Good morning, Phoenix! In today’s edition: A total lunar eclipse, Rock Lottery’s hat-drawn lineup, the Arizona Balloon Classic, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Spectacular night sky event: Arizona and New Mexico are set for a dramatic March total lunar eclipse, with desert skies expected to favor a Blood Moon and views of every phase across major cities — see which cities get views.

Indoor dinks, zero drama: The Pickleball Space keeps it simple with climate-controlled courts, quick drop-ins or reservations, and a friendly crew hosting leagues, lessons, and round robins. When the group chat stalls on “where are we playing?”, this is the low‑effort yes you’ll actually use.

Hat-drawn lineup announced: Phoenix Rock Lottery’s 12th annual event will take place January 24 at Crescent Ballroom, with 25 musicians grouped to form bands and write songs in a day, benefiting Rosie’s House — see the 2026 lineup.

Sandwich lovers, take note: Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop will open a new Phoenix location on January 7, run by local husband-and-wife owners Anthony and Julia Austin. Expect slow-roasted turkey subs, award-winning cheesesteaks, and more, with easy order-ahead, online ordering, and third-party delivery available. Read the full story.

Greener design vision unveiled: A nearly century-old Phoenix church on historic registers has been approved for renovations, including exterior updates and a courtyard baptismal. Residents can appeal to the city’s Historic Preservation Office — get all the renovation details.

Rain-or-shine energy burner: Whether cabin fever or kid-level chaos, Uptown Jungle Fun Park delivers: super slides, a ninja course, a ball blaster arena, plus a real toddler zone so little legs don’t get trampled. Let them climb and zip while you take a breath and call it self-care.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🥾 Stop Sitting Around! A Mindful Hike @ Phoenix Mountain Preserve | Tuesday (1/13) at 4:30 PM – Swapping the cushion for trail shoes, Bhante Sujatha leads a mindful hike to get you out of your head and into the trees. Call it meditation with scenery, and fewer pins and needles. Expect unhurried steps, good company, and a gentle nudge at comfy habits.

🌸 Create Your Own Perfume Oil @ Sunshine Craft Co | Tuesday (1/13) at 6:00 PM – This hands-on workshop covers essential oil perfume basics, then sets you loose to blend a custom scent that actually smells like you. Skip the department store cloud, the mystery samples, and the Axe nostalgia. Mix, match, and leave with a bottle your partner will borrow.

🗺 Personal Map-making Workshop @ Changing Hands Bookstore | Thursday (1/15) at 6:00 PM – Make a personal map, not another to-do list, at The Newton with artist Jen Urso. Grab a drink from First Draft, a notebook from Changing Hands, and chart memories, haunts, and those detours you still claim were shortcuts.

⛸ Disney On Ice: Let’s Dance! @ Mortgage Matchup Center | Thursday (1/15) at 7:00 PM – Disney On Ice is turning the rink into a dance party, with Mickey on the decks, Stitch guest DJ, and sing-alongs from The Lion King, Ariel, Frozen, and Moana. Expect wide-eyed kids, shameless nostalgia, and a chilly arena. Costumes are for the little ones, sorry.

🤝 Foodies + New Friends: Entrepreneurs Giving Back Edition @ Restaurant of the Week | Thursday (1/15) at 7:00 PM – Chasing a dream can be a little isolating, so this dinner is bringing Mesa’s entrepreneurs to the same table, forks up, hearts open. Expect real conversation, new allies, and a chance to give back while you eat. Networking without the elevator pitch.

🎈 Arizona Balloon Classic @ Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds | Friday (1/16) – Nothing beats watching balloons drift over the desert at sunrise, especially with coffee in hand and no hiking required. The Arizona Balloon Classic is back at Wild Horse Pass, returning to its roots with color, big skies, and just enough spectacle to impress the in-laws.

🍍 Polynesian Nights: Culinary Event @ Musical Instrument Museum | Friday (1/16) at 5:30 PM – Consider this your prelude to MIM’s Experience Polynesia weekend, a relaxed island-inspired dinner in the Main Courtyard with tiki cocktails and curated food stations. $85 covers the meal, two drinks, taxes, and gratuity, reservations required, and you get to linger, laugh, and feel vacation-adjacent.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Phoenix report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 63°F – Low: 41°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 63. East northeast wind around 5 mph. Later: Clear. Low around 41, with temperatures rising to around 43 overnight. East northeast wind around 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 69°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 69. East northeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. East northeast wind around 5 mph.

Most popular house this week

This 3-bed, 2-bath Hidden Village residence pairs a lush green front yard and mature palms with a carport and welcoming front porch. Inside, a spacious living room features stylish wood floors and a fireplace for cool winter nights. The eat-in kitchen combines tile and butcher block counters, ample cabinetry, and built-in appliances. A cozy den works well as an office or reading nook.

The primary suite adds a private bath with dual sinks and generous storage. Out back, a covered patio overlooks a refreshing diving pool, suited to laid-back weekends and evening swims. Set within Hidden Village, the home blends easygoing outdoor living with comfortable everyday function.

Take a peek inside →