(2014) Summer is still in full swing and August is stuffed full of things for Arizona residents to do; football, baseball, concerts and much more. Here are some highlights from the Phoenix metro and around the state.
Sports
Football – The NFL season is just around the corner and the Arizona Cardinals will be hosting two pre-season games at the University of Phoenix Stadium during the month of August. On the 9th they host the Houston Texans.
They take on the Cincinnati Bengals on the 24th. You can also catch one of the Cardinals’ 18 open (and free) practice sessions, which run through Aug. 22.
Baseball – Enjoy the Arizona Diamondbacks mid-season as they take on the Rockies, Pirates, Dodgers, Royals and Padres at Chase Field.
Arizona Rookie League Baseball is still going on too. The rookie “Cactus League” started back in 1947, when the Cleveland Indians and the (then) New York Giants moved their spring training camps to Arizona. Now there are 15 MLB teams playing in 10 different ballparks around the state. It is the greatest concentration of professional baseball facilities found anywhere in the United States.
Concerts
Chicago & REO Speedwagon – 70’s staples, Chicago and REO Speedwagon will be coming to Comerica Theatre (Phoenix) on Aug. 2 for a night of nostalgia. Tickets for this event range from $40-$290.
Paul McCartney – Sir Paul McCartney will be coming back to Phoenix shortly after his 72nd birthday, with his Out There Tour. With a set list that encompasses his Bealtles and Wings years, and his solo career, McCartney performs at US Airways Center in Phoenix on Aug. 12. Tickets for the event start at just $36.
Australian Bee Gees – Though it’s not the actual Bee Gee’s, it’s most certainly the next best thing. This Bee Gee’s tribute show will be rolling through the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Aug 22, with all of the Stayin’ Alive goodness you’d want from Barry Robin and Maurice Gibb. Tickets for this event start at just $25.
More Fun Around the State
Cool Summer Nights at the Desert Museum – Cool off and enjoy the wildlife at the Arizona Sonaran Desert Museum at this Saturday night event. Dancing, dining and more. For a full list of events going on, check out their special programs, like the Full Moon Festival and the museum’s Batty Birthday.
Corvette Caravan – Mingle among the caravan of Corvette enthusiasts as they make their way along Rt 66 on the way to Bowling Green for the 20th anniversary of the National Corvette Museum. The Arizona contingent will leave Phoenix, the morning of Aug 22, to join drivers from points west in Williams, AZ. On the 23rd, there will be a meet and greet and car show before heading east.
Payson Rodeo – The Payson Rodeo holds the prestigious title of being the world’s oldest continuous rodeo, (starting way back in 1884). Take in this icon of Arizona culture Aug. 14-16. Named the “Best Small town Rodeo,” this event features ropin’ and ridin’, but also a chili cook-off, apres rodeo dance and family day events. Tickets for the rodeo are $18 for adults and just $10 for children.
Plus, you can count on downtown Art Walks in Phoenix (First Fridays) and Mesa (Second Fridays). Much more than “art”, the walks are street events with live music, food and new experiences around each corner. In Mesa, the Aug. 8 theme is Word on the Street, featuring spoken, written and visual works of word art.
Get out and have some fun!
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