Phoenix Civic Space Park

Phoenix Civic Space Park

While First Friday is an all-you-can-see, raucous affair spread over a whirlwind four hours, its younger brother, Third Friday, is more subdued, less obtrusive and generally left to his quiet ways. But with options abound this Third Friday, it’s time to get out for more than a casual stroll through that gallery that was too packed a few Fridays back.

Light rail riders love Fair Trade Café‘s chill vibe. Now ASUers will, too. Just in time for Third Friday and the new school year, Fair Trade is opening its second location at Civic Space Park Friday morning. The festivities run from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and will include far more than a standard java buzz. Fair Trade will be roasting fresh beans all day long, and offering drink specials as well (ASU students get even more special offers). Tours of its historic digs, right in the heart of the park, will be offered from 6 p.m. on. At 7 p.m., a free swing dance crash course will lead to tunes from the Sugar Thieves, which will echo throughout the park until 10:30 p.m. Even the Hudson Club will be on hand to display some fancy cars.

Up the light rail line, the Heard Museum is throwing its monthly NU (Native+You) event from 5:30-9 p.m. Always free with a cash bar (usually with some pretty darn good drinks as well), NU is a great way to take in the entire museum free of charge and enjoy great live music in a unique after-hours setting. This month, Heard welcomes the Wanderers from 6-8 p.m., along with the Axe Capoeira dance crew, which will perform at 6:30 and 8. An auction of work by Kathy and Patrick Murillo‘s La Casa Murillo will also take place at 7.

Fair Trade Café’s new location is located at 424 N. Central Ave. (light rail stops at Central/1st Avenue and Van Buren).

The Heard Museum is located at 2301 N. Central Ave. (light rail stop at Central and Encanto) For more information, call 602.252.8848.