Our picks for the top events and exhibitions in Phoenix and Scottsdale for August/September.

PHOENIX Magazine Summer Cocktail Camp

Through Aug. 17

There is no better way to spend a scorching summer afternoon than sipping a crisp, refreshing cocktail. However, if you’re getting bored with the usual, our sister publication, PHOENIX Magazine has the solution to shake (not stir) things up: a 10-week, rotating event featuring the Valley’s best mixologists. Each bar or restaurant will showcase their skills using the finest spirits, made with ingredients that always go down smoothly. 1-3 p.m., $45. Visit tickets.phoenixmag.com for a complete list of locations and to purchase tickets.

Flashlight Nights

Through Sept. 13

Embark on a magical nighttime adventure with your family at the Desert Botanical Garden’s self-paced flashlight tours. Witness night-blooming flowers and the captivating sounds of flying predators, slithering snakes and insects scurrying in their natural habitat. Saturdays only. Check the website for available times. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, (480) 941-1225, dbg.org

Le Petit Chef

Through Oct. 31

This immersive experience will make your dinner a little more fun. A virtual chef is projected onto your table, narrating the story of the four-course prix fixe menu that awaits you. The menu includes wagyu beef with red onion jam and Dijon-hollandaise, as well as Meyer lemon crème brûlée topped with a honeycomb crumble. Vegetarian and kids’ menu options are also available. 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Different packages available. Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, (602) 955-6600, arizonabiltmore.com

Flagstaff Symphony Guild Home Tour

Aug. 2

Many of Flagstaff’s rustic homes, each with its own fascinating details and stories, enhance the beautiful mountain scenery that surrounds them. Peek inside these modern and historic residences during this self-guided home tour to benefit the education and community outreach programs established by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $40. Call (928) 699-7478 to visit flagstaffsymphony.com for tickets.

Prickly Pear Festival

Aug. 23

This annual event celebrates the edible wonders of the Sonoran Desert while showcasing the many products and health benefits of the prickly pear cactus. Along with the festival activities, many local restaurants and retail merchants will have special sales and prickly pear items for sale. Enjoy art, food, music, demos, foraging, cook-offs, live music and family-friendly activities. 7 a.m.–11 p.m. superiorarizona.com/events.

Arizona State Fair

Sept. 19-Oct. 26

It’s the time of year for rodeos, monster trucks, carnival rides, deep-fried food and other Arizona State Fair traditions at this annual celebration of the 48th state. Don’t forget to check out the Coliseum Concert Series, where the Latin pop group Reik is scheduled to perform. Check the website for ticket prices and event schedules. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, (602) 252-6771, azstatefair.com

Jeff Goldblum

Sept. 1-2

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo aren’t the only members of the “Wicked” cast with musical chops. Their co-star, Jeff Goldblum, is an accomplished jazz pianist, and both Grande and Erivo appear on his fourth album, “Still Blooming.” Together, they interpret the great American songbook for a modern audience. To promote the record, the “Jurassic Park” actor is hitting the road with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra for several shows over the holiday weekend. Mon., 6 and 8 p.m., Tues., 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., $180.50-$220.50, Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, (480) 478-6000, mim.org

Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market

Sept. 12-14

You may find something funky and fun when this biannual vintage market returns to Scottsdale. More than 130 small businesses and artists from across the country will be selling what could be your new favorite outfit or that special something to tie the room together. Fri., 4-9 p.m. (VIP only); Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Check the website for admission prices and discounts. WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com

Benson Boone

Sept. 24

After a jaw-dropping set at Coachella where he performed Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” with the classic rock group’s guitarist Brian May, backflipping singer-songwriter Benson Boone is taking his show on the road and performing songs from his latest album, “American Heart.” 8 p.m. Check website for prices. Desert Diamond Arena, 29400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, (623) 772-3200, desertdiamondarena.com

Scottsdale Fashion Week

Sept. 25-28

Witness top local models sashay down the catwalk and showcase the latest trends from renowned designers. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of fashion shows, trunk shows, workshops, retail events, celebrity appearances and, of course, the chic after-parties. Check the website for schedule, location, and ticket prices. scottsdalefashionweek.com

Maricopa County Home and Landscape Show

Sept. 26-28

With the fall season upon us, your garden may need a makeover. Check out the freshest designs and products from local businesses and artisans. There will also be do-it-yourself seminars, workshops and exhibits featuring all the latest trends. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10, adults; $3, children 4-12. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, maricopacountyhomeshows.com

The Face of Time

Aug. 1-Sept. 12

Our faces change over time, and for the first exhibition of its new season, the Sedona Arts Center is exploring how the portrait can capture the transformation that occurs both inside and out over the months and years of our lives. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 12-5 p.m., Sedona Arts Center, 15 Art Barn Road, Sedona, (928) 282-3809, sedonaartscenter.com

Soil to Sculpture: The Art of Clay

Beginning Aug. 27

Art often emerges organically from the artist and the materials. Here, local artists, including Susan Beiner, have crafted beautiful and functional sculptural and wall pieces inspired by our planet for this clay-themed collection. Artist reception takes place on Sep. 4. Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Shemer Art Center, 5005 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, (602) 262-4727, shemerartcenter.org

Michael Afsa: Suburban Paradise

Through Sept. 14

For his first museum exhibition, sculptor and photographer Michael Afsa is using wood, sand, stucco and other materials commonly found in homes in the Southwest to create minimalist interpretations of how suburban sprawl interacts with the desert landscape. When you see how he uses these materials to capture the sunset, chances are you will never look at one the same way again. Wed., Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs., 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale, (480) 874-4666, smoca.org

17th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art

Beginning Sept. 18

More than 20 artists from the Southwest will capture the beauty of Grand Canyon’s South Rim “en plein air” right in front of the park’s visitors. The completed works will then be displayed at a ticketed event on Sept. 20, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at Kolb Studio inside the park. Then, on Sept. 21, the public will have the opportunity to admire these works and purchase them online, with the proceeds supporting the Grand Canyon Conservancy. Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, (928) 638-2481, grandcanyon.org

Botanical Blacksmith Exhibit Through Sept. 20

Do you want to make your landscape stand out? Drive north to The Arboretum at Flagstaff. More than 70 botanical-themed metal sculptures will be on display for the annual Botanical Blacksmith exhibit. And if you see something that catches your eye, good news: most of the work is for sale, with 30% of the proceeds benefitting the venue. Wed.-Sun., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $12, adults; $6, kids ages 5-17, The Arboretum at Flagstaff, 4001 S. Woody Mountain Road, Flagstaff, (928) 774-1442, thearb.org

Shaping A Life of Curiosity II

Through Sept. 27

Earlier this year, Lisa Sette Gallery celebrated its fourth decade with an exhibition featuring works by innovative artists. That show was only meant to whet our appetites. Next, the gallery will display a wide range of works featuring artists such as William Wegman, Sam Fresquez, Sonya Clark and others. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Lisa Sette Gallery, 210 E. Catalina Drive, Phoenix, (480) 990-7342, lisasettegallery.com

Hoop Dance!

Through Nov. 2

Fans of the Native American dance contest, which has been held at the Heard Museum for 35 years, will enjoy this exhibition. “Hoop Dance!” offers a more historical context for the popular event, using stunning art, video, memorabilia and photos to capture the spirit of this annual celebration of Indigenous culture. Mon.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, (602) 252-8848, heard.org