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

📰 In the news

Local happenings: Interactive forest exploration for families, a generous classroom donation to boost local teachers, and a citywide upgrade to superfast internet speeds — catch up here.

State-level stories: Arizona’s NFL team unveils desert inspired rivalry jerseys, a seamstress ships 15,000 heart pillows to survivors, and astronomers spot a planet carving rings — see what else is brewing.

National headlines: Homeowners are delisting homes rather than cutting prices, the S&P 500 hit record on AI gains, and Ford recalled 500,000 SUVs for brake hose flaws — peruse the best of the rest.

Highlights this week

• Shop fresh local produce every Saturday
• Join free Saturday parkrun at Jan Alfano
• Explore Central Highlands wonders at Discovery Saturday
• Transform your Prescott garden into pollinator paradise
• Dive into Prescott’s vibrant healing arts fair
• Shark robot vacuums are 51% off on Amazon ’til 9/2

Bug problems? Western’s got you.

Nobody wants to deal with ants marching through their kitchen or mysterious scratching sounds in the walls. Western Exterminator has been handling exactly these situations since 1921.

You can call them in when you find a problem, or, the better way is to set up regular care for your home. Get on one of Western’s annual plans and know that your house has year-round protection from 39 common house pests. That’s peace of mind.

Call 888-532-0265 or schedule a FREE termite inspection online today.

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🫶 We got your back

Thrift: Blowing your budget on chain stores is overrated when a weekend stroll through Prescott’s secondhand scene can score you a vintage leather jacket or that perfect accent chair for pocket change… These thrift treasures are just waiting to be tapped.

Festivals: We throw more parties than your college roommate, from 600,000-strong golf blowouts to vulture-watching shindigs. Plot out your next sun-soaked adventure with our ultimate festival guide.

Books: Starting a local book club is easier than you think and these simple steps will have you swapping stories and making friends in no time.

Wine: Whether you’re a casual sipper who still calls everything “red or white” or the friend who won’t shut up about tannins and terroir, Back Alley Wine Bar pours the good stuff. Come for the glass (or bottle), stay for the vibe that makes weeknights feel like weekends.

Home: Labor Day means special deals on all sorts of things, and American Home Shield’s warranty coverage is no exception. For a limited time, they’re offering 50% off select plans than cover your big ticket appliances (yup, even the ones older than dirt).

📆 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.

Have an event to share? Submit it here for free →

Today

⚔️ Champions in the Pines – Baronial Investiture @ Granite Mountain | Friday (8/29) at 12:00pm – Knights, nobles, archers, and artisans—this is your weekend to shine. From armored combat and rapier duels to bardic revels and even a codpiece competition (yes, really), the Barony of Granite Mountain is pulling out all the stops. Add in the investiture of a new Baron and Baroness plus a feast and evening revelry, and you’ve got a medieval celebration worthy of legend.

🧶 Knitting with Diane @ Wilhoit Public Library | Friday (8/29) at 1:00pm – Need a little stitch therapy? Bring your yarn, your needles, and your creativity to this cozy crafting circle. Diane’s got tips for beginners and inspiration for seasoned knitters, so you’ll leave with more than just loops—you’ll leave with laughs and fresh ideas.

🎤 Soulful Sunset Singers Karaoke & Summer Night Market @ Grand Highland Hotel | Friday (8/29) at 5:00pm – This Friday night the Grand Highland Hotel is doubling as a block party with karaoke and a summer market, stocked with food stalls, a pop-up outdoor bar, and plenty of local flair. Belt out your inner rockstar or just cheer from a lawn chair.

This weekend

🍳 Rare Morning Food Tour @ Meet at Courthouse Steps | Saturday (8/30) at 9:30am – Who knew breakfast could feel like a VIP museum tour? This guided morning food crawl kicks off with gourmet donuts and coffee, then hits seven local eateries, delis, and boutiques, with Wild West tall tales sprinkled in. Saddle up and book fast.

🌸 Best Plants for Pollinators @ Watters Garden Center | Saturday (8/30) at 9:30am – Spring’s too nice to stare at a blank patch of dirt. Turn your backyard into a hummingbird-and-butterfly jamboree by picking the plants pollinators can’t resist, adding a cozy water feature, and watching your neighbors eye your winged guests with envy. It’s easier than pronouncing Verbena.

🎨 6th Annual Prescott Plein Air Festival @ Yavapai College Prescott Art Gallery | Sunday (8/31) at 1:00pm – Watch Prescott’s forests, lakes, and historic streets come alive on canvas as 19 artists capture the beauty of the high country in real time. This plein air celebration is part gallery show, part live art demo, and completely free to wander and enjoy. Stroll through the gallery, chat with the artists, and maybe even discover your next favorite piece.

🎵 Pearl Ridge Live @ Whiskey River Tavern | Sunday (8/31) at 1:00pm – At Whiskey River Tavern, Pearl Ridge’s rich country-folk harmonies fold into your whiskey like they were made for each other. It’s the kind of feel-good night where your boots get more action than your inbox, and nobody mentions work.

Next week

♟️ Chess Group @ Library Community Room | Monday (9/1) at 3:00pm – Whether you’re a grandmaster in the making or still figuring out how the knight moves, this friendly chess meetup is for you. Boards are provided (though you can flex with your own), and all ages are welcome. It’s strategy, conversation, and maybe even a checkmate or two to kick off your week.

📚 Storytimes @ Library Community Room | Tuesday (9/2) at 10:00am – If you need a guilt-free outing that doubles as childcare, bring the kids to Storytimes by the gazebo for themed tales, songs, and snacks. When rain moves in we go indoors with crafts for the big kids and surprise guests to keep everyone entertained.

🐾 Paws for Friendship | Tuesday (9/2) at 11:00am – Nothing says small-town charm like reading aloud to a squad of well-behaved pups at the library’s children’s section. They’ll listen to your favorite book without judgment, so grab one off the shelf or tote your own, and enjoy a low-stress audience with wagging tails.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 8/29 Fun Fridays @ Cordes Lakes Public Library – 10 am
• 8/29 Live Music @ Bar 19 – 5 pm
• 8/29 Soulful Sunset Singers @ Grand Highland Hotel – 5 pm
• 8/29 Jaleo Latina Dance @ Westside Blues & Jazz – 7 pm
• 8/30 Faire on the Square @ Courthouse Plaza – 9 am
• 8/30 Bingo @ Prescott Valley Active Adult Center – 3:30 pm
• 8/30 Teacher Talent Show @ New Life Community Church – 6 pm
• 8/31 Pearl Ridge @ Whiskey River – 1 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Prescott 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: Deanna Poppenberger (RealtyONEGroup Mountain Desert)

Vaulted ceilings, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, and mountain views out nearly every window dial up the drama in this Yavapai Hills stunner. The open great room spills into a custom kitchen with a center island, soft-close cabinetry, and under-cabinet lighting that makes midnight snacks feel fancy. A picture window over the sink frames the Bradshaw Mountains, just in case you need a little inspiration while doing dishes.

Step onto the full-length deck for sweeping views of both the Bradshaw and Mingus ranges, all bordered by classic wrought-iron railings. Tucked at the end of a quiet cul de sac, this home delivers luxury and flexibility with a side of fresh mountain air.

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