Happy Friday, Phoenix. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Phoenix Brief serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead.

📰 In the news

Local happenings: New zoning rules and AI tools seek to speed home building, a Colombian coffee shop opens near ASU, and cats and dogs await adoption — catch up here.

State-level stories: Tempe is set for NYC’s Prince St Pizza launch, Arizona mayors unite on Colorado River talks, and the Grand Canyon leads top natural wonders — see what else is brewing.

National headlines: Previously hacked data repository relaunches, ramen packs recalled over missing soy warning, and crypto markets tumble on inflation fears — peruse the best of the rest.

Highlights this week

• Connect through hands-on arts workshops
• Celebrate summer nights with community run
• Help package life-saving medical supplies
• Join poolside storytime at Nozomi Aquatic Center
• This home warranty is 50% off until 8/24

🫶 We got your back

Trails: Forget your usual gym run… these desert trails near Phoenix serve up sunrise views, saguaro-lined paths, and that sweet taste of wide-open space.

Getaway: When your hometown oven gets you down, hop in the car for two hours and you’ll be trading sweat for 70-degree mountain breezes. These family-friendly spots have been kid-approved for every bathroom break, snack craving, and impromptu game of tag.

Kitchen: Skip the $800 monster machines that could probably blend your iPhone and the $30 lumps that choke on ice… our 2025 blender guide cuts through the hype so you get a blender that actually works without leaving you $200 poorer.

Chocolatier: From silky truffles to bars you’ll 100% hide in the back of the pantry (sorry, not sorry), Candy and Chocolate Co is here to fuel your cocoa-fueled happiness. Just remember: sharing is optional, and “just one piece” is a myth.

Home: Many homeowners have no idea they’re sitting on thousands in equity they can use to redo their bathroom, kitchen, or whatever their hearts desire. This free equity loan comparison tool can help you find the best fit and get started on the right foot.

👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?

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📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

🏀 Phoenix Mercury vs. Golden State Valkyries @ Footprint Center | Friday (8/22) at 7:00pm – Snag your mobile ticket, then head to the Arena for a Phoenix Mercury vs. Golden State Valkyries showdown in our now fully contactless, cashless world. Because who still carries cash? Swing by the reverse ATM for a preloaded card, then ride the light rail free.

🌵 Desert Night Race Series @ Arizona Falls | Friday (8/22) at 7:29pm – Picture Friday nights at AZ Falls turning into a glow-stick-fueled 5K party, where headlamps outshine streetlights and bragging rights are as bright as your shoes. Collect all three desert-themed medals while you help raise funds for Child Crisis Arizona and flex your night-racing cred.

This weekend

👑 Fairy Godmother Experience @ Evil Izzy’s Haunted Emporium | Saturday (8/23) at 10:00am – Take a break from the inbox and stroll into a mini enchanted world where fairy royalty judges your craft stash, your kid scores face paint, glitter, treats, and a 20 percent costume discount at Evil Izzy’s. It’s unfiltered whimsy for big kids, too.

🍻 Preseason Game and Happy Hour | Saturday (8/23) at 1:00pm – Need an excuse to down tacos and root for the Pack vs. Seahawks at Loco Patron? Think happy hour meets carnival with new games, $35 fan club discount cards, and a laid-back preseason warmup. RSVP and we’ll save you a pint. GPG!

🎷 Arsen Nalbandian Trio @ The Nash | Saturday (8/23) at 10:00pm – After hours at the Nash, Phoenix’s piano wizard Arsen Nalbandian leads a free jazz trio, swinging through Peterson, Davis, and Evans grooves, with no cover charge. Show your ID, round up the usual suspects, grab a drink, and let those late-night piano tales begin, 21+.

✂️ Empire Barber Expo @ The Phonecian | Sunday (8/24) at 10:00am – Arizona barbers, sharpen those clippers and dust off the straight razors because Empire Barber Expo is landing in the Valley. It’s basically a grown-up block party full of pro tips, legendary fades, and enough tradeshow swag to make your kit jealous.

🎶 Vishal-Sheykhar @ Arizona Financial Theatre | Sunday (8/24) at 6:30pm – Vishal-Shekhar are crashing our concert calendar with chart-topping Bollywood beats and more drama than your favorite soap. Accessible seating is up for grabs online at Ticketmaster or LiveNation, presales digital only, so don’t wait till the last minute.

Next week

🐾 Low-Cost Mobile Wellness and Vaccine Clinic @ St. John’s Lutheran Church | Monday (8/25) at 7:00am – Skip the stress of the vet’s office—this mobile clinic brings affordable pet care right to your neighborhood. From vaccines and microchips to flea prevention, it’s all about keeping tails wagging without breaking the bank. Appointments recommended, but a few lucky walk-ins can snag a spot.

🎤 Bruce Dickinson @ Marquee Theatre | Monday (8/25) at 7:00pm – If you’re itching to relive your glory days, Bruce Dickinson’s in town with general admission, standing only, and balcony seats for the over-21 crowd. Bring cash for the $10 parking, and mentally prepare for zero refunds and friendly service fees.

🐭 Modest Mouse @ The Van Buren | Monday (8/25) at 8:00pm – Think you’ve outgrown indie rock? Modest Mouse rolled into town to prove you wrong. Kids 5–12 need a chaperone, and only clear, non-backpack bags get past security. Expect off-kilter grooves, sardonic charm, and enough nostalgia to remind you why this soundtrack defined our glory days.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 8/22 Hispanic Heritage Weekend @ Chase Field – 6:50 pm
• 8/22 The Charles Lewis Quintet @ The Nash – 7 pm
• 8/23 Let The Good Times Roll @ Phoenix Theatre – 2 pm
• 8/23 Cardinal Black @ The Rebel Lounge – 8 pm
• 8/24 Music Maker Workshops @ The Rebel Lounge – 11:30 am
• 8/25 Lizzie @ The Rebel Lounge – 7 pm
• 8/26 Big Hunter and more @ The Rebel Lounge – 7 pm
• 8/26 Black Flag @ Marquee Theatre – 8:30 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Phoenix edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Asher Cohen (Realty ONE Group)

Luxe on 14th brings serious curb appeal with a bold entry and crisp landscaping, but it’s the inside that really shines. The kitchen is a showstopper with custom cabinets, quartz counters, and a gas range ready for culinary experiments. Designer lighting and new tile keep things fresh, while the primary suite pulls out all the stops—think soaking tub, oversized shower, and a walk-in closet hidden behind a secret door.

Upgrades like a new AC, 200 AMP panel, and full plumbing overhaul mean the hard work is already done. Out back, a private yard with RV parking adds extra flexibility, all in a sweet Central Phoenix location close to everything worth visiting.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →