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12.07.2010

Things to Do in and Around Mesa, AZ This Week


Something for everyone.  If something on this list doesn't suit your fancy, be sure to check out "Other Stuff to Do" under our "Upcoming Events" on the right side of our page.  Click on the event name below to get more details.

At Dana Park (Val Vista and Baseline) December 9th, 10th, & 11th

There will be live music, shopping, food, and prizes. 

Bring in a donation to Save the Family to get a free picture taken with Santa.  Save the Family is looking for personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc) 
Pick up Christmas tree picture “to decorate” before December 11th for a chance to win a VISA gift card.  Also, on Saturday there will be an award for the best-decorated vehicle.

For more information including a schedule of events, go here.

Saturday, Dec 11th - Sunday, Dec 12th from 10am to 5pm
Mesa Arts Center

The 2010 Mesa Arts Festival is the premier place to find unique gifts for the holidays! The festival features original works of art for sale from nearly 100 local, regional and national artists in 13 mediums; live entertainment showcasing local and national talent on two stages; live artist demonstrations; a variety of children's activities and a variety of culinary delights from local food vendors.
Check out the schedule of entertainment here.  Event Admission and Parking are free.

Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Gardens
December 9th through 30th (certain days, check schedule) 5:30 to 9:30 pm
Enjoy an elegant walk through Desert Botanical Gardens lit by 8,000 luminaries accompanied by several bands playing live music throughout the gardens.  The event typically sells out every night, so get your tickets now.  Tickets are $25 for adults and $12.50 for children ages 3 to 12.  Purchase a meal ticket in advance to enjoy a nice dinner at the garden.

Handel's Messiah, Phoenix Symphony
Take your pick for one of these Messiah events by the Phoenix Symphony.  Ranging from $16 to $41 admission, in various locations in Scottsdale and Phoenix.

APS Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
Saturday December 11th, 2010 at 7pm
Tempe Beach Park
Cost: FREE

The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade features "as many as 50 festively lighted boats of all sizes. The event concludes with a dazzling fireworks grand finale."

"It's the only time of the year that motorized vessels are allowed on the lake. Individuals, families and groups are invited to add to Tempe's holiday tradition by entering their people-powered, wind-powered, or motorized and festively decorated and lighted boats."

Happy Holidays!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

This might sound rude, and I certainly don't mean it too, but I'm concerned about what the Mesa Arts festival might be.

I've been to a few festivals down there and it's dissapointing to see the same three booths with Gold Canyon Candles and Avon. Is there any way to find a list of booths?

iheartmesa said...

I can't find a list, except it says there will be "over 100 artists in 13 mediums" so the bulk of the festival is original art. There are a couple of performance stages with dance groups, bands, etc, so this is a much bigger deal than MAC Fest. Other than that I don't know. Wish I could ask someone who's been.

Anonymous said...

No worries. It's just dissapointing to be hoping for something cool and get a Scentsy booth.

(Not that there is anything wrong with Scentsy, or Gold Canyon and Avon for that matter)

Just not quite what I was hoping for.