Heritage Park debut, trash truck fires, local sculptures, glow kayaking, toy con, retro fun, and more.
June 27, 2025
Happy Friday, Gilbert. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Gilbert Brief serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead:
-
Heritage Park 🍣
-
Trash truck fires 🚚
-
Local sculptures 🧑🎨
-
Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Gilbert’s Heritage Park debuts: Downtown Gilbert’s new 10-acre mixed-use project breaks ground with 14,000 sq ft of eateries—Ghost Donkey, Palma, and Blue Sushi Sake Grill—set to open in 2026 — check out the full story.
Hazardous trash sparks infernos: Gilbert’s sanitation fleet has endured five fiery truck wrecks this year after residents improperly discarded batteries and chemicals — read the full story.
Local sculptor shines in Chandler: The exhibit opened June 13 at Vision Gallery in Chandler, showcasing Gary Vulcano’s metal sculptures like “UF-OH” alongside acrylics and digital art, and runs through August 16 — find out more.
Is your bank underperforming? If you’re earning less than 3.80% APY with your current savings account (the national average is 0.41% 👀)… the answer is yes. Do yourself a favor and take the time to open a SoFi savings accounts. It could earn you up to 9x more in interest on top of no fees and a $300 bonus with eligible direct deposits — what are you waiting for?
Highlights this week
-
Lake Havasu named on one of the best
-
Fish farm raises questions about water usage
-
Get free groceries for families in need
-
Poker tournament supports players in need
-
Dance to raise funds for Children’s Cancer Network
-
Endurance’s auto warranty is $300 off
🫶 We got your back
Pom-pour perfection: When life gives you apples, The Whining Pig turns them into sparkling, spiced sips you didn’t know you needed—whether you’re into crisp and dry or sweet and cinnamon-kissed, they’ve got the pour to match your fall-in-love mood.
Last bite, best bite: Tiny towers of frosting, molten center marvels, and a sugar swagger that’ll keep you guessing what’s coming next—The Great Gadsby Bakery is where your sweet tooth (and your Instagram feed) both get their moment in the spotlight.
Mic drop central: From shower-stall solos to power-ballad bravado and the occasional “sorry, not sorry” encore, Copper Still Moonshine Grill hands you the mic, cranks up the neon, and dares even the most tone-deaf among us to steal the show.
Bolt action: Hunting for bold florals, buttery satins, or that perfect canvas for your next DIY masterpiece? Lynny Lou Crafts & Fabrics stocks bolts of fabric so good you’ll actually look forward to hemming, quilting, or just petting every. single. yard.
Plot twist (AARP is actually amazing): It’s packed with perks that actually matter — discounts at hotels, restaurants, flights, even car rentals. Plus, you’ll unlock a second membership for free for someone else in your house. At just $15 per year… it’s kind of a no-brainer.
👀 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.
📆 Gilbert happenings
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Today
👗 2-Year Anniversary Event @ Sophie May Boutique | Friday (6/27) at 4 pm – Celebrate two years of local fashion flair with pop-up vendors, bubbly, and big anniversary deals. It’s part party, part shopping spree—and a great excuse to treat yourself or a stylish friend.
🛶 Neon Nights Glow Kayaking Experience @ Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch | Friday (6/27) at 5:30 pm – Paddle under the stars in a crystal-clear kayak lit from within. This surreal nighttime adventure on Saguaro Lake combines serene desert scenery with an unforgettable LED glow-up. No experience needed—just show up and shine.
💡 Laser Cutter Certification Class @ HeatSync Labs | Friday (6/27) at 7 pm – Learn how to safely operate a laser cutter at HeatSync Labs. This hands-on certification class covers safety, setup, and project design—great for makers, designers, and curious creatives.
This weekend
🚘 AZ Track Stars x Garage Dreams – Summer Showcase @ Union at Riverview | Saturday (6/28) at 7 am – It’s part car show, part family carnival, and 100% gearhead heaven. From exotic rides and rare parts to kids’ mini-car races and a full-blown food truck alley, this free-entry event is revving with excitement for every age.
🧸 Arizona Toy Con June Mesa Mega Show @ Mesa Convention Center | Saturday (6/28) at 10 am – Over 200 tables of vintage-to-modern toys await at Arizona’s biggest toy extravaganza. From Marvel and Star Wars to Funko Pops and Pokémon, it’s a collector’s dream (and a wallet’s nightmare). VIPs get in early at 9 am, but general admission is just $10—and kids under 10 get in free!
❄️ Free Meet & Greet with The Snow Queen @ Dairy Queen | Saturday (6/28) at 12 pm – Calling all little princes and princesses! Meet a real-life Snow Queen at this sweet, free family hangout. Bring costumes, toys, and an imagination ready to run wild—coloring pages and crayons are included.
🎮 80’s Flashback Day @ Bonnie’s Bread & Butter Co. | Saturday (6/28) at 2 pm – Jump in your DeLorean and time warp to the ‘80s with a free buffet (until 6 pm!), drink specials, a Pac-Man showdown, and prizes for best-dressed neon nostalgia. You’ll be rocking legwarmers and quoting Ferris Bueller in no time.
🎤 The Rat Pack in Concert @ Chandler Center for the Arts | Saturday (6/28) at 7 pm – Swing back to the golden age of crooners and cocktails. This tribute to Frank, Dean, and Sammy brings the charm, charisma, and velvet vocals of Vegas’ heyday—live on stage.
🚘 Rides & Coffee @ Detail Garage Mesa | Sunday (6/29) at 8 am – Horsepower meets caffeine at this summer kick-off for car lovers. Expect live detailing demos, prize raffles, and unbeatable shine tips—plus free coffee and a community full of gearheads.
💃 D & T Commit Dance Fitness – CCN Back to School Backpack Program @ Children’s Cancer Network | Sunday (6/29) at 4 pm – Break a sweat for a good cause in this high-energy, hour-long dance fitness class. Your $15 donation goes straight to backpacks and back-to-school support for kids battling cancer.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
-
6/27 Improv Jam @ Neighborhood Comedy Theatre – 6 pm
-
6/27 American Idiots @ SanTan Gardens – 7:15 pm
-
6/27 Tripwire @ On The Green Sports Grill – 8 pm
-
6/27 Euphoria @ Icons Sports Grill – 8 pm
-
6/28 Boxelder Station @ The Monastery Bar & Grill – 8 pm
-
6/28 Pat James Band @ Roosters Country – 8:30 pm
-
6/29 Jordy Alejandro @ Icons Sports Grill – 3:30 pm
-
6/29 Donny Grubb @ On The Green Sports Grill – 6 pm
🏠️ Price Is Right – Gilbert 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).
*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Becky D McDowell (Call Realty, Inc.) – 4 bedrooms | 4.5 bathrooms | Built in 2019 | 5030 sqft
Guard-gated glam meets backyard bliss in this Whitewing wonder, where single-story swagger comes with a side of guest house independence (yes, it has its own laundry—no sock mix-ups here). The kitchen’s got enough double-stacked cabinetry to hide your snack hoard, while the quartz counters and double ovens practically dare you to host Thanksgiving for twenty. Massive sliders erase the line between indoors and out, so you can strut from bonus room to poolside in record time.
The primary suite is basically a spa disguised as a bedroom, with his & hers closets, a freestanding tub, and more storage than a celebrity closet. Every bedroom gets its own en-suite and walk-in, so nobody’s fighting for mirror time. Out back, it’s all about the heated pool, jacuzzi, and a gazebo that’s just begging for sunset cocktails. With a courtyard, RV gate, and enough patios to lose track of your guests, this place is living large—East Valley style.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
Gilbert Brief may receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter. Content marked with an * is paid advertising. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.
You received this email because you are signed up for emails from Gilbert Brief.
Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here
© 2025 Gilbert Brief
101 North First Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85003, United States of America
