Posts Tagged ‘civic space park’

Downtown Goings On Jan. 19-22

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

If you’re looking to fill your weekend’s social calendar, Downtown Phoenix offers the perfect blend of urban nightlife, culture, family friendly events, dining, and live music.

Grab a slice of pizza from Downtown’s newest pizza parlor, Downtown Pizza Lounge (144 E. Washington St.). Phoenix Suns assistant coach and former shooting star Dan Majerle opened this lunch spot last week next door to his flagship bar and restaurant, Majerle’s. Chow down on huge $3 pizza slices (popular varieties like pepperoni, sausage, Margherita, etc.) while getting your SportsCenter fix. Downtown Pizza Lounge might stay open late depending on Downtown’s event calendar.

Friday at 5:30 p.m., Coach & Willie’s hosts Super Date for Super Nate, a benefit dinner and poker tournament for Nate Dinoffria and his family. Please read Nate’s story here. A dinner ticket is $25, a spot in the poker tournament is $50, and dinner and poker can be had for the unbeatable price of $65. You may also sponsor a poker table for $250. For more information about Nate and this event contact dmobilia@aol.com

Laura Thursday night, Kincaid’s (2 S. 3rd St.) spotlights San Tan Brewing Company’s craft beers with special happy hour pairings from 5-7 p.m. Try San Tan’s famous Hop Shock IPA with ground Kobe beef bites or their Sex Panther Double Chocolate Porter with black-crusted smoked sirloin.

Fans of FX Network’s raunchy fantasy football sit-com “The League,” can see one of the show’s stars, Steve Rannazzisi (you’ll be quizzed on the spelling of that name at the door), perform his “You’re Either In Or You’re Out” routine at Stand Up Live Thursday-Sunday. Tickets are just $15 and parking is free when you validate at the CityScape garage.

Take the kids to see Disney On Ice’s “Toy Story 3″ at US Airways Center Thursday-Sunday. Tickets are $14-$68, which is pretty cheap fare to go to infinity and beyond.

Check out local favorites What Laura Says (pictured, left) at Downtown’s hippest new lounge and music venue Crescent Ballroom, Friday at 8:30. Tickets are $8-$10. While you’re there, try Crescent’s already legendary signature cocktail, the Honey Badger.

Speaking of live music, the Chris Parker Project will be playing its scintillating blend of Motown and 70s funk Friday night at Copper Blues starting around 8:30 pm. No cover!

Herberger Theater Center rolls out a few shows this weekend, including “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m In Therapy” Thursday-Sunday ($39.50-$49.50), and psychological thriller “9 Circles” in the Kax Theater Thursday-Saturday ($16-$20).

Irish folksters Trevor Jones and Nick Heyward play at The Turf Pub (705 N. 1st St.) 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The Phoenix Symphony presents “Pictures At An Exhibition” Thursday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Symphony Hall. Tickets start at $18.

There’s also Food Truck Friday (11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and Saturday Market (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) at Phoenix Public Market, “Monster Manual, Venom, Busy Bones” at Arizona Science Center, and the kid-friendly Fourth Sunday Jam at Civic Space Park (5 p.m.) featuring DJ DJentrification.

Have a great weekend in Downtown Phoenix!

Want more Downtown Phoenix?

Your weekly guide to events in Downtown is available in the What’s Happening!

Tags: civic space park, Coach & Willie's, Copper Blues, Disney on Ice, downtown phoenix, Downtown Pizza Lounge, kincaid's, majerles, Nate Dinoffria, phoenix public market, Phoenix Symphony, San Tan Brewery, Stand Up Live Steve Rannazzisi, The League, The Turf Irish Pub, What Laura Says
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Business Development, Community Commentary, Deal, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Sports, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »

PAPA Comes To Civic Space Park Saturday

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

The Valley’s only pedestrian-driven community parade returns for a sixth installment this Saturday, this time with a new home at Civic Space Park in Downtown Phoenix.

2011PAPA Phoenix Annual Parade of the Arts debuted Downtown in 2006 and this year transitions from Roosevelt Row to nearby Civic Space Park, one of Sunset Magazine’s Top 10 City Parks.

But don’t let the fancy new digs fool you: PAPA promises more of the same brand of family friendly fun including live music, puppet shows, street performers, circus attractions, floats, face-painting, and dance–all leading up to the 5:45 community led parade that will weave through the streets of Downtown.

There’s no event like PAPA, which unites the arts with the greater community by providing a free and open to the public, mobile expression of the arts lifestyle that is unique to Downtown Phoenix.

So decorate your bike, dress up like a elf, paint your face, and let loose at the Phoenix Annual Parade of the Arts, an all-ages, all-shapes, all-sizes, all-day party like no other.

Tags: civic space park, downtown phoenix, PAPA, Performance Art, Phoenix Annual Parade of the Arts, Roosevelt Row
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Earth Day, Music, Comedy and More

Monday, April 18th, 2011

Downtown Phoenix is the urban heart of Arizona and this week is another prime example why.

Here are just a few of the events I’m looking forward to.

Live Music

Hard Rock Cafe continues to book amazing live acts week in and week out. Fake Problems, an indie band playing vintage rock and roll-inspired punk rock, will grace the stage Tuesday night for an all-ages show.

Speaking of live talent, Tuesday night also mark’s Lil Wayne’s return to Phoenix as the Grammy Award-winning rapper brings his high-voltage show to the US Airways Center.

Earth Day 2011

We’ll all celebrate Earth Day this week and to thank the most hospitable planet in the galaxy and there are two free events you can attend.

42-16875340 The Second Annual Earth Day Phoenix Fair will be held on Thursday at Caesar Chavez Plaza, 2nd Ave. and Washington, from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. You’ll learn about recycling and sustainability, and maybe even pick up some useful giveaways.

If you can’t make Thursday’s event you can celebrate Earth Day at Friday’s Earth Day Community Picnic at Civic Space Park. Enjoy live music, art, and the beautiful outdoors with your fellow Phoenicians. Bring your lunch from home, stop and grab something from Phoenix Public Market at Food Truck Friday or the Urban Grocery, or even grab a bite from Fair Trade Café which is located right in Civic Space Park. The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Comedy

Adam Carolla will split your gut and get real at Orpheum Theater on Friday night with his brutally honest brand of comedy. The popular radio and podcast host’s interactive show promises several special appearances via Skype.

Wellness

Of course, after such a busy week, you’ll need to unwind. Just Breathe’s Gong Bath is a deep meditation. This popular quarterly event will help you to de-stress, clear energy pathways, and renew your mind and body with the sound and vibration of the meditation gong. Wellness awaits you on Sunday at 6:45 p.m.

Remember, you can download the weekly What’s Happening newsletter here or stop by the Downtown Ambassador Information Center to pick up a copy.

Enjoy your week in Downtown Phoenix!

Tags: Adam Carolla, Center Dance Ensemble, civic space park, downtown phoenix, Earth Day, Fake Problems, Hard Rock Cafe, Herberger Theater Center, Just Breathe, Lil Wayne
Posted in Arts & Culture, Business Development, Deal, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Sports, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | No Comments »

Things To Do On First Friday

Friday, October 1st, 2010

An amazing weekend in Downtown Phoenix kicks off with tonight’s abundant First Friday events. In case you haven’t already mapped out a plan, here are some options:

First Friday at Civic Space Park

snakesnakesnakes Tonight’s lineup features great organizations, businesses and artists including Neighborhood Ministries, Barrio Bikes, Fair Trade Cafe, The Haymarket Squares, and Snake! Snake! Snakes! (pictured, left) There will also be a new exhibit opening in the Artlink A.E. England Gallery featuring paintings from ASU Assistant Professor Forrest Solis. 6:30-9:30 p.m. This event is free.

First Friday Latino Style at Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center

View the current collection of more than 40 Latino artists, including live painting demonstrations and the best in Latin jazz. Plus, check out New Carpa Theater’s “The Eagle & the Serpent: A History of Mexico Abridged.” Admission into the gallery is free but tickets for the play are $17.50 for adults, $15 for students/seniors, $10 for children 12-under.

First Friday at CityScape

Downtown’s new entertainment district has cooked up an impressive First Friday event of its own starting with a free concert by Peppermint James from 4:30-6:30 p.m., leading right into Designer District’s Grand Opening and Fall Runway Show at 7 p.m. There’s also art, with 26 Blocks debuting in the CityScape lobby plus lots of new public art that was installed on the grounds this week.

First Friday at Heritage & Science Park

Rainbow_Festival Tour the Rosson House, check out works from local artists, and pop in on new Downtown restaurant Nobuo at Teeter House. With the Rainbows Festival going on Saturday and Sunday, Heritage Square should be an exciting place to be all weekend.

Herberger Theater Center Grand Re-Opening

Be one of the first people to see the new-look theater! This party includes entertainment, cuisine and tours of the theater. 6:30 p.m. Tickets to the VIP event are $100. If you can’t make tonight’s event you can come see the theater during Saturday’s Festival of the Arts, a full day of live family friendly entertainment and food. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $5.

Pinalicious, the Musical at Valley Youth Theater

Based on the book Pinkalicious, about a little girl whose love for all things pink gets out of control when she herself turns pink! Runs Oct. 1-17 at 7:30- p.m. Tickets are $18.

And don’t forget about First Friday staples like Target Free First Friday’s at Phoenix Children’s Museum and Adult’s Night Out at Arizona Science Center.

Tags: ALAC, Arizona Science Center, Children's Museum of Phoenix, civic space park, downtown phoenix, First Friday, Nobuo at Teeter House, Rosson House, Snake! Snake! Snakes!
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining | 1 Comment »

Concerts, Theater, Festivals, Oh My!

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

What a week in Downtown Phoenix!

Bryan_Adams First up is Bryan Adams, who brings his Bare Bones Tour to the intimate setting of the Orpheum Theater tonight. You’ll be singing along to classics like “Summer of ’69,” “Cuts Like a Knife,” and one of the best love songs of the 90s, ”(Everything I Do) I Do It For You.”

Next, The Arizona Latino Arts and Culture Center and New Carpa Theater bring “The Eagle and the Serpent: A History of Mexico Abridged” to their new stage, recreating Mexico’s tumultuous history from 30,000 BC to the present. With characters like Montezuma and Sinaloa Drug Kingpin “El Chapo,” this production is sure to be both entertaining and moving.

Also, don’t forget that this weekend brings First Friday, and the galleries are stocked and ready for those craving art. You can also find great First Friday activities at Heritage Square Park, Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center, Phoenix Children’s Museum, Arizona Science Center, and even our own Ambassador Information Center at the 101 North Building.

Back for the season is the Civic Space Park monthly event, featuring great organizations, businesses and artists including Neighborhood Ministries, Barrio Bikes, Fair Trade Cafe and live music from The Haymarket Squares and Snake! Snake! Snakes! There will also be a new exhibit opening in the A.E. England Gallery featuring paintings from ASU Assistant Professor Forrest Solis. Visit Fair Trade Cafe’s Facebook fan page for more details.

Downtown gets pink (just in time for breast cancer awareness month). Pinkalicious the musical starts up at the Valley Youth Theater this week, celebrating all things pink while showing that being yourself is the best of all. Australian Pink Floyd, the best one out there, will be at the Dodge Theater on Friday night with The Big Pink Greatest Hits World Tour.

RAINBOW Of course, if you’d rather celebrate all the colors of the rainbow, make sure to visit the Rainbows Festival happening at Heritage Square on Saturday and Sunday.

Last but certainly not least, Herberger Theater Center will show off its latest renovations during Saturday’s Festival of the Arts. You’ll get to tour the revamped theater while enjoying food, music and short films from the Phoenix Film Foundation. There’s an interactive children’s area too! That’s a lot of entertainment for only $5!

I could keep going and going but that would spoil the rest of the discoveries waiting inside this week’s What’s Happening. Download your copy here and get in on the Downtown fun!

Tags: Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center, Australian Pink Floyd, Bryan Adams, civic space park, Fair Trade Cafe, First Friday, Herberger Festival of the Arts, Heritage Square, Rainbows Festival, Valley Youth Theatre
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Deals, Meals and Steals

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

What’s better than a bargain? Lots of bargains.

And this week, Downtown Phoenix has all kinds of ways to keep you and your wallet happy. Have a look-see:

Wine Tasting at the Urban Wine Bar – There are lots of reasons to love the Phoenix Public Market. Here’s another: it’s the only Valley market that offers nothing but locally grown and produced wines. This coming Wednesday, September 29th, the Wine Bar at the Market will set out a free selection of Arizona wines, with a spotlight on the Callaghan Vineyard. Located an hour south of Tucson, Callaghan grows Mediterranean varietals for their red blends as well as Riesling grapes for their estate white wine.

Speaking of wine, Urban Wine Bar is just one of the Downtown grape purveyors participating in Saturday’s Urban Wine Walk. Jump on the light rail and tour fabulous restaurants in Downtown Phoenix, Camelback Corridor and Tempe–eateries like 1130 The Restaurant, Kincaid’s, ICON Lounge, Steve’s Greenhouse Grill, and the brand-new Brick Pizzeria and Wine Bar at Arizona Center. Sample a diverse selection of wines and snacks on the cheap from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

NFL Sunday Package – This is a trifecta for guys: football, Hooters girls and specially-priced food and drink. It’s all happening at Hooters at the Arizona Center, every Sunday during NFL season. Guys, you’ll owe the woman in your life something after this, so prepare yourself to see Eat Pray Love. Just saying.

Movie in the Park – It doesn’t get much freer than this. This Friday, September 24th, at 8 p.m., you can catch a free movie with free popcorn at Civic Space Park. Just bring a lawn chair or blanket for stretching out on the grass.

Acoustic Wednesdays – If you haven’t been to the Ghost Lounge at the Hotel San Carlos yet, here’s the perfect excuse. On Wednesday, September 29th, Melanie and Van, an acoustic twosome – try saying that twice – will play everything from rock to blues. And yup, admission is free. The show starts at 5 p.m.

Weekend Movie Pass Special – Haven’t seen Inception yet? Or are you eager to see The Town, the new Ben Affleck flick with Jon Hamm, everyone’s favorite cad from Mad Men? Then head to the Arizona Center’s AMC 2 4 Theaters this weekend. Save your ticket stubs and you’ll get a free spinach dip or calamari appetizer with the purchase of any two beverages at 1130 The Restaurant.

Second Annual 5K Walk for Homeless Families – No, this isn’t free. But I know lots of generous, caring folks read this blog – I’m not sucking up, honestly – and here’s a chance to use a few of those dollars you saved for admission to this event, which benefits UMOM’s New Day Centers (UMOM helps more than 3,000 homeless Arizonans each year). The walk starts at Wesley Bolin Memorial Park this Saturday at 7:30 a.m. Registration, which costs $30 per person, begins at 6:30 a.m.

Tags: 1130 the restaurant, Arizona Center, Arizona Center AMC 24, civic space park, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix dining, downtown phoenix events, Ghost Lounge, hooter's, phoenix public market, San Carlos Hotel
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Deal, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Travel, Shopping & Leisure | 1 Comment »

Change Is In the Air

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Here it is, the moment we’ve all waited for: the first double-digit temps. Feel free to abandon the a/c and head outside to enjoy Downtown’s balmy fall nights.

Start with drinks at the newly opened ReBar on Roosevelt, which has a big outdoor patio and a nice vibe for relaxing with friends.

Rose&CrownWEB Other options include The Rose and Crown, where you can sip a Guinness on the always-popular porch or lawn; Steve’s Greenhouse Grill, where the misters keep you extra-comfortable; and Seamus McCaffrey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, which has patio seating and a Publican who really knows his liquor. Ask him to recommend something from the pub’s big selection of draught beer and Irish whisky.

Where can you go from there? Head to Coach & Willie’s for wood-fired pizza on the inviting patio, complete with waterfall, or relax outside at Majerle’s and munch on classic American fare.

Of course, as you probably know, one of Downtown’s most eye-catching outdoor settings is the Arizona Center. Both Sam’s Café and My Big Fat Greek Restaurant face the Center’s gorgeous gardens, water features and cozy benches for canoodling.

Want more that’s outdoor? Sip a White Mocha coffee on the patio at Fair Trade Café, then walk a few steps to Civic Space Park and its green lawns. Relax under the stars while you feel sorry – just briefly – for the rest of the country, which will soon be dealing with rain and snow.

It’s good to be a Phoenician.

Tags: Arizona Center, civic space park, Coach & Willie's, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix dining, Fair Trade Cafe, majerles, My Big Fat Greek Restaurant, phoenix bars, ReBar, Rose and Crown, Sam's Cafe, seamus mccaffrey's, Steve's Greenhouse Grill
Posted in Bars & Nightlife, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining | No Comments »

This Week: Soulful Crooners, First Friday, Bowling & Baseball

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Summer may be winding down, but Downtown Phoenix is only getting hotter. Three nights a week you can laugh yourself in stitches over Ashley Pirouznia’s lineup of local talent; Mondays at Sonoma Casual Dining, followed by Fridays and Saturdays at Ghost Lounge. Whether you want to see Phoenix veterans of comedy or the latest “fresh meat” (prime heckling material), there is a laugh for every taste. All shows start at 8:30 p.m. and there’s no cover!

Speaking of talent, David Gray and Ray Lamontagne perform at the Dodge on Wednesday night. Both known for their acoustic style and raspy voices, this show will easily slide you over hump day on into the weekend. On Friday, talent will be abound with the First Friday of the month. Check out the fun at Arizona Latino Arts and Culture Center, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, the Arizona Science Center with Adult’s Night Out, ASU University Center’s gallery “The Vault”, Heritage Square, AE England Building in Civic Space and much more. The Valley Youth Theater has extended “Grease” due to its popularity. With famous alumni like Chelsea Staub (Disney Channel), Jordin Sparks (American Idol) and Emma Stone (Zombieland) you may easily be able to say, “I saw them when…”.

The D’backs take the field again this week against the Padres and the Astros. College football starts this week too. Coach and Willie’s kicks-off the season with great specials on Thursday night and again Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. (in time for the East Coast kickoffs).

If none of this floats your boat, you can always hit the lanes at Lucky Strike. They have great happy hour specials and this amazingly entertaining lunch special – a sandwich and a game for $5.50! You can get a turkey sandwich while you bowl a turkey. Ha!

Download This Week’s What’s Happening for a Complete Guide to Downtown Events

Tags: ALAC, civic space park, David Gray, Diamondbacks, Dodge Theatre, First Friday, Ghose Lounge, Heritage Square, Ray LaMontagne, Sonoma Casual Dining, Valley Youth Theater
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Deal, Family, Featured, Food, Restaurants & Dining, Music & Events, Sports | No Comments »

This Week in Music

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

When it comes to music, one person’s Kobe beef is another person’s Spam. And since we all seem to have an appetite for different sounds, you’ll be glad to know that Downtown has a varied buffet this week.

Robert Plant & The Band of Joy

At 61, you’d think Robert Plant would have retired to a nice little villa in the South of France. But the former Zeppelin front man keeps re-inventing himself with his solo career. Next Tuesday, July 20th, he brings his new group, Band of Joy, to the Dodge Theatre. The set list will include songs by Los Lobos and Townes Van Zandt as well as material from their new CD on Rounder Records.

The Mana Quartet and Francisco Bibriesca

And now, for something completely different, as Monty Python would put it. This Friday, July 16th, Francisco Bibriesca and The Mana Quartet will be performing live at the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center. The Mana Quartet, an award-winning saxophone ensemble, takes chamber music and turns it sideways, performing modern compositions by Philip Glass and others. Bibriesca, a renowned young classical guitarist from Mexico, has wowed audiences around the world.

For the steal of the week, you can see Bibriesca perform for free at 5:30 p.m. The Mana Quartet will play at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are only $10 per person at the door.

Hussy & Astrofunk at Fuse Fridays

Along with the usual suspects upstairs – house music from DJ’s Mara and Sol Martinez – Bar Smith will feature two live bands on the main floor this Friday. Astrofunk, a local contender, will perform along with Hussy, considered the top cover band in the UK. Hussy performs songs by The Stones, Hendrix, The Clash, REM and Kings of Leon, to name a few. (Yow, that’s a lot of material to learn, but these guys are accomplished session musicians). No cover charge before 10 p.m.

Free Concert in Civic Space Park

I wish I could tell you the line-up, but you’ll have to go and see for yourself. This Friday, take the light rail to Central Avenue and Van Buren, walk one block north, and enjoy a free concert under the stars, next to “Her Secret is Patience,” that magical floating sculpture. Bring along a munchie or two from the Fair Trade Cafe, located in the Park.

Tags: bar smith, civic space park, Dodge Theatre, downtown phoenix, downtown phoenix events, Fair Trade Cafe, live music, METRO light rail, phoenix bars, things to do
Posted in Arts & Culture, Bars & Nightlife, Featured, Music & Events | 1 Comment »

CityScape Update

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

When folks learn that I work for Downtown Phoenix one of three questions follows without exception:

1) What’s with the glowing uterus in Civic Space Park? *

2) Can you get me free tickets to [fill in the blank]? **

3) When does CityScape open?

Let’s address that third question now.

08 0817 office night view overall with signageWEB In case the aggressive construction has eluded you, CityScape is a pretty big deal, both in size and its significance to Downtown. The mixed-use complex covers two lineal blocks in the heart of Downtown Phoenix and combines residential, office, retail, entertainment and public space with the total area of over 1,000,000 square feet.

As for when CityScape “opens,” the updated schedule is looking like this:

APRIL: Firms will soon be moving into the office tower at Central Avenue and Washington. Also, the construction team will complete an 80-foot long elevated pedestrian bridge crossing above Central and connecting to the new Patriots Square Park and CityScape’s retail by month’s end.

MAY: Gold’s Gym to open.

JUNE: Landscaping of Patriots Square Park to be completed.

JULY: Opening of hipster-friendly Urban Outfitters and Lucky Strike Bowling, plus Designer District, CVS pharmacy, Republic of Couture and Press Coffee.

SEPTEMBER: Oakville Grocery to open.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER: Chef Aaron May to open a noodle bar and small Taqueria, La Grande Orange owners to open Public House, plus The Breakfast Club and a Sam Fox chop house to make debuts.

2011: BluBurger Grille and Cherry on Top yogurt to open.

Late 2011: 240-room Palomar hotel to open.