Phoenix is buzzing this week, and there is a full slate of things for listeners to do in and around the city, from downtown art walks and museum nights to holiday markets, sports, and big-time comedy and music. Whether listeners want something low-key and local or loud and lively, there is plenty on tap across Phoenix and the Valley.
Start today in downtown Phoenix with First Friday, one of the largest self-guided art walks in the country, stretching through the Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue arts districts. Dozens of galleries, pop-up spaces, and murals come alive with new exhibits, street performers, food trucks, and live music, making it perfect for wandering with friends and discovering local artists. Many venues stay open into the evening, so listeners can treat it like an art crawl that blends seamlessly into a night out.
For a more curated cultural stop, the Phoenix Art Museum is hosting a First Friday evening with free admission, special access to exhibitions like Flowers of the Punjab, and a chance to check out the newly reopened North Wing. It is a great way to enjoy world-class art without the daytime crowds, and listeners can stroll the galleries, then step right back out into the energy of downtown. The nearby Japanese Friendship Garden is also offering a First Friday evening with free or pay-what-you-wish entry, inviting visitors into a quiet pocket of lantern-lit paths, koi ponds, and traditional landscaping just steps away from the city lights.
Holiday vibes are strong this weekend too. The Musical Instrument Museum is running its ’Tis the Season: Holidays at MIM program, filling the day with performances, global seasonal music, and hands-on activities that are all included with general admission. Shoppers and vintage lovers can head to the Rawhide Event Center in nearby Chandler for A Very Vintage Christmas Market, an indoor–outdoor event packed with antiques, vintage clothing, handmade décor, and plenty of nostalgic holiday finds. Downtown Tempe is also hosting the Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts on Mill Avenue, with artists from around the country, food vendors, live music, and a family-friendly kids’ area.
Sports fans have their own marquee moments, with the Arizona Cardinals hosting the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium in nearby Glendale, turning Sunday into an all-afternoon tailgate and football experience. College hoops fans can catch the Jerry Colangelo Classic at the downtown arena, where Grand Canyon University faces Oklahoma State and Arizona State plays Oklahoma in back-to-back showcase games. Comedy lovers can keep the night going with stand-up from touring headliner Shane Gillis at the big arena or dive into the local scene at venues like Valley Bar, which is hosting late-night music and DJ sets in an intimate basement setting.
As the week rolls on, listeners can look ahead to more holiday markets across Phoenix, from creative pop-ups in historic warehouses to neighborhood events designed for last-minute gift hunters and craft lovers. These markets blend live music, food trucks, and small businesses, turning holiday shopping into an experience instead of a chore. And for those who like their December with a dose of high energy and national voices, AmericaFest 2025 is slated for later in the month at the Phoenix Convention Center, bringing thousands of attendees, speakers, and partner organizations together for a multi-day conference and celebration of conservative politics and activism.
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