Yeah, this week is a little shorter than usual. No matter. Jackalope Ranch still serves up five rad things to do this week from nightlife outings and artsy endeavors to game nights and fashionable fêtes.
Tuesday Ladies Night @ The Handlebar Tempe Despite what you see in the movies, ladies night doesn't always have to mean rounding up the girls and hitting the dance floor. Sometimes, the ladies are looking for a cool place to throw a few back, chat it up and hang, without the dudes.
See also: New Times Calendar of Events
That sort of chill vibe is exactly what you'll find at Handlebar Tempe's weekly Tuesday Ladies Night, when happy hour pricing is available from 10 p.m. to close. The half-priced craft beers hand selected by resident beer geek Nick are a steal, and if you're really looking to party there are two-for-one Fireball shots available for drinkers of both sexes. Well drinks and wine are also half-priced, so even your picky friends will find something to enjoy.
Celebrate Thirsty Tuesday every week at Handlebar Tempe, 680 South Mill Avenue, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information call 480-474-4888 or visit www.handlebaraz.com. -- Lauren Saria
Dungeons and Dragons Game Night @ Pop Culture Paradise There was time, friends, when those among us who played Dungeons and Dragons were ostracized, our 12-sided die like scarlet letters indicating nerd status and sure virginity. But no longer! Wizards, goblins, magic, and games for the throne are more popular than ever. It's time to rise from the shadows! Pop Culture Paradise, a purveyor of fine comic books located in downtown Tempe, offers free D&D sessions every Wednesday from 7 to 10 p.m. 'Tis a fine place for battle. (Plus, as any good geek would know, Wednesday is new comic day, so you can pick up your favorite books while building charisma points.) So come! Gather ye broadswords, don ye robes of destruction, and be sure to bring extra Mountain Dew.
The battles continue on Wednesday, August 7 at 715 South Forest Avenue. Call 480-557-6640 or visit www.popculture-comics.com for more. -- Zachary Fowle
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Sacramento State Hornets @ Sun Devil Stadium The Arizona State Sun Devil football team always seems on the cusp of greatness, but never quite seems to attain it. Every Sun Devil team that looks like a strong BCS candidate in September inevitably winds up playing in some weed-whacker bowl come December. In spite of this dubious track record, this year's team looks like a strong challenger in the Pac-12. Preseason All-American DT Will Sutton will anchor a Devils defense that will be as stout up front as just about any team in the country -- a must, given that the road to the Pac-12 title will run through Stanford and (possibly) Oregon.
ASU will open its season against the FCS Sacramento State Hornets on Thursday, September 5, at Sun Devil Stadium, 500 East Veterans Way in Tempe. The Hornets figure to be the easiest game on a stacked schedule for the Devils, so anything less than a convincing win would be a troubling sign for ASU fans. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online at www.thesundevils.com or by calling 480-727-0000. -- Ed Kummerer
Polo Preview Party @ Dominick's Steakhouse Get ready to model your most expensive Ralph Lauren ensemble and mix and mingle with the equestrian elite, because the Scottsdale Ferrari-Maserati Polo Championships are trotting back to the Valley Friday, November 1.
To get everyone saddled up and ready for the two-day showcase of stallions, sports cars, and style, event organizers are hosting a Polo Preview Party. This exclusive evening will feature food, drink, meeting, and greeting with polo professionals like U.S. Men's Polo star Jeff Hall and Women's Sunny Hale. This posh polo event goes down Thursday, September 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the rooftop poolside dining room in Dominick's Steakhouse at Scottsdale Quarter, 5169 North Scottsdale Road. Admission to the Polo Preview Party is limited and guests must purchase a polo championship ticket prior to the event. To RSVP, email [email protected]. To purchase tickets ($15 and up) to the main event in November, visit www.thepoloparty.com. -- Katie Johnson
Vintage Bunky Party @ Bunky Boutique That Rachel and Jim Malloy are one of Phoenix's best-dressed couples is no coincidence. When they're not busy dressing themselves well, the pair purveys some of the city's most wearable, stylish duds in their store, Bunky Boutique.
Known for carrying men's items and womenswear that Rachel likes to describe as "timeless with a twist," the shop turns a grand total of 6 years old this month. To celebrate, the Malloys will throw a Vintage Bunky Party on Friday, September 6. Attendees are encouraged to wear their all-time favorite Bunky piece, whether it's jewelry, a handbag, or a super-soft hoodie. Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed bash-goers. There will also be drinks, snacks, a 20-percent-off discount for shoppers, and a soundtrack provided by DJ MrPhx.
The stylish soiree starts at 7 p.m. at 1437 North First Street, Suite 103. There's no cover. Visit www.bunkyboutique.com or call 602-252-1323 for details. -- Becky Bartkowski
