In my previous post, I stated:
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 in 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.
In addition to the many events that occur at least once a week, there are also several monthly events going on around Downtown Phoenix. Taken together, these events should provide ample opportunity to get out, meet new people and become active players in a vibrant downtown community.
Here are 10 events to get you started:
Free drop-in workshops on the first Tuesday of every month. No need to register, just come and get a free intro to improv.
2. A costumed/themed drawing workshop every second Tuesday of the month, from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Lost Leaf.
3. Marshall Shore: Retro Spectacular
“Romp through Arizona history with stories and images” the second Thursday of every month at Phoenix Metro Retro.
A Saturday morning gathering of brunch-loving people. It’s not an exclusive club of snobbish foodies, rather a group of people who like to get together and share a great brunch with new and old friends. Smunch almost always takes place on the second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m.
5. Craft night at Butter Toast Boutique
This vintage boutique gets creative on second Saturdays from 5 to 8 p.m.
6. Get Your PHX
The goal of Get Your PHX is to support those who pioneer new restaurants, stores, bars and event spaces and to provide a chance for you to meet others like you, who want to get the most out of Phoenix. It takes place on the next-to-last Thursday of every month at various locations in and around Downtown.
A potluck-style community dinner celebrating great buildings and amazing people in Central Phoenix on the third Saturday evening of every month.
8. Downtown Phoenix Book Group
Switching off monthly between fiction and non-fiction on the fourth Wednesday of every month at MADE art boutique.
9. RadiatePHX
A community networking group of people who care about place making, design, community building and our vital urban core on the last Tuesday of every month at various at various locations in and around Downtown. (Disclaimer: RadiatePHX is an initiative of Urban Affair, publisher of DPJ.)
10. Critical Mass
A bicycle celebration ride to raise awareness about bicyclists on the road and cars sharing the road on the last Friday of each month. The starting point is Steel Indian School Park, near the Indian School Road and 3rd Street entrance.
Once again, I’m sure that I am missing a lot of other events that occur on a monthly basis in and around Downtown. If you would like to add anything to the list, please add a comment!
