Opening, development and local news briefs, with publication dates and original sources.
Phoenix viewed from the surrounding hills. Area context photograph; the business or event in this story is not pictured. Photo: Bigmikebmw · CC BY-SA 3.0
Copper Residences would replace the nine-hole Mesquite course at Westin Kierland with up to 494 residential or hotel units across about 72 acres north and south of Greenway Parkway. Phoenix lists the rezoning application as active; it has not been adopted. The project team lists a Paradise Valley Village Planning Committee recommendation meeting for November 2, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Paradise Valley Community Center’s multipurpose room, 17402 N. 40th Street. The proposal retains the Ironwood and Acacia courses as 18 holes. Kierland Community Alliance opposes the plan, citing open-space and traffic concerns. The village recommendation is an advisory step, not final city approval; check the city’s meeting notice before attending.
Source: City of Phoenix / Copper Residences project teamPhoenix viewed from the surrounding hills. Area context photograph; the business or event in this story is not pictured. Photo: Bigmikebmw · CC BY-SA 3.0
Phoenix Zoo’s Roars & Pours: Brewlights is scheduled for Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 455 N. Galvin Parkway. The event offers a preview of ZooLights along select trails, animal ambassador encounters, games and entertainment. Admission is listed at $13 per person for ages 21 and older, with valid ID required. Food and drinks cost extra. Tickets are limited, nontransferable and nonrefundable; check the zoo’s event page for purchase options.
Source: Phoenix ZooPhoenix viewed from the surrounding hills. Area context photograph; the business or event in this story is not pictured. Photo: Bigmikebmw · CC BY-SA 3.0
The Grand Avenue Festival is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Phoenix’s Grand Avenue Arts District. The organizer lists free admission for all ages, with art, music, food, local businesses and community activities. Visit the festival page for updates as the date approaches.
Source: Historic Grand AvenuePhoenix viewed from the surrounding hills. Area context photograph; the business or event in this story is not pictured. Photo: Bigmikebmw · CC BY-SA 3.0
The Other Art Fair comes to On Jackson, 245 E. Jackson Street in Phoenix, November 12 to 15, 2026, with independent artists, installations, live music and artworks for sale. Opening night runs Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m.; public hours are Friday 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission-only tickets for Friday through Sunday are listed at $25 through November 6 at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time, or until sold out, then $30 starting November 7. Prices include taxes and processing fees. Opening night and packages have separate prices. All visitors need tickets.
Source: The Other Art FairPhoenix viewed from the surrounding hills. Area context photograph; the business or event in this story is not pictured. Photo: Bigmikebmw · CC BY-SA 3.0
Phoenix Zoo will host its Día de los Muertos celebration on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 455 N. Galvin Parkway. The program includes folklórico dance, mariachi performances, altars and arts and crafts. The celebration is included with general zoo admission or membership; it is not a free-admission day. Face painting costs an additional $3 per guest, is for ages 3 and older, and accepts cards only. The zoo’s event page lists performance times and locations.
Source: Phoenix ZooPhoenix viewed from the surrounding hills. Area context photograph; the business or event in this story is not pictured. Photo: Bigmikebmw · CC BY-SA 3.0
Phoenix hosts BooFest on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Paseo Highlands Park, 3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Road. The city lists free admission, with live entertainment, costume contests, candy, inflatables and a children’s train ride. Food and artisan goods from local vendors are available to buy.
Source: City of PhoenixPhoenix viewed from the surrounding hills. Area context photograph; the business or event in this story is not pictured. Photo: Bigmikebmw · CC BY-SA 3.0
Phoenix’s Itty Bitty Boo Bash is scheduled for October 31, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at South Mountain Community Center, 212 E. Alta Vista Road. The city lists candy, crafts, music, games and snacks, with costumes encouraged. Admission is free, but advance registration is required through the link on the city’s event page.
Source: City of PhoenixPhoenix viewed from the surrounding hills. Area context photograph; the business or event in this story is not pictured. Photo: Bigmikebmw · CC BY-SA 3.0
Strings Ramen lists its Phoenix restaurant at 2160 E. Baseline Road, Suite 128, with daily hours of 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Chicago-based ramen shop makes fresh noodles and operates on a first-come, first-served basis rather than taking reservations. Check the operator’s menu and hours before visiting.
Source: Strings RamenPhoenix viewed from the surrounding hills. Area context photograph; the business or event in this story is not pictured. Photo: Bigmikebmw · CC BY-SA 3.0
Phoenix Zoo schedules Spooky Safari for October 28-30, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 455 N. Galvin Parkway. Admission is $18 per person, with children 2 and under free. The evening includes candy stations, face painting, an hourly costume parade and DJ and dinosaur entertainment. Carousel and camel rides cost extra. Tickets are limited, valid only for the specified event dates and hours, and nonrefundable and nontransferable; check the zoo’s ticket page before going.
Source: Phoenix ZooPhoenix viewed from the surrounding hills. Area context photograph; the business or event in this story is not pictured. Photo: Bigmikebmw · CC BY-SA 3.0
Desert Botanical Garden hosts its Strange Garden Family Weekend October 23-24, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix. Activities are included with general admission or membership, and each child 12 or younger can receive a pumpkin. The Garden also lists nature activities and live music. The October 22 adults-only Spirit Walk requires a separate ticket.
Source: Desert Botanical GardenPhoenix viewed from the surrounding hills. Area context photograph; the business or event in this story is not pictured. Photo: Bigmikebmw · CC BY-SA 3.0
Sandbox VR plans to open its downtown Phoenix location October 30, 2026, at 11 W. Washington St., Suite 200. The operator places the multiplayer virtual-reality venue on CityScape’s second floor above The Escape Game. Its listed hours are noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday. These are announced plans; check with the venue before visiting.
Source: Sandbox VRPhoenix viewed from the surrounding hills. Area context photograph; the business or event in this story is not pictured. Photo: Bigmikebmw · CC BY-SA 3.0
The Escape Game lists five 60-minute escape themes at CityScape, 11 W. Washington St., Suite 100, in downtown Phoenix. The operator lists daily hours from 8 a.m. to midnight. Check the booking page for game times and availability. An exact historical opening date has not been independently confirmed.
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