7 Best Things to Do in Metro Phoenix This Weekend

"Sirens and Serpents"
If “Sirens and Serpents: The Art of Tara Sharpe” had a rating, it would probably be “R,” for nudity and post-impressionist expressionism.

{9} The Gallery, 1229 Grand Avenue, is hosting the exhibit on Friday, October 2, and the installation will feature hand-pulled block prints and works on paper, in addition to Sharpe’s large scale oils. The paintings, many of which feature naked ladies, “radiate a latent violence” and intend to create “a simultaneously empowering and erotic experience.” This, Sharpe’s first show in Arizona, will not be for the faint of heart.

If your mom says it’s okay, the free show is open on First Friday from 6 to 9 p.m and remains on view through Wednesday, October 14. Find out more at www.9thegallery.com. Melissa Campana

The Exorcist Has No Legs
The Exorcist Has No Legs is a wildly catchy title, but what does it mean? It means that All Puppet Players, purveyor of “pure puppet anarchy” — the company that brought us Fifty Shades of Felt and Top Gun: Live, Abridged and Completely Underfunded — returns to reprise one of its most popular shows, pea soup (or maybe Silly String) and all. The production is not suitable for children under 17. Ironically, one of the characters is under 17. The play continues through Friday, October 30, so you can get nice and terrified to prepare for Halloween.

Performances are at Playhouse on the Park, 1850 North Central Avenue. Showtime on Friday, October 2, is 8 p.m. Tickets are $18; call 602-254-2151 or visit www.tickets.phoenixtheatre.com. Julie Peterson

Best of Phoenix A'Fare
It’s that time of year again. New Times Best of Phoenix issue is upon us, which means it’s time to celebrate with the 16th annual Best of Phoenix A’fare.

The soiree takes over The Arizona Biltmore’s Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom with glitz and glamour for a night of dining, drinking, and live entertainment. Participating restaurants and bars include Mother Bunch Brewing, Sierra Bonita Grill, The Rose & Crown, and EVO. Dress to impress (i.e. cocktail attire).

Enjoy some of the best our fair city has to offer from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, at 2400 East Missouri Avenue. General admission is $45; VIP tickets are $65 for this 21-and-older fête. For a full list of participators and tickets, visit microapp.phoenixnewtimes.com/afare/2015. Janessa Hilliard

Tour de Fat
Everyone’s favorite weirdo bike-beer-costume fest is coming to town. The annual spectacle that is Tour de Fat is taking over Tempe Beach Park, 80 West Rio Salado Parkway, for the 16th year in a row. There will be various musical and comedy acts and old standbys like the bike parade. This year you’ll also want to stick around for the 1,000 Person Dance Contest (and if you’re shy – don’t worry, there will be plenty of beer).

Tour de Fat is coming to Tempe on Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and high fives are free, but drinks are not. All beer sales go towards supporting local cycling non-profits, like Tempe Bicycle Action Group and Bike Saviours. This event is open to all ages. For more information, check out newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat/tempe.aspx. Katrina Montgomery

John Mulaney
At the risk of exaggerating or getting overly emotional, we’d like to say that John Mulaney is our favorite comedian, potentially of all time in the universe. And we want you to love his work as much as we do. And if you don’t, we will take it personally and it totally will be your fault when we take a bunch of pills. Wait. What? No. Okay, here’s the thing: Mulaney brings his latest stand-up material to the Orpheum Theatre, 203 West Adams, at 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 3. You should go because even if you haven’t seen his stellar special New in Town and even if you did watch some of his Fox sitcom (sorry, John), you would be an idiot to pass up an evening of jokes and stories from the man who co-created Stefon, our generation’s greatest SNL character. Plus that thing we said about the pills. Get tickets, $33, and more information at www.phoenix.ticketforce.com. Becky Bartkowski

Madonna Wannabe Party
Papa don’t preach; Madonna fans will be in trouble deep if they don’t dig out their floppy hair bows, fingerless lace gloves, and cone-shaped bras for the Tongue Tied Madonna Wannabe Party. The dance party will celebrate the queen of pop with giveaways to see Desperately Seeking Susan at FilmBar, a Madge costume contest, and tons of music by the material girl herself. At 9:30 p.m., Mia Inez Adams
will do a special drag performance.

Vogue, vogue, strike a pose from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, October 3, at Linger Longer Lounge, 6522 North 16th Street. Call 602-264-4549 for more. Zach Fowle

Experience The Alps
The Alps of Europe feature some of the most beautiful and rugged peaks in the world while practically forming the continent’s backbone. This spine of Europe runs through numerous countries, including Switzerland, Austria, and Germany—several of the countries celebrated at the Musical Instrument Museum’s Experience the Alps. The event offers regional music and instrument demonstrations, storytelling, yodeling, Swiss cowbell decorating (who knew!?), custom photo booth, face painting, and, as always at MIM events, regional delicacies to tempt the palate. Coinciding with Oktoberfest, select German beers will also be available.

Experience the Alps from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, at 4725 East Mayo Boulevard. Admission’s included with museum entry, which is $20 for adults, teens pay $15, children get in for $10; and kids 3 and younger are admitted for free. Visit www.themim.org, or call 480-478-6000. Glenn BurnSilver

See New Times' curated calendar of events for more things to do in metro Phoenix this weekend.