February looks like a great month for nerds of all shapes and sizes. Like cosplaying? Check. Science? Sure enough. Knights and kings? A few opportunities for that, actually. Zombies? Oh, you best believe we have zombies. Here are nine nerdy things to do in the Valley throughout the month. Arizona Renaissance FestivalEvery…
It looks like its “game over” for GameWorks in Tempe. And, no, you can’t drop in a few more quarters to keep it going. The long-running arcade and entertainment venue at the Arizona Mills mall, which was part of the nationwide GameWorks chain, closed its doors for good earlier this…
Your eyes don’t know where to focus when entering Shirts ‘n’ Things, an East Valley retail shop packed with various band and movie-related accouterments. Every surface — save the ceiling — is covered with the faces and logos of rock stars, punk bands, rap icons, reggae legends, sci-fi heroes. It’s no…
New Times picks the best arts and culture events and things to do from January 29 to 31. Spring 2016 Season’s Opening Reception Spring semester at Arizona State University means a new season for its on-campus art museum, and with it comes the Spring 2016 Season’s Opening Reception. The commencement offers…
There may be several auctions happening in metro Phoenix this January, but there’s only one Russo and Steele. Known as the “World’s Most Exciting Collector Automobile Auction,” Russo and Steele has a high-energy, frenzied “auction in the round” format. New Times had the chance to talk with John Bemis, Russo…
It goes by many names – Exquisite African Fashions, African Fashions & More, and formerly Boutique Afrique – but the little maroon shop in Central Phoenix has probably slipped your gaze when heading down Indian School Road. A turn south at A One Liquor or the La Paz Funeral Home…
The Barrett-Jackson car auction comes to Scottsdale but once a year, and with it a sea of gleaming, beautiful autos. While some car are worth the visit due to how much they’ll inevitably sell for, others simply have that cool factor that keeps our inner-car geek giddy throughout the week…
Anime is probably something of a mystery to most people. In fact, quiz the average person on their familiarity with the Japanese style of animation and they’d probably reference Pokemon, Dragon Ball Z, Voltron, Princess Mononoke, or another well-known anime that’s been imported to these shores. That, or they might…
New Times picks the best arts and culture events from January 11 to 16. Naughty or Nice Bingo It’s barely two weeks into 2016 and we’re willing to bet you’ve already settled into a boring routine. Don’t give up! Buy a motorcycle! Get a tattoo! Live the dream! Or just make…
The light rail is going to be busy this weekend, especially in and around downtown Phoenix. Like, crazy busy. After all, there will be some big concerts and a Phoenix Suns game taking place, not to mention that gigantic fan event for the College Football Playoff National Championship that will…
January in the Valley of the Sun means just one thing: Car auctions are back. But you don’t have to be a car aficionado to love the auctions, as just about anyone can get excited about the high-stakes bidding, flashy autos, and great people-watching opportunities that abound. While Barrett-Jackson is…
There’s no shortage of celebrities in metro Phoenix, whether they’re the rich and famous who reside in our pricier locales (read: Scottsdale and Paradise Valley) or Hollywood stars paying visits to our parts as tourists. And every once in awhile, these swells run afoul of the law and find themselves…
With January come ideas for resolutions and chances at new beginnings. Perhaps you’re ready to say goodbye to 2015 and ready to get fit in 2016. Or maybe you’re just looking to get outside, see some new things, and have a little fun while you’re at it. Either way, here…
It’s officially the beginning of a new year, which means all your friends, family, and followers are blowing up your feed with vague “new year, new me!!” posts that indicate little to no significant life changes. This year, let’s mix it up and all resolve to spend more time learning…
Congratulations on surviving the past week, Phoenicians. Holiday hangovers and burnout can be difficult to avoid, and with one more big holiday approaching we want to help make things as easy for you as possible. There are plenty of free alternatives to those pricey parties and lavish events happening this week…
A neighborhood in Gilbert has won a national contest for its computer-animated Christmas light show. The Comstock neighborhood was featured on the December 14 episode of ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight, a show that pits American neighborhoods against one another to compete for the most impressive holiday light display. In last…
That’s right, it’s already time to start figuring out what you’re going to do for New Year’s Eve (and where you’ll be hungover New Year’s Day). It’s time for your lamest friend to ask you if you want matching sparkly “2016” glasses for the big night, even though they’re the…
Christmas Eve is nearly upon us, and so is the influx of visiting family and friends who need to be entertained. Instead of sitting around the fire in awkward silence, why not check out some of the best activities Phoenix has to offer this holiday. They are also suitable for…
The week after Christmas offers a welcome respite from Frosty and Rudolph and those other sing-along carols. For a real break from musical tradition, though, locals have the benefit of performer Ian Christiansen’s holiday cabaret. Part holiday jamboree, part post-celebration celebration, Wreck the Halls is the latest in Christiansen’s “Lil…
In case you’re new to town and haven’t noticed yet, the Christmas season in Phoenix looks a little different than it does in, say, New York or Chicago.. Here are 10 Phoenix Christmas traditions that are sure signs Santa’s on his way: 10.) Everyone is buying and selling tamales by…
The internet can be a scary place for beauty buffs seeking a natural skincare regimen. From lemon juice astringents to aspirin masks, misguided advice runs rampant on the Wild West that is the web. Melissa Lenberg, owner of Citrine Natural Beauty Bar at Biltmore Fashion Park, wants to bring order…
Meet Stephanie and Melissa Valenzuela, long-time Arizona residents and fashion enthusiasts, and, oh yeah, twins (the fraternal kind). The 24-year-old sisters — known to their YouTube followers by their collective name, The Fashion Citizen — upload videos three times a week in the form of thrift hauls, DIY tutorials, OOTWs (outfits of…
