March Around Town
March 15, 2013
Spring has sprung. What are you doing to get outdoors and enjoy this beautiful weather?
Here are a few recommended things to do near our Kierland Commons neighborhood:
Butterflies Galore: Surround yourself with hundreds of fluttering butterflies by taking a stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden’s beautiful Marshall Butterfly Pavilion, open from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily now through May 12. You’ll be rewarded with an up-close and interactive experience with the beautiful winged creatures as they flit from place to place, sip nectar and bask in the sun in this lush and colorful habitat.
Art Alert: The 23rd Annual Celebration of Fine Art, one of Scottsdale’s signature events, wraps up its January – March run on March 24. Located at the southwest corner of Hayden Road and the Loop 101 under the big white tents, this continuous art extravaganza offers visitors a one-stop opportunity to visit 100 artists’ studios without ever leaving the site.
Walk on the Wild Side: Spring has sprung in the desert with an explosion of wildflowers. Celebrate the season on March 24 with a moderate three-mile hike through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Sponsored by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, the hike will be led by experienced guides and wildflower experts.
An A’Fair to Remember: Looking for a leisurely way to spend a Sunday afternoon? Stop by Sunday A’Fair, a free outdoor musical mini-festival held each Sunday in March on the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. Now in its 26th season, Sunday A’Fair features live entertainment from the Valley’s top musicians, plus a fine arts and crafts market and fun activities for children and families. Pack a picnic or purchase delicious food and beverages while you’re there.
Ongoing: Relish happy hour close to home at venues throughout Kierland Commons, including NoRTH, Tommy Bahama’s Café, P.F. Chang’s, Morton’s, Zinc Bistro, RA Sushi Bar and more.
February Festivities!
February 20, 2013
Sundays in Paradise: The sun is warm and the tunes are cool at the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain resort’s Sunday afternoon concert series, which kicks off this month and runs through Sunday, March 24. Organizers invite you to bring a blanket or lawn chair, but ask you to leave Fido at home, please. Pets are not allowed. Gourmet picnic treats are available for purchase. Call 480-607-2300 for reservations.
A Date Night That Really Cooks: Italian food and love … they’re a natural pairing, like wine and cheese. At Sur La Table’s Feb. 23 Date Night: Italian Trattoria Fare cooking class, you and your sweetheart will learn the art of creating such classics as lasagna with fresh spinach noodles and panna cotta with strawberry sauce. And, the best part? Eating your class assignments after the instruction concludes!
Ongoing: Relish happy hour close to home at venues throughout Kierland Commons, including NoRTH, Tommy Bahama’s Café, P.F. Chang’s, Morton’s, Zinc Bistro, RA Sushi Bar and more.
Fun Events Near our Kierland Commons Neighborhood
January 24, 2013
Now that the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction has zoomed out of town for another year, its time to turn our attention to the next set of signature events on the social calendar. Fortunately for us, these two — arguably among the most beloved annual entertainment options in the Valley — are located practically in our own backyard. We hope to see you there!
The Greatest Show on Grass: The Waste Management Phoenix Open returns to the TPC Scottsdale for “the greatest show on grass” Jan. 28-Feb. 3. The event is the best-attended golf tournament in the world and has gained legendary status for being the most unique stop on the PGA Tour. The 2013 edition marks the 78th playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA Tour) and the fourth as the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Horsing Around: Since 1955, the annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has set the pace in the Arabian horse world. Today, the event features more than 2,400 horses and brings the industry’s top owners, trainers and breeders from around the world to compete for a chance at winning. Check out this year’s gathering Feb. 14-24 at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
Things to do in December
December 20, 2012
Light up the Night: The soft glow from more than 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags and thousands of white twinkle lights illuminate the night during the Desert Botanical Garden’s annual Las Noches de las Luminarias event, 
one of the Valley’s longest and most beloved holiday traditions. The event, which is celebrating its 35th year, runs through the end of December.
Art Appreciation: Every Thursday night from 7 to 9 p.m., the art galleries of Old Town Scottsdale open their doors to art lovers, people-watchers and passers-by for the Scottsdale ArtWalk. This 30-year tradition celebrates the artful heritage of our city with delightfully original works ranging from cutting-edge contemporary to Southwest traditional.
Everybody Loves a Parade: Now in its 42nd year, the Fiesta Bowl parade features a rainbow of brightly colored floats, magnificent helium balloons, equestrian units, specialty groups, charitable organizations and local celebrities. It also showcases the participants and winners of various Fiesta Bowl events, including the Fiesta Bowl Band Championship and Fiesta Bowl Twirl-Pom-Cheer & Flag Championship, along with the Fiesta Bowl Queen and her Court. Catch all the pageantry as the event marches down Central Avenue in Phoenix starting at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 29.
Ongoing: Relish happy hour close to home at venues throughout Kierland Commons, including NoRTH, Tommy Bahama’s Café, P.F. Chang’s, Morton’s, Zinc Bistro, RA Sushi Bar and more.
Beautiful November Weather is Here! Enjoy it in and Around Kierland Commons
November 16, 2012
Batter Up! The boys of summer may have all gone home, but in Valley of the Sun, the baseball action continues through the end of November with Arizona Fall League. Owned and operated by all 30 Major League Baseball clubs, AFL is considered the last stop before the big leagues for many up and coming young players. The season wraps up Nov. 17 with a championship game at Scottsdale Stadium.
Celebrate Art: Get a jump on your holiday shopping Nov. 17-18 at the annual ArtFest of Scottsdale, where more than 200 artists from across the country will showcase contemporary arts and crafts in the beautiful sculpture garden setting of Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza. The event – one of the Valley’s most popular traditions — includes live music, tasty food and ample free parking.
Ancient History: The Hohokam Indians were among the state’s first residents. Hear more about the Hohokam culture and the archaeological history of Cave Creek’s Spur Cross Conservation Area during “Hohokam Houses – the Ruins of Spur Cross,” a Nov. 25 hike-and-learn event sponsored by the Maricopa County Parks & Recreation Department. The outing includes a 2.5-mile hike led by an interpretive ranger and an up-close look at prehistoric Hohokam dwellings.
Cheap Cuppa Joe: Get your morning coffee fix for a mere 50 cents at Chloe’s Corner, where a 12 ounce cup of organic, locally roasted Costa Rican blend will start your day off on the right foot. You don’t even have to order food to get the deal. The restaurant is conveniently located right in our Kierland Commons neighborhood.
Ongoing: Relish happy hour close to home at venues throughout Kierland Commons, including NoRTH, Tommy Bahama’s Café, P.F. Chang’s, Morton’s, Zinc Bistro, RA Sushi Bar and more.
Fall Festivities in Kierland Commons and Beyond
October 19, 2012
Fun on the Farm: Steaming bowls of chili, fresh cornbread, hay rides, carousel rides, a pumpkin patch, pig races and more are in store at the Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Festival in Queen Creek each Thursday through Sunday in October. The event has been voted “Arizona’s Best Family Fall Experience” by the readers of Sunset Magazine and has garnered numerous other awards and accolades over its long history.
Saturday Night Concert Series: Take advantage of the season’s cooler evening temperatures by heading over to Scottsdale Quarter for “Live at the Quarter,” a Saturday night concert series presented 5-7 p.m., every Saturday through Nov. 24 on The Quad. Musical entertainment runs the gamut from pop hits to classic rock favorites.
Fall Opening Celebration: Join the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art as it kicks off the fall season with a celebration showcasing its latest exhibits and exhibitors, including Héctor Zamora, Sherin Guirguis and Phoencian Carrie Marill, 7-10 p.m., Friday, Oct. 26.
Two Tributes to American Indian Soldiers: The Heard Museum honors American Indian soldiers with two exhibits opening Saturday, Oct. 27 and running through Sunday, March 3. Navajo Code Talkers: Photographs by Kenji Kawano is a collection of portraits telling the story of this distinguished group of World War II veterans who remained unrecognized for years after the war due to the secretive nature of their work. The show runs concurrently with Native Words, Native Warriors, an exhibition on loan to the museum from the Smithsonian Institution. Inspiring and poignant, Native Words, Native Warriors pays tribute to the roles Native Americans played during both World War I and World War II.
Ongoing: Relish happy hour close to home at venues throughout Kierland Commons, including NoRTH, Tommy Bahama’s Café, P.F. Chang’s, Morton’s, Zinc Bistro, RA Sushi Bar and more.
One More Fun Thing to Do in our Neigborhood
October 3, 2012
Kowabunga! The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa celebrates the grand opening of its FlowRider this weekend, Oct. 5-7. Described as the “ultimate surf machine,” the FlowRider is said to offer the look of surfing, the ride of snowboarding, the tricks of skateboarding and equipment similar to wakeboarding. We can hardly wait to dust off our board shorts and Hang Ten!
September Outings in and Around Kierland Commons
September 21, 2012
Exceptional Eats: Raise your forks to the culinary creations of some of the state’s most noteworthy chefs during Arizona Restaurant Week, Sept. 15-23. This annual affair gives foodies the chance to explore culinary delights at participating restaurants for a reduced price. From hidden taco shops to renowned white-tablecloth establishments, there’s something for everyone to try.
Joe Walsh in Concert: Best known as a member of the Grammy award-winning rock band, the Eagles, Joe Walsh brings his repertoire of classic rock hits to Talking Stick Resort Friday, Sept. 21. Walsh is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame whose decades-long career produced hits such as “Hotel California” and “Rosewood Bitters” while performing with the Eagles, as well as solo favorites including “Rocky Mountain Way” and “Life’s Been Good.” His show pays homage to his past work while keeping an eye on the future with songs from his new album, “Analog Man.”
Attention, Horse Lovers: The Scottsdale Classic Horse Show celebrates its 10th anniversary Sept. 27-Oct. 3 at WestWorld in Scottsdale. Popular with both reiners and spectators, the Scottsdale Classic hosts the NRHA South West Affiliate Finals, in which the top four finishers in each Affiliate Class earn the right to compete at the Affiliate Championship in Oklahoma City. The event also includes an exciting lineup of free parties and vendors for those looking for opportunities to mix, mingle and shop.
A Toast to Cooler Weather: Boutique wines, gourmet concessions and desert beauty – experience all that and more Sept. 28-29 at Corks & Cactus, a delightful event hosted by the Desert Botanical Garden. Sample from more than 40 different wines, enjoy musical entertainment and purchase from the event’s retail store. All wines featured will be available for sale at the event and all proceeds benefit the DBG’s education, conservation, research and horticulture programs.
Red Hot Fun: If you love hot green chiles, ice cold drinks and toe-tapping music, you won’t want to miss the inaugural Roosevelt Row Chile Pepper Festival, Sept. 29, in Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row neighborhood near Fourth and Roosevelt streets. The event promises chile-themed dishes from local celebrity chefs, restaurants and food trucks, as well as on-site chile roasting by Crooked Sky Farms and a salsa showdown.
Ongoing: Relish happy hour close to home at venues throughout Kierland Commons, including NoRTH, Tommy Bahama’s Café, P.F. Chang’s, Morton’s, Zinc Bistro, RA Sushi Bar and more.
August: Things to do in Kierland Commons and Beyond
August 28, 2012
Music on the Rocks: The weather is cool and so are tunes at Sedona’s Red Rocks Music Festival, Aug. 24-Sept. 2. Identified as one of the top 5 music fests in Arizona by Experience Arizona Magazine, this year’s program features a mix of classical, jazz and show tunes.
Neil Diamond in Concert: Legendary pop performer Neil Diamond brings his hit parade to U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix for one show, Wednesday, Aug. 29. Start warming up your vocal chords now: reports from the road describe a set list of popular sing-along selections from Diamond’s lengthy repertoire, including Sweet Caroline, Forever in Blue Jeans and Hot August Nights.
A Date Night that Really Cooks: Grab your sweetie and head over to Sur La Table for a couples cooking class that will have the two of you working side-by-side in the store’s professional demonstration kitchen. Two Friday night Date Night classes are offered during August at the Kierland Commons store. Choose between a Cuban-themed menu and one celebrating late summer’s bounty. Or, why not treat yourself and sign up for both? Classes are 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Scottsdale ArtWalk: Every Thursday night – except Thanksgiving – the art galleries of Old Town Scottsdale open their doors to art lovers, people-watchers and passers-by from 7 to 9 p.m. This 30-year tradition celebrates the artful heritage of our city, so if you haven’t been in awhile, what are you waiting for? www.scottsdalegalleries.com
Ongoing: Relish happy hour close to home at venues throughout Kierland Commons, including NoRTH, Tommy Bahama’s Café, P.F. Chang’s, Morton’s, Zinc Bistro, RA Sushi Bar and more.
JULY: Cool Fun In and Around Kierland Commons
July 25, 2012
Summer Concert Series: Good-timin’ tunes take center stage at Kierland Commons with the 2012 Summer Concert Series. This year’s Central Plaza lineup features a mix of genres brought to you by some of Arizona’s best bands.
Tie One On: Whether you call them bola ties or bolo ties, it hardly matters. The Heard Museum has plenty of examples of the iconic fashion accessory – deemed Arizona’s official state neckwear – on display at this exhibit of Native American craftsmanship that runs through Sept. 3. 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-252-8840.
Desert After Dark: Too hot for outside activities during the day? Grab a flashlight, lace up your walking shoes and strike out on one of the Desert Botanical Garden’s summer Flashlight Tours, 7 to 9 p.m., Thursdays and Saturdays now through Sept. 1. The self-paced stroll along the Garden’s main trail includes stops at 10 discovery stations, giving children and adults of all ages a chance to experience the desert in an entirely new light. 480-941-1125.
Scottsdale ArtWalk: Every Thursday night – except Thanksgiving – the art galleries of Old Town Scottsdale open their doors to art lovers, people-watchers and passers-by from 7 to 9 p.m. This 30-year tradition celebrates the artful heritage of our city, so if you haven’t been in awhile, what are you waiting for?
Summer Book Swap: Trade in your gently used books, CDs and DVDs for some new-to-you replacements at the Summer Book Exchange, 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday, July 26, at the Scottsdale Public Library – Appaloosa Branch. The library is located on the former Rawhide site at 7773 E. Silverstone Dr., near Scottsdale and Pinnacle Peak roads. 480-312-7323.