In this issue: trunk show, work out, bird tour, family recreation, veterans and pets, giving challenge, chamber music, cooking class, holiday cupcakes, race for chocolate and babysitting workshop.
Aside from these activities, you’ll find holiday performances all over town. Check the big Christmas Concert and Shows list.
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: Alternative Black Friday at CityScape Phoenix
When: Friday, November 23, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: CityScape Phoenix, Downtown Phoenix
Avoid the Black Friday crowds. Sleep in. Sip mimosas while shopping local vendors and listening to live music at CityScape Phoenix’s first annual “Alternative Black Friday”. It’s a vintage market by Junk in the Trunk with 30 local vendors including Audrey’s featuring Paloma, Everything Goes and Twig Lace, among many others.
Browse, enjoy the Mimosa Bar by Chloe’s Corner and listen to live music and DJs on the Copper Blues outdoor stage in Patriots Square. Free admission. Free 2-hour parking with validation. After the event, be the first to hit the ice at the CityScape Phoenix Ice Rink, which is offering a sneak peek after 3 p.m. with half-price skating.
What: Free Workout
When: Friday, November 23, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Where: Zone Athletic Performance, 15820 North 84th Street #100, Scottsdale
Zone Athletic Performance is opening its doors to the public and offering a free group workout. Individuals of all ages are welcome to come down to the local gym for a free workout. Working out is essential after that big Thanksgiving dinner. The workout is free with any donation that will benefit a local charity.
What: Desert Bird Tours
When: Wednesday, November 28 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Where: Deer Valley Rock Art Center, Phoenix
Join docent Jo Brookshier for a walk along the Center’s trail and learn about the Sonoran desert birds that make this nature preserve their home. Reservations are required, call (623) 582-8007. Free with museum admission.
What: Tumbleweed Recreation Center Family Night
When: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Tumbleweed Recreation Center, Chandler
Every Wednesday Tumbleweed Recreation Center host Family Night for kids of all ages. Each Wednesday’s activities vary from theme nights to arts and crafts to performances and more. Ages 1 to 12: $2 for residents/$3 for non-residents; ages 13 to 17: $3 for residents/$5 for non-residents.
What: Veterans and Their Pets
When: Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Majerle’s Sports Grill, 24 North 2nd. Street, Phoenix
Valley Dogs Rescue along with Little Rascals Rescue will host the 2nd annual Fashion, Food and Fun event. Last year over $8000 was raised to support the animal rescues. This event will feature great raffle prizes along with exceptional auction items (silent and live). The live auction last year was quite competitive with limited edition spirits, bicycles, golf equipment, vacation packages and basketball items signed on the spot by Dan Majerle. The Fashion show by Instyle Exchange will feature the latest fashion and trends. Special model guests to include Yetta Gibson of KTVK Channel 3 and Kierra Barnes of the Phoenix Suns Dancers. Music and entertainment will be provided by DJ Dangerous; an incredible local music entertainer. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Includes hors d’oeuvres and one specialty drink.
What: AZ Giving Challenge
When: November 30 (4pm to 10pm), December 1 (10am to 10pm) December 2 (11am to 4pm), 2012
Where: Power Ranch Community Parks, 4444 E. Haven Crest, Gilbert
The three-day community event exemplifies the power of a giving community through charitable activities and storytelling. Staged so that all volunteers and spectators experience the giving challenge in a unique and inspiring manor. The event features a Winter Wonderland filled with fun snow and kids activities, a Giving Expo with hot air balloon rides, live entertainment, community vendors, a holiday spectacular display of lights and decorations. Foto’s with Frosty and tasty bites. Be inspired, or inspire others by your action. Free parking and admission to the kids zone, Winter Wonderland and Giving Expo. Main Event Admission: $2 General Admission. Night Pass $20/$10 kids. Two Night Pass $30/$15 kids. VIP Pass $100 or $500 p/table of six.
What: Sonoran Chamber Music Series
When: Sunday, December 2, 2012 at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Tempe Center for the Arts
Mendelssohn Trios. Individual tickets are $25, which includes a drinks reception (one drink per person) in the TCA Lounge with the artists following the concert. Student tickets are $10 through the box office, in person, with appropriate ID.
What: Here Come the Holidays – Cooking Class
When: Friday, December 7, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Foothills Recreation Aquatics Center, 5600 W. Union Hills Dr., Glendale
You have grandma’s recipe for the bird, but what about the side dishes, finger foods and most important, planning for the day after? This class will help you with all of that. Instructed by Kent McDonald, a certified personal chef. $10 supply fee will be collected at class. Preregistration required. Fee is $50 (non-Glendale resident $60). To register call 623-930-4600.
What: Holiday Ornaments – Cupcakes Class
When: Saturday, December 8, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Foothills Recreation Aquatics Center, 5600 W. Union Hills Dr., Glendale
Discover exciting and unusual ways to decorate cupcakes. These edible cupcakes look like holiday ornaments when finished. Combine art and pastry and enjoy these delicious cupcakes. Cupcakes will be taken home. $20 supply fee collected at class. Spanish is available on request. Fee is $31 (non-Glendale resident $37). To register call 623-930-4600.
What: Hot Chocolate 15/5K
When: Sunday, December 9, 2012.
Where: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale
“America’s Sweetest Race” comes to to Scottsdale. After completing the 5K or 15K, finishers get to indulge with hot cocoa, chocolate fondue, and other chocolaty treats.
The Hot Chocolate Race will have thousands of sweet tooth participants running and walking for chocolate. Currently in eight cities across the United States, this is the inaugural race for Scottsdale. Participants receive a wind and water-resistant running jacket at the expo prior to the event, and a mug full of delicious treats to celebrate at the post-race party. The family-friendly event supports the Ronald McDonald House Charity and locally, the Salt River Community Children’s Foundation. Register online.
What: Child Care Babysitting Workshop
When: Saturday, December 15, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Foothills Recreation Aquatics Center, 5600 W. Union Hills Dr., Glendale
Ages 12-18 can get training on safe and fun ways to babysit and care for children. Class covers CPR, first aid, techniques for active children and how to have a successful babysitting adventure. Build confidence, self-esteem and skills necessary to care for infants and children on a daily basis and in emergency situations.Bring a sack lunch. Fee is $63 (non-Glendale resident $76). To register or for more information, call 623-930-4600.
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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.