The best arts & culture spots in Florence

“Trace more than 144 years of Phoenix law enforcement at The Phoenix Police Museum, from Henry Garfias becoming the first City Marshal in 1881 to today. Artifacts, vintage gear, photos, and lived stories make the city’s past feel immediate and local... a perfect little rabbit hole for this week.”

From the Phoenix newsletter, August 6, 2026

“This week, duck into the Yayoi Kusama Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room for a quick reset that feels like standing inside a galaxy. Endless LEDs, mirrors, and Kusama’s signature polka-dot mindset play with infinite repetition, inviting you to let the day dissolve and become, for a glowing moment, part of forever.”

From the Phoenix newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Idea Museum turns imagination into a contact sport with hands-on STEAM play, from Rube Goldberg chain-reaction shenanigans to Artfully Absurd creature-building, plus storytimes and recycled-materials studios. Give it a spin this week, let the kids lead while you secretly test the contraptions too.”

From the East Valley newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Local muralist Ignacio Garcia turns blank walls into Sonoran stories, and his Ignacio Garcia Dinosaur/Heron Bird Mural is an eye-popping mashup of dino drama and elegant heron calm. Worth a quick stop on your next Tucson run, especially if your camera roll needs fresh desert color.”

From the Oro Valley newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Blank wall staring you down? The Mural Company creates custom wall murals and urban art across the Phoenix, Chandler, and Gilbert area, with consultations and estimates available, so you can finally give that space some personality and color this week.”

From the Maricopa newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Whether your tiny tornado needs an outlet or you want a fresh creative routine this week, The Dance Spot has classes and break camps on a packed calendar. Parent Portal and online payments keep it simple, so you can spend less time wrangling details and more time clapping from the sidelines.”

From the San Tan Valley newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Dance Force 1 turns Tucson kids into happy, confident movers with classes from toddler to adult in jazz, ballet, pointe, tap, lyrical, hip hop, pom and tumbling. Bonus, they were Top Scoring Studio at Encore Dance Competitions in 2022, 2023 and 2024, so your pirouettes are in good hands this week.”

From the Tucson newsletter, August 4, 2026

“East Valley backyards were built for murals, not concrete monotony. beaches, desert streams, golf course greens, even towering pines. Jim Gardner brings the view to you so home feels a little bigger.”

From the East Valley newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Chandler Museum blends world-class traveling exhibits with homegrown storytelling, so you can deep-dive into the city’s past without leaving the East Valley.”

From the East Valley newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Q. Story Neighborhood Historic District, a 602-home time capsule of Spanish Colonial Revival, English Tudor, Craftsman bungalows, and transitional ranch. It’s on the National Register, the neighbors are active, and the home tours scratch that old-house itch.”

From the Phoenix newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum turns the idea of a museum inside out with a fusion of zoo, botanical garden, art gallery with classes, natural history museum, and aquarium. When you need a quick reset, wander with the cacti and critters, then brag you did science this week.”

From the Marana newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Glendale’s Creative Edge Dance has been helping dancers for 22 years, with classes for ages 2 to adults and a welcoming, family-friendly vibe. From first-timers to pre-professionals, you’ll get real technique plus stage time through recitals, competition teams, and a community Nutcracker.”

From the Surprise newsletter, August 20, 2026

“350-seat theater-in-the-round putting on family-friendly shows throughout the year.”

“This venue with displays & rides in historic warplanes features a 1944 B-17G bomber & an F4 Phantom.”

“This week, Amer Mural Art can take that sun-baked stucco or blank hallway and turn it into a custom landscape, kid-approved fantasy, geometric retreat, or brand-forward statement, complete with color mock-ups and UV-protected finishes that actually survive Phoenix heat.”

From the Phoenix newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Glendale Historical Society keeps our city’s stories alive with guided strolls through Sahuaro Ranch and Manistee Ranch, lively member talks, deep-dive research help, and even a picturesque wedding backdrop. Put it on your week’s to-do list if you love learning what happened right where you buy groceries now.”

From the Glendale newsletter, August 29, 2026

“From Hopi Katsina Dolls and masterful baskets to contemporary painting, sculpture and textiles, Heard Museum spotlights Indigenous creativity with rotating exhibitions, live events, and a world-class shop and café. Make a quick Phoenix run this week, learn something real about the Southwest, leave inspired.”

From the Casa Grande newsletter, August 26, 2026

“If the house needs less screen time and more spotlight, Music & Dance Academy hooks Tucsonans up with ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop, plus private dance options.”

From the Tucson newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Penske Racing Museum is a quick jolt of adrenaline for your week, with race-winning cars, trophies, and memorabilia from Team Penske’s 50-plus years, including Joey Logano’s 2015 Daytona 500 Ford Fusion and Rick Mears’ 1979 Indy 500 winner, the Penske PC-6.”

From the Phoenix newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Whether you’ve driven past a thousand times or never looked twice, make this the week you finally tour Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights, the 1920s Jewel in the Sonoran Desert. Docent-led trams glide through cactus gardens into a four-story, 5,000 square foot time capsule of Phoenix history and charm.”

“Skip the scroll and wander Phoenix Art Museum, where Janet Cardiff & George Bures Miller: The Instrument of Troubled Dreams lets you tinker with soundscapes, and Colorwear plus Radical Clay bring the style and ceramics heat. Treat your brain to a midweek reset, then brag about it later.”

From the Phoenix newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Science comes alive in this 4-story hands-on arena with live demos, a planetarium & an IMAX theater.”

“Fascinating space featuring over 170 cars spanning 130 years of history such as hot rods and Shelby Cobras.”

“Ready to retire that sun-faded stucco? The Mural Company turns blank backyard walls and everyday spaces into custom art, from desert vibes to bold urban pieces. Peek their gallery, dream up your own, then book it and enjoy a view worth bragging about to the group chat.”

From the Maricopa newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Arena showcasing Broadway-style shows complemented by live pre-performance music, food & drinks.”

“Need a little desert magic close to home this week? Valley of the Moon is a century-old, artist-built fairyland that champions kindness and imagination, with whimsical tours, theatrical adventures, and even a Unicorn Sound Bath. Perfect for kids or your inner kid, and lovingly run by a local nonprofit.”

From the Oro Valley newsletter, August 20, 2026

“BC Dance: The Ballet Conservatory of Dance, Music & Art turns Tucson-area kids into confident performers with a mix of classical ballet plus jazz, hip hop, tap, contemporary, modern and acro, taught in a supportive, high-energy studio.”

From the Marana newsletter, August 13, 2026

“Shake up your week at Arizona Museum of Natural History where dinos loom, meteorites sparkle, and the kids can pan for gold, build a Mayan city, and brave a simulated flash flood... meanwhile you nerd out on live fossil prep and real research happening right here.”

From the East Valley newsletter, August 13, 2026

“Expansive display of instruments from roughly 200 countries, including some that guests can try out.”

“Opened in 1987, this museum features exhibits on Mesa's history, including a replica schoolhouse.”

“Step inside Rosson House Museum at The Square PHX for a beautifully preserved peek at territorial-era home life. Book a guided house tour this week, wander the park on a walking tour, or lean into spooky season early with the Séances & Spiritualists experience.”

From the Casa Grande newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Glendale Arizona Historical Society keeps Glendale’s story alive with guided looks at Historic Sahuaro Ranch and Historic Manistee Ranch, a Glendale Timeline, and lively member presentations. Put it on your list this week, then drop real local trivia the next time a friend doubts your West Valley cred.”

From the West Valley newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Ignacio Garcia Watermelon Waterfall Mural brings that Sonoran vibe to your week, courtesy of the artist whose work blends desert beauty with local culture. Pop it onto your errand route using his Mural Locator and squeeze in a quick art pause that actually recharges you.”

From the Marana newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Expansive museum with more than 300 interactive play areas for kids aged 10 & under.”

“HD SOUTH - Home of the Gilbert Museum is the only museum in Gilbert, and it doubles as a lively arts and culture hub with exhibits, archives, and programs spanning art, history, music, science and even a live quilting bee. Peek at the calendar, then treat yourself to some hometown nostalgia.”

From the Casa Grande newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Attendees paint during evening classes at this art studio chain serving alcohol at most locations.”

“Step inside Hall of Flame Fire Museum for hand and horse drawn rigs, stout motorized engines, alarms, helmets, and more, then spend a quiet minute in the Hall of Heroes honoring firefighters. Make it your this-week curiosity break that easily beats scrolling.”

From the Phoenix newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Concert hall & small theater for children's plays, drama & music, with corporate presentations.”

“A collection of historic homes & buildings, with history & science museums, plus restaurants.”