If you’re looking for anti-Valentine’s Day sentiment–you know, like those hater parties where lonely, angry people sit in a circle and drink heavily while pretending they’re totally at peace with being single and loveless–Downtown Phoenix isn’t the place for you. Try Old Town.
Downtown Phoenix is all about embracing Valentine’s Day and here’s what we’re doing as Cupid’s Accomplices. Seriously, if you don’t have a Valentine just hang out with us for awhile and you’re bound to find one.
Design a Date Contest: Visit the blog post or our Facebook page and submit your idea of a perfect Valentine’s Day date Downtown. We want to know where you’d go, what you’d eat, and what you’d see. The greater the detail, the better. Two winners will receive a $25 gift card to Kincaid’s.
Festive Friday: From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, the Ambassadors will be stationed outside the Information Center [US Bank Building, 101 N. First Ave., Ste. 190] sharing sweet treats courtesy of Downtown businesses. You can also pick up coupons for FREE food items from participating restaurants to be used throughout the month. Plus, music by FATIGO!
Heart Grab & Dash Contest: Approach five (5) different Ambassadors Friday morning before 1 p.m. and ask each one for his or her heart. The first five people to collect five hearts and deliver the lot of them to the Information Center will receive an awe-tacular Valentine’s Day gift bag filled with gift cards and goodies from generous Downtown businesses. We won’t tell you exactly what’s in the gift bags but suffice it to say the street value is well over $40. Now go get those hearts!
14 Downtown Loves
We polled our thousands upon thousands of Facebook and Twitter followers and concocted this essential list of things you love about Downtown Phoenix.
Phoenix Public Market – When you care enough to send the best, make sure it’s grown locally.
The Ambassadors — Your significant other might leave you, but the Ambassadors never will.
The Herberger Theater — Some of you got more specific and referenced the “naked dudes” out front. Go check out “13″ playing now and “[title of show]“ coming soon!
The Phoenix Suns — Steve Nash, in particular, got mad love.
Majerle’s — You said if you couldn’t watch the Suns play at US Airways Center in person, then the next-best option was cheering the team on from Thunder Dan’s joint. Beer might also be involved.
The Light Rail — Can you believe we’ve had light rail for a year? For more light rail love, check out ace Light Rail Blogger and Downtown Phoenix contributor Tony Arranaga.
First Fridays — If you ever need a good first date idea, take him or her to First Fridays.
Chase Field — Roof open when possible, please.
Coffee — Conspire, Daily Grind, Cartel, Lola and Fair Trade all received votes.
Matt’s Big Breakfast — You heart Matt’s pancakes. Proof that good things come to those who wait.
Dodge Theatre — Three of you mentioned the recent comedy acts to hit Dodge–Joel McHale, Gabriel Iglesias and, soon, Chelsea Handler.
The District – Their music and drinks tested very high in this market.
Civic Space Park — From acoustic lunches to yoga, Civic Space Park offers a little something for everyone.
The People — Yes, you’re what really make Downtown Phoenix a special place to work, live, and play.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Q: How did you get involved in promoting the arts?
Going to 
Get Your Fun Fix Before the Fourth
Tuesday, June 28th, 2011Happy Fourth of July Week, Downtowners!
Whether you’re looking for ways to unwind this holiday weekend or simply some diversions to make it through the rest of the work week, here are just a few of the options available here in Downtown Phoenix.
WWE Smackdown
World Wrestling Entertainment returns to US Airways Center tonight with Smackdown. See all your favorite WWE Superstars, including Edge, Kofi Kingston, Kane, The Big Show, Rey Mysterio, Alberto Del Rio, Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Kelly Kelly and more! Drop-kickoff is at 6:45 p.m.
Stand Up Live Showcase
Head over to Stand Up Live’s Comedy Showcase on Wednesday to see six of the area’s hottest comedians, plus a featured headlining act. The 21-over showcase is hosted by Jill Bryan and a two-drink minimum is required. Free parking for this 8 p.m. show. Call 480-719-6100.
That’s New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys, for the layperson. These boy band legends are still hanging tough and have nearly sold out US Airways Center for Thursday’s 7:30 p.m. concert. For tickets visit ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000.
Musical Mayhem Cabaret
Under rehearsed and overdramatic, this live singing troupe is taking the Valley by storm (think tornado or heavy hail) and will play Herberger Theater Center Thursday – Sunday for the insanely low price of $10. Showtimes vary. For more information visit herbergertheater.org or call 602-254-0800.
The community that tweets together stays together. Visit District American Kitchen and Wine Bar at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown this Thursday from 6-9 p.m. for Social Media Day PHX where Phoenix’s smart phone-toting class will converge to celebrate technology and *physically* interact with one another while learning about local business. The first 500 attendees will receive a SWAG bag full of goodies from event sponsors. Where do you find out more and RSVP? Facebook, duh.
First Friday
First Friday brings a wide variety of family friendly activities to Downtown, including Target Free First Friday at Phoenix Children’s Museum, First Friday at Civic Space Park, ArtLink First Friday, First Friday Latino Style at ALAC, First Friday Artwalk at Heritage Square and Adult’s Night Out at Arizona Science Center.
Blue Star Museum Initiative
Now through Sept. 5, all military personnel and their families receive FREE admission to Downtown cultural attractions like Rosson House Museum, Arizona Science Center and the Heard Museum. Click the link for details.
I can’t think of a better way to end this post. God bless America and all of those who protect our freedom and secure our borders. Have a happy and safe Fourth of July.
Want more? You can download our handy What’s Happening guide each and every Monday.
Tags: Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Rattlers, Backstreet Boys, District American Kitchen and Wine Bar, downtown phoenix, First Fridays, Fourth of July, herberger theater, New Kids On the Block, Phoenix Mercury, Social Media Day
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