Things to do this weekend

The Valley is bursting with events this weekend that’ll have you sipping French wine, laughing at tipsy Shakespeare, and basking in the sweet relief of indoor A/C—all without leaving town. Here’s what’s hot (and cool) July 11–13. Learn more here.

Feature stories

Local museums, big impact. With cell phones and cameras in hand, a crowd of enthusiastic people cheered and took photos and video of a Harrier AV-8B landing at Falcon Field, the latest addition to a museum celebrating the history of military aviation. Read more here.

Summer slopes. Snowboarding in Arizona may sound like a winter-only fantasy, but one Valley native is flipping that script. Having officially opened its doors on May 24, AZ Snow Zone offers an indoor training ground for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

See the story here.

Pictures of history. Nearly 100 years ago, The Carver was the Phoenix Union Colored High School—reflecting the Valley’s segregated past. Today, it's a cultural landmark celebrating African American history in Arizona and the Southwest, thanks to decades of work by historians and activists. Learn more here.

Community news and notes

New rooftop restaurant. Celebrity restaurateur and television personality Lisa Vanderpump is set to open her second Wolf by Vanderpump restaurant this winter, this time on the rooftop of Caesars Republic Scottsdale. Learn more here.

A show you have to see. What started as a limited summer run is now a full-on love affair. “Drunk Shakespeare,” the irreverent and hilarious take on Romeo & Juliet, has extended its Phoenix run through Sept. 27 due to sold-out crowds and high demand.

Read the story here.

Retail center incoming in Carefree. Plans for a new neighborhood retail center in Carefree have taken a significant step forward after the town’s Development Review Board unanimously approved the site plan at its June meeting. Read about it here.

The latest from Hale Centre Theatre. Hale Centre Theatre Arizona has announced its full 2025–26 season of Broadway-style plays and a fall concert series, while also preparing to bring Roald Dahl’s timeless tale to life this summer with "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." You can read both stories here and here.

Welcome to town, Sprouts! A Sprouts Farmers Market is in the works for Fountain Hills. The grocer has submitted a site plan for a 23,000-square-foot store to be located in Four Peaks Plaza. Read all about it here.

Fun in the sun in Scottsdale. Local residents don’t have to travel far to make the most of summer. From staycation steals to nighttime adventures, there are plenty of ways to beat the heat and enjoy the season — all right here in our own backyard.

Read all about it here.

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