Things to Do in
Gilbert & Eastside Phoenix

The Saturday market at the heart of Gilbert's Heritage District, with Arizona growers, local honey, farm-fresh eggs, artisan breads, and prepared food. Summer hours run 7 to 11 to beat the heat. Park once, shop, and wander into brunch.

Over 150 vendors with local organic produce, artisan foods, and prepared food, now on the Chandler-Gilbert campus about five miles south of downtown Gilbert. Go early for the best picks and grab breakfast while you are there.

Summer hours at the Downtown Chandler market in A.J. Chandler Park. Local growers, artisan breads, and a coffee shop right across the street. Grab a latte and walk the park after you shop.

A Saturday morning market in historic downtown Mesa at the Mesa Arts Center with local growers and a friendly crowd. Walkable to the downtown coffee scene and Mesa's growing restaurant row.

A Saturday market in the Eastmark community off the 202 in southeast Mesa, with growers, artisan vendors, and a family crowd. Summer hours run 7 to 11 to keep it cool. Nice to pair with a morning at the Riparian Preserve after.

The D-backs close the home series against Miami tonight before the Yankees roll into town. Weeknight ball is a different pace, and the park is a short walk from downtown Phoenix dinner spots. An easy after-work outing.

The Yankees are in town for three: Friday at 6:40 PM, Saturday at 5:10 PM, and a 1:10 PM Sunday matinee. Baseball in air-conditioned comfort while the desert heat lingers, and a great family outing to close the weekend.

The EDM duo brings its two-night run to the Mesa Amphitheatre, the little outdoor amp that hosts big names. Each night brings a different special guest. If electronic music is your thing, this is the weekend show.

The beloved Latin and regional Mexican group headlines Saturday night just south of Chandler. Expect a sing-along crowd and a room full of good energy. Plan parking and get there early.

The Police, The Cars, Talking Heads, and Elvis Costello in one tribute concert at Hale Concert Hall, right in downtown Gilbert. It runs through September 26 with multiple showtimes. An easy, air-conditioned night out.

Hale's production of the hit musical comedy based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr. is on stage through October 3. Catchy songs, sharp choreography, and a whole lot of fun in downtown Gilbert. Great for a date night or a night out with friends.

The touring Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera plays tonight at ASU Gammage. A gorgeous venue with a classic score. If you have never seen it on stage, this is a good one.

The monthly third-Friday art walk takes over downtown Chandler with 50-plus local artists, handmade vendors, live music, and family craft activities. Free to wander, and easy to spend the whole evening. My pick for a Friday that deserves fresh air. Organizers post the fall lineup closer to the date, so glance at the downtown Chandler site before you head out.

The fourth annual town-run family triathlon: a 100-yard swim, a 2-mile bike, and a 1-mile run, open to all abilities, ages 6 and up. Bring your own bike, cheer each other across the line, and grab breakfast after. Registration is open on the town's parks and recreation page.

Gilbert's working water ranch stays open daily and free with seven ponds, miles of trails, fishing, and some of the best birding in the East Valley. The guided family bird walks return in October, so this week it is self-guided: pack water and go early.