MIXOLOGY 101
Through July 31, jade bar at Sanctuary Resort
Tantalize your taste buds and discover the art of cocktail creation as Sanctuary mixologists share techniques and tastings of up to four innovative cocktails. This interactive class educates guests about jade bar’s freshness philosophy and spirit details, while delving into the history of the cocktails they create. Mixology 101 takes place every Saturday and reservations are required. Attendees can also enjoy 15 percent off food during each class. 12 p.m. $40. www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com.
SUMMER SUPPER
Through Sept. 10, Marcellino Ristorante
Enjoy a three-course meal at this cozy Italian eatery in Old Town Scottsdale. The Summer Supper special will include a selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts, with highlights such as caprese, gnocchi and housemade biscotti. Open for dinner at 4 p.m. daily. $35. www.marcellinoristorante.com.
OCEAN OF LIGHT: SUBMERGENCE
Through Sept. 24, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
One of the museum’s newest exhibits was created by Squidsoup, an artist collective known for crafting meditative spaces using sound and light. Ocean of Light: Submergence is an LED structure that envelops viewers in light while they explore the idea of interactivity. Museum hours vary. Included as part of museum admission. www.smoca.org.
2017 WINE DINNER SERIES
July 3, Kai at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
Arizona’s only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star restaurant, Kai, will host the final event of their annual wine dinner series in partnership with Dos Cabezas WineWorks of Sonita, Arizona. Each guest is invited to a private reception with hors d’oeuvres, followed by a six-course dinner and a spectacular viewing of the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass fireworks show from Kai’s private patio. Hors d’oeuvres reception, 6:30 p.m.; dinner, 7 p.m. $185. www.wildhorsepassresort.com.
DIVE ‘N’ MOVIES
July 7-28, Wet ‘n’ Wild
Every Friday this month, cool off in the relaxing Monsoon Bay wave pool while enjoying family-friendly films. Movies include Finding Dory (July 7), The Secret Life of Pets (July 14), The Jungle Book (July 21) and Moana (July 28). 8 p.m. $20. www.wetnwildphoenix.com.
VINEYARD TO TABLE SUPPER CLUB
July 11, LDV Wine Gallery
Join the owners of LDV Winery for this one-of-a-kind wine dinner experience celebrating the vineyard to table journey. The LDV Winery owners will host and cook, pairing three LDV wines with recipes and great conversation. Space is limited; call 480.664.4822 to reserve. 6 p.m. $65. www.ldvwinery.com.
MIXOLOGY COURSE
July 14, J&G Steakhouse
Take a guided tour of mixology withJared Sowinski, director of beverage at The Phoenician and Laura Chinitz, J&G Steakhouse’s cocktail expert. You’ll learn the history of cocktails and experience a demos of three different cocktail recipes, which will include samples. The event will also include the resort’s Culinary Countdown three-course menu. 7-9 p.m. $50. www.jgsteakhousescottsdale.com.
WINTER IN JULY
July 15, Phoenix Zoo
Temperatures are heating up, but the Phoenix Zoo is transforming into a winter wonderland for its annual Winter in July experience. Chill out in tons of snow, splash around at the wet and wild play areas, and watch loveable animals enjoy icy treats. The event will include more than 40 tons of snow – including a snowman-building pile – in addition to live music and games. 7-11 a.m. Free with zoo admission. www.phoenixzoo.org.
ARIZONA GET OUTDOORS EXPO
July 15-16, WestWorld of Scottsdale
The hunt is over for the ultimate outdoor experience! The Arizona Get Outdoors Expo promises fun and adventure for the whole family with indoor recreational activities. In addition to a corn hole tournament, there will be catch and release fishing, a rock climbing wall, live wildlife, 3-D archery, an RV show and boat displays. There will even be biking and yoga, plus entertainment from the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show featuring thrilling feats from world champion lumberjacks. Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $8. www.azgetoutdoors.com.
SCIENCE WITH A TWIST: TREK, WARS AND WHO
July 21, Arizona Science Center
Designed specifically for ages 21 and older, Science With a Twist’s themed evenings include cash bars, music, dancing, live science demonstrations and hands-on activities. At Trek, Wars and Who, you’ll discover a sci-fi party unlike any other. Experience out-of-this-world interactions (like crossing paths with a Wookie or an Ood) and boldly go where geeks rule, dressing as your favorite Star Trek, Star Wars or Dr. Who character. 6 p.m. $12. www.azscience.org.
OPERA & GELATO FILM FESTIVAL
July 23, Arizona Opera Center
The inaugural Opera and Gelato Film Festival will feature film screenings of performances from Italy’s most famous opera house, Teatro alla Scala, in Milan. This summer film series is the perfect opportunity to grab friends and family to enjoy a refreshing gelato and a glass of wine while experiencing these Italian masterpieces on the big screen. This month’s featured film is La Fanciulla del West, composed by Giacomo Puccini. Registration required. 1 p.m. Free. www.azopera.org.
CHEF’S SECRET GARDEN DINNERS
July 27, Omni Montelucia
In honor of National Scotch Day, embark on a culinary adventure alongside Omni Montelucia’s Executive Chef Marcos Seville during his monthly Chef’s Secret Garden Dinners. Nestled within the resort’s picturesque landscaping, the Chef’s Kitchen is an indoor/outdoor space that features a grotto-style kitchen and an herb garden. Chef Seville will bring the interactive space to life with a four-course dinner featuring a highlighted Scotch maker. Space is limited; make reservations by calling 480.627.3161. 6 p.m. $110. www.omnimontelucia.com.
DEMETRI MARTIN
July 29, The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort
Get ready for a night of laughter when comedian Demetri Martin brings his Let’s Get Awkward Tour to The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort. Martin is known for appearing in his own Comedy Central series Important Things with Demetri Martin as well as Showtime’s House of Lies and Ang Lee’s Taking Woodstock. He was a staff writer on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and regularly appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. 8 p.m. $20-$85. www.talkingstickresort.com.
HARVESTFEST
July 29, Sonoita Vineyards
Arizona’s oldest commercial vineyard and winery, Sonoita Vineyards, will open its doors for a grand summer event celebrating all things wine. Enjoy wine tastings and food pairings (full lunch can be purchased on site), winery tours, wagon vineyard tours and optional grape stomping. VIP guests will have access to a private bar, complimentary lunch, an after-party, and after-hours VIP winery tours. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. General admission, $25 (advance) and $30 (at door); VIP, $85. www.sonoitavineyards.com.
REAL, WILD & WOODY
July 29, Phoenix Convention Center
Calling all craft beer lovers! Real, Wild and Woody, a craft beer festival presented by the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, brings together more than 300 different cask ales, wild brews and barrel-aged beer – and this summer’s event marks its 30th year. Tickets include 20 craft beer samples and small bites. 2 p.m. $57. www.realwildandwoody.com.
JOHN MAYER
Aug. 1, Talking Stick Resort Arena
The king of soft pop music, John Mayer, will serenade the audience with a slew of new music from his latest album, Search for Everything, on his tour by the same name. The concert will be comprised of full band, solo acoustic, and John Mayer Trio sets of music where you can enjoy the classics and new hits of this treasured artist. 7 p.m. $35-$305+. www.talkingstickresortarena.com.
JACK CANFIELD: BREAKTHROUGH TO SUCCESS
Aug. 2-6, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Jack Canfield – the originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series – is bringing his transformational work to Scottsdale with a unique five-day experience where he will help you redesign your personal and professional life. You’ll emerge with a new mindset, a different outlook, and a clear path of where you’re going – and how to get there. Times vary. $2,995. www.www.jackcanfield.com.
ED SHEERAN
Aug. 5, Gila River Arena
Grammy Award-winning global superstar Ed Sheeran is coming through the Valley and bringing James Blunt with him. The tour celebrates Sheeran’s third studio album, ÷. The album, pronounced “divide,” includes the hit singles, Shape of You and Castle On The Hill, which made incredible chart entries after their simultaneous release earlier this year. 7:30 p.m. $74-$95. www.gilariverarena.com.
ETHIOPIAN FEST
Aug. 5, DoubleTree by Hilton Tempe
Cafe Lalibela, the first Ethiopian restaurant in Arizona, is celebrating 21 years with a night of feasting, traditional music, festivities, dancing, and all things Ethiopia – plus, an exciting announcement about what the future holds for this beloved eatery. Ticket price includes admission, a buffet dinner, and a chance to win one of three prize packages. 6:30-11 p.m. $40. www.ethiopianfest.splashthat.com.