The true mark of a vibrant urban core isn’t the popularity of special events like ball games, conventions or even First Fridays. Rather, it is the events that fill the gaps in between these. It is the creation of a 24/7 culture where things are going on every day (and night) of the week. While I wouldn’t say that we have quire arrived there, we are a lot closer that it may appear.
Here are 10 of the less heralded activities that are occurring in Downtown Phoenix on an almost daily basis.
1. Live music
Check the DPJ calendar for up-to-date listings on nightly music at Carly’s Bistro, the Dressing Room, the Lost Leaf, Modified Arts, Revolver Records, Roosevelt Tavern and the Turf.
2. Movie Monday at Revolver Records
No-admission movie screenings with special deals every Monday at 8 p.m.
The Torch Theatre is one of Phoenix’s best-kept secrets. Shows vary through the week, but make sure to check out the Saturday night Cage Matches!
4. Phoenix Public Market
Every Wednesday and Saturday, the lot at McKinley Street and Central Avenue becomes our local farmers market.
5. Over-the-Hump Day, open mic
Local wordsmiths and folk musicians perform every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Conspire at 5th and Garfield streets.
6. The Downtown Phoenix fitness walk/jog
Get some exercise by walking or jogging around Downtown Phoenix. Start and end points are the Phoenix Public Market every Saturday at 7 a.m.
7. Community Yoga Project
Bring your own yoga mat, towel or blanket every Saturday at 10 a.m. at Civic Space Park.
8. GROWHOUSE Garden Days
Volunteer in the garden at Garfield and 6th streets every Sunday from 8 to 10 a.m.
9. Fair Trade Café Sunday brunch
The Fair Trade menu features challah baked French toast with choice of yummy toppings, rosemary country potatoes, baked egg casserole with veggies or green chilies and biscuits and gravy. Every Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
10. Sunday Service
Every Sunday at SideBar, DJs spin until 2 a.m., accompanying Downtown’s best drink discounts.
We are certainly missing a lot of other events that occur on a weekly basis. If you would like to add anything to the list, please add a comment!
This post was inspirited by the Roosevelt Row newsletter. To be kept up to date on what is going on in and around Roosevelt Row, click here to sign up for their newsletter. For a whole smattering of Downtown Phoenix events, see DPJ’s calendar page.
Nice write up Yuri, but don’t forget Stand Up Comedy! I’ve done Comedy in 12 states so far and I’ve yet to find a better local Stand Up Comedy scene than we have here in Phoenix, that includes big cities like LA, Houston and Chicago.
Here’s a list of Central Phoenix comedy shows, all of them are FREE:
Monday:
Sonoma- 1st Ave and Van Buren- 830pm
Tuesday:
Plazma-Bar 16th St & Osborn- 930pm
Fuego Bistro- 7th St and Bethany Home- 830pm
Wednesday:
Hidden House- 7th ave and Osborn- 830pm
Thursday:
Hidden House- 7th Ave and Osborn- 830pm
Friday:
Ghost Lounge in Hotel San Carlos- Central and Monroe- 830pm
Saturday:
Ghost Lounge in Hotel San Carlos- Central and Monroe- 8pm
Come out and support great local comedy. We’ve got guys who have played on Jimmy Kimmel Live, at the famous Hollywood Comedy Store, regulars at the Tempe (and nationwide) Improv, guys who have toured the country as well as Europe, etc.
Phoenix really has a special comedy scene and we need to do a better job of getting the local arts community and the CenPho supporters to come out to the shows. 😀
Thanks Will!