PLAN AHEAD
Egyptian treasure, concerts, thrill rides, games, animals and deep-fried – well, pretty much everything – are among the highlights of this year’s Arizona State Fair. The fair takes place Oct. 5-28 at the Arizona State Fairgrounds at 19th Avenue and McDowell Road in Phoenix. Fairgoers can eat their fill of decadent food, hear music from famous and not-so-famous artists and even learn how to milk a cow at this traditional unofficial start to the fall season in the Phoenix area. Arizona’s first state fair, then called the Territorial Exposition, took place in 1884 at a spot along the Salt River and Central Avenue. A flood in 1891 left that original
NOV. 9 Pablo Cruise
The San Francisco band pretty much exemplifies the term “yacht rock,” a label given to a breed of artists who straddle the border between pop and mellow rock. The group enjoyed its peak in the latter half of the ‘70s, with such smooth, summery hits as “Love Will Find a Way,” “I Go to Rio” and “Whatcha Gonna Do?”
8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9. Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Salt River Reservation. $35-$60. 480850-7777, talkingstickresort.com.
— Randy Cordova
Night Under the Stars
Observe the wonders of the night sky through astronomers’ telescopes at a dark-sky park. Please bring a red flashlight to protect everyone’s night vision, or, for a small donation, mini red flashlights will be available at the event. Reserve your campsite online.
3-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10. Alamo Lake State Park, 37 miles north of Wenden. $7 per vehicle; camping is available for an additional fee. azstateparks.com/alamolake.
— Republic staff
Andrea Bocelli
The beloved Italian tenor is on a sevencity U.S. tour, which includes his first Valley performance since 2015. Known for his romantic style, Bocelli has been entertaining fans for more than 20 years while selling more than 90 million records worldwide. In 1999, he became the first classical artist in 38 years to be nominated for a best new artist Grammy.
7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. Talking Stick Resort Arena, Second and Jefferson streets, Phoenix. $130 and up. 800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com. — Ed Masley