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.
Chandler ·
Downtown Chandler Farmers Market's Kids Day lands Aug. 1 at 9am at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, with free family activities and life-size games alongside the regular lineup of local farmers, food vendors and artisans.
Source: Downtown Chandler
Gilbert ·
The AZ Sunrise Series wraps its 7th and final leg at Riparian Preserve on Aug. 8, a 5K starting at 6:30am with an open start window from 5:45. It's capped at 600 runners on a course mixing gravel and concrete paths through the park.
Source: Discover Gilbert
Glendale ·
Historic Downtown Glendale's first Summerween runs Aug. 8 with area-wide Ghost Bingo, make-and-take crafts, Summerween-themed menus at local eateries, and costume fun with a summer twist. Start at the Arizona Information Center, 5836 W. Palmaire Ave.
Source: Visit Downtown Glendale
Mesa ·
Mesa Night Market's free Asian Food Festival runs Aug. 8 from 6-9pm in the parking lot at 1920 W. Broadway Rd. Expect an all-Asian vendor lineup, anime merch and bites from Duplex Boba Tea, Happy Buns, Yuki Cheesecakes and Jasperz Island Fusion.
Source: Visit Mesa
Peoria ·
The Peoria Riverfront Museum's Planet Passport series spotlights Jupiter on Aug. 8 at 10:30am and Aug. 13 at 5:30pm, part of its ongoing family astronomy programming.
Source: Peoria Riverfront Museum
Phoenix ·
The Phoenix Mercury take on the New York Liberty at noon on Saturday, Aug. 1, at Mortgage Matchup Center downtown (201 E. Jefferson St.), with tickets starting around $20.
Source: WNBA.com
Queen Creek ·
Bamboo Sushi, a sustainable sushi chain out of Portland, Oregon, is opening its first Arizona restaurant at The Switchyard. The nearly 3,200 sq ft spot will serve signature rolls, shareable plates and happy hour specials, joining Shake Shack and Snooze at the Ellsworth Loop and Ocotillo development.
Source: Phoenix New Times
Scottsdale ·
Mendocino Farms, the California sandwich chain known for scratch-made bowls and sandwiches, opened its second Arizona location at The Promenade Scottsdale (16203 N. Scottsdale Rd.) in June. It's open daily 10:30am to 9pm.
Source: ABC15
Tempe ·
Carmen, a coastal Mexican concept from restaurateur Julian Wright, is coming to 640 S. Mill Ave., the former Anoche Cantina space. Inspired by Playa del Carmen, it will bring agave-forward cocktails, two patios and two outdoor bars to Mill Avenue.
Source: Downtown Tempe
Buckeye ·
DICK'S opened this month at the growing shopping center, with Barnes & Noble and Five Below under construction and Qdoba, Spitz Mediterranean and Zoyo Frozen Yogurt already signed.
Source: Verrado WayChandler ·
The redevelopment's mystery tenants are revealed: the Michelin-recognized dumpling house (2027) and a Filipino grocer with multiple Pan-Asian restaurants.
Source: KTAR NewsGilbert ·
The Mission's Epicenter at Agritopia location pairs candlelit tables and tableside guacamole with a brunch called the Whole Roasted Pig Out.
Source: ABC15
Glendale ·
The Texas-based iced tea chain made its state debut in Westgate and has become one of the brand's top-ranked stores nationally.
Source: HTeaOMesa ·
Udon Shin, known for lines wrapping the block in Japan, opened inside Mekong Plaza's Asian District with handmade noodles, crispy tempura and rich dashi.
Source: Mouth by SouthwestPeoria ·
A SpringHill Suites by Marriott is slated for Jomax Road and Lake Pleasant Parkway, expected late 2026 or early 2027.
Source: Peoria IndependentPhoenix ·
Nadu, from acclaimed chef Sujan Sarkar, is his first Valley restaurant and just opened at Desert Ridge Marketplace.
Source: PHOENIX magazineQueen Creek ·
Jinya Ramen Bar, known for its 20-hour simmered broth, is joining the 900,000 sq ft marketplace on Ellsworth Loop Road.
Source: KTAR News
Scottsdale ·
The James Beard-recognized Arcadia restaurant is expanding into the former Z'Tejas space at McCormick Ranch, 2.5 times the size of the original, with a lakeside patio and private dining.
Source: Patch
Surprise ·
The fast-casual Thai chain's 19th Arizona location opened at Asante Marketplace, with a hidden golden chili giving one lucky guest a year of free food.
Source: Mouth by Southwest
Tempe ·
Roman God of Fire lands on Tempe Town Lake from the Filthy Animal team and chef Scott Conant, with reservations opening July 31.
Source: Phoenix New Times
Buckeye ·
Verrado Marketplace's first store to open turned out to be a full-size Target, with a Target Optical, CVS Pharmacy, in-store Apple shop and Starbucks all built in.
Source: What Now PhoenixGlendale ·
José Andrés' Bar Mar, a seafood-driven Spanish concept, is coming to VAI Resort later this year, his first restaurant in the state.
Source: ABC15Tempe ·
The historic Governor Benjamin B. Moeur House, built in 1893, is getting new life as a restaurant and cocktail bar from Cat Bunnag and Dan Robinson, the owners of Glai Baan.
Source: 12NewsChandler ·
The Phoenix-based, woman-owned craft brewery is bringing an indoor-outdoor taproom to The AJ, with garage doors that open right up to the park next door.
Source: AZ Big Media
