Experience the best of Phoenix this weekend of August 16 to August 18 at the city’s top museums, resorts and parks.
Friday:
Dueling Pianos at Desert Botanical Garden
Delight in an evening of clap-along, sing-along fun as AZ Dueling Pianos puts on a show to remember at the Desert Botanical Garden. Choose from a selection of fresh salads, snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as you enjoy the entertainment. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets cost $29.95 for non-members.
Ice Cream Social at The Churchill
Mix, mingle and grab a scoop or two at this special event in The Churchill’s courtyard. Stop by from 6 to 9 p.m. and peruse the 10 businesses who permanently call the space home while you enjoy your cone.
Paul Calle’s Life of Exploration at SMoW
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, the Scottsdale Museum of the West has created an exhibition showcasing the artwork of artist Paul Calle. Best known for his art depicting the historic American West, NASA artwork and iconic postage stamp designs, Calle’s work documents some of the richest moments in American history. Admission costs $15.
Saturday:
Summer Spa Special at Sanctuary on Camelback
Rest and rejuvenate at one of the Valley’s most luxurious spas with the Summer Spa Special at Sanctuary. Pamper yourself with a 60-minute custom massage or Sanctuary Jewel Facial for only $139.
Mystery in the Museum: The Cryptic Caper
Put your detective hat on this Saturday evening and head to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art for a night of puzzles, brainteasers and riddles. Recruit your smartest friends to solve the mystery before enjoying light bites and a cash bar. Tickets cost $20 per person and $30 for a pair.
Sipping Seminar at Mountain Shadows
Up your hostess game by learning how to craft four classic cocktails—a martini, Manhattan, old fashioned and daquiri—with the beverage experts at Hearth ’61. The class includes a tasting seminar and history lesson so you’ll never be stumped behind the bar again. Tickets cost $30 and the seminar begins at 3 p.m.
Champagne Saturdays at The Phoenician
Inspired by the resort’s signature afternoon tea service, Champagne Saturdays swaps earl grey and cucumber sandwiches for Grand Brut and beef wellington. Enjoy entertainment from a live pianist as you savor all three courses. Reservations take place between 7 and 8:30 p.m.
Sunday:
Celebrate National Bee Day
Learn, taste and play at Butterfly Wonderland’s special event celebrating the world’s best-known pollinator. The festivities have something in store for all ages, including honey sampling, crafts and a photo-op with a costumed bee character. The event is included with the price of admission and lasts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
History Underground at Valley Bar
History Underground is the more exciting version of your high school state history class. Hear obscure anecdotes about the nearly forgotten people, places and events that have made Arizona the state it is, including the saga of notorious murderess Winnie Ruth Judd. Tickets cost $5 and the storytelling starts at 7 p.m.
Float the Salt River
For those brave enough to bear the heat, the Salt River offers a refreshing oasis just outside city limits. Rent a tube or kayak from Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch for a scenic journey down the most pristine waters of the lower Salt River.
