Summer has officially arrived, and with it comes the urge to hide in the house with the A/C on full blast. I hope you resist the urge, because there are all kinds of ways to keep your cool Downtown.
2010 World Cup Watching
This year’s World Cup takes place in South Africa, which is the first time Africa has hosted these global games. That’s big stuff, and so is the first-ever World Cup match-up between USA and England. The games start this Friday, June 11th and Downtown has several official locations for watching the action (yes, there’s actually a World Cup Soccer Bars Directory for Phoenix. Who knew?)
To see guys use everything but their hands to score, head for Alice Cooper’stown or Majerle’s 9-Lounge. Another prime viewing spot has to be The Rose & Crown Pub, since no one loves soccer quite like the Brits. Knock back some Guinness or any of the pub’s many imported or domestic beers to keep from losing your cool.
Third Friday Art Reception
Next Friday, June 18th, local artist Mhelanie Banzon Silao will be featured at a Third Friday art reception. Using lengthy exposures, Silao’s amazing photography captures multiple light sources in one shot. See “Captured Light: Light Paintings” from 6:30 pm to 9 pm at the Artlink Heritage Square Gallery.
Movies, Movies, Movies
While I admit that I do the whole Netflix thing, I still prefer sitting in a dark, crowded theater with a box of popcorn and a sense of anticipation. Three blockbusters are currently playing at the AMC Arizona Center 24 theaters, including IronMan2, Robin Hood and the Prince of Persia, plus Get Him to the Greek, starring the hilarious Russell Brand.
Cocktails at Hanny’s
This sleek, upscale restaurant/bar specializes in all kinds of spirits. Their Midnight Martini gives you the chance to sample one of their signature drinks in a small size for only $2.50 (after midnight, of course). Hanny’s serves food till 1 am 7 days a week, and last call at the bar is at 1:30 am.
Mardi Gras Celebration Returns
Tuesday, February 7th, 2012Phoenix has never had a reputation as a Mardi Gras destination but the Downtown Ambassadors are out to change that.
Last year, the helpful folks in orange recruited friends and residents to build floats and walk in a Mardi Gras parade.
Community response was overwhelming.
Not only did a Mardi Gras parade take shape, but Downtown businesses bought in and before the Ambassadors knew it, they’d launched a full-fledged festival. CityScape came on board as host and bars joined the Mardi Crawl nightlife tour.
When event night came, the Ambassadors were hoping to attract 300 people. Over 2,000 showed up, many dressed to impress in Mardi Gras masks and costumes.
The Festival starts at 4 p.m., with the parade weaving through Downtown starting at 5:30. Pub Crawl ($8 in advance, $10 day of) trolleys depart from Central and Jefferson at 9 p.m.
Interested in being a vendor or marching in the parade? Contact Sam Jackson at 602.744.6415.
All the information you’ll ever need about Downtown Mardi Gras is available here and here.
See you on the 18th!
Tags: Bad Cactus Brass Band, bar smith, Copper Blues, downtown phoenix, Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors, Food Trucks, Ghost Lounge, JamBurritos Cajun, Lucky Strike, Mardi Gras, Parade, seamus mccaffrey's, The Rose & Crown Pub, The Turf Irish Pub, Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery
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