“The Best of Broadway”
SEPTEMBER 3 TO SEPTEMBER 19
Mesa Encore Theatre will open its 85th season with a production of “The Best of Broadway.” Hosted, directed and choreographed by MET Producing Artistic Director Michael Wallot, who is a Broadway veteran, and musically directed by Jennifer Adams, along with Stage Manager Wendy Thompson, the three-day run features a cast of more than 50 performers, including rotating soloists and MET alumni.
Mesa Arts Center’s Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaencoretheatre.com, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, $32-$37, or free for children 2 and younger
Experience India
SEPTEMBER 4 to SEPTEMBER 5
Celebrate the music and culture of India at Musical Instrument Museum. This family-friendly event will feature sitarist Seema Gulati, as well as bharata-nātyam and kathak dance performances, curator talks, music-making workshops and a kartal instrument craft. See website for a schedule of activities.
Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.478.6000, mim.org, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, included with paid museum admission or free for members
“The Card Counter”
OPENS SEPTEMBER 10
This latest film from Paul Schrader (the writer-director behind the acclaimed films “First Reformed” and “Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters” and the writer of the Martin Scorsese classics “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull”) stars Oscar Isaac, Tye Sheridan, Willem Dafoe, Tiffany Haddish and Joel Michaely. It’s a revenge thriller about an ex-military interrogator turned gambler haunted by the ghosts of his past decisions. Rated R for some disturbing violence, graphic nudity, language and brief sexuality.
In theaters
Slightly Stoopid
SEPTEMBER 10
Reggae/dub group Slightly Stoopid is heading back to the Valley, this time with Fortunate Youth, the Elovaters and Tempe’s Katastro opening. The Elovaters and Katastro recently released the albums “Castles” and “Sucker,” respectively, while Fortunate Youth is gearing up for “Good Times (Roll On)” in October.
Mesa Amphitheatre, 263 N. Center Street, Mesa, 480.644.2560, mesaamp.com, 4 p.m., $59
“Malignant”
OPENS SEPTEMBER 10
The mastermind behind the “Saw,” “Insidious” and “The Conjuring” franchises is getting back to horror after handling 2018’s “Aquaman.” In this latest film from director James Wan, the movie tells the story of Madison, who is paralyzed by shocking visions of grisly murders, and her torment worsens as she discovers that these waking dreams are in fact terrifying realities. Rated R for strong horror violence and gruesome images, and for language.
In theaters and on HBO Max
My Hope Bag Charity Golf Tournament
SEPTEMBER 10
Get ready to tee up and support an organization with a good cause in the process. This four-person golf scramble benefits breast cancer support nonprofit My Hope Bag. Admission also includes a continental breakfast, a banquet and awards, and golf goodie bags. The event will also feature a premium raffle drawing and game prizes for golfers.
Papago Golf Course, 5595 E. Karsten Way, Phoenix, 480.987.0204, myhopebag.org, 6 a.m. golfer check-in, 7:30 a.m. shotgun start, $150 per golfer
Pirates Block Party
SEPTEMBER 10
This art walk event has a very special theme — pirates. Dress up and head down to Main Street, between Center and Robson, for more than 60 art booths, live bands, food, gallery openings, a costume contest with prizes, a free trivia contest, $5 fencing lessons, a walk-the-plank event with prizes for kids, and more. This event is part of Mesa’s monthly Second Friday events.
Historic Downtown Mesa, on Main Street between Center and Robson, 602.318.5689, 2ndfridaynightout.com, 6 to 10 p.m., free
Korn and Staind
SEPTEMBER 13
The nu-metal and alt-metal legends are back on the stage, this time together. Staind recently released “Live: It’s Been Awhile,” and it has plenty of hits from which to draw. Korn, on the other hand, can draw from 2019’s “The Nothing” and other past hits at the show. Longtime Korn bassist Fieldy may be taking a hiatus, but Suicidal Tendencies’ Ra Díaz is reportedly filling in.
Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.7200, ak-chinpavilion.com, 6:30 p.m., $39.50-$224
DTPHX Lotería
BEGINS SEPTEMBER 15
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by exploring new places, discovering local businesses and, along the way, appreciating Mexican-inspired art. In what is a sort of art walk meets game, participants can pick up a “tabla” (a colorful card featuring 16 Downtown businesses illustrated by local artists) at a participating business or from a DTPHX ambassador, after which they must match cards to businesses and collect stickers. Participants who fill their tablas will receive a commemorative prize.
Various locations through October 15, dtphx.org/loteria
Lerner & Loewe’s “Camelot”
OPENS SEPTEMBER 15
Based on T.H. White’s novel, Lerner & Loewe’s “Camelot” heads to the Phoenix Theatre Company in a scaled-down, small-cast format fit for the Mainstage Theatre. It tells the story of a love triangle between King Arthur, Guinevere and Sir Lancelot.
Phoenix Theatre Company’s Mainstage Theatre, 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre.com, dates and times vary through October 24, see website for prices
“Cry Macho”
OPENS SEPTEMBER 17
Clint Eastwood is back. Known just as much for quickly directing award-winning films as he is for starring in classic spaghetti Westerns, Eastwood’s latest follows 2019’s “Richard Jewell.” Based on the book of the same name, “Cry Macho” shares the story of a one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder who, in 1978, takes a job from an ex-boss to bring the man’s young son home and away from his alcoholic mom, crossing from Mexico to Texas along the way. Eduardo Minet and Dwight Yoakam co-star. Rated PG-13 for language and thematic elements.
In theaters and on HBO Max
Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market
SEPTEMBER 17 TO SEPTEMBER 19
The items at this market are anything but junk. In addition to showcasing vintage, local and handmade items by more than 130 curators and artisans from around the country, Junk in the Trunk — now celebrating its 10th anniversary — will feature kids games, food trucks and live music.
WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com, various times, $8-$40, or free for kids 12 and younger
Peoria Film Festival
SEPTEMBER 17 TO SEPTEMBER 19
After being forced to cancel its 2020 lineup due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Peoria Film Festival, a program of the Phoenix Film Foundation and affiliate of the Phoenix Film Festival, is resuming its plans. This year’s selections are slated to include a dozen features and nine shorts, according to Executive Director Jason Carney. The three-day event will be padded out with Q&As and appearances from filmmakers, plus awards and more.
Harkins Arrowhead 18, 16046 N. Arrowhead Fountains Center Drive, Peoria, 480.513.3195, peoriafilmfest.com, times and prices TBA
After Dark at the Park
SEPTEMBER 18
Seasons are changing, and Heritage Park Zoo is taking advantage of the cooling weather. As the sun sets and the evening begins, adults 21 and older can wander through the park grounds for a variety of music, games, food trucks, animal feedings and keeper talks. An individual ticket with two drinks (beer/wine/soft drinks) costs $35, while a couple’s ticket plus two drinks each costs $50, with proceeds benefiting animals and programs at the zoo.
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, 1403 Heritage Park Road, Prescott, 928.778.4242, heritageparkzoo.org, 6 to 9 p.m., $35-$50
Tame Impala
SEPTEMBER 18
With support from Sudan Archives, the Kevin Parker-helmed psych-pop and rock outfit Tame Impala is returning to the Valley for a headlining show at Gila River Arena in support of the album “The Slow Rush.” As a rescheduled tour date, original tickets will still be honored.
Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, gilariverarena.com, 8 p.m., $47.75-$127
Arizona Cardinals vs. Minnesota Vikings
SEPTEMBER 19
It’s that time of year again! The regular football season kicks off this September, and after an away game start against the Tennessee Titans, the Cards will return home to State Farm Stadium to face off against the Minnesota Vikings.
State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 602.379.0101, azcardinals.com, 1:05 p.m., $64-$263
Modest Mouse
SEPTEMBER 19
After a six-year wait, indie rockers Modest Mouse are back with a new album, a bit of a musical change of pace for the long-running group. And with that album on shelves and streaming services, the band is getting back to touring — with this stop at Arizona Federal Theatre along the way.
Arizona Federal Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, arizonafederaltheatre.com, 7:30 p.m., $39.99-$178.50
Monarch Butterfly Tagging Trip in Southern Arizona
SEPTEMBER 19
This special event for the Got Milkweed? campaign will allow participants to observe monarch butterflies as they migrate to Mexico, while learning how to tag them from Butterfly Wonderland Director of Education Adriane Grimaldi. Pre-registration is required by September 15, and space is limited. Volunteers will receive directions upon reservation.
Southern Arizona, near Sonoita, roughly three hours south of Scottsdale, 480.800.3000, ext. 204, butterflywonderland.com, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., $20 members, $25 public
Phoenix Mercury vs. Los Angeles Aces
SEPTEMBER 19
Well, the WNBA season is coming to an end, but not before the Phoenix Mercury duke it out on the court against the Los Angeles Aces. Don’t miss out on this special Fan Appreciation Night game.
Footprint Center, formerly known as Phoenix Suns Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.252.9622, mercury.wnba.com, noon, $27-$92
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
SEPTEMBER 24 TO SEPTEMBER 26
Beat LA! These three matchups against the Los Angeles Dodgers signify Los D-backs Hispanic Heritage Weekend. Friday night, there will be a postgame firework show with Hispanic music sponsored by Gila River Hotels & Casinos. The first 10,000 fans on Saturday will receive a Los D-backs Snakehead Cap, and the first 1,000 fans on Sunday will receive the Los D-backs Serpientería Game. The weekend is presented by Michelob Ultra Pure Gold.
Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.462.6500, dbacks.com, 6:40 p.m. September 24, 5:10 p.m. September 25, 1:10 p.m. September 26, $25-$250
Goldrush Music Festival
SEPTEMBER 24 TO SEPTEMBER 26
The annually anticipated EDM festival is returning to Rawhide once again. This time the three-day, multistage lineup features the likes of Diplo, ATLiens, Above & Beyond, Illenium, Kayzo, Cray, Getter, Kill the Noise, NGHTMRE, Zedd, Autograf, and Zeds Dead b2b GRiZ. See website for the massive, full lineup.
Rawhide Western Town, 1500 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 323.908.0607, goldrushfestaz.com, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, $99-$999
John Legend
SEPTEMBER 25
After releasing his latest album, “Bigger Love,” last year, famed R&B singer-songwriter John Legend will visit the Valley to showcase his vocal chops. Husband-and-wife soul duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount, known professionally as the War and Treaty (also on the back of a new album), will open the show.
Arizona Federal Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, arizonafederaltheatre.com, 8 p.m., $61.50-$478.50
Rockin’ Taco Street Fest
SEPTEMBER 25
More than 20 local restaurants and food trucks will get together for this celebration of the taco, which is in its 10th year. Additionally, the festival will include live music, eating competitions, a mechanical Rockin’ Taco ride and lucha libre wrestling matches. Food purveyors will include Tapas al Gusto, Los Sombreros and Salsa Bites.
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, rockintacoaz.com, noon to 9 p.m., $12-$20, or free for kids 12 and younger
Tech N9ne
SEPTEMBER 30
Prolific Strange Music legend Tech N9ne returns to Marquee Theatre once again, this time on the heels of his 2020 album “EnterFear.” Billed as part of the Strange New World 2021 Tour, the show will also feature Rittz, along with special guests King Iso, Maez301 and Jerry Robinson. This show is for concertgoers ages 13 and older.
Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, marqueetheatreaz.com, 8 p.m., $40
Great American Seed Up
OCTOBER 1 to october 2
The Great American Seed Up is back! After moving to online opportunities last year, the two-day, sustainability-focused event will resume its in-person plans, alongside a livestream via Facebook. At the event, participants can snag garden variety seeds in bulk via popcorn buckets, resulting in discounted prices (bundles are also available online). Virtual workshops, presentations and a live Q&A are tied in, too. Tickets include access to the event, as well as educational webinars, podcasts and recordings.
North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, greatamericanseedup.org, 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 2, $7.50
