This weekend in East Valley, AZ

Chef Amie leads a hands-on Thai cooking class that explores authentic recipes, essential techniques, and the cultural background of each dish, with tips for eye-catching presentation. Menus highlight Pad Thai, Panang curry, Chicken Satay, Tom Kha Gai, cream cheese wontons, chicken fried rice, Massaman curry, and mango sticky rice. Participants cook in a welcoming, interactive setting and take home both the dishes they prepare and the recipes to make them again. Seating is limited. Presented by Café de Bangkok.

Set at Sunny Dea Sweet Treats, a shop for coffee, candy, and gifts, this recurring summer event offers a relaxed stop at a local sweet shop. It returns throughout the season, giving attendees a chance to visit the store and browse treats and gift items.

At Skyline Pool, this Race Day features a combination of swimming, biking, and running. For registration and volunteer information, see the links in the bio.

At Lone Tree Golf Club, this charity golf tournament raises funds to help animals that need extra support. Contributions make it possible to provide enrichment and comfort items such as durable toys, collars, leashes, and blankets. Funds may also be used for occasional medical and training grants to rescues that take in dogs listed for euthanasia from county shelters. A portion of the proceeds provides three veterinary technician scholarships at Mesa Community College in memory of Sandy Tennyson. The effort supports the mission of East Side Elves, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 82-1678858) that assists shelter animals in Maricopa County.

The fifth annual 1in5K Dyslexia Dash brings the community together at Freestone Park in Gilbert for a welcoming 5K focused on raising awareness about dyslexia and literacy. Participants of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to take part, with strollers and furry friends welcome to create a friendly atmosphere of connection and solidarity. The run offers space for dyslexic learners, families, and advocates to share experiences while supporting opportunities for educator training in dyslexia and literacy. Teams of 30 can nominate a teacher for a $300 reimbursement scholarship for dyslexia training, helping equip educators to better identify and assist struggling readers and strengthen literacy outcomes. IDA Arizona, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, directs event proceeds to its mission of promoting reading proficiency and providing reimbursement scholarships that support evidence based reading instruction across Arizona. The event aims to reach 500 participants, underscoring the message that one in five people face literacy challenges. Donations are tax deductible under EIN 86-0853711.

The 13th annual celebration of garlic returns for a second weekend with flavor, music, and hands-on fun for all ages. Sample from 11,000 estate-grown organic heads spanning five varieties, enjoy a garlic-focused menu by del Piero Kitchen, and browse a gourmet vendor alley featuring favorites like Garlic Olive Oil Growlers and garlic-stuffed olives. Catch live cooking demonstrations with Queen Creek Olive Mill owner Perry Rea, learn in Olive Oil 101 sessions, and join the Extra Virgin Express Estate Tour, with tour tickets available at the marketplace counter. A Garlic 101 class is also on the program. Di Oliva Bar & Bistro and The Olive Branch food trailer keep appetites satisfied, while wine and beer tastings, live music, raffles, and games add to the festive atmosphere. Creative activities include DIY Olive Crowns and face painting. Admission and parking are free, and the Garlic Shop offers growlers and unique festival merchandise to take home.

Mesa Metro USBC Association presents the eighth annual Military Classic, now expanded to welcome first responders alongside active duty service members, veterans, and retirees. Hosted at Bowlero Kyrene in Chandler, this bowling tournament recognizes those who serve the community and the nation while offering friendly competition and a spirit of camaraderie. Participants can enter team, doubles, and singles events, with an entry fee of 50 dollars per person for each event. Five dollars from every entry benefits a local charity. Teams must include at least two military or first responder participants and may add up to two guest bowlers. Optional all-events scoring is available in handicap and scratch divisions, and the handicap format is calculated at 90 percent of 230.

Build practical CPR and AED skills in a supportive, hands-on class led by Tempe Fire Medical Rescue paramedics. Designed for everyday residents, the training focuses on essential techniques that can help save a life. The fee is $30. Pre-registration is required, and capacity is limited to 30 participants. Before the in-person skills session, participants complete a short online course that takes about 30 minutes, with instructions sent by email one week in advance. The class is held at the Tempe Fire Training Center.

This indoor fall festival at Arizona Athletic Grounds features more than 150 local vendors and a wide range of activities and entertainment. Attendees can enjoy live music, food trucks, bounce houses, face painting, fine line tattoos, a caricature artist, chair massages, a braid bar, mini golf, piercings, a hat bar, a photo booth, a full bar, permanent jewelry, and more. Tickets are $5 plus taxes and fees. Parking costs $5 per car when tickets are purchased online, or $8 if purchased at the facility.

Build a stronger dance foundation with two classes centered on technique, one devoted to Ballroom and Smooth and another to Latin and Rhythm. Each session uses practical drills and exercises to sharpen individual mechanics, posture and body awareness while developing musicality, timing, balance, coordination, and confidence. Technical themes rotate to match the featured styles so you can apply improvements right away. Pricing is $15 per class or $25 for both. All levels are welcome and no partner is required.

Settle in for casual games alongside pizza. To find the group, keep an eye out for game bags and plenty of friendly smiles.

A casual game night at DirtWater Springs features board, card, and video games in a welcoming, social setting. It suits groups of friends and individuals interested in meeting fellow players.

American singer, songwriter and guitarist Boz Scaggs is the focus of this event. He first performed with Steve Miller in The Ardells and the Steve Miller Band before beginning a solo career in 1969. His breakout arrived with the 1976 album Silk Degrees, which reached number two on the Billboard 200 and featured the hits Lido Shuffle and Lowdown. He followed with the platinum albums Down Two Then Left and Middle Man, and Middle Man added the Top 40 singles Breakdown Dead Ahead and Jojo to his catalog.

Saturday nights at TC's Pub & Grub in Queen Creek, Arizona feature karaoke powered by Elite Karaoke & DJ Services. Food and drinks are available as guests sing along.

Saturday nights at The Stadium Club in Chandler, AZ are all about karaoke hosted by Elite Karaoke & DJ Services. Enjoy food and drinks while stepping up to the mic and singing your favorite songs.

Each Saturday, Natalie’s Bar & Grill in Gilbert, AZ turns into a karaoke spot. Elite Karaoke & DJ Services runs the music, and guests can sing their favorites while enjoying food and drinks.

A laid-back meetup centered around sharing coffee, with the option to roll out for a ride afterward if the mood is right. Expect a simple, social catch-up that may turn into a ride, or just a good cup and conversation.

Enjoy a casual get-together centered on card and board games at The Silver Key Lounge.

Pickleball sessions take place in the activity center at First United Methodist Church of Gilbert. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and no prior experience is required. Instruction is available and extra paddles are provided for those who need them. The focus is on friendly play and fellowship, and participants are welcome to bring a friend.

Roll under blacklights during a high-energy skate session set to Top 40 tracks at USA’s Skateland Mesa. The rink transforms with bright colors while the music keeps going for the entire session. Admission is $12, skate rental is $5, and non-skating adults are $4. Wristguards are required and provided free of charge. Outside food and drinks are not allowed. Groups of 10 or more can access discounted rates. Birthday party packages are available, and this session can be used as a fundraiser for organizations. This event recurs on a regular basis, though occasional special programming may take its place.

Tempe Improv hosts The Day Players Band for a fan-centered concert featuring daytime television favorites. Eric Martsolf, Brandon Barash, Carson Boatman, and Scott Reeves, known from Days of Our Lives and General Hospital, perform a 90 minute set filled with well loved songs from past decades. The experience blends live music with opportunities to see these soap stars in a new light. Ticket options include General Admission at $60 plus tax and ticket fees, VIP at $130 plus tax and ticket fees, and the Day Players Super Pass at $225 plus tax and ticket fees. VIP adds a meet and greet and a photo opportunity along with the concert. The Super Pass is limited to 40 people and includes access to the band’s sound check, pre show photos, an autographed band photo, the concert, and a post show meet and greet with a photo op. Artists are subject to change.

Family Hip Hop & R&B Skate sets a family-friendly scene with low lights, high-energy beats, and a playlist that blends classic and current R&B and hip hop. Admission is $12, skate rentals are $5, and non-skating adults pay $4. Outside food and drinks are not allowed. Wristguards are required and are provided at no cost. Discounted group pricing is available for groups of 10 or more, and birthday party packages and fundraising options are offered.

Celebrate a decade of My Hero Academia with a live concert that journeys from Deku’s early steps to the series’ defining battles. A live band brings the music of Yuki Hayashi to life as vivid visuals fill the stage, creating an immersive retelling that spans all eight seasons. Moments of courage, hard-won triumphs, and heartfelt emotion are woven together into a sweeping experience for devoted fans and first-time viewers alike. It is a tribute to friendship, heroism, and the power that drives every hero forward.

Each Sunday, Yucca Tap Room in Tempe, AZ hosts karaoke led by Elite Karaoke & DJ Services. Guests can enjoy drinks and take the mic to sing along to their favorite tunes.