Things to do this weekend and beyond!

Whether you're craving bold bites, Broadway lights, glittering auctions, or a soul-lifting spin class, the Valley is bursting with fun this weekend. From Aug. 8 to 10, dive into a New Orleans-inspired musical, score back-to-school dining deals, or roll up your sleeves for a community art project. Here’s your go-to guide for things to do, no FOMO allowed. Get all the details here.

Feature stories

Echoes of the past. Since 1910, a modest brick building in downtown Mesa has taken on many lives. It was once a saloon, later a gambling hall, then a lending office, and eventually home to a string of jewelry stores. Since last May, it has operated as Mesa’s Haunted Museum. Learn more here.

A desert staycation. You don’t have to leave the Valley to feel like you’ve gone somewhere. Sometimes, a 20-minute drive and a packed overnight bag are all it takes to get a change of pace. When the heat puts outdoor plans on pause, a staycation with refreshing pools might be just the cure for summer boredom. Get the details here.

Local landmarks. Since its adoption by the Cave Creek Town Council in late 2020, the Local Landmarks Program has recognized multiple sites for their historical, cultural, and community significance. Read all about it.

News and notes

All that glitters. From an Art Deco diamond watch pendant dating back to the Silent Movie era to a 14-karat gold and gemstone evening purse, more than 100 unique jewelry pieces will go to auction Saturday, Aug. 9, at EJ’s Auction & Appraisal in Glendale.

Learn more here.

Welcome to town. A new boutique hotel is making waves in Scottsdale’s bustling Hospitality District. The REMI. Scottsdale, Autograph Collection, opened July 22 with 161 design-forward rooms, a Moroccan-inspired rooftop pool, and five distinct culinary and nightlife concepts meant to capture the city’s high-energy vibe. Learn more here.

School is in session. Tucked into a quiet corner of northeast Gilbert, PS Academy Arizona looks like any other junior high or high school: students chatting between classes, teachers prepping lessons and the hum of a school day in full swing. But for many families, this private school offers something they couldn’t find anywhere else: a dignified, supportive education for students who think and learn differently.

Read all about it here.

More news and notes

Happy anniversary! The Kiwanis Marketplace Thrift Shop is celebrating 11 years of serving the Cave Creek and Carefree communities with month-long sales, special events and extended hours throughout August. Get all the details here.

Local real estate expertise. Curious about the local real estate market? Read this month's expert real estate column from Darrell Doepke here.

Business advice from the pros. In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing business environment, being “business smart” is more crucial than ever. But what does it mean to be business smart and how can you develop this essential trait? Find out here.

Enchanting Earth. Jamie Inglett is the founder of Enchanting Earth, a luxury crystal jewelry boutique and metaphysical healing space in Sedona. She’s also the force behind @enchantingearthco, an Instagram account with more than 215,000 followers and a global community built on intention, healing, and high-vibe sparkle. Learn more here.

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