The Valley Now archive
746 dated briefs from across the Phoenix Valley. Older stories preserve what was reported at the time; opening details can change.
Cave Creek ·
The Fall Carefree Garden Art Experience runs Nov. 7 and 8, 2026, on the town's events list. It lands two weeks before the Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour, which runs Nov. 20 to 22 and Nov. 27 to 29, making the back half of November a near-continuous art run in Cave Creek and Carefree. Taste of Cave Creek comes first, Oct. 14 and 15 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Source: Town of Cave Creek
Chandler ·
All three theaters at Chandler Center for the Arts have been closed since June 15 for a renovation running through Oct. 15. The work includes replacement of all theatrical seating, new carpet and epoxy flooring, enhanced floor and chair lighting, seat renumbering for easier wayfinding, and maintenance to fire sprinkler systems, theatrical rigging and electrical infrastructure. The city says the venue will hold a grand reopening in conjunction with the 2026 Center Stage Gala in October. Programming continued at other community locations during the closure.
Source: City of Chandler
Glendale ·
Mission BBQ is planning a Glendale location at 7350 W. Bell Road, Suite 102, where a banner is already up at the site. No opening date has been announced.
Source: What Now Phoenix
Goodyear ·
California Fish Grill is planning a location at Bullard Avenue and McDowell Road in the GSQ development in Goodyear. It will be the first California Fish Grill in Goodyear and the third in Arizona. The fast-casual chain serves what it describes as 100 percent sustainably sourced seafood, rated by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program or eco-certified, with fish tacos, clam chowder, fish and chips and grilled salads on the menu. The restaurant is planning a 2026 opening; no exact date has been announced.
Source: What Now Phoenix
Peoria ·
Jefferson House is under construction at 8310 W. Jefferson Street, at 83rd Avenue and Jefferson in downtown Peoria's Arts District. The plan is three chef-run kitchens at 640 square feet each, six retail and eatery spots from 160 to 440 square feet, a courtyard bar, a live music stage and a 16-foot splash pad, with more than 300 seats under a black-steel canopy with climate controls. The project's site lists opening Fall 2026 and says it is targeting November 2026. Tenant announcements have not been made yet.
Source: Jefferson House
Queen Creek ·
The Switchyard, a $120 million mixed-use development on 10 acres at Ellsworth and Ocotillo roads, has named four more tenants: Bamboo Sushi at 3,198 square feet, ROOM and PORCH at 1,761 square feet, Zara Nail Bar at 3,519 square feet and an Edward Jones office. All four are expected to open by year's end, as are the three restaurants announced earlier: Snooze, Shake Shack and Postino. The project is being developed by Creation Equity and opens in phases.
Source: KTAR News
San Tan Valley ·
In-N-Out and Michaels are both listed as under construction at Skyline Ranch Marketplace, at the northeast corner of Hunt Highway and Gary Road in San Tan Valley, along with The ZON. The rest of the center is filling in behind them: PetSmart is listed as opening late 2026, Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers in 2026, EOS Fitness with an estimated opening of Sept. 21, 2026, and Chick-fil-A in summer 2027.
Source: SanTanValley.com
Scottsdale ·
The Scottsdale Fall Festival returns to Scottsdale Civic Center on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 from 5 to 9 p.m., with free admission. The city says it has expanded the event space and added an extra hour, describing it as a bigger, better Fall Festival experience. The lineup includes a live band and DJ, local food trucks and a cocktail garden, trick-or-treating and carnival games, hands-on arts and crafts, and city department booths.
Source: City of Scottsdale
Tempe ·
The Sandwich Spot opens its newest location in Tempe on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. The chain is known for made-to-order specialty sandwiches, signature housemade sauces and fresh-baked bread, and lists full sandwiches at $13.95, halves at $8.95 and lunch specials at $8.50. The Tempe store is owned and operated by franchise partners Timothy Redelsperger and Mike Sayre. A street address was not given in the announcement.
Source: RestaurantNews.com
Apache Junction ·
Wheelhouse Tavern Cruise-Ins run 6 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 6 and Sept. 13 at 495 W. Apache Trail in Apache Junction. The city's visitor events calendar also lists Fishing Fridays at Painted Sky Park, 10109 Dutchman Dr., on Sept. 18 from 6 to 7 p.m., a Concert in the Park on Sept. 6 and a Power Wheels Derby on Sept. 12, both at 100 N. Apache Trail.
Source: Visit Apache Junction
Casa Grande ·
The City of Casa Grande has released its Fall 2026 recreation guide, covering upcoming recreation programs, classes, sports leagues, aquatics, facility updates, membership options and rentals. The city is also organizing a community 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance on Sept. 26, inviting residents, businesses, schools, churches, civic organizations and community groups to take part.
Source: City of Casa GrandeCave Creek ·
The Carefree Farmers Market runs Fridays at 1 Sundial Circle in Carefree. Its hours are seasonal: 8 to 11 a.m. from June through September, then 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from October through May. September is the last month of the early start. The market specializes in Arizona Grown produce and also carries pesticide-free and organically grown items, artisan breads, salsas, jams, pickles, olives, Mediterranean foods, range-fed beef and sustainably caught fish.
Source: Arizona Community Farmers Markets
Coolidge ·
The Coolidge City Council approved a $274,375.22 agreement with Skyline Builders and Restoration Inc on June 8 to build the city's new dog park at the Regional Park, southwest of the roundabout on the main road through the park at the southeast corner of Coolidge Avenue and Skousen Road. The design has three fenced dog areas with irrigation, described as three pods for large and small dogs with one closed at any given time for turf repair and aeration. Funding comes from a $187,167 grant from the Gila River Indian Community and $87,208.22 in development impact fees, so no general fund or capital improvement money is being spent on the project at this time. No opening date has been announced.
Source: Pinal Post
Gilbert ·
Thompson Thrift held a groundbreaking on April 30 for The Gilmore, a 35-acre mixed-use development on the northwest corner of Val Vista Drive and Germann Road, just off Loop 202. The project is planned to bring boutique restaurants, retail, a hotel and residences to the corner. The company expects retailers to begin opening in the latter half of 2026, with the first resident move-ins beginning in early 2027.
Source: Town of Gilbert
Glendale ·
The 22nd annual Teddy Bear Day runs Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. across the Catlin Court and Old Towne districts of historic downtown Glendale. The event features make-and-take arts and crafts and bear-themed activities and treats, including decorating chocolate bears at Cerreta Candy Company and Glendale Fire and Police Department vehicles on display. Start at the Arizona Information Center, 5836 W. Palmaire Ave., to pick up event maps. A complimentary shuttle runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Source: Visit Downtown Glendale
Goodyear ·
Six more tenants have signed leases at GSQ, the 150-acre mixed-use project in downtown Goodyear co-developed by RED Development and Globe Corporation. Paris Baguette and Zara Nail Bar are each taking about 3,000 square feet and are expected to open at the end of 2026. Berry Divine Acai Bowls is planned for fall 2026 on the Civic Square side, its 11th location. Handel's Ice Cream is taking about 1,800 square feet and is expected in early 2027. Reformed Pilates begins construction in 2026, and Magdalena's is a chef-driven restaurant with Latin cultural influence. They join previously announced tenants including Fogo de Chao, CAVA, California Fish Grill, First Watch and Nordstrom Rack.
Source: AZ Big MediaPeoria ·
Peoria's Arts and Culture department runs a free concert series every Wednesday evening through August and September at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, billed as August Acoustics and then September Mix. The city newsroom is promoting a free R&B and soul concert on Sept. 10. The series spans country, classic rock, Renaissance music and jazz-inspired storytelling, and is built to introduce audiences to emerging and established musicians from across the state.
Source: City of PeoriaScottsdale ·
The Arizona Invitational Black Rodeo returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, on Sept. 4 and 5 for its 15th year, over Labor Day weekend. Shows run at 7 p.m. both nights plus a 1 p.m. show on Saturday, with bull riding, roping, barrel racing and bronc riding. Kidz Rodeo Experience sessions run Sept. 4 at 9 and 10:30 a.m. and Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. It is the flagship event of Black Rodeo USA, a nonprofit founded in 2011.
Source: Black Rodeo USAApache Junction ·
Apache Junction's Concerts in the Park is a free series that runs monthly in January, February, March, April, September, October and November at Flatiron Community Park, 100 N. Apache Trail. The city has not yet posted the specific September dates.
Source: City of Apache Junction
Avondale ·
Construction began in March on the Marketplace at Tres Rios, a 28-acre grocery-anchored shopping center north of the Alamar master planned community in Avondale. It will feature a Fry's Marketplace, three multi-tenant shop buildings and seven retail pads. Other tenants have yet to be announced, and no completion date has been given.
Source: KTAR News
Buckeye ·
The Landing is a planned 2,100-acre mixed-use hub just south of the Verrado community that will integrate Buckeye Commons, the under-construction Verrado Marketplace, and future retail, entertainment and health care developments. It is rolling out in phases over the coming years.
Source: Hotel & Leisure AdvisorsCasa Grande ·
Celebra takes place Friday, Sept. 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Neon Sign Park and Main Street Alley in downtown Casa Grande, celebrating Hispanic culture and community. The city's fall lineup also includes the Halloween Harvest Festival on Oct. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Paul Mason Sports Complex.
Source: City of Casa Grande
Gold Canyon ·
The PGA of America announced that Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club in Gold Canyon will host the 2026 Senior PGA Professional Championship. The four-day, 72-hole championship will be contested on the Prospector and Lost Gold courses. The championship annually features 264 senior club professionals representing all 41 PGA Sections. Exact dates have not been announced.
Source: PGA of America
Goodyear ·
GTI Energy announced a $33 million initial investment, with plans to invest another $20 million, to open a 530,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at Lakin Park in Goodyear. The facility will initially create 250 new jobs, ramping up to 600 total once fully operational.
Source: City of Goodyear
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