Free tree planting, 8K planetarium makeover, free family summer Saturday, and more. 
Happy Friday, Phoenix. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Phoenix Brief serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead.
📰 In the news
Local happenings: Phoenix is swapping stifling heat for free tree planting, unveiling an 8K planetarium makeover, and rolling out dozens of adorable shelter pets — catch up here.
State-level stories: Sedona and Payson facing wildfire evacuation alerts, Williams brightening Route 66 with neon nights and tacos, and five jaguars tracked in southern Arizona — see what else is brewing.
National headlines: South Korea’s court dismissed a Baby Shark copyright claim, a judge blocked fishing around Pacific atolls, and retirees eye a bigger Social Security increase — peruse the best of the rest.
Highlights this week
- Securely shred papers Saturday for $5
- Meet Molly and Rosie at Heard Museum
- Learn water safety while enjoying free swim
- Tour Bike Saviours shop and volunteer
- Discover epic Arizona and California dayhikes
- Unlock dozens of travel deals with AARP
🫶 We got your back
Plants: Hunting for the perfect sun-loving succulent or a lush tropical escape in Phoenix doesn’t have to feel impossible. These nursery spots are stocked with specimens that actually thrive under the blazing sun.
Careers: Forget cacti. Chip factories and Fortune 500s are rolling out the red carpet for job seekers. See which top employers are hiring and how much they pay.
Money: Teaching your teen about credit cards can feel like decoding ancient hieroglyphics. These easy credit lessons turn confusing plastic power into real-world know-how.
Gamehouse: Whether you’re plotting world domination in Risk, forging trading empires in Catan, or barely surviving a crew of delightfully ruthless space invaders, Forks & Boards is your go-to for caffeine-fueled dice rolls and snack-powered strategy sessions.
Money: The average driver pays $175 a month on car insurance, but most of us are paying way too much. If it’s been a while since you shopped around, you’re likely part of that “most of us.” This comparison tool can save you hundreds.
👀 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.
📆 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.
Today
🎶 Stan Sorenson: The Music of the Police & Steely Dan @ The Nash | Friday (8/15) at 7:00pm – Craving something funkier than your neighbor’s lawn gnome? Stan Sorenson and his crew are back at The Nash, blending Police and Steely Dan hits into a jazz-funk jamboree, with reggae licks, bebop flair, and surprise tunes to remind you why you stayed local.
🦇 Traveling Victorian Museum@ Curious Nature | Friday (8/15) at 7:00pm – Think death never looked so chic? Flitter Mouse’s Traveling Victorian Museum offers original mourning jewelry, spirit photography, and séance stories to satisfy your inner-era goth. Twenty-five bucks gets you goosebumps, no refunds, but hey, ghosts don’t negotiate.
This weekend
🍷 Wine Trip @ Tempe Marketplace | Saturday (8/16) at 8:30am – A day trip to Northern Arizona wine country means ditching your desk for a bus, charcuterie, three winery stops, and an excuse to ignore chores. It’s $149 all in, with water, snacks, lunch, grape wisdom to fake tannin expertise. Text Nancy to reserve your seat.
🏍️ Bikes & Breakfast – West Side Roundup @ Peoria | Saturday (8/16) at 8:30am – Rev up your Saturday with hot coffee, breakfast bites, and chrome dreams at GO AZ Motorcycles. This west side takeover has sidewalk sales, food trucks, and Early Bird Specials that’ll make your throttle-happy heart sing. Two wheels optional, good vibes guaranteed.
👨👩👧👦 Free Family Summer Saturday: Meet Molly & Rosie @ Heard Museum | Saturday (8/16) at 10:00am – If you need an excuse to mingle with curious 5-year-olds, head to the Heard Museum for a free PBS KIDS celebration featuring Molly of Denali and Rosie from Rosie’s Rules. There’s art-making, storytelling, and enough hands-on fun to make grown-ups feel slightly outnumbered.
⚽ Sunday Youth Sports Classes@ Freestone Rec Center | Sunday (8/17) at 8:00am – From pint-sized soccer stars to future basketball MVPs, this Sunday series is all about skills, fun, and high-energy play. Designed for ages 3–12, the BEST Sports crew brings the heat with experienced coaches and flexible weekly sessions. Spots fill faster than a juice box at halftime, so grab one while you can.
🎫 Bobby Pulido: Por La Puerta Grande Tour 2025 @ Gila River Resorts & Casinos | Sunday (8/17) at 7:00pm – Think your playlists are diverse enough? Bobby Pulido takes over The Showroom with Tejano gold, smooth vocals, and enough nostalgia to make your abuela start a conga line. Bring the clear bag, leave the secrets, and let’s pretend we’re all pros at line dancing.
🤣 Steve-O @ Tempe Improv | Sunday (8/17) at 7:00pm – Clear your weekend commitments and catch Steve-O live downtown, you know, that guy whose demonstration videos taught us all that gravity is optional. Expect absurd tales, reckless charm, and enough nostalgia to remind you why we adored early-2000s hijinks.
Next week
🖼️ Curator Talk | Bob Haozous: A Retrospective View @ Heard Museum | Tuesday (8/19) at 11:30am – If you’ve been dying to impress your next dinner party crowd, swing by the Heard Museum for Chief Curator Diana Pardue’s lowdown on six decades of Bob Haozous’s sculptures, paintings, prints, and jewelry. It’s a free, quick insider romp with regular admission. Questions encouraged.
🥾 Challenging Day Hikes that are not Rim to Rim @ Just Roughin’ It | Tuesday (8/19) at 6:30pm – Forget the Rim to Rim freakout, this free session highlights Arizona and California day hikes that outshine the Grand Canyon’s best, whether you’re hauling a backpack or strolling with a day pack. No handouts, so bring paper, unless you like squinting at your phone.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
🎶 Live music & entertainment
- 8/15 Kyle Micho @ Duskees Sports Bar – 6 pm
- 8/15 Forbidden Broadway @ Phoenix Theatre – 7:30 pm
- 8/16 Kurtis Conner @ Arizona Financial Theatre – 7 pm
- 8/17 Dirty Yachtin’ Scoundrels @ Westside Blues – 3 pm
- 8/18 Whiskey Myers and more @ Arizona Financial Theatre – 7:30 pm
- 8/18 Cat Ridgeway & The Tourists @ The Rebel Lounge – 8 pm
- 8/19 Damian Marley & Stephen Marley @ The Van Buren – 8 pm
- 8/19 J Boog @ The Van Buren – 8 pm
🏠️ Price is right – Phoenix 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: Bryce Hull (HomeSmart)
Talinn brings sleek, single-level living to the border of Scottsdale and Phoenix, pairing a chef’s kitchen with a sun-soaked open layout that makes every day feel like a celebration. The primary suite delivers spa vibes with a walk-in shower and dual vanity, while high-end finishes keep things luxe but never fussy.
Out back, a custom pool and spa set the stage for impromptu cannonballs or lazy weekends. The built-in BBQ and shaded patio keep the party going year-round. With a clubhouse, parks, and fitness center just down the street, adventure is always on the agenda.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
We may receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter. Content marked with an * is paid advertising. These companies may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter. You received this email because you signed up for our list.
Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here
© 2025 BaseLocal
220 W. Congress Street
Detroit, MI 48226, United States of America