Scottsdale’s orchestra reveals next season, Arizona Chef’s Week, Mesa Community Farmer’s Market, and more. 
Happy Tuesday, Scottsdale. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Scottsdale Brief serve up everything you need to know for the week ahead.
📰 In the news
Local happenings: Scottsdale’s orchestra reveals its next concert season, crews start work on a major boulevard rebuild, and DC Ranch chefs roll out a seasonal menu — catch up here.
State-level stories: Voters crowning Arizona’s most stunning vista, vineyards scrambling amid deepening water shortages, and millions set aside for tribal broadband expansion — see what else is brewing.
National headlines: Safety alerts for hundreds of thousands of Kia and Ford vehicles as an early Atlantic storm takes shape, and Mediterranean diet tips ease inflammation — peruse the best of the rest.
Highlights this week
- Connect with like-minded professionals over lunch
- Discover how Arizona leads with AI innovation
- Get clarity on Arizona’s new labor bill
- Dance goth beats while fundraising for LGBTQ+
- Endurance’s auto protection plan is $300 off
🫶 We got your back
Pets: Why settle for the same old kibble when your pup can dine like royalty? These pet stores in Scottsdale stock gourmet treats and spa perks that’ll make every tail wag.
Nightlife: When the desert cools down, neon-lit dance floors and secret speakeasies ramp up the fun… check out these after-dark spots that have something for every night owl.
Travel: Solo travel doesn’t have to feel scary once you hit 50… these safety hacks will have you packing with confidence.
Playhouse: Whether you’re craving toe-tapping show tunes, spine-tingling drama, or the offbeat charm of experimental one-acts, Desert Foothills Theater brings center-stage magic (and just enough backstage buzz) to town.
Wealth: $4,000. That’s how much an ounce of gold is expected to cost in 2026. And since gold thrives in unstable markets, its rally appears far from over. Check out gold IRAs, which let you own physical gold while taking advantage of IRA tax breaks.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirey outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
This week
🍽️ Arizona Chef’s Week Aug. 1–10 @ Arizona Restaurant Association | Wednesday (8/6) at 11:00am – When the thermometer hits triple digits, chefs launch Arizona Chef’s Week, a 10-day flavor coup to rescue our summer dining. Think three-course, prix fixe menus you won’t find otherwise, from Filthy Animal to Rusconi’s American Kitchen. Summer excuses officially canceled.
😂 Funniest Comic in the Valley: The Finals @ Tempe Improv | Wednesday (8/6) at 7:30pm – By the time you’ve heard three coworkers claim they bombed on stage, you know the finals are back, showcasing the valley’s sharpest punchlines and frosty pints. It’s seasoned comics trading friendly fire, while locals cheer, boo, and pick a side.
🎵 Reggae Thursdays @ Well Seasoned | Thursday (8/7) at 10:00pm – Kick off your weekend early with a blend of Reggae, Dancehall, and Afrobeats. Enjoy chill vibes, a cash bar, and the kind of soundtrack that makes summer worth sweating through.
🍅 Mesa Community Farmer’s Market | Friday (8/8) at 9:00am – If your fridge is still mourning last week’s takeout, head to the Mesa Community Farmer’s Market this Friday, right off Center Street. Fresh produce, local eats, crafts you’ll brag about, and info booths for that smug, knowing nod.
🎭 Mainstage Improv Comedy Show @ The Bridge Improv Theater | Friday (8/8) at 7:00pm – Improv comedy is descending on Mesa Riverview across from Rito’s, where six fearless castmates will riff through scenes, games, and totally made-up shenanigans for a full hour of unpredictable laughs. Grab your confirmation email, flash some ID, and relish not knowing what comes next.
This weekend
🎸 Rick Springfield: I Want My 80s Tour @ Talking Stick Resort | Saturday (8/9) at 7:00pm – Rick Springfield’s I Want My 80’s Tour lands here with all the ’80s hits you’ve memorized. Leave the DSLR at home, bring your ID, and remember it’s a 21 and up gig, rain or shine, with seats or a spot to rock in the pit.
👻 The Local Spirits @ ASU Kerr | Saturday (8/9) at 7:30pm – Think you’ve heard every genre Phoenician ears can handle? Four veteran locals fuse twin guitar and mandolin harmonies with drum and bass grooves, blending jazz, rock, bluegrass, country, blues, Middle Eastern, and world music into one deliciously unexpected sonic stew.
🎸 Steve Earle | Saturday (8/9) at 8:00pm – If you appreciate gravel-voiced honesty and guitar hooks that feel like home, Talking Stick has Steve Earle, the guy whose songs Johnny Cash and Emmylou Harris coveted for their records. Expect razor-sharp storytelling, just enough rebellion, and bragging rights for decades.
🐱 Kitty’s Rave @ Marquee Theatre | Saturday (8/9) at 9:00pm – Whether you’re revisiting your rave roots or just need a sweaty dance fix, Kitty’s got you covered. General admission chaos, $10 parking, no refunds, and a night you’ll barely remember.
🎙️ Open Mic Night @ Tempe Improv | Sunday (8/10) at 6:00pm – Nothing beats cheering on your neighbor’s first stand-up set at our neighborhood café. Warm stage lights, half-decent punchlines, and a crowd primed with polite applause. Sign up for a slot, or just grab a drink and soak it all in, tickets via Showtime.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
🎶 Live music & entertainment
- 8/5 My Stuffed Rabbit @ The Rebel Lounge – 6:30 pm
- 8/7 Aura May @ The Rebel Lounge – 7:30 pm
- 8/7 Reggae Thursdays @ Well Seasoned – 10 pm
- 8/8 Queer Goth Nite @ The Rebel Lounge – 8:30 pm
- 8/9 Teachers Lounge @ Tempe Improv – 3 pm
- 8/9 Haiden Henderson @ The Rebel Lounge – 8 pm
- 8/9 Marisela @ Celebrity Theatre – 8 pm
- 8/9 Steve Earle @ Talking Stick Resort – 8 pm
- 8/10 Forever Grey @ The Rebel Lounge – 7:30 pm
- 8/11 Ash Pluto @ The Rebel Lounge – 7:30 pm
🏠️ This house is wild
*This 👇 could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Listed by: Jay Pennypacker (The Noble Agency)
Desert Contemporary gets a glow-up from Craig Wickersham and Minotti LA in this 5,861-square-foot Estancia stunner. The geometry game is strong, with angled rooflines, trellised eaves, and floor-to-ceiling glass framing Pinnacle Peak like it’s your own private screensaver. Zero interior steps keep things smooth, while the split primary suite, two guest suites, separate casita, and office/lounge mean everyone gets their own slice of cool.
The pool runs the entire length of the patio, lined up for sunset swims and après-golf hangs. Fire up the BBQ, pour something at the indoor/outdoor bar, and let the Control 4 automation handle the mood lighting. Four climate-controlled garage bays await your toys, and the Estancia Golf membership is just a board approval away.
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