Artists Serving Humanity
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 28
For First Fridays, the Olney Gallery is holding a special reception for Artists Serving Humanity, a group that represents incarcerated artists who give back by raising money through art sales, from 6 to 9 p.m. September 2. More than 200 artists in 18 states, the youngest being 18 and the oldest 81, are part of Artists Serving Humanity. The Olney Gallery’s exhibit opened in August and is on display through September 28.
Olney Gallery at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 100 W. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, 623.826.9912, artistsservinghumanity.org, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, free admission
Saboten Con
SEPTEMBER 2 TO SEPTEMBER 5
Spend your Labor Day weekend celebrating anime and manga with this massive convention. Taking place Downtown and having drawn more than 23,000 attendees last year, this convention features vendors, workshops, evening raves, maid and anime cafes, and plenty of programming. Special guests include the likes of illustrators, voice actors, costume designers and cosplayers.
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, 340 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 623.232.0580, sabotencon.conmagick.com, various dates and times, $20-$450
“Seinfeld” Trivia
SEPTEMBER 7
Test your knowledge of the iconic ’90s show about nothing with host Jack Trivia. Think you can win this contest? The craft beer taproom will be giving away prizes, plus there will be plenty of brews, bites, yada yada yada.
Tap That Downtown, 909 N. Fifth Street, Phoenix, 602.812.3222, tapthatbeer.com, 7 to 9 p.m., free admission
“Barbarian”
OPENS SEPTEMBER 9
Directed by Zach Cregger, this horror film stars Georgina Campbell as a woman who travels to Detroit for a job interview but finds her rental home double-booked by a strange man. Bill Skarsgård and Justin Long are also among the cast. Rated R.
In theaters
9/11 Tower Challenge
SEPTEMBER 10
Pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, with this annual benefit for the 100 Club of Arizona. The challenge allows participants to climb the equivalent of the 110 floor and 2,071 steps of the Twin Towers, viewing photographs of the fallen along the way. The 100 Club of Arizona outlines its mission as being “to provide financial assistance to families of first responders who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty and provide resources to enhance their safety and welfare.”
Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 602.485.0100, 100club.org/911tc2022, 8 to 10 a.m., $40-$45
Emo Nite
SEPTEMBER 10
Since the first one nearly a decade ago, Emo Nite has become something of a phenomenon. An emo-focused touring club night, it welcomes guests to different cities to curate playlists of the classics its audiences grew up on. One dollar from every ticket sold will be donated to Living the Dream Foundation, which supports children and young adults living with life-threatening illnesses.
Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, emonite.com, 9 p.m., $17
Kendrick Lamar
SEPTEMBER 10
It’s been a long five years, but Kendrick Lamar (or Oklama, as he has now been referring to himself) is back — and his latest release, “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers,” immediately entered into the pantheon of great hip-hop double albums. Cue The Big Steppers Tour. This Phoenix show will be supported by up-and-comers Baby Keem and Tanna Leone, both of whom are signed to Lamar’s new pgLang venture and also have recent projects.
Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, footprintcenter.com, 7:30 p.m., $144-$475
Phoenix Rising vs. Oakland Roots SC
SEPTEMBER 10
The Phoenix Rising Football Club only has one home game this month, so don’t miss your chance to catch a game before the season comes to a wrap. The Rising will face off against the Oakland Roots Sports Club at Wild Horse Pass in the middle of a month that will see the team traveling to go up against Colorado, San Diego, Monterey Bay and Sacramento.
Phoenix Rising Stadium at Wild Horse Pass, 19593 S. 48th Street, Chandler, 623.594.9606, phxrisingfc.com, 7:30 p.m., see website for tickets
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Diego Padres
SEPTEMBER 15 TO SEPTEMBER 18
After a matchup for Roberto Clemente Day on Thursday, the D-backs will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Weekend with three more games against the Padres on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, presented by Estrella Jalisco. On Saturday, 10,000 fans will receive a Serpientes replica jersey courtesy of Pepsi, too. All four games will be broadcast on TV via Bally Sports Arizona and radio via 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station and KHOV Univision 105.1.
Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.462.6500, dbacks.com, 6:40 p.m. September 15 and September 16, 5:10 p.m. September 17, 1:10 p.m. September 18, $15-$180
Garlic Fest
SEPTEMBER 16 TO SEPTEMBER 25
Queen Creek’s annual celebration of everyone’s favorite anti-vampire ingredient is back for more than a week of festivities. Last year’s event featured everything from cooking demos and garlic-growing classes to live music and a vendor alley, so not only are cooks of varying skill levels welcome, but so is anyone else who wants to partake in some fall fun, really. Central to it all is the Tavolo Dinner on September 21, which costs a pricey $124.99 but includes five courses of garlic-based feasting.
Queen Creek Olive Mill, 25062 South Meridian Road, Queen Creek, 480.888.9290, queencreekolivemill.com, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, free admission
“Moonage Daydream”
OPENS SEPTEMBER 16
Written and directed by Brett Morgen, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the Kurt Cobain documentary “Montage of Heck,” this film is described by distributor Neon as a “feature-length experiential cinematic odyssey (that) explores David Bowie’s creative, musical and spiritual journey.” With narration from the late Bowie himself, the film — which will be shown in IMAX — uses “sublime, kaleidoscopic, never-before-seen footage, performances and music.” Rated PG-13.
In theaters, moonagedaydream.film
“Pearl”
OPENS SEPTEMBER 16
Just six months after the release of his ’70s throwback slasher film “X,” writer-director Ti West is already returning to cinemas with this Technicolor-inspired prequel that tells the origin story of its villain. Both starring Mia Goth, together the two films are sure to make the perfect grindhouse-inspired double feature. Rated R.
In theaters, a24films.com/films/pearl
Arizona State Fair
SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 30
Fall is almost upon us, and so is the Arizona State Fair. “Turn on the fair fun” with thrilling rides, tasty fair food and plenty more activities that return in the cooler months each year, from livestock shows to a variety of entertainment stages.
Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602.252.6771, azstatefair.com, various dates and times, $15 or free for kids 5 and younger
“Don’t Worry, Darling”
OPENS SEPTEMBER 23
Olivia Wilde makes her directorial follow-up to the acclaimed 2019 coming-of-age comedy “Booksmart” with this psychological thriller starring Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Gemma Chan, KiKi Layne, Chris Pine and herself. Set during the 1950s in the experimental company town Victory, and sounding like a sort of new take on “The Stepford Wives” formula, the husbands spend their days working on the top-secret Victory Project while the wives enjoy life’s luxuries back home, until something sinister is revealed beneath the community’s utopian surface, causing their lifestyle to come to question. Rated R.
In theaters, dontworrydarling.movie
Beer, Bourbon, Barbeque and a Band
SEPTEMBER 24
Beer. Bourbon. Barbecue. Those three words should be all that’s needed to spark an interest in this SanTan Brewing Company event. Musician Nick Moody will open from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., with Trey Odum following on the main stage from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Despite the brews and spirits, the event is fun for the whole family, with a pig roast and food available from the SanTan Brewing food truck.
SanTan Gardens, 495 E. Warner Road, Suite 101, Chandler, 480.534.7041, santanbrewing.com, 4 to 10 p.m., $12-$30 or free standing room admission for children 12 and younger
Bell Bank Park Fall Fest
SEPTEMBER 24
Celebrate the end of summer and the start of fall with this East Valley festival, which will emphasize shopping from more than 100 local vendors, complemented with live music, kids activities and more.
Bell Bank Park, 1 Legacy Drive, Mesa, 480.353.7058, bellbankpark.com, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $5
CHVRCHES
SEPTEMBER 24
After the Scottish synth-pop trio’s horror-inspired 2021 album “Screen Violence,” which could be argued as a return to form after a more accessible turn on 2018’s “Love is Dead,” Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty are returning to the Valley with all the great songs and lighting they’ve come to be known for. No word on if there’s an opening act.
Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, marqueetheatreaz.com, 8 p.m., $42
Pumpkin Patch
SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 31
Get into the fall spirit with this family-owned and -operated farm. Shop Maneau’s Market for decorations and accessories; grab a bite to eat, from hot dogs to snacks like popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones; and pick a fresh pumpkin from the patch. Entry includes an oz pumpkin, hayride and spider web crawl, plus ticket holders can feed the animals and enter Alexander’s Adventure Maze.
Mother Nature’s Farm, 1663 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert, 480.892.5874, mothernaturesfarm.com, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, $12
Scottsdale Sangria Fest
SEPTEMBER 24
Spend your afternoon in Old Town Scottsdale, sipping sangria with friends. Tickets to this event include a dozen sangria tastings per person, plus VIP updates and discounts on future events. And don’t miss out on the giveaways and whatever else Wasted Grain has in store. This event is 21 and older.
Wasted Grain, 7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, scottsdalesangriafest.weebly.com, 2 to 5:30 p.m., $25-$35
Somos Peoria
SEPTEMBER 24
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with this family-friendly, multicultural festival featuring live music and entertainment including El Chicano, Latin Breed, Mariachi Divas, Ballet Folklorico, lucha libre, a classic and low-rider car show, arts and crafts shopping, food and beverages.
Old Town Peoria at 83rd and Grand avenues, 623.773.7133, peoriaaz.gov, 4 to 10:30 p.m., $10-$35
Gorillaz
SEPTEMBER 26
It’s been a long wait for fans of the virtual band Gorillaz, as Damon Albarn’s heavily collaborative musical project (behind such hits as “Clint Eastwood” and “Feel Good Inc.”) hasn’t stopped in the Valley since 2010’s “Plastic Beach” tour. In the time since, even considering a lengthy hiatus, fans have been treated to a wealth of new music — four new albums’ worth, plus another on the way. Special guest duo and Dreamville signee EARTHGANG will be in tow.
Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, footprintcenter.com, 7:30 p.m., $65-$424
Wu-Tang Clan and Nas
SEPTEMBER 29
Wu-Tang Clan and Nas are linking up to bring the “NY state of mind” to Phoenix. Legendary Queens emcee Nas is on a hot streak, having recently linked up with producer Hit-Boy for a prolific run of well-received new records (2020’s “King’s Disease” and 2021’s “King’s Disease II” and “Magic,” not to mention reports of a forthcoming “King’s Disease III”). The Wu-Tang Clan, on the other hand, may not have a new project — but the Staten Island legends always bring the ruckus with a deep discog for live performances.
Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.7200, livenation.com, 8 p.m., $29.50-$809
“Immersive King Tut”
SEPTEMBER 30 TO NOVEMBER 13
After “Immersive Van Gogh” and “Immersive Monet,” Lighthouse Artspace is continuing to immerse its audiences in the worlds of the past, this time that of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun — coinciding with the 100-year anniversary of the discovery of his tomb.
Lighthouse Artspace, 4301 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, immersive-kingtut.com, various dates and times, $30-$40
“Mala”
SEPTEMBER 30 TO OCTOBER 15
Order Chaos Theater Company presents this one-woman show (which stars Ángela Kabasan González) described as “an irreverent exploration of how we live through, cope, and survive in the last moments of our loved one’s lives.” Performed on The Kax Stage and directed by Jean Paoul C. Clemente, Herberger’s website also notes author Melinda Lopez’s knack for “distinctive emotional language and sharp humor.” Recommended for ages 12 and older.
Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater.org, 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, $27
“Matilda the Musical”
SEPTEMBER 30 TO OCTOBER 16
This musical is based on the Roald Dahl classic about “an extraordinary girl … with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind,” as Theater Works describes her. Audiences of all ages are welcome to the show, which takes place in the Gyder Theater.
Theater Works, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria, 623.815.7930, theaterworks.org, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, $40-$48
