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.
Buckeye ·
Verrado Marketplace's District opens Oct. 15, and SALT, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream and Shake Shack will open first, according to AZ Big Media. Gap Factory, Just Sports and Zara Nails & Spa are among the shops opening this September, and a 63,500-square-foot Safeway is set for November.
Source: AZ Big Media
Chandler ·
Two for Joy Cafe is preparing to open at Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., in the last week of October, per What Now Phoenix, pending inspections and final approvals. Expect artisan yogurt bowls with fruit, granola, honey and pistachios, rose-pistachio and mango soft serve, chai and matcha.
Source: What Now Phoenix
Gilbert ·
Roka Akor, the contemporary Japanese robata grill, plans its second Arizona restaurant in Gilbert, targeting late spring or early summer 2027, per What Now Phoenix. Expect Japanese Wagyu, seafood and vegetables off the robata, plus sushi, sashimi and shareable plates.
Source: What Now Phoenix
Maricopa ·
Sakura Asian Kitchen is taking over the former Copa Kitchen space at 20924 N. John Wayne Parkway and plans to open in mid-October, InMaricopa reports. The quick-serve spot will focus on sushi, teriyaki bowls, noodles and tuna poke, with a ramen bar planned later.
Source: InMaricopa
Mesa ·
Mahana Fresh, a fast-casual spot built around customizable bowls, is opening its first Arizona restaurant at 943 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 101, beside The Shop Gym, according to What Now Phoenix. It is expected by the end of 2026; no exact date yet. The menu adds tacos, smoothies, desserts and vegan and gluten-free options.
Source: What Now Phoenix
Scottsdale ·
Dash, from chef Matt Carter, is coming this fall to the southeast corner of Hayden Road and Mountain View in McCormick Ranch, AZ Big Media reports. It pairs an all-day kitchen (coffee, pastries, sandwiches, Roman-style pizza, charcoal chicken, soft serve) with a neighborhood market and an evening cocktail program.
Source: AZ Big Media
Tempe ·
Fear Farm at 1475 N. McClintock Dr. says its Field of Fear Maze officially opens Saturday, Sept. 26, with haunts running select nights through Nov. 14. This year's lineup includes Beyond the Veil, Mr. Tasty's Funhouse and Sirens Wake, plus carnival rides. Tickets are sold online.
Source: Fear Farm
Maricopa ·
Maricopa's Stagecoach Days runs Oct. 15 to 28. Highlights include a Family Fishing Derby at Pacana Park on Oct. 17 from 8 to 11 a.m., the Neon Cowboy Color Run at Pacana Park on Oct. 23 at 7 p.m., and Salsa Fest on Oct. 24.
Source: Maricopa Stagecoach Days
Peoria ·
Jefferson House at 83rd Avenue and Jefferson Street in Downtown Peoria's Arts District is targeting a November 2026 opening. Plans include three chef-run kitchens, six retail and eatery spots, a courtyard bar, a live music stage, a 16-foot splash pad and seating for 300-plus under a covered canopy.
Source: Jefferson House
Phoenix ·
Greenwood Brewing, 922 N. 5th St., throws an Oktoberfest Block Party on Saturday, Oct. 10 from noon to 10 p.m. with live music, food trucks, local vendors, face painting and a 5 p.m. stein-holding competition. $15 gets you entry, an 18-ounce commemorative stein and $6.50 pints all day.
Source: Downtown Phoenix Inc.
San Tan Valley ·
Einstein Bros. Bagels is listed to open Sept. 30 at Skyline Ranch Marketplace, northeast corner of Hunt Highway and Gary Road, per SanTanValley.com's development tracker.
Source: SanTanValley.comSan Tan Valley ·
San Tan Valley's In-N-Out, at the northeast corner of Hunt Highway and Gary Road in Skyline Ranch Marketplace, is listed to open Sept. 25, per SanTanValley.com's development tracker. Confirm hours before you head over.
Source: SanTanValley.com
Scottsdale ·
Evening Entertainment Group is planning Holla Brunch Girl, a 21-and-over rooftop DJ brunch in Old Town Scottsdale, beginning Sept. 26, according to Hoodline. It's the same group bringing the General Admission sports lounge to the old RnR space.
Source: Hoodline
Surprise ·
Top high school baseball prospects from across the U.S. and Canada play at the Surprise Stadium Complex, 15850 N. Bullard Ave., in front of college coaches and pro scouts. The Senior Fall Classic runs Oct. 1 to 4, then the Combat, Easton and High School Championships weekends follow through Oct. 25. Entry is free.
Source: City of Surprise
Apache Junction ·
Lost Dutchman State Park's new Sonoran Desert Botany Hike starts Oct. 24 at 8 a.m. from the Palo Verde Day Use Ramada, with more dates through Jan. 30. It is free with paid park entry and limited to the first 12 hikers. Trails can't take strollers; leashed pets are welcome.
Source: Arizona State Parks
Casa Grande ·
One of Casa Grande's longest-running traditions, more than 50 years old, returns Thursday, Oct. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Paul Mason Sports Complex, 2525 N. Pinal Ave. Look for a Trick or Treat Village, costume contest, haunted hayride, inflatables and food trucks. Admission and parking are free; enter on Rodeo Road.
Source: City of Casa Grande
Cave Creek ·
The Cave Creek Museum hosts a free family-friendly event from 1 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 17, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Carefree. The theme is "Where Melodies Spark Memories and Objects Tell Stories," with live music, interactive storytelling and hands-on activities, including a branding demo from the museum's in-house artisan.
Source: Cave Creek / Carefree Independent
Chandler ·
PLUNJ held its grand opening Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 1900 W. Germann Road, Suite 9, near Nando's Mexican Cafe. The Utah-based hot-and-cold spa focuses on Nordic-style steam and cold plunges and runs 16 locations, including one in Paradise Valley.
Source: Chandler Independent
Chandler ·
Southern Steer Butcher celebrated its Chandler ribbon cutting with the Chandler Chamber on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 1095 W. Queen Creek Road, Suite 6. The neighborhood butcher shop sells beef, chicken, pork and seafood, with advice on cuts, seasoning and pairings.
Source: Chandler Chamber of Commerce
Gilbert ·
Heritage Park at Gilbert Road and Juniper Avenue named its first five tenants: Popup Bagels with its first Arizona location, La La Land's first East Valley cafe, a second Valley Hudson House, Salt & Straw ice cream and a Solidcore studio. Buildings are now fully enclosed, and the residences are slated for spring 2027.
Source: AZ Big Media
Gold Canyon ·
Sundays on the Green at Gold Canyon Golf Resort & Spa continues Oct. 25 with Almost Folsom, celebrating the music of Johnny Cash and June Carter. Gates open at 1 p.m. Tickets go on sale Sept. 25 through the Five20 Events Ticketbud page.
Source: Five20 Events
Mesa ·
Mesa Night Market is back Saturday, Oct. 10 from 4 to 9 p.m. in the parking lot at 1920 W. Broadway Road. Local vendors serve takoyaki, bao, cheesecake and Thai food, with anime and retail vendors too. Entry and parking are free. More dates follow on Nov. 7 and Dec. 5.
Source: Mesa Night Market (Eventbrite)
Peoria ·
The Christmas Cafe is set for 24980 N. 83rd Ave., near 83rd Avenue and Happy Valley Road, and is expected to welcome its first customers in fall 2026. Coffee, fresh food and curated retail come with Christmas-inspired decor all year, and the menu previews a Peppermint Bark Latte.
Source: What Now PhoenixPhoenix ·
The 2026 Arizona State Fair opens Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Arizona State Fairgrounds and runs Thursdays through Sundays through Nov. 1. This year's theme is "A State of Wonder." The fair's Fair Fandom program offers early-bird admission deals and ticket discounts.
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