In this issue: a meteorite birthday party, a classic concert film, teen swim, dive in movie, back to school pool party, dancing, solar cooking and making a picture frame.
This column includes announcements of seminars, workshops, community events, fundraisers and other programs for which there is an admission charge, a donation expected or you are otherwise expected to spend money, such as shopping events. Advance registration is required at some these events, so you might see them listed here weeks before they are scheduled to occur.
If you are looking for programs or activities where there is no charge for admission, you can check my weekly “Free Things To Do” column (it comes out every Monday), or check the monthly calendar of recurring annual events.
Events are presented here in date order.
What: Challenger Space Center’s 12th Anniversary
When: Friday, July 20, 2012 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Challenger Space Center, Peoria
Geoff Notkin, star of the hit Science Channel TV series Meteorite Men, will conduct a question-and-answer session and will read a favorite passage from his new book Rock Star: Adventures of a Meteorite Man (1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m). The meteorite expert will be signing copies of the book between 3:30 and 5 p.m. Rock Star chronicles Notkin’s incredible adventures across four continents in search of elusive space rocks and includes many behind-the-scenes stories and photos about the making of the Meteorite Men TV series. From 2:30 – 3:00 p.m., Notkin will serve on a panel of celebrity judges for the Center’s “Great Space Cakes” Contest. Celebrity judges also include Nadine Bubeck, Traffic Anchor with KPHO CBS 5 News, and Noah Foote, Chairman of the Board of Challenger Space Center Arizona. The Grand Prize for the “Great Space Cakes” Contest is genuine piece of the moon, a four-pack of mission boarding passes to the Center’s “Rendezvous with a Comet” simulated space mission, and a poster autographed by famed space artist Robert McCall. Other cake contest prizes include a gift card from Massage Envy, gift basket from Poppa Maize Gourmet popcorn, and more. All event guests and contest participants will be entered into a drawing for a pair of roundtrip Southwest Airlines tickets. All activities are free with paid general admission to the Center.
What: Talking Heads concert film “Stop Making Sense”
When: Thursday, July 19, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
SMoCA and No Festival Required independent cinema will screen a special 25th Anniversary Bluray Edition of the Talking Heads concert film “Stop Making Sense” featuring re-mastered video in high definition from 35mm inter-positive. Lauded as the “greatest concert movie ever…” by Rolling Stone, this euphoric film transcends the all-too-limited genre to become one of the best and most memorable films of its kind. Following a staging concept by singer-guitarist David Byrne, “Stop Making Sense” is a celebration of music that never grows old. Tickets $7 each.
What: Teen Splash Night
When: Friday, July 20, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Buckeye Aquatic Center, 207 N. 9th Street, Buckeye
Music, games, swimming and fun. Fly off the high-dive, rip down the slide, or lounge poolside with your friends. Ages 10 – 17. $4 per person, includes hot dog and punch.
What: Dive In Movie at Wet ‘n’ Wild
When: Friday, July 20, 2012
Where: Wet ‘n’ Wild, Phoenix
Catch great movies while floating under the stars at Wet ‘n’ Wild’s wave pool – Monsoon Bay or simply lounge around on a deck chair. The movie begins shortly after sundown. Dive ‘n’ Movies are free with park admission. Showing this Friday: Puss in Boots, rated PG. (More about Wet ‘n’ Wild)
What: Back to School Pool Party
When: Friday, July 20, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Folley Pool, Chandler
DJ, food, and diving for prizes. A school ID will be required and entry is $4.
What: Friday Night Dances
When: Friday, July 20, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Foothills Recreation Aquatics Center, Glendale
Practice your dance skills or learn new styles. Experience ballroom, swing,jazz and more. The evening features a 45-minute instructional session, performances from various dance classes and social dancing. Admission is $7, non-resident $9. For more information, call 623-930-4613.
What: Solar Cooking
When: Saturday, July 21, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, Chandler
Participants will use the power of the sun to prepare a solar feast and learn to make simple entrees and desserts in a commercial solar oven, as well as a hand-crafted cardboard oven. Recipes may include cinnamon apples, sun tea lemonade, cookies, and more. This class will conclude with samples to taste and recipes to take home. $12 ($17 for non-residents) per person with an additional $6 supply fee due to the instructor at the beginning of the class. Registration is required for this program at www.chandleraz.gov/registration.
What: Friday “Fun Club”
When: Friday, July 27, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. to noon
Where: Make Meaning, Scottsdale Quarter, 15257 N Scottsdale Road, Building F, Scottsdale
Summer Memories – design a fabulous picture frame to hold happy memories using patterned papers, fancy stickers and stamps. A bit of creativity will come in handy to paint “Treasure Boxes” that can stash secrets collected throughout your summer adventures. Open to ages 5+. Register online. Seats are limited. $48 for non-members, $42 for members.
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If you’ve arrived at this page and find that the event dates have past, check my recent blog entries for more fundraisers, seminars and programs happening around town.
If you have an program or event that is open to the public that you’d like me to consider for this column, complete this form and submit it to me at least 8 days prior to the event (or registration deadline, if applicable).
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.