“Immersive Monet & the Impressionists”
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 18
Monet, Renoir, Degas and friends come to Downtown Phoenix as part of this immersive exhibition, comparable to the wildly popular “Immersive Van Gogh” show. In fact, it comes from Massimiliano Siccardi, who created both exhibits. According to the exhibition’s website, art lovers will be “swept away” by “a tantalizing exploration of vibrant colors on a jaw-dropping scale.”
Lighthouse Artspace, 4301 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, immersivemonet.com, various dates and times, $30-$60
Thomas Rhett
AUGUST 4
On the heels of his sixth studio album, “Where We Started,” country singer Thomas Rhett is returning to the Valley for this outdoor summer night performance. In a recent profile for The Entertainer! Magazine, Rhett says he approaches his shows, music and life with the mantra “pure joy.” His Ak-Chin Pavilion gig will be no different, with support from openers Parker McCollum and Conner Smith.
Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.7200, livenation.com, 7:30 p.m., $35.50-$409
1st Fridays West Valley Food Trucks in the Park
AUGUST 5
Every first Friday of the month features an array of quality food trucks from Tolleson in the Southwest Valley. A family-friendly event, this month’s lineup is Mexican food from Lolo & Papi’s Tacos, cold desserts from The Snowy Churro, hamburgers and hot dogs from V Dawgs, and soul food and barbecue from JJ’s Triple BBQ.
Whyman Park, 2350 S. 103rd Avenue, Tolleson, https://bit.ly/3c2RRcZ, 6 to 8 p.m., free admission
“Bullet Train”
OPENS AUGUST 5
“The end of the line is just the beginning” reads the tagline of this action comedy from David Leitch (director of “Atomic Blonde” and “Deadpool 2” as well as uncredited codirector of the original “John Wick”). Described in its synopsis as “a wild, nonstop thrill ride through modern-day Japan,” and based on the book of the same name by Kotaro Isaka, it stars Brad Pitt as an unlucky assassin on a mission that finds him trapped aboard a bullet train with adversaries from around the world. Co-stars include Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon, Benito A. Martínez Ocasio and Sandra Bullock. Rated R.
In theaters, bullettrainmovie.com
Game On Expo
AUGUST 5 TO AUGUST 7
Game On Expo is the Southwest’s premier gaming and anime event! From a free-play arcade and tabletop games to tournaments, and also with an exhibitor hall, auction, live music, panels, guests and more, this multimedia event debuted in 2015 and is now the largest gaming convention in the state, according to its website. Don’t forget to cosplay as your favorite gaming or anime characters.
Phoenix Convention Center, South Building, 100 N. Third Street, Phoenix, gameonexpo.com, 1 to 10 p.m. August 5, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. August 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. August 7, see website for ticket prices
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live
AUGUST 6 AND AUGUST 7
Hot Wheels cars are a staple of any childhood. But at this Hot Wheels show, auto lovers won’t have to settle for just the miniatures. There will be several monster truck performances throughout the weekend, not to mention the Hot Wheels Crash Zone Pre-Show Party.
Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, hotwheelsmonstertruckslive.com, various dates and times, $28-$40
Real Wild & Woody Indoor Best Festival
AUGUST 6
The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild is celebrating more than three decades of craft beer in the state to sample quality brews from a whole host of craft brewers. A list of participants is available online. The event is the Southwest’s largest indoor beer festival, according to its website.
Bell Bank Park, Fieldhouse C, 1 Legacy Drive, Mesa, chooseazbrews.com/real-wild-and-woody, 1 p.m., $65-$300 or $15 for designated drivers
UBU Expo
AUGUST 6
Showcase your brand and showcase your passion at the 10th annual UBU Expo. With more than 200 exhibitors expected, according to its website, attendees will be able to browse the expo floor for everything from apparel to healthy snacks, energy drinks, supplements, vitamins, natural and holistic products, anti-aging products and more. Also rolled into the event are live athletic events and an obstacle course.
WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, ubuexpo.com, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., $10-$500 or free general admission for kids 5 and younger
“Bodies Bodies Bodies”
OPENS AUGUST 12
A slasher for a new generation. In this dark comedy horror, directed by Halina Reijn, things go wrong for a group of rich 20-somethings playing a game during a hurricane party at a remote family mansion. “Bodies Bodies Bodies” is described by distributor A24 as a “fresh and funny look at backstabbing, fake friends, and one party gone very, very wrong.” It stars Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Myha’la Herrold, Chase Sui Wonders and Rachel Sennott, with Lee Pace and Pete Davidson. Rated R.
In theaters, a24films.com
“Junie B. Jones Jr. the Musical”
AUGUST 12 TO AUGUST 28
The Junie B. Jones series has been beloved by young readers for decades. Come see four of Barbara Park’s best-selling books about the character get adapted into this musical stage play by Broadway Junior performers. In it, Jones embarks on the excitement of her first day of first grade, including new friends, a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament, a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal” and more.
Theater Works’ Gyder Theater, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria, 623.815.7930, theaterworks.org, 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, $22-$26
“Seussical”
AUGUST 12 TO AUGUST 28
Valley Youth Theatre will deliver a string of performances of this popular Dr. Seuss-themed musical, which brings together a variety of beloved characters, from Horton the Elephant to the Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie and JoJo, in classic locations like the Jungle of Nool, Circus McGurkus and the invisible world of the Whos.
Herberger Theater Center’s Center Stage, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater.org, various dates and times, $16.50-$35.50
Family Pool-ooza
AUGUST 13
The weather is still warm, but summer is winding down — and the city of Surprise is saying farewell to the season with this pool party. Families can swim, play games, grab a bite to eat, listen to live music and just have fun.
Surprise Aquatic Center, 15831 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise, 623.222.2500, surpriseaz.gov, $5-$8
Sour & Sweet Beer Fest
AUGUST 13
This Old Town Scottsdale event is presented by Fate Brewing Company. General admission tickets include $15 tasting tickets and a commemorative festival glass, whereas VIP tickets include the same benefits plus a commemorative festival T-shirt and entry an extra hour early. And in the name of responsibility, designated driver ticket holders will get a free water. A list of participating breweries is available online. Food will be available for purchase, too. This event is for ages 21 and older.
The Clayton House, 3719 N. 75th Street, Scottsdale, https://bit.ly/3NT9rxf, 1 to 5 p.m., $45-$65 or $10 for designated drivers
Summer Jam
AUGUST 13
Cool down this summer with an array of water activities. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and DJs Average Joe, Tony Kujo and Hitman Shawn will set the tone with EDM music. This event is for ages 21 and older.
Afri-Soul, 1145 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, https://bit.ly/3aq5sul, 4 to 10:30 p.m., $65
“Discovering Desert Diversity” Opening Reception
AUGUST 19
This Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) Arizona regional exhibition pays tribute to the complexity of the American Southwest, with artists selected from Arizona, New Mexico and Southern California by juror Ann Morton to be displayed in the Main Gallery & Bob’s Spot Gallery. The opening reception is set for August 19, but the artwork can be seen on display from August 4 to October 2.
Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater.org, 6 to 8 p.m., free admission
Trivia Night @ SMoCA
AUGUST 19
Comedian Anwar Newton is hosting this pop-culture trivia event. A hybrid event that operates both in person and virtually, it will test participants’ knowledge on a multitude of subjects, from film and television to music, for the chance to win prizes. In-person attendees will each receive one free drink and snacks.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art lounge, 7374 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.874.4666, smoca.org, 7 p.m., $10-$15
Hot Import Nights
AUGUST 20
Presented by Hive Auto Group and celebrating 25 years, Hot Import Nights is a fully indoor global lifestyle festival that combines the world of cars with food, music, fashion and entertainment. Features include competitions, exhibitors and merchandise stands, an anime alley, multiple entertainment zones, concessions and more. Doors open at 3 p.m. for presale entry.
WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, hotimportnights.com, 5 to 11 p.m., $10-$20 or free for kids 6 and younger with a paid adult
Summer Nights
AUGUST 20
The inaugural Summer Nights event at Bell Bank Park, this family-friendly concert features live music from country artist Chad Freeman, with yard and water games, an obstacle course, a backyard barbecue, and more food and drink to round out the entertainment.
Bell Bank Park, 1 Legacy Drive, Mesa, bellbankpark.com, 7 to 10 p.m., free admission
Kid Cudi
AUGUST 25
Hum along as the man on the moon himself takes audiences “to the moon” with this world tour of the same name. His most recent album, “Man on the Moon III: The Chosen,” dropped in December 2020, but as he readies his follow-up, “Entergalactic,” Kid Cudi has remained busy. Earlier this year he co-starred in the A24 ’70s throwback slasher film “X,” and this summer he put together a greatest hits collection and reissued his debut mixtape, “A Kid Named Cudi.” Now, he’s touring with support from Don Toliver, 070 Shake and Strick.
Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, footprintcenter.com, 7 p.m., $44.50-$522.75
Hell City Tattoo Festival
AUGUST 26 TO AUGUST 28
Hell City Tattoo Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary, bringing with it hundreds of tattoo artists, vendors, live painters and industry professionals. Not only does it emphasize the art of tattooing, but Hell City includes other forms of body modification as well. Slated for the weekend are tons of seminars, competitions, live acts and more.
Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, 602.955.6600, hellcity.com, noon to 11 p.m. August 26 and August 27, noon to 8 p.m. August 28, $25-$75
Hot Summer Nights
AUGUST 27
StartLine Racing’s second annual 5K run series is back, with the first date set for August both at Scottsdale Sports Complex and virtually. The event is fundraising for St. Mary’s Food Bank. There are a variety of competing age groups, and the top three will be awarded in each category.
Scottsdale Sports Complex, 8081 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale, 480.912.7878, startlineracing.com, 6:30 p.m., $30-$40
Chris Rock
AUGUST 28
The famed funnyman is back on the road with his first live comedy tour in five years. A comedian, actor, director, writer and producer — not to mention a Grammy and Emmy award winner — Chris Rock could be considered a jack-of-all-trades in the entertainment industry. His decades of work include his time on “Saturday Night Live”; a variety of live specials and albums; roles in everything from “Grown Ups” to “Spiral: From the Book of Saw” and “Madagascar”; and “Everybody Hates Chris,” inspired by his own childhood.
Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, livenation.com, 8 p.m., $59.50-$79.50
Arizona Good Food Expo
AUGUST 30
Created by Local First Arizona, this expo is a showcase of local farms and food artisans that aims to connect them with buyers. Industry professionals in attendance can find local sources, network, learn about trends and try samples.
Mesa Convention Center, Building C, 263 N. Center Street, Mesa, goodfoodfinderaz.com, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free admission
The Weeknd
AUGUST 30
From his dark, sensual “Trilogy” mixtapes to the ’80s-influenced synth-pop of recent albums like “After Hours” and “Dawn FM,” fans have watched The Weeknd’s ascent from alt-R&B up-and-comer to global superstar over the past decade. This tour, delayed multiple times over the past couple years, supports both albums. Doja Cat was previously slated to open, but Kaytranada and Mike Dean will take her place.
State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 602.379.0102, statefarmstadium.com, 6:30 p.m., $32-$1,250
“Three Thousand Years of Longing”
OPENS AUGUST 31
Based upon the short story “The Djinn in the Nightingale’s Eye” by A.S. Byatt, this fantasy epic is the latest film from filmmaker George Miller — and his first since 2015’s “Mad Max: Fury Road.” A doubleheader starring Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton, the film is about an academic at a conference in Istanbul who is granted three wishes by a Djinn in exchange for his freedom. And judging by its trailer, the scale is going to be large and story bizarre. Rated R.
In theaters, unitedartistsreleasing.com
