With the longest day of the year on Friday, pack a few extra activities into your weekend schedule to celebrate the official start of the summer! From tastings to kitten yoga to photo exhibits, this weekend of June 21 to June 23 will delight all five senses.
Friday:
Sunset in the Skyspace at SMoCA
Watch the longest day of the year draw to a close through the perspective of James Turrell’s Skyspace Knight Rise at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. The elliptical opening of the ceiling in the museum’s outdoor courtyard creates the illusion that the sky is descending upon the viewer, while lights shift the sky’s natural color. Tickets to the summer solstice celebration cost $10 and viewing begins at 7:30 p.m.
“Celebrating the Life of Chester Bennington” at monOrchid
Remember the life and career of late Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington at the monOrchid in Downtown Phoenix this Friday from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Local photographer and musician Jim Louvau captured the Phoenix-native rock n’ roll artist on and off stage before Bennington’s death in 2017, and the result is the photo exhibit “Celebrating the Life of Chester Bennington.” Tickets can be purchased online for $35, and a portion of all proceeds will be donated to 320 Change Direction, a charity dedicated to bringing awareness to mental health.
Roller Disco Dance Party at the Van Buren
Lace up your skates and resurrect your favorite 70’s and 80’s attire for a roller disco dance party at the Van Buren! This 21-plus event will last from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and will feature a glow-in-the-dark roller rink, open skating, retro arcade games, and an on-stage dance floor. Advance tickets cost $12 or $15 with skate rental.
Talk and Book Signing with Heidi Ganahl
Hear from founder and CEO of SheFactor—a book and app that helps young women find balance and success in their personal and professional lives—at Changing Hands Bookstore in Central Phoenix. Heidi Ganahl, named one of Fortune Magazine’s Top 10 Most Promising Entrepreneurs, will deliver remarks, answer questions,and sign copies of her book beginning at 7 p.m.
Saturday:
Kitten Yoga and Pop-up Adoption Shop at the Scottsdale Quarter
Spend your Saturday morning rejuvenating with kittens and yoga at the Scottsdale Quarter. The Arizona Animal Welfare League will be hosting a one-hour yoga class with kittens at 8:30 a.m. followed by a pop-up kitten shop at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 at the door with all proceeds benefitting Arizona’s largest no-kill shelter.
Calling all models! If you've ever dreamed of strutting the runway of a major fashion event, this is your chance. Phoenix Fashion Week's Model Search of the Year returns at Copper Blues Live in Desert Ridge Marketplace. The casting begins at 12p and models ages 14 and up are eligible to attend (ages 14-17 must have a parent or guardian accompany them). All looks, genders and types are welcome to audition. Models should come prepared with a headshot and register for the casting here no later than Friday, June 21. Visit phoenixfashionweek.com for more info.
Chefs + Farmers Market Series at Hotel Valley Ho
Beat the heat without sacrificing farm-fresh food at the indoor neighborhood farmers market presented by Shamrock Farms at Hotel Valley Ho. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., sample dishes from Zuzu’s Chef Russel LaCasce while shopping fresh produce and sipping on mimosas, Bloody Marys and milkshakes. This Saturday’s theme is South of the Border and will feature dishes by guest chefs Rene Andrade of Ghost Ranch and Samantha Sanz of Talavera. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP to this free event.
Press Coffee 101 at Sorso Wine Bar
Caffeine addicts everywhere will enjoy this informative, interactive coffee tasting presented by Press Coffee Roasters. The class follows the format professionals use to asses beans and roasts and will take participants through the history of four distinct coffees, from seed to cup. The one-hour experience begins at 10 a.m. and costs $20 to reserve a seat, but participants will leave with a $10 Press gift card.
Corn Roast at Queen Creek Olive Mill
Celebrate the arrival of sweet corn season at the annual Corn Roast at Queen Creek Olive Mill from 5 to 9 p.m. The event will feature varieties of grilled non-GMO sweet corn from Rousseau Farms in Tolleson, as well as a special dinner menu and grilled food at The Pit. Free admission includes live music, a beer and wine tent, and games.
Sunday:
Scottsdale Wine Trail
Are you a self-proclaimed wine connoisseur without the time to spend a weekend in Napa? Explore the Scottsdale Wine Trail instead! Four Old Town Scottsdale wineries located within walking distance of one another have teamed up to increase exposure to Arizona-produced wines. Sign up for the Wine Trail Passport to gain access to special discounts, receive $2 off a five-wine tasting at each location, and be gifted a commemorative wine glass.
“Spamilton: An American Parody” at Phoenix Theatre
Whether you’ve joined the cult craze behind Lin-Manuel Miranda’s award-winning “Hamilton” or have yet to see the all-American musical, critics promise the parody “Spamilton” will deliver an afternoon of laughs. The production has already made a name for itself in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York, so secure tickets in Phoenix before August 11.
