Things to do this weekend and beyond!

Looking for weekend plans? From rodeo thrills in Scottsdale to peach-filled mornings in Fountain Hills, the Valley is buzzing with events to kick off September. Learn more here.

Exclusive feature stories

Riding through tradition. Just a short drive from Phoenix, KOLI Equestrian Center in the Gila River Indian Community offers a chance to trade city streets for desert trails. Since 2002, the center has been welcoming locals and visitors alike to explore the wide-open landscape on horseback. Read the story here.

A season of art. Scottsdale Arts is opening its 2025–26 season with more than curtain calls. The nonprofit is celebrating milestones, debuting new partnerships, and unveiling projects that cement its place as one of Arizona’s leading cultural institutions.

Learn more here.

Awareness and prevention. Awareness and prevention. September is National Falls Prevention Awareness Month, and local health advocates are drawing attention to a common yet preventable concern. Falls remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death among older adults. See the article here.

News and notes

Community support. More than 200 local teachers started the new school year with a surprise boost, thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Carefree. Read more here.

College and Career Fair. Career and Technical Education is more than a profession for Jayme Fitzpatrick — it’s a passion. That dedication will be on display Saturday, Sept. 20, when SUSD partners with Scottsdale Public Library and Scottsdale Career Services to host its annual College and Career Fair at Scottsdale Civic Center Library. Learn more here.

Recovery is possible. Recovery Month is a vital time dedicated to promoting and supporting new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong recovery community, and the dedication of those who make recovery possible.

Read an inspiring local recovery story here.

Help a nonprofit in need. September may mark the start of fall on the calendar, but in Phoenix, the heat tells another story. Triple-digit temperatures still scorch the Valley, extending one of the hottest summers on record. For people, it’s exhausting. For hundreds of abandoned pigs across Arizona, it’s life-threatening. Read more here.

Local leadership. Valley Leadership is rolling out new initiatives this year aimed at strengthening Arizona schools and expanding access to leadership development, including the launch of a literacy-focused volunteer program and the organization’s largest-ever Catalyze class. Find out more here.

More news and notes

Inside PS Academy Arizona. Founded in 2008, PS Academy Arizona in Gilbert opened its doors with a mission to serve students with autism. Since then, the private school has grown into a community for a broader group of learners — students who haven’t thrived in traditional public or charter schools. Learn more here.

Local real estate news. Anticipation has been the theme of this summer’s housing market. Much like Carly Simon’s 1970s hit “Anticipation,” many potential buyers have spent the season waiting—watching prices, interest rates and inventory—before making their move. Read the expert column here.

Protecting our kids. Hundreds of young athletes in Arizona will have extra protection this season thanks to a major donation from Delta Dental of Arizona and its foundation. Learn more here.

Local business spotlight. Moving Help for Hire has spent more than three years building a reputation as “your friends in all things moving.” The family-owned and operated company is committed to helping customers move in, move out and sometimes just move that one heavy item no one else wants to touch. Read about them here.

Fall flavors. Fall in Scottsdale usually means pumpkin spice, but at Ling’s Wok Shop, it’s all about fresh flavors, sizzling dishes and deals designed to feed everyone from busy lunch-goers to hungry families. Take a peek at their latest menu updates.

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