Here are our suggestions for the Top 25 things to do in the Valley in January 2020.
Million Dollar Quartet
JANUARY 1 TO JANUARY 31
Phoenix Theatre’s newest show transports you right back to December 1956 when the million-dollar quartet—musical legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis—came together to cut a record in Memphis. A mix between stage show and concert performance, audiences are thrown in the middle of the iconic session to witness the magic.
Phoenix Theatre, 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre.com, times vary, $41-$193.
Old School ’90s Hip-Hop Dance Party
JANUARY 4
Throw it back to the slick sounds of the ’90s with an all-out dance party spinning your yesteryear faves. DJ Slick 76 and DJ Melo are bringing back bops by the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Beastie Boys, TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, Jay-Z and Destiny’s Child. Arrive before 10 p.m. for free entry. Ticket prices go up at the door.
The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, thevanburenphx.com, 9:30 p.m., $5.
Phoenix Suns vs. Sacramento Kings
JANUARY 7
“They’re playing basketball/We love that basketball!” With basketball season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to cheer on the Phoenix Suns at their home court. With tickets in every price range, cheer on the guys as they take on the Sacramento Kings in what’s sure to be an exciting game.
Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, talkingstickresortarena.com, 7 p.m., $13-$1,000.
Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!
JANUARY 10
We can’t tell you how to get to Sesame Street, but we can tell you how to get to Gila River Arena. In a new interactive show, Big Bird, Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, and all their friends are throwing the funniest and furriest party on their block—and you’re invited. Bring the kids and your biggest smile.
Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, gilariverarena.com, 6:30 p.m., $20-$70.
Movies on Main: “Detective Pikachu”
JANUARY 10
Bring your chairs, blankets and Pokémon pals for a special presentation of “Detective Pikachu” as part of Downtown Mesa’s Second Friday Night Out. The hilarious family flick follows Pikachu, voiced by Ryan Reynolds, as he partners with 21-year-old Tim to track down his father—and possibly save the Pokémon race in the process. There may even be a lure or two for the trainers-in-the-making still playing “Pokémon Go.”
Silver Lot, 219 W. Main Street, Mesa, 602.318.5689, 2ndfridaynightout.com, 6 p.m., free.
Glendale Glitter and Glow
JANUARY 11
The lights at Glendale Glitters shimmer extra bright during this special hot-air balloon and light festival. Attracting more than 80,000 people, the fest is your last chance to catch Glendale’s dazzling holiday display, as well as check out colorful glowing balloons, along with food, live music and good vibes.
Downtown Glendale, 5800 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, 623.930.4500, visitglendale.com, 4 to 10 p.m., free.
David Spade
JANUARY 11
David Spade has become a household name thanks to stints on “Saturday Night Live,” “Rules of Engagement” and films like “Grown-Ups” and “Joe Dirt.” His wise-cracking, sardonic humor about fame, self-deprecation and politics continues to make him a draw across the country. You won’t want to miss this ASU alum when he hits up Phoenix.
Stand Up Live, 50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 480.719.6100, phoenix.standuplive.com, 7 and 9:30 p.m., $45.
“Mystery in the Museum: The Curator’s Conundrum”
JANUARY 11
Do you have what it takes to make it out of the SMoCA alive? Back by popular demand, this sleuthing series returns with a collection of puzzles, brainteasers, and riddles as a mystery unfolds within the museum walls. Time to get sleuthing! Don’t worry, there will also be a cash bar and light bites for those looking to fuel up in between clues.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.994.2787, scottsdalearts.org, 6 p.m., $25.
Trump vs. Bernie
JANUARY 15
This improv performance imagines a hilarious debate between two politicians who could not be more different: Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders. Comedians Anthony Atamanuik and James Adomian imagine the two facing off at town hall-like events at venues across America as they discuss the country’s most pressing issues. With a comedy album and hour-long special under their belts, the two are basically certified impersonators at this point.
Tempe Improv, 930 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.921.9877, tempeimprov.com, 8 p.m., $22-$32.
“Legally Blonde: The Musical”
JANUARY 15 TO JANUARY 19
Elle Woods’ world of fashion and fun comes alive in an entirely different way with “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” based on the hit Reese Witherspoon film. Tackling stereotypes, scandals, the bend and snap and Harvard Law—what, like it’s hard?—the musical is a faithful adaptation of the film with the flash and fun of theater. Wear pink!
Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, times vary, $18.
“Napoleon Dynamite” Live
JANUARY 17
This special screening is BYOT– bring your own tots. It’s been nearly 15 years since “Napoleon Dynamite” came out, introducing us to a quirky high schooler with some wicked dance moves and enduring catchphrases. Following the film, original cast members Jon Heder (Napoleon), Efren Ramirez (Pedro) and John Gries (Uncle Rico) will take the stage for a freewheeling discussion.
Orpheum Theater, 203 W. Adams Street, Phoenix, 602.262.6225, phoenixconventioncenter.com, 8 p.m., $25-$75.
Nom Nom Noodles Festival
JANUARY 18
Get your nom nom on with Downtown Phoenix’s first Nom Nom Noodles Festival. More than 12 different local Asian-inspired noodle and pasta businesses will be dishing out the best in chow mein, ramen and alfredo, with plenty of options for $5 and under. Treat your tummy with desserts, boba, beer and cocktails, in addition to games and an artist market.
The Pressroom, 441 W. Madison Street, Phoenix, 602.396.7136, bit.ly/2P8An0D, 6 to 11 p.m., $8-$13.
“The Price is Right!” Live
JANUARY 18
Ditch the remote control and reruns to experience “The Price is Right!” live and on-stage. In a nontelevised performance, audiences will have a chance to come on down to play beloved games like Plinko, Cliffhangers and The Big Wheel and possibly take home a new car, vacation or prize! VIP experiences include souvenir photographs, prime seating, and a wheel spin of your own.
Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., $31.50-$150.
An Evening With the Celebrity Housewives
JANUARY 18
If you live for the drama, you’re not going to want to miss this girls’ night out! Celebrity Housewives Kelly Dodd (Orange County), Leanne Locken (Dallas) and Sonja Morgan (New York) from the hit reality shows get together to gab about fam, business, fame and their personal dramas. Splurge on a VIP ticket and snag a special meet-and-greet pic for the ‘Gram.
The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, thevanburenphx.com, 8 p.m., $50-$80.
Michelle Rodriguez Q&A
JANUARY 18
Actress Michelle Rodriguez, one of the stars from the “Fast & Furious” franchise, will appear at this year’s Chandler International Film Festival for the 20th anniversary of her 2000 breakout film, “Girlfight.” She’ll walk the red carpet at 3:30 p.m. and the film will screen at 4:20 p.m. Following the screening, she’ll participate in a Q&A with fans and festival attendees. The film festival runs January 17 to January 20.
Harkins Chandler Fashion Center, 3159 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, chandlerfilmfestival.com, 3:30 p.m., check website for pricing.
“Darlin’ Companion: A Tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash”
JANUARY 19
This show-stopping tribute performance is the next best thing to seeing the Man in Black himself. Starring Scott Moreau who portrayed Cash on the Broadway Tour of “Million Dollar Quartet,” as well as Renee Kathleen Koher, the tribute hits 25 of their greatest love songs and duets. Whether you’re looking to “Walk the Line” or circle “The Ring of Fire,” prepare to be transported.
Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org, 3 p.m., $30-$40.
The Arizona Wine Festival
JANUARY 24 TO JANUARY 26
Grab your booziest pals for an evening well-spent with the finest in Willcox wine and culinary concoctions, all to benefit Horses Help. Where else can you find over 25 Arizona wineries and more than 200 different types of wines? With food trucks, vendors and a vintage village, it’s the perfect sip-filled solution to get you out of bed for the weekend. The event kicks off with Horses Help Farm-to-Table Winemakers Dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. January 24.
Heritage Square, 113 N. Sixth Street, Phoenix, 480.516.8848, willcoxwinecountry.org, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, $20.
The Fab Four
JANUARY 24
This Beatles tribute group is dedicated to recreating the legendary group’s performance, down to every nuanced detail. Their uncanny renditions of classics like “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “A Day in the Life,” “Here Comes the Sun” and “Hey Jude” will have you dancing down the aisle as they traverse through costume changes, eras and bops.
Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 8 p.m., $29.50-$62.50.
Tacolandia
JANUARY 25
Welcome to Tacolandia, where the cocktails are free flowing, the good vibes are growing and taco cooking is always going. This outdoor taco sampling festival showcases some of Phoenix’s best taquerias from urban and modern twists, to authentic street-style. With live music, photo ops and bars aplenty, bring your 21-and-up amigos and prepare to fiesta.
Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver Street, Phoenix, 602.534.2406, bit.ly/2E0qxYj, 1 to 5 p.m., $25-$45.
Barbie Truck Totally Throwback Tour
JANUARY 25
Life in plastic, it’s fantastic! Barbie is hitting the road to celebrate her 60-year legacy, and she’s trucking it! Check out Barbie’s pop-up store truck with limited edition retro Barbie merch and toys, as well as a customizable airbrush station.
Scottsdale Quarter, 15059 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 205, Scottsdale, 480.270.8123, barbie.com/barbietruck, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., free.
Tempe Public Library FanCon
JANUARY 25
This annual event is for the geek in us all! Featuring costume contests, artists, authors, shopping, and activities galore, this pop culture extravaganza celebrates all things nerdy. Whether you stan Marvel, DC, “Star Wars” or “Doctor Who,” you’re sure to find your people here.
Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Road, Tempe, 480.350.4311, tempepubliclibrary.org/FanCon, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free.
Patton Oswalt
JANUARY 25
Patton Oswalt wormed his way into our hearts on “The King of Queens” and “A.P. Bio,” but he’s just as hilarious when he’s on stage. The Primetime Emmy Award-winning funny guy brings his stand-up show back to Phoenix to wax on pop culture, politics, nerdiness and more.
Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.267.1600, celebritytheatre.com, 8 p.m., $45-$95.
Waste Management Phoenix Open
JANUARY 27 TO FEBRUARY 2
Let the countdown begin! There’s no golf tournament quite like the annual Waste Management Phoenix Open. With commitments from players like defending champ Rick Fowler, John Rahm and Gary Woodland, the pressure is on. This year’s Birds Nest concert series is also not to be missed, with faves like Miranda Lambert, G-Eazy, Dierks Bentley and Kygo hitting the stage Wednesday to Saturday.
TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480.585.4334, wmphoenixopen.com, times vary, $45-$60 and free admission Monday and Tuesday.
“Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live:” The Great Cheesy Movie Circus Tour
JANUARY 29
“Mystery Science Theater 3000” has joked its way into the hearts of millions of TV audiences and found a new life on Netflix. The satirical laugh fest comes to life in a live show with creator and original host Joel Hodgson, as well as movie-riffing robots Tom Servo, Crow and Gypsy. Embark on a wild rollercoaster ride through some of the cheesiest films ever made with plenty of comments from the peanut gallery.
Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 7:30 p.m., $37.50-$78.
King Princess
JANUARY 29
Alternapop singer King Princess is only 20 years old, but she’s doing things her way entirely. Since producer Mark Ronson pegged her for his record label, she’s made a mark with tracks like “1950,” “Cheap Queen” and “Hit the Back,” balancing queer themes with pop sounds and a stage presence you have to see to believe. Get ready to dance.
The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, thevanburenphx.com, 8 p.m., $27.50.
