This column includes announcements of seminars, workshops, community events, fundraisers and other programs for which there is an admission charge, a donation expected or you are otherwise expected to spend money, such as shopping events. Advance registration is required at some these events, so you might see them listed here weeks before they are scheduled to occur.
If you are looking for programs or activities where there is no charge for admission, you can check my weekly "Free Things To Do" column (it comes out every Monday), or check the monthly calendar of recurring annual events.
Events are presented here in date order.
What: Half Marathon Training Group
When: Saturdays or Sundays, beginning Sept. 22, 2012 at 7 a.m.
Where: Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center, 5600 W. Union Hills Dr., Glendale
A 17-week build up to the PF Chang's Half Marathon in January. By the start of this program, participants should be comfortable running 10 to 15 miles a week, at around four miles an outing without stopping. Group distance runs will be held at 7 a.m. on Saturdays or Sundays beginning Sept. 22. Complete your training runs in the pace group which best fits your ability. For more information, call 623-930-4610. Price is $82 (non-resident $100). Fee does not include half marathon entry fee.
What: Birds 'n' Beer
When: Thursday, September 20, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, 3131 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix
An after-work event for adults. Audubon's Lindsey Hendricks will present on the fascinating life of the hummingbird. Program begins at 6:30 p.m. RSVP requested, call 602- 468-6470.
What: Rattlesnakes of America
When: Friday, September 21, 2012 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Lake Pleasant Visitor Center, Peoria
Join the Ranger at the visitor center for a fun talk on rattlesnakes of America. Learn all sorts of interesting things about these creepy critters. Afterward, you have the option to stay and watch a reptile feeding. No registration necessary. $6 per vehicle park entry fee.
What: A Night with the Stars
When: Saturday, September 22, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Arizona Museum of Natural History, 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa
See objects of natural history, anthropology and art on display. Museum galleries will have special activities including crafts and demonstrations from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and telescope viewing with the East Valley Astronomy Club from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Students from Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration will be available in the Origins Exhibition to discuss their research. Visitors may attend a special program in the portable planetarium to discuss the search for life in deep space with a talk entitled "Are We Alone?" It is an evening of exploring for the whole family. Admission for non-members is $7 per adult and $4 per child and students with identification. No discounts or passes will be accepted. Admission for museum members is free.
What: Rescue Rinse Charity Dog Wash
When: Saturday, September 22, 2012 from 9 a.m. to noon
Where: ReThinc Advertising, 4014 N Goldwater Blvd, Ste 204, Scottsdale
Benefits Home Fur Good, a Phoenix shelter systems focused on eliminating pet euthanasia in Maricopa County. Valley residents are invited to bring their dogs to get squeaky clean and showered with affection, all for a compassionate cause. Home Fur Good keeps stray and abandoned animals off kill lists, provides vaccinations, spaying and neutering procedures, and finds permanent placements. The ReThinc team will be hosting the event at a dog-friendly, safe environment with clean water, organic shampoo and treats. Pet parents can socialize while enjoying a variety of bagels provided by Einstein Bagels, fresh coffee, and pastries. Attendees can participate in a silent auction with prizes such as Arizona Diamondback tickets. All washes are by donation only, and a minimum $20 donation will get you a take home tote bag. All proceeds will go directly to Home Fur Good, aiding the organization in their plight to make a difference in the lives of homeless dogs by providing essential medical care, shelter, and love. RSVP to the event at www.facebook.come/ReThincAdvertising.
What: Comedy Night For Foothills Food Bank
When: Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 6 p.m.
Where: Carefree Resort, 37220 Mule Train Road, Carefree
The Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center in Cave Creek will sponsor an event to raise monies for the construction of a permanent new home for its operations. The food bank, which currently serves 8,000 families, half of which live in Cave Creek and Carefree, provides food and financial assistance to families. The food bank will host a silent auction, pasta buffet, jazz music, and a comedy show featuring Mark Cordes, known as the spouse whisperer, at the Carefree Resort Opera house and Kachina courtyard. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased on the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center website or at the food bank, which is located at 6920 E. Cave Creek Road. Tickets also can be purchased by credit card by calling 480-488-1145.
What: Class Clowns Comedy Showcase
When: Friday and Saturday, September 28 & 29, 2012, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Tempe Center for the Arts, Lakeside
Tony Vicich brings his long running stand-up comedy show, Class Clowns, to TCA. See the show that has taken comics from their first stage experience to national prominence. Tickets range from $10 to $15, not including service or convenience fees. Seating is general admission.
What: Westin Kierland's FlowRider Festival & Grand Opening Weekend
When: Friday, Oct. 5th - Sunday, Oct. 7th, 2012
Where: Westin Kierland Resort, 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale
Families staying on the FlowRider Festival Weekend Package will be able to experience all the FlowRider fun, all weekend long. The FlowRider Festival & Grand Opening Weekend Package includes: access to FlowRider Festival Grand Opening Event from 8 am to 10 pm on Saturday, October 6th; games, contests, prizes and giveaways; all-day entertainment at the Adventure Pool; surfing exhibitions, including the "Wave Master" surf-off competition; evening fireworks; two 30-minute FlowRider Sessions per room; Two FlowRider lifetime membership registrations. Rates from $125 per night. Additional weekend FlowRider "Board Passes" available for purchase. Minimum two-night stay required; rates and FlowRider ride times based on availability. Call 480-624-1202 to reserve a room and FlowRider rides. Mention rate code: FLOWRIDE.
What: Beauty of a Bonzer
When: Saturday, October 13, 2012
Where: WestWorld, Scottsdale
Five-time Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter, Michael McDonald, will headline. Beauty of a Bonzer is a charity concert and party. Proceeds from this year's event will benefit local Valley charities including Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, The Real Gift Foundation and Tom Crawford's Leadership Children's Foundation. Tickets start at $30, VIP tickets start at $60.
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If you've arrived at this page and find that the event dates have past, check my recent blog entries for more fundraisers, seminars and programs happening around town.
If you have an program or event that is open to the public that you'd like me to consider for this column, complete this form and submit it to me at least 8 days prior to the event (or registration deadline, if applicable).
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
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