“The Mystery of Irma Vep”
NOVEMBER 1 TO NOVEMBER 9
The Southwest Shakespeare Company presents “the funniest two hours” you’ll ever see on stage with a gothic murder mystery that’s hysterical and jaw-dropping. Only two performers portray every character in this melodramatic spoof about a perplexing domicile and a haunting legacy.
Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, times vary, $38-$48.
The Pancakes and Booze Art Show
NOVEMBER 8
Booze, art, and pancakes—what more can you ask for? Phoenix plays host to one of the art world’s most anti-art-show art shows, as up-and-coming artists display and sell their works alongside body painting, live music and free flapjacks.
The Duce, 525 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.866.3823, pancakesandbooze.com/phoenix, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., $13.
Canal Convergence
NOVEMBER 8 TO NOVEMBER 17
The Scottsdale Waterfront glows with a light unlike any other during this 10-day art festival and demonstration. The free event combines water, art and light for a display about Arizona history with public art installations, workshops, artist talks and outdoor performances.
Downtown Scottsdale, 4420 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, canalconvergence.com, 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, free.
Bob’s Biker Blast
NOVEMBER 8 TO NOVEMBER 10
Motorcyclists, cagers and wanderers alike unite in the name of charity for this annual three-day party. Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale hosts a weekend of vendors, charity rides, food, drinks and fireworks to benefit children and families of Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The event—and the music—is not to be missed, with some of the city’s biggest names and country crooner headliner Darius Rucker. He plays November 9.
Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale, 15656 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480.428.3259, hdofscottsdale.com/bobsbikerblast, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, $20.
Chiles & Chocolate Festival
NOVEMBER 8 TO NOVEMBER 10
The Desert Botanical Garden plays host to this annual sweet and spicy weekend attuned to many tastes. Arizona’s top chile and chocolate vendors are out to play with gourmet chocolates, fire-roasted chiles, sauces and other handcrafted goodies. Live entertainment throughout the scenic gardens is aplenty with special Latin, Brazilian and Caribbean dance performances.
Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480.941.1225, dbg.org, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $16.95 kids and $29.95 general admission.
Arizona Pinners Conference
NOVEMBER 8 AND NOVEMBER 9
Pinners unite! Pinterest comes to life for a packed weekend at WestWorld of Scottsdale. The annual event features 108 Pinterest-based classes, as well as nearly 300 businesses specializing in photography, cooking, party planning and other creative works. Put a pin in your calendar and get ready to get crafty!
WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 801.822.1333, az.pinnersconference.com, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, $10-$139.
Matt & Kim
NOVEMBER 9
“We cut the legs off of our pants / Threw our shoes into the ocean.” If you know the effervescent music of this Brooklyn duo, then you know. The artsy indie pop group tours in honor of the 10th anniversary of its sophomore album, “Grand,” performing the fan favorite in its entirety in addition to other beloved bops. The adorably named Beach Goons will open the show.
Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, 8 p.m., $29.50-$99.
The Color Run
NOVEMBER 9
On your mark, get set, get colored! This fun run markets itself as the Happiest 5K on the Planet, and it’s easy to understand why. Runners decked in white shoot through a 3.5-mile course, getting blasted with sprays of color along the way. Of course, it ends with a party. Entry starts at $30 for a medal and number, and runners can opt for additional T-shirt and hoodie packages.
Rawhide Western Town, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 480.502.5600, thecolorrun.com, 9 a.m., $29.99-$54.99.
Daniel Tosh
NOVEMBER 9
Comedian Daniel Tosh has curated his own corner of comedy with his controversial clip show, “Tosh.0,” pushing the envelope every chance he gets. Audiences can get their firsthand fill of button-pushing and dark humor when the German-born funny man comes to Phoenix for one night only. If you’re feeling outraged, he’s doing it right!
Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre.com, 8 p.m., $39.50-$95.
“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” in Concert
NOVEMBER 15 TO NOVEMBER 17
Accio, tickets! The Phoenix Symphony is hosting a special screening of the fifth chapter in the iconic Harry Potter franchise. If you’ve been following Symphony Hall’s series, you’ll know the screenings are not to be missed—partnering the beloved movie with live orchestration for a magical viewing experience. Don’t forget your robes, and have wands at the ready!
Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.495.1999, phoenixsymphony.org, times vary, $30-$98.
T-Pain
NOVEMBER 16
T-Pain is an artist of many chapters. In 2008, he was the mastermind behind hit singles like “Buy U a Drank” and “Bartender,” going on to feature on more than 50 chart-topping singles. His reign continues after winning this year’s “The Masked Singer” TV competition. You can catch the multifaceted man performing fan faves as well as cuts from his new album, “1UP.”
Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, 8 p.m., $34.50-$84.50.
Phoenix Pizza Festival
NOVEMBER 16
Nothing brings a community together quite like its affinity for pizza. The Phoenix Pizza Festival hosts 20 pizza makers selling $2 to $4 slices for maximum pizza consumption. The fest also offers the best in craft brews, wine, lawn games and live music. Make sure to snag your tickets ASAP—the annual fixture always sells out!
Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 W. Third Street, Phoenix, 602.534.2406, phoenix.pizza, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $10.
The Arizona Hip-Hop Festival
NOVEMBER 16 AND NOVEMBER 17
Downtown Phoenix gives it up for the underground with this two-day festival devoted to Arizona’s bustling hip-hop scene. With performances, vendors, food trucks and an art walk, it’s every fan’s dream. Futuristic, the Tempe rapper behind “The Greatest,” is set to headline.
The Pressroom, 441 W. Madison Street, Phoenix, bit.ly/2m0KN6k, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., general admission $30 and kids under 12 free.
Arizona Honeybee Festival
NOVEMBER 16
This festival is un-bee-lievably buzzing! Connecting local beekeepers with the community, this family-friendly event features local honey, beekeeping clubs and educational activities. Learn about how these fascinating insects contribute to our ecosystem, how we can protect them and, of course, try something a little sweet.
North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.391.9966, azhoneybeefest.org, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., free.
The Black Keys
NOVEMBER 16
The Black Keys are back and ready to rock! After a hiatus, the indie blues-rock band has returned with its ninth album, “Let’s Rock,” and an extensive tour to support it. Fans can expect faves like “Tighten Up” and “Lonely Boy,” as well as new ground-shakers like “Lo/Hi.” Modest Mouse, the indie rock virtuosos behind 2004’s “Float On,” are set to open the show.
Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, talkingstickresortarena.com, 7 p.m., $34.75-$500.
Mac and Cheese Festival
NOVEMBER 16 AND NOVEMBER 17
This festival is not to be missed—and we’re not just being cheesy. Your favorite comfort food is elevated to new heights when the best restaurants in the Valley compete for the Golden Noodle Trophy. Over 25 cooks will serve $2 samples featuring their own distinct twists on the classic, alongside cooking demos and lawn games. Bon appétit!
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.270.5000, bit.ly/313z3yU, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., $5-$75.
PHX Pheast
NOVEMBER 17
Valley farmers are the focus at this true farm-to-fork experience, which partners 12 chefs with 12 farmers to create unique dishes from Arizona’s finest produce. Attendees will mingle from booth to booth to the tune of live music and pourings from local breweries and wineries. You’ve never gotten this close to your dinner before!
Phoenix Public Market, 721 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.253.2700, bit.ly/2IFnvM0, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., $65-$125.
Downtown Donut Festival
NOVEMBER 17
What is it about donuts that are so addictive? Their shape? The missing middle piece that we don’t quite understand? Whatever it is, festival goers can dine to their heart’s delight with over 20 donut connoisseurs setting up shop with $1 donuts and samples. Add craft beer, mimosas, live music, lawn games and savory treats, and ain’t that the frosting on the pastry?
Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 W. Third Street, Phoenix, 602.534.2406, bit.ly/2oxiheq, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., $8-$10.
Fiesta Dog Shows
NOVEMBER 21 TO NOVEMBER 25
Fido is going for the gold! Dogs from across the country come together to compete for top titles at one of the biggest dog shows in the Southwest. From puppies to pee wees and everything in between, breeds will compete in conformation, rally and obedience. So many good boys!
Rawhide Event Center, 5244 S. 48th Street, Chandler, 480.502.5600, rawhide.com, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., free admission and $5 parking.
Trevor Noah
NOVEMBER 22
Sitting at his desk on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” Trevor Noah might as well be sitting on top of the world. The South African comedian and political commentator has carved a name for himself in pop culture with his satire, sarcasm and down-to-earth observations. He brings his one-man show to Phoenix for a night of laughs and lessons.
Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, talkingstickresortarena.com, 8 p.m., $30.25-$90.25.
Lights at the Farm Opening Night
NOVEMBER 22
Walk right into the holiday season at the opening night of Mesa’s Christmas light display extravaganza. The walk-through event features displays and decor synced up with holiday classics for maximal seasonal spirit. Brave souls can test their balance with the farm’s 4,000-square-foot ice rink under the desert sky.
Vertuccio Farms, 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa, 480.882.1482, lightsatthefarm.com, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., $8-$15.
AZ Wingfest
NOVEMBER 23
Pizza and burgers get all the attention, but where would we be without chicken wings? Wingfest is Arizona’s celebration of the fried favorite, featuring 25 restaurants, food trucks, a chicken wing-eating contest and an epic competition to find the best wing in the state. The deliciousness continues with breweries on hand and local live music.
Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 W. Third Street, Phoenix, 602.534.2406, wingfestarizona.com, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $15-$50.
Lindsey Stirling’s Warmer in the Winter Christmas
NOVEMBER 23
Gilbert’s resident violin prodigy Lindsey Stirling returns home for a special holiday performance. Let your seasonal spirits soar as Stirling dances her way through Christmas classics from her winter album alongside stellar production and lights. Snag a premium ticket for access to a special preshow party and private performance.
Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre.com, 8 p.m., $39.50-$99.50.
“An Evening with C.S. Lewis”
NOVEMBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 24
The wonderful world of “The Chronicles of Narnia” writer C.S. Lewis comes to life in this biographical living room play. The British author is hosting a group of American writers for an evening of discussion, covering the events that shaped his life, his pal J.R.R Tolkien, writing his iconic children’s series, and of course the story of the American woman who changed it all.
Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, times vary, $55.
Thanksgiving at Rawhide
NOVEMBER 28
Put down the oven mitt! Rawhide kicks off its holiday season with a Thanksgiving buffet to write home about. Featuring turkey, ham and other dinner faves in addition to desserts, salad and a kids’ corner, you can give the ol’ oven a break. Rawhide attractions and stores will also be open. Snag your family’s reservation online now.
Rawhide Western Town, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 480.502.5600, rawhide.com, seatings at 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., $29.99-$54.99.
