Phoenix, your week is planned.
"Learn to Draw" Series @ Gangplank HQ Growing up, everyone enjoyed putting pencil or pen to paper to turn doodles into masterworks aimed for gallery walls or, at least, the refrigerator door. The world might have squeezed out your artistic aptitude, but you can get sketchy once again with the first class in the free Learn to Draw series in the East Valley Monday, October 7.
See also: 10 Best Neighborhoods in Metro Phoenix
If you're gonna get back in the saddle again to let creativity stream from your fingertips you don't have to wait for the cartoonishly sketched bear cub to beckon you to draw it. Christy Mackellar of My Hidden Heart artwork & apparel will be guiding students with a gentle hand. Her series of free drawing classes starts with one point perspective to bring some dimension to the blank page.
Learn to Draw: Perspective I is at Gangplank Chandler, 260 South Arizona Avenue, from 7pm to 8pm. Admission is free. See more info at www.gangplankhq.com/chandler. -- Jose Gonzalez
Scottsdale Scorpions vs. Salt River Rafters @ Salt River Fields It's hard to imagine there would be much interest in Arizona Fall League Baseball, given that the Major League Baseball playoffs are currently underway. Yet, considering that the Diamondbacks aren't in the show, this is the next best thing for local baseball fans. Besides, the league is loaded with talent as the 180 young prospects, many destined for big-league stardom, make up the mixed teams playing in six Valley stadiums. Games are frequently entertaining, high-scoring affairs and a great way to spend the afternoon. Opening the 5-week season, the Scorpions (Braves, Giants, Mets, Pirates and Yankees), meet the Salt River Rafters (Diamondbacks, Rockies, Cardinals, Rays and Jays). The future look of baseball is right on our doorstep.
First pitch is 6:35 p.m. Tuesday, October 8, at Salt River Fields, 7555 North Pima Road, Scottsdale. Tickets are $7 ($6 for seniors and children 17 and under). Visit www.mlb.com/mlb/events/afl or call 480-270-5000. -- Glenn BurnSilver
The 39 Steps @ Phoenix Theatre The profoundly silly four-person live stage version of The 39 Steps was originally billed as Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps or John Buchan's "The 39 Steps" adapted by Patrick Barlow (who played Bridget Jones' mom's boyfriend!). But at this point, Phoenix Theatre trusts you to know it's not a 1935 film (and not about a staircase). Reluctant hero Richard Hannay's struggle against mysterious evil forces trying to rule the world is merely a framework for an ultra-Brit whirlwind of physical comedy and painfully punny homage. Note that Toby Yatso, cast here as one of two utility clowns who portray around 75 people each, is approximately twice the height of beensy and hilarious leading lady Angelica Howland, and hasten to snag tickets, starting at $30, to Wednesday, October 9's 7:30 p.m. performance (or another showtime between now and Sunday, October 20) at 100 East McDowell Road, at www.phoenixtheatre.com or 602-254-2151. -- Julie Peterson
13th Floor Haunted House Between the black cats and the black magic, Halloween is all about superstition. So naturally the prime number of prime evil is once again headlining one of the scariest attractions of the season with Phoenix's 13th Floor Haunted House. This multi-story venue lets thrill seekers explore a labyrinth of bone-chilling sights, sounds, and surprise guests geared to leave to their guests screaming. Named one of the scariest haunted house attractions in the country by Discovery Channel, the 13th Floor is Phoenix's premier destination for a fear-fueled Halloween.
The 13th Floor Haunted House is open now through November 9 off the I-17 and Bell Road, 2814 West Bell Road. Hours of operation are 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, October 10. Admission prices range from $24.99 to $44.99 . For more information, visit www.13thflooraz.com or call 602-456-2250. -- Katie Johnson
Arizona State Fair @ Arizona State Fairgrounds There's really just too much going on at this year's Arizona State Fair to tell you about it all in this space -- but we're sure as hell going to try. Here we go:
Megadeth, monster trucks, the United States Armwrestling Championships, Cheap Trick, ZZ Top, pie eating contests, live ice sculpture carving, demolition derbies, an attempt at the world record for Largest Simultaneous Worldwide Dance to Michael Jackson's "Thriller," the Opening Day Scavenger Hunt, Trace Adkins, Snoop Dog/Lion/whichever animal he calls himself now, the Great American Petting Zoo, Quarter Midget Racing (not as cool as it sounds, but still pretty cool), the Great American Duck Race (JUST as cool as it sounds!), and "Star Trek: the Exhibition." Oh, and funnel cake! Don't even get us started on funnel cake.
The Arizona State Fair, held at 1826 West McDowell Road, opens Friday, October 11, and runs until November 3. The fairgrounds open at noon Wednesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission for adults is $10, kids and seniors get in for $5, and kids under 5 get in for free. Visit azstatefair.com or call 602-252-6771 for more. -- Zachary Fowle
