Harkins Shea 14 for three days, the festival hosts a series of shorts, as well as documentaries and features like Jane Doe, The Holy Fail and Truth. All films shown at the festival have women in at least one key creative role, such as writer, producer or director.
Harkins Theatres, 7354 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, wwfilmfestival.com, times vary, Friday, February 8, to Sunday, February 10, $40-$180 and single shows $12.
Grilled Cheese Festival
This pop-up festival is a salute to toasted bread, cheddar cheese and a slice down the middle. Featuring an array of variations on the sandwich favorite and beer and wine bars, there will also be live music and a culinary stage. Who doesn’t love a good excuse to carb up?
Horse Lovers Park, 19224 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, rockthefork.com, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, February 9, students $10, general admission $15, and VIP $30.
Phoenix Volunteer Fair
Over 75 nonprofit organizations gather for the largest annual info session all year. Whether you’re looking to help a particular underserved community or you’re looking to see what resources are available, it’s the perfect opportunity to find a cause you believe in. As if civic engagement needed an added bonus, The Van Buren’s outdoor cafe will be open for business.
The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx.com, 11 a.m., Sunday, February 10, free.
Becoming: An Intimate Conversation With Michelle Obama
The former First Lady makes a special stop in Phoenix for a candid conversation in support of her recent New York Times No. 1 bestseller, Becoming. Attendees can expect to hear reflections on Mrs. Obama’s experiences as a mother, as an executive and in the White House as she touches on trials, tribulations and possibly Trump.
Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, comericatheatre.com, 8 p.m., Tuesday, February 12, $29.50-$179.50.
Arizona Renaissance Festival
Merriment abounds! Get ready to be transported back to the 16th century as one of the largest and most picturesque Renaissance Festivals in the nation prepares for raucous revelry below the foothills of the Superstition Mountains. The Festival is celebrating its 31st season of pomp and pageantry – join in the revelry! The 2019 Arizona Renaissance Festival will be held February 9th through March 31st, every Saturday and Sunday and Presidents’ Day Feb. 18th, Festival hours are
Words by Carson Mlnarik.
