Benjamin Leatherman

Benjamin Leatherman is a staff writer for Phoenix New Times where he focuses primarily on arts, culture, music and nightlife. He joined New Times in 2003. Prior to that, he contributed to magazines such as Tips & Tricks and The Wrestler. Benjamin has earned multiple awards from the Arizona Press Club including an award for sports enterprise reporting in 2009 and an award for statewide arts reporting in 2014. He holds a bachelor’s of arts in journalism from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

benjamin.leatherman@newtimes.com

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Colorful Easter eggs in a basket during egg hunts and Easter events in Phoenix

Your guide to Easter egg hunts and events in Phoenix this weekend

By Benjamin LeathermanApril 3, 2026

Hop on over to one of these holiday events.

The 13 best arcades in Phoenix right now

By Benjamin LeathermanApril 3, 2026

Ready player one? Metro Phoenix’s top joystick joints are calling.

A legendary LGBTQ bar is headed to Phoenix

By Benjamin LeathermanApril 2, 2026

A popular Southern California leather and bear bar is getting a second act in Phoenix’s Melrose District.

Every Desert Diamond Arena concert announced for 2026 (so far)

By Benjamin LeathermanMarch 30, 2026

Demi Lovato, Megan Moroney and Rush are bringing their tours to the Glendale venue.

A black-and-white rescue cat stands on a shelf inside PHX Cat Cafe's north Phoenix location.

PHX Cat Cafe has opened a north Phoenix location. Here’s a look inside

By Benjamin LeathermanMarch 27, 2026

It’s a purr-fect playground for local rescue cats.

A member of Arizona's LGBTQ community dressed in colorful costuming at Rainbows Festival in Phoenix.

What to know about the 2026 Rainbows Festival happening this weekend

By Benjamin LeathermanMarch 25, 2026

Two days of performances, vendors and community await at Heritage Square.

A huge crowd inside Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix during a concert.

Every Arizona Financial Theatre concert announced for 2026 (so far)

By Benjamin LeathermanMarch 25, 2026

David Byrne, Charlie Puth and Bob Dylan lead a packed year at the downtown Phoenix venue.

Your guide to Chandler Ostrich Festival 2026: Tickets, concerts and more

By Benjamin LeathermanMarch 20, 2026

It’s the final weekend of popular annual event.

The exterior sign and entrance to the Coronado Hotel in downtown Phoenix.

This historic downtown Phoenix motel is set to be demolished

By Benjamin LeathermanMarch 20, 2026

The landmark Coronado Hotel isn’t long for the world.

Three people pose in front of a "Boots in the Park" sign at Tempe Beach Park.

Boots in the Park Gilbert 2026: lineup, tickets and what to know

By Benjamin LeathermanMarch 19, 2026

A full day of country music, dancing and drinks awaits at Gilbert Regional Park on Saturday.

Cougar-shaped shadow that appears on the Superstition Mountains near Mesa at sunset in March and September.

Superstition Mountains’ famed cougar shadow makes its return this week

By Benjamin LeathermanMarch 18, 2026

Here’s when and how to see the delightful phenomenon at its peak.

The Phoenix music festivals we lost and why they disappeared

By Benjamin LeathermanMarch 18, 2026

Looking back at the fate of beloved Valley events like Edge Fest, Lost Lake and Luna Del Lago.

Game On Expo 2026 in Phoenix: The best moments and biggest fails

By Benjamin Leatherman and OthersMarch 17, 2026

TTG action and esports delivered at Game On Expo. Pricey parking and sweaty controllers didn’t.

Best St. Patrick’s Day 2026 parties and events in Phoenix

By Benjamin LeathermanMarch 17, 2026

Bust out your finest green attire and celebrate the holiday at one of these hotspots.

These were the best cosplays we saw at Game On Expo 2026 in Phoenix

By Benjamin LeathermanMarch 16, 2026

Highlights include characters from “Sonic the Hedgehog” and the “Five Nights at Freddy’s” series.

Where to find Friday the 13th tattoo discounts in Phoenix

By Benjamin LeathermanMarch 13, 2026

How to get some inexpensive ink in the Valley this week.

Phoenix Brides of March returns Saturday. How to join the rowdy bar crawl

By Benjamin LeathermanMarch 12, 2026

Don’t be alarmed when you see wedding-dress-clad hordes in downtown Phoenix this weekend.

Firefly Alpha rocket launching from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California during a 2021 mission.

Firefly Alpha rocket launch could be visible in Arizona tonight

By Benjamin LeathermanMarch 11, 2026

The latest launch from California could light up the night sky on Wednesday.

Dozens of people watch a band perform at Phoenix gallery and venue MySpace.

This chaotic Phoenix DIY music festival returns this weekend

By Benjamin LeathermanMarch 11, 2026

“This is kind of a weird, crazy undertaking to try again.”

Your guide to Game On Expo 2026 in Phoenix: Tickets, discounts and more

By Benjamin LeathermanMarch 10, 2026

Everything to know about the three-day video gaming and anime con.

Oakland Athletics display featuring memorabilia from pitcher Rollie Fingers behind a chain-link fence.

Batter up: Inside the new Arizona Baseball Museum in Mesa

By Benjamin LeathermanMarch 6, 2026

Arizona’s first museum devoted to local baseball history is now open in Mesa, packed with decades of desert hardball lore. The Arizona Baseball Museum debuted Feb. 21 inside the historic Lehi Auditorium near Horne and McKellips roads. The renovated 1939 building next to the Mesa Historical Museum houses a deep lineup of artifacts from Arizona’s […]

Your guide to Art Detour 2026 in Phoenix

By Benjamin LeathermanMarch 5, 2026

The annual month-long arts extravaganza is back.