Celebrate creativity and curiosity this weekend of August 9 to August 11. From maker workshops to wildlife adventures, this round-up might just spark a new passion.
Friday:
Game On Expo
Classic arcade fanatics, board game enthusiasts and video gamers alike will find something to love at the Game On Expo, held all weekend long at the Phoenix Convention Center. The expo features a packed lineup of events and activities, including video game tournaments, a cosplay contest, an e-sports zone, celebrity panels and a kid’s zone. Visit the website for a complete list of attractions and pricing.
“Matilda” at Herberger Theater Center
The extraordinary 6-year-old who has captured America’s heart for decades is finally coming to Arizona in the musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s “Matilda.” Valley Youth Theatre’s production will premiere on Friday at 7 p.m. Buy tickets online.
Saturday:
Free Bowling at Uptown Alley
Celebrate National Bowling Day with a free game of bowling and free shoe rental from 8 to 11 a.m. at Uptown Alley in Surprise. The venue’s full-service bar and restaurant will also be offering breakfast specials and a seasonal tropical menu. Continue the fun into the afternoon with a buy-one-get-one laser tag deal and a visit to the new virtual reality gaming platform.
Musical Icon: Elvis at MIM
Discover how the King of Rock and Roll paved a path to stardom at the MIM’s signature event this Saturday and Sunday. Participate in a sing-a-long of Elvis’ most iconic hits, make a hip-swiveling puppet craft, perfect your paparazzi pose in the photo booth and enjoy a number of documentary screenings and curator talks.
Scrumptious S’mores at Children’s Museum of Phoenix
No summer is complete without campfire s’mores. In honor of the treat’s national holiday, head to the KIDchen at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix to make your own version of the classic. Class times are at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. Admission costs $5 for members and $6 for non-members.
CREATE Makerspace at the Arizona Science Center
Nurture your child’s creative side with hands-on experience cutting, sawing, coding, painting and more at the CREATE Makerspace. The Arizona Science Center offers workshops to introduce aspiring makers to a number of techniques. Visit the CREATE Jr. page for children ages 8 to 12 and the Equipment Workshops page for those 13 and older.
Flashlight Tours at Desert Botanical Garden
Experience the desert after dark on a self-guided flashlight tour of the Desert Botanical Garden. Every Saturday through August 31, view night blooming plants and nocturnal critters on an adventure like no other. Tickets cost $14.95 for adults and $9.95 for children.
Sunday:
“Surprise Your Eyes” at OdySea in the Desert
Everything is not as it seems at the “Surprise Your Eyes” pop-up art experience at OdySea. The new 3D optical illusion exhibit will have you doing a double take as you interact with each piece. Tickets cost $10.
Free Family Sunday at the Phoenix Art Museum
And just like that, it’s the second Sunday of the month again. The theme for August is “Cool”—visit the Phoenix Art Museum from noon to 5 p.m. to discover all the things that could mean. Participate in story time, scavenger hunts and activities inspired by fashion illustrations, mirror landscapes and word wheels.
Tempe Marketplace Street Safari
Let your imagination run wild at a new installation of exotic animals cut from wood at Tempe Marketplace. Take a break from back-to-school shopping to interact with an 8-ft. elephant, 15-ft. giraffe, baby rhinos, vultures, monkeys and a lion jumping out of a Land Rover. The installation will be on display through the end of August.
