From film festivals and foodie fun to rattlesnakes, Broadway vibes and fast cars, the Valley is packed with things to do this weekend and beyond. Whether you\u2019re looking to sip a craft beer while learning about desert wildlife, catch a world premiere on stage, or draft your fantasy football dream team, there\u2019s something on the calendar for everyone.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Fantasy Football at Title 9.<\/strong> Title 9 Sports Grill, Phoenix\u2019s first women-focused sports bar, is lining up for draft day. The grill is inviting rookies, superfans and Sunday brunch devotees to its Title 9 Ladies League Fantasy Football League Draft Party on Sunday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n Celebrate local films.<\/strong>\u00a0The Mesa International Film Festival is set to return through. Aug. 24 with more than 130 independent films screened in downtown Mesa.\u00a0See the details here.<\/a><\/p>\n East Valley foodies, this one is for you!<\/strong> Queen Creek Restaurant Week is back for its second year, bringing a celebration of local flavor to the East Valley until Aug. 24. Get the details here.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Rattlesnakes: Fact and Fiction.<\/strong> PHX Beer Co in Scottsdale will transform into an unexpected classroom on Tuesday, Aug. 27, when the brewery partners with Desert Foothills Land Trust to present Rattlesnakes: Fact and Fiction, a free community event featuring live snakes and expert education. Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n Tri-Ward Talks.<\/strong> Mesa\u2019s own night of big ideas is back. The Tri-Ward Talks, founded by community organizer Ted Sowards, return Thursday, Aug. 28, with a fresh lineup of speakers ready to spark conversation and connection. The free event begins at 7 p.m. at the Mesa Mountain View Stake Center, 1550 N. Val Vista Drive. Read about it here.<\/a><\/p>\n Community art.<\/strong> The Sonoran Arts League is hosting free, all-ages ceramic bowl-making workshops every Friday in August to support the fall Foothills Empty Bowls Project. No experience is needed, but space is limited and registration is encouraged. Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n Let the good times roll!<\/strong> Tony Award-winning Broadway veterans are teaming up with local talent for the world premiere of \u201cLet the Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo\u201d at The Phoenix Theatre Company. The production runs through Aug. 31. See more details here.<\/a><\/p>\n Drunk Shakespeare.<\/strong> What started as a limited summer run is now a full-on love affair. \u201cDrunk Shakespeare,\u201d the irreverent and hilarious take on Romeo & Juliet, has extended its Phoenix run through Sept. 27 due to sold-out crowds and high demand. Read all about it here.<\/a><\/p>\n Vroom, vroom.<\/strong> The iconic Rock \u2018n Roll Car Show, formerly held at The Pavilions at Talking Stick, has cruised four miles north to Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers at Pima Crossing in Scottsdale, where it\u2019s now revving up every Saturday evening through Sept. 27. Shift over to the article here.<\/a><\/p>\n Hot art, cool show.<\/strong> Desert Foothills Gallery invites the community to experience a vibrant blend of creativity and culture at the 2025 \u201cHot Art\u2013Cool Show,\u201d now on view through Oct. 1 at Desert Foothills Library. From bold abstracts to intricate realism, the show highlights the diversity and depth of the local art scene. Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n