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

📰 In the news

Local happenings: Gilbert’s $1 billion Ranch development gets underway, the farmers market shifts to a college campus, and a SpaceX rocket streaks across Arizona’s sky — catch up here.

State-level stories: Toyota’s new 5.5 mile desert test track, a coast to coast train pulling into Flagstaff, and steep discounts on prescriptions for Arizonans — see what else is brewing.

National headlines: Federal judge orders fresh review of gray wolf safeguards, OPEC+ output increase pushes oil under seventy dollars, and a mislabeled pasta recall — peruse the best of the rest.

Highlights this week

• Explore Chandler PD careers this Saturday
• Bowl to benefit Chandler’s adaptive recreation
• Receive a free consultation during hernia screening
• Rewire thinking at a transformative mind workshop
• Compare home equity loans for free

🫶 We got your back

Play: Got restless kiddos? Whether rain or shine, East Valley’s funnest spots keep them busy and buzzing with energy… these active adventures are just the ticket.

Wildlife: Arizona delivers a front-row seat to nature’s best at these wildlife viewing spots. If you’re looking for an escape from staring at a screen, it might be just what you need.

Organization: You spend a weekend lining up matching containers only to find chaos three weeks later. Try these real-life hacks that work with your messy, beautiful life, complete with sustainable organization tips.

Florist: In need of a last-minute gift, a romantic gesture, or just some color in your life? Azelly arranges petal-powered masterpieces that speak volumes without saying a word.

Family: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

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

Own or manage a local business? Thousands of your future fans read our emails — advertising your products, services, listings, and events with us is easy.

You can advertise with us or submit an event for free.

🔔 Looking ahead

Lively Integrated Health Grand Opening | August 9th

A wellness celebration… at our new Gilbert location? Lively Integrated Health is bringing elevated aesthetics, expert treatments, exclusive pricing, and community connection together for one spectacular, invitation-only morning at our brand-new Gilbert clinic. You’ll sip and savor with our expert team and their wellness squad, plus score exclusive pricing and access to treatments that are anything but ordinary.

This isn’t just a ribbon-cutting, so if wellness and aesthetics are your thing, RSVP for free* before these offers disappear. Botox at $9/unit, Dysport at $3/unit, complimentary B12 shots and chair massages, plus handcrafted drinks, build-your-own bouquets, and goodie bags for the first 20 guests.

Saturday, August 9, 10 AM – 12 PM at 920 East Williams Field Road #102, Gilbert, AZ 85295. – RSVP Today!*

📆 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

🍻 Hometown Heroes 2025 @ Beer Barn | Friday (8/8) at 11:00am – The valley’s brews are taking center stage at this third annual bash, complete with a brewer’s showdown to crown the hoppiest hero of them all. Expect epic pours, BBQ magic from Silver King, and a raffle that supports local charities. It’s beer, bragging rights, and a golden mash paddle on the line — come thirsty and ready to vote.

🌕 Full Moon Float Friday | Friday (8/8) at 5:00pm – Paddle under the glow of a full moon at Arizona’s biggest floating party on Saguaro Lake. Snag a kayak, paddleboard, or go big with a clear, light-up double — all rentals come with gear, glow packages, and roof racks (no truck needed). Space is tight, vibes are high, and glowing under the moonlight? 10/10 recommend.

This weekend

🧘 Power of Positivity: Mind Mastery Workshop & Breath | Saturday (8/9) at 9:00am – If you’re tired of letting your thoughts run the show, this six-seat mind mastery workshop is your backstage pass. We’ll geek out on science, spirituality, and hand you workshop notes, then wrap up with guided Breathwork to shoo away overwhelm and summon clarity.

🌟 Grand Opening @ Lively Integrated Health | Saturday (8/9) at 10:00am – Who doesn’t love a good deal and a celebration of wellness at the same time? This weekend, Lively Integrated Health is celebrating the grand opening of their Gilbert location with complimentary B12 shots, chair massages, drinks, bouquets, and more (if you get there early) on top of discounted Botox and Dysport. See you there?

🎳 Rad Bowl-a-thon @ AMF Chandler Lanes | Saturday (8/9) at 10:30am – Slip into your wildest socks and swing by Chandler AMF Lanes for the RAD Bowl-a-thon, where even gutter balls come with extra moral support. It’s a family-friendly fundraiser for Chandler’s Adaptive Recreation, so register, collect pledges, or just donate and feel good.

🧘 Bodywork & Breathwork with Savannah| Saturday (8/9) at 11:00am – This isn’t your typical breath-and-stretch session. Led by Dr. Savannah Torrez, this 90-minute reset blends clinical bodywork with somatic healing to help you unwind, release tension, and reconnect from the inside out. It’s science-backed soul work for anyone who’s stressed, stiff, or just plain spent.

🍜 Bangkok Food Festival 2025 @ Cafe’ de Bangkok | Sunday (8/10) at 12:00pm – Cafe de Bangkok is commandeering its patio for more than 20 Thai dishes, from tender braised pork leg over rice to fiery papaya salad, plus sun-dried pork that’ll have you daydreaming of Bangkok alleys. It’s once-a-year, messy, and worth every saucy bite.

🎸 Arizona Avenue Band @ Icons Sports Grill | Sunday (8/10) at 3:30pm – Grab your stiffest drink and claim a spot on the dance floor at Icons Sports Grill for a full-band Sunday Funday with Arizona Avenue. These seasoned pros turn classic rock, blues, country, R&B, and Motown into your new favorite reason not to nap.

🎤 The Acacia Strain @ The Nile | Sunday (8/10) at 5:30pm – Between mowing the lawn and pretending you love a sunset chaser, cap your weekend with a dose of noise at the Nile, where The Acacia Strain teams up with Bodysnatcher, Ingrown, Tribal Gaze, and No Cure. Earplugs optional.

Next week

🍦 Freddy’s Gilbert 16th Anniversary @ Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers | Tuesday (8/12) at 10:30am – Sweet 16 never tasted so good. Freddy’s is celebrating 16 years in Gilbert with 10¢ mini custard cones and dishes all day long. Swing by for a scoop (or three), raise a fry to the good times, and let the custard coma commence.

🌴 Tropical Karaoke Night | Tuesday (8/12) at 5:00pm – Patio nights just got a tropical upgrade at Grill on the Green, courtesy of Big Daddy Troy’s Karaoke Night. Dig out your brightest floral shirt, slap on a lei, and serenade us island-style. No actual sand required, just good vibes and guaranteed laughs.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 8/8 Jaelyn Kay @ Dierks Whiskey Row – 6 pm
• 8/8 Maoli @ Mesa Amphitheatre – 6:30 pm
• 8/8 Identity Crisis @ Catching Flights Bar – 7 pm
• 8/8 Varcan @ The Rosetta Room – 7 pm
• 8/8 Buddy Guy @ Wild Horse Pass – 8 pm
• 8/9 Planck @ SanTan Gardens – 6 pm
• 8/9 Elvis and more @ Gila River Resorts – 8 pm
• 8/9 Tattoos and Tequila @ Icons Sports Grill – 8 pm

🏠️ Price is right – East Valley 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: Jim Dahlin (HomeSmart)

Horse property without the HOA headaches, this Gilbert gem sits on 1.25 acres at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. The split floor plan packs in four bedrooms, a den with built-ins, a dedicated workout room, and a great room anchored by a stone fireplace. Granite counters and a full backsplash add some flair to the kitchen, while wood-look tile keeps things cool underfoot.

Out back, a shiplap-ceilinged patio overlooks a diving pool with Baja step and an above-ground hot tub. The 3.5-car garage, extra storage, and covered stalls mean there’s space for everything from RVs to hay bales. Bridal paths are just down the street if your four-legged friends need a change of scenery.

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