Valley’s Weekend Wonders: Art, Theater, and More | Things to Do

Whether you want to roll clay, roll with laughter or roll up to a car show, the Valley’s got you covered this weekend with art, theater, music, food and plenty of cool ways to beat the August heat.

Community art. The Sonoran Arts League is hosting free, all-ages ceramic bowl-making workshops every Friday in August to support the fall Foothills Empty Bowls Project. No experience is needed, but space is limited and registration is encouraged. Learn more here.

The last chance for a sweet show! Hale Centre Theatre Arizona brings Roald Dahl’s timeless tale to life this summer with its production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” running through Aug. 16 at the theater’s downtown Gilbert location. Read all about it here.

Art and ice cream. Meet new Finer Arts Gallery artist Liam Matthew Dye and view his bold Western-inspired works at the free “Art Affaire & Ice Cream Social,” 5–7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at 6137 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek. Learn more here.

Let the good times roll! Tony Award-winning Broadway veterans are teaming up with local talent for the world premiere of “Let the Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo” at The Phoenix Theatre Company. The production runs through Aug. 31. See more details here.

Explore new haunts. Since 1910, a modest brick building in downtown Mesa has taken on many lives. It was once a saloon, later a gambling hall, then a lending office, and eventually home to a string of jewelry stores. Since last May, it has operated as Mesa’s Haunted Museum. Explore the museum and its ongoing events.

Hot art, cool show. Desert Foothills Gallery invites the community to experience a vibrant blend of creativity and culture at the 2025 “Hot Art–Cool Show,” now on view through Oct. 1 at Desert Foothills Library. From bold abstracts to intricate realism, the show highlights the diversity and depth of the local art scene. Learn more here.

Drunk Shakespeare. What started as a limited summer run is now a full-on love affair. “Drunk Shakespeare,” the irreverent and hilarious take on Romeo & Juliet, has extended its Phoenix run through Sept. 27 due to sold-out crowds and high demand. Read all about it here.

Vroom, vroom. The iconic Rock ‘n Roll Car Show, formerly held at The Pavilions at Talking Stick, has cruised four miles north to Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers at Pima Crossing in Scottsdale, where it’s now revving up every Saturday evening through Sept. 27. Shift over to the article here.

Foodies, plan ahead. Queen Creek Restaurant Week is back for its second year, bringing a weeklong celebration of local flavor to the East Valley from Aug. 18–24. Get the details here. 

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