Five Things to Do This Weekend in Phoenix

Grand Canyon Tattoo Convention

Want to hop aboard the “new year, new you” bandwagon without committing to something as arduous or challenging as a major lifestyle change? A new tattoo is a relatively cheap and easy way to practice a little self-care, improve your self-esteem, or get your 2022 off to a badass start. If you’re interested, the ton of talented ink-slingers at the Grand Canyon Tattoo Convention this weekend will be happy to help you pick out the perfect piece. Several dozen artists from across the U.S. will be needling tattoo noobs and veterans alike at the three-day event, which runs from Friday, January 7, to Sunday, January 9, at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix Mesa, 200 North Centennial Way.  Hours are from 2 to 10 p.m. on Friday, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $25 per day or $50 for the weekend. Benjamin Leatherman

Luna Con

This weekend-long micro convention will make its debut from Friday, January 7, to Sunday, January 9, and feature plenty of opportunities to geek out. We’re talking about cosplay, vendors, panels, an artist’s alley, and a costume contest. All that (and a ton more) will happen in and around geek-oriented fashion store Kei Collective, 2303 North 44th Street, starting at 10 a.m. daily. Admission is free.

Flagg Gem And Mineral Show

Geology geeks and lapidary enthusiasts can, um, rock out at this annual event at Mesa Community College, 1833 West Southern Avenue. Local mineral clubs and collectors will showcase their assortment of geodes, rocks, and gems in a tailgate-style setup in MCC’s west parking lot from Friday, January 7, to Sunday, January 9. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Parking and admission are free.

CUPCAKE! 10-Year Anniversary

Fetish freaks and geeks of the Valley, your favorite dance night is making a return, albeit for one night only. Local DJs Betty Blackheart and Self.Destrukt are bringing their infamously lascivious dance night CUPCAKE! back from the dead on Saturday, January 8, at The Rebel Lounge, 2303 East Indian School Road, for it’s 10th anniversary. If you never had the chance to attend the monthly event during its original run from 2012 to 2019 at the now-defunct Rogue Bar in Scottsdale, each CUPCAKE! party offered a unique theme and an “anything goes” atmosphere that mixed libations with libidinous hi-jinks. There were go-go girls, costumes both fetishistic and otherwise, burlesque entertainers, grind artists, DJs spinning industrial rock, and a host of colorful weirdos in attendance. Expect a similarly sinful scene this weekend. Doors open at 8 p.m. and admission is $10.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks

It’s been a roller coaster of a year for the Arizona Cardinals, to say the least. After amassing a 7-0 record to start things off and then earning the NFL’s best record about halfway through the season, the last few weeks have seen the Cardinals tumble and bumble through several costly and stupefying losses. The good news is that they’re still playoff-bound, but are facing an uphill battle in the postseason against teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams. Quarterback Kyler Murray and the rest of the Red Birds (11-5) can end the regular season on a high note (and possibly improve their seeding in the first round) by beating the Seattle Seahawks (6-10) on Sunday, January 9, at State Farm Stadium, 1 East Cardinals Way. It won’t be an easy task, as Seattle is eager to play the spoiler role. Kickoff is at 2:25 p.m. and tickets start at $112. Benjamin Leatherman