Things to Do in
Gilbert & Eastside Phoenix

Start the week with Nashville surf-rock royalty. Los Straitjackets bring their signature guitar-driven instrumentals and mask-wearing stage show to one of Phoenix's best intimate venues. Tickets run around $40. A fun, high-energy Monday night that beats staying home.

A four-game homestand against the San Diego Padres, all under the air-conditioned roof at Chase Field. Monday through Thursday, first pitch at 6:40 PM each night. Grab a hot dog, cheer on the D-backs, and enjoy summer baseball without the heat. Tickets available through the team website.

Rising indie-pop artist Willow Avalon plays Crescent Ballroom on Thursday night. Known for her confessional songwriting and warm stage presence, this show is an early chance to catch an artist before she hits bigger rooms. 16 and up. Tickets available at the venue website.

The nation's top junior and senior artistic gymnasts compete for national titles right in downtown Phoenix across four days. Single-session tickets start at $32, making this an affordable world-class sporting event for the whole family. Junior and senior divisions for both men and women. A huge get for Phoenix this summer.

Irish indie-folk trio Kingfishr bring their earthy harmonies and foot-stomping energy to Crescent Ballroom on Friday night. Their breakout sound has been drawing packed crowds across the US. 16 and up. A great way to kick off your weekend with live music in an air-conditioned room.

The rivalry heats up as the Dodgers come to town and the first 25,000 fans get a postgame concert from Latin Grammy winner Jhayco, all included with your ticket. Friday night baseball with a free show after the final out. One of the best ticket values in Phoenix all summer.

Genre-defying artist Poppy brings her theatrical Constantly Nowhere Tour to The Van Buren on Saturday. Known for blending metal, pop, and performance art into something entirely her own. A visually stunning show in one of Phoenix's best concert venues. Expect a packed house.

The Gilbert Farmers Market runs every Saturday rain or shine at the CGCC campus, just east of Gilbert Road. Fresh seasonal produce, local honey, farm-fresh eggs, artisan breads, and gourmet prepared foods from Arizona growers. Go early before the heat sets in and grab breakfast while you shop.

A weekly Saturday market in the Uptown area of Phoenix right off Central Avenue. Local produce, artisan baked goods, gourmet coffee, and handcrafted gifts. The shaded setup helps with the summer sun. Worth the drive from the East Valley for the pupusa stand alone.

Year-round Saturday market in the Phoenix Bioscience Core district downtown. Summer hours run 7:30 to 11:30 AM. Local farmers, prepared food vendors, live music, and a real community feel. Grab your produce and spend the rest of the day exploring downtown.

Last chance to catch Arizona Chef's Week, a 10-day dining event with prix-fixe three-course menus at $55 or $66 per person. More than 40 independent restaurants across the Valley are participating, including High Tide in Gilbert plus dozens more in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Reserve your spot before it ends Sunday.

Disney's The Little Mermaid is running at Gilbert's award-winning Hale Centre Theatre through August 15. Tickets start at $62 for adults with multiple showtimes throughout the week. A perfect summer outing if you have kids or just love live theatre. Right in the heart of downtown Gilbert.

An immersive exhibit tracing Julia Child's journey from Paris to her groundbreaking cookbook and TV show. Also on site: the climb-through CaveScape installation and the Power of Poison exhibit. Air-conditioned, educational, and perfect for a hot August day with the kids. Closed Mondays.

Free splash pad fun right under Gilbert's iconic water tower in the Heritage District. Shaded area with pop-jet fountains, a spinning granite ball, and a water wall. Night lights create a cool water-and-light show in the evenings. Open daily through November 30. Pack sunscreen, bring the kids, and grab dinner at a nearby restaurant after.

This powerful exhibition pairs artwork by 25+ renowned Indigenous artists with personal letters they wrote to their younger selves. Reflections on creativity, identity, and lived experience in a gorgeous air-conditioned museum setting. A meaningful outing for families and anyone who loves art and storytelling.