The Main Events Around the Valley in August & September
Balance Beam Dreams
2026 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships
August 6-9
The Summer Olympics won’t be in Los Angeles for another two years, but you won’t have to wait that long (or travel across the desert) to see the best gymnasts in the nation vie for a national title. Other competitors will be competing for a chance to join the U.S. National Team at this year’s World Championships in Rotterdam. Check website for time and ticket prices. Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, (602) 379-7800, mortgagematchupcenter.com
Ain’t Even Done
John Mellencamp
August 9
Five decades ago, heartland rocker John Mellencamp released his debut under the name Johnny Cougar at the advice of his manager at the time. The album was a flop. After a few more tries, music fans began to respond to the songwriter’s music after he added “Mellencamp” to his name. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend will play his hits and deep cuts when he comes to the Valley. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, (602) 254-7200, livenation.com
Cuisine Collab
Uchi Scottsdale Chef Collaboration Dinner Series
August 11
Japanese cuisine will meet the world of open grilling when Chef Jason Alford from Pa’La Wood Fired Kitchen joins Chef de Cuisine Blake Luecke in the kitchen at Uchi Scottsdale. Together, they are building a menu filled with flavor. However, it’s only for one night, so reserve your table soon. For details, visit the restaurant’s website. 3821 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, uchirestaurants.com
Stick Season
Noah Kahan
August 19
Taylor has her Swifties. Noah Kahan has his Busyheads, and they are a truly dedicated bunch. For example, they waited for hours in the mud at Bonnaroo to see the “Dial Drunk” singer perform songs from his latest album, titled The Great Divide. What can we say? They love hearing the Vermont-based songwriter sing a story. 6:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, (602) 514-8400, dbacks.com
Zach Attack
Zach Bryan
September 5
Zach Bryan may be located under “Country” on your favorite streaming service, but the “Something in the Orange” singer probably has more in common with New Jersey’s Bruce Springsteen than he does with those performing in Nashville. His music is thoughtful and occasionally touches on the social issues of the day, a welcome contrast to the “bro-country” dominating Music City. His work is obviously resonating with listeners, as he holds the record for the largest ticketed concert in the United States. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, (602) 379-0102, statefarmstadium.com
Don’t Stop Believin’
Journey
September 15
Thanks to its song “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Journey will never go away. However, the lights are going down on the group’s touring career. Vocalist Arnel Pineda will step behind the mic with founding member and lead guitarist Neal Schon for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees farewell tour. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, (602) 379-7800, mortgagematchupcenter.com
The Music of the Night
The Phantom of the Opera
September 16-October 4
Underneath the Paris Opera House, a mysterious masked figure known as The Phantom haunts young soprano Christine Daaé. But his fixation on the singer sets off a dark chain of events in this 40th anniversary production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s acclaimed musical. Check the website for times and ticket prices. Gammage Auditorium, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, (480) 965-3434, asugammage.com
Antique Attitude
Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market
September 18-20
You’ll surely find something that you’ll be proud to display in your home when this biannual vintage market returns to Scottsdale. Come browse more than 130 small businesses and artists from across the country for your new favorite outfit or that special something that ties 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 website for admission prices and discounts. WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com
Bring the Flavor
Queen Creek Olive Mill Garlic Fest
September 19-20, 26-27
More than six varieties and 11,000 heads of garlic are organically grown at the Queen Creek Olive Mill estate, and you can savor them all over the two weekends of its annual family-friendly Garlic Fest. There will also be cooking demonstrations, tractor tours and a menu inspired by the aromatic plant. Check the website for schedule. Queen Creek Olive Mill, 25062 S. Meridan Rd., Queen Creek, (480) 888-9290, queencreekolivemill.com
Season Kickoff
Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals
September 20
The NFL season is underway, but it won’t be an easy start for Arizona. Jacoby Brissett and the Cardinals will have their work cut out for them when they face off against the Super Bowl Champion Seahawks. But there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about a victory, including a new coach in Mike LaFleur and rookie running back Jeremiyah Love. Check website for ticket prices. 1:25 p.m. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, (602) 379-0102, azcardinals.com
Galleries + Museums
Symphony of Spaces
Flagstaff Symphony Guild Home Tour
August 15
Many of Flagstaff’s rustic homes enhance the beautiful mountain scenery that surrounds them. Take a peek inside five of these modern and historic residences, each with fascinating details and stories, during this self-guided home tour. This event benefits the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $40. Call (928) 699-7478 or visit flagstaffsymphony.com for tickets.
Painted Desert
Scottsdale Art Auction
August 21-22
Works by contemporary artists Logan Maxwell Hagege, Martin Grelle and Billy Schenck will be available at the summer edition of the Scottsdale Art Auction. The event also features a diverse range of Western, American and wildlife art, with some pieces expected to fetch more than $100,000. Check website for times and tickets. Legacy Gallery, 7178 E. Main St., Scottsdale, (480) 945 0225, scottsdaleartauction.com
A Career in Full
“Kim Chong Hak, Painter of Seoraksan”
Opening September 9
In search of a new artistic approach to painting, artist Kim Chong Hak isolated himself on Mount Seorak in Gangwon Province in South Korea. There, he formed a creative relationship with his surroundings, developing a striking art style that blends his expressive sensibilities with Western painting techniques. Over 80 paintings, drawings and sketches spanning the artist’s career will be on display. Call for times and ticket prices. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, (602) 257-1880, phxart.org
En Plein Air
“Valley Deep/Mountain High”
Opening September 2
Carolyn Bloom will be among the artists featured in this exhibition that showcases some of the best outdoor painters in the 48th State. Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Shemer Art Center, 5005 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, (602) 262-4727, shemerartcenter.org
Reconsider the Desert
“Desert Perspectives”
Opening September 12
Valley residents are constantly surrounded by eye-catching scenery, but we’ve become so accustomed to it that we may take it for granted. This curated exhibition offers a new perspective on the desert landscape, featuring selections from SMoCA’s permanent collection that offer a different take on our Sonoran surroundings. Works from Ed Mell, Jen Urso and Billy Schenck will be included. Wed., Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale, (480) 874-4666,
smoca.org
Forge Ahead
Botanical Blacksmith Exhibit
Through September 19
Now is your chance to enhance the natural beauty of your landscaping. Head north to The Arboretum at Flagstaff, where numerous botanical-themed metal sculptures will be on display for the annual Botanical Blacksmith exhibit. And here is the good news: If you see something that catches your eye, most of it is available for purchase. Proceeds benefiting 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 Rd., Flagstaff, (928) 774-1442, thearb.org
A Grand Canvas
18th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art
Beginning September 25
A curated collection of artists from the southwestern United States will capture how they see the beauty of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim in front of the park’s visitors. Their completed works will then be displayed at an event on Sept. 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Kolb Studio inside the park. Then, on Sept. 27, the public will have the opportunity to admire these works and purchase them online, with the proceeds supporting a dedicated art venue at the beloved National Park. Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, (928) 638-2481, grandcanyon.org
The Rhythm of Art
“Summer Groove”
Through September 26
The rhythms of the summer season are the throughline that connects the works in this vibrant collection of art. Featured creatives include Andy Burgess, Carlos Estévez and Carrie Marill. In addition to the dynamic exhibition, the works of William Wegman will be featured in the gallery’s atrium. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Lisa Sette Gallery, 210 E. Catalina Dr., Phoenix, (480) 990-7342, lisasettegallery.com
