Things to do this weekend 12/7/18

Events Erik Rivera Thu. 12/06 - Sat. 12/08, times vary Stir Crazy Comedy Club, Glendale Just back from his appearance at the prestigious Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, where he was hand selected to perform for Kevin Hart's Laugh Out Loud Network, Erik Rivera keeps making his mark on the stand up comedy scene. $18 more info   map Annie Thu. 12/06 - Sat. 12/08, times vary Tuscany Theatre, Gilbert Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. $15 more info   map TCA Presents "A Christmas Carol" Thu. 12/06 - Sun. 12/09, times vary Tempe Center for the Arts This spectacular Broadway musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel, "A Christmas Carol," follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he takes a ghost-guided, eye-opening journey through his past, present and future to learn the importance of family & friendship. $42-$58 more info   map 40th Anniversary Celebration of Christmas Thu. 12/06 - Sun. 12/09, Dream City Church, Phoenix The 40th Anniversary “Celebration of Christmas” features a Broadway-style musical theater performance, live orchestra, special effects and more. $9-$27 more info   tickets   map Surprise Festival of Arts Fri. 12/07 - Sun. 12/09, times vary Surprise Recreation Campus Featuring more than 100 Fine Artists and Craftsmen, Wine Tastings, Craft Beer, Mainstage Entertainment, and interactive Art activities. more info  map Ballet Etudes: The Nutcracker Fri. 12/07 - Sun. 12/09, times vary Mesa Arts Center Called "a royally entertaining show" by the Arizona Republic, Ballet Etudes' production of this holiday classic pairs a young girl's magical journey through a land of swirling snowflakes and dancing sweets with Tchaikovsky's memorable score. $6-$32 more info   map A Christmas Carol Fri. 12/07 - Sun. 12/09, times vary Theater Works - Peoria Center TheaterWorks original production of the most well-known of all Holiday classics, Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol returns. $16-$38 more info   map Sonoran Desert Chorale: Sing We Now of Christmas Sat. 12/08, 7:30pm First United Methodist Church, Mesa This year the Chorale will lift your spirits with thrilling brass and organ accompaniment in Cecilia McDowall’s Christus Natus Est and Randol Bass’ Gloria, transform you with the beauty of Eric Whitacre’s Lux Aurumque, and warm you with the familiar melodies of traditional carols. $15-$20 more info    map A Duet with Arizona Musicfest Sat. 12/08, 7pm Desert Foothills Library, Cave Creek The Library hosts the 8th annual performance of a Duet. Maestro Robert Moody and guests. $30 more info   map Glendale Hometown Christmas Parade Sat. 12/08, 11am-1pm Historic Downtown Glendale This wonderful community parade takes place in Historic Downtown Glendale. The Hometown Christmas Parade also focuses on collecting non-perishable food items for Hope for Hunger, a Glendale based food bank. more info   map The Fine Art of Christmas Ornaments Sat. 12/08, 12pm On The Edge Gallery, Scottsdale Come and enjoy the Fine Art Of Christmas Ornaments created by their artists. more info   map World Bazaar PHX Sat. 12/08, 10am-3pm Camelback Road Park and Ride, Phoenix Experience over 50 different vendors selling food, art, and homemade goods from around the world at this free event – perfect for holiday shopping. more info   FB   map 10th Annual Christkindlmarket Sat. 12/08 & Sun. 12/09, 10am-end varies Cave Creek Road The Christkindlmarket brings cherished German and Austrian traditions to downtown Cave Creek with holiday entertainment, German and Polish cuisine, vendors and local artisans selling merchandise like candles and Christmas ornaments, and activities and entertainment for the whole family. more info   map 42nd Annual Pueblo Grande Indian Market Sat. 12/08 & Sun. 12/09, 9am-4pm Pueblo Grande Museum, Phoenix Enjoy a weekend full of American Indian art, music, dance, storytelling, and food at the 42nd Annual Indian Market on December 8 and 9 presented by the Pueblo Grande Museum Auxiliary at Pueblo Grande Museum. $5-$10 more info   map Arizona Winds Presents “Christmas Reflections” Sun. 12/09, 2:30pm Midwestern University, Glendale The “Christmas Reflections” program will be fun for all ages and a fitting way to kick off the Christmas season. Selections will include traditional favorites, some new surprises, a Christmas Carol sing-along and a special young guest conductor selected from the audience. more info   map Orpheus Male Chorus: Dr. Brook Larson, Conductor Sun. 12/09, 3pm Church at Litchfield Park Orpheus Male Chorus presents its annual “Holidays with Orpheus” concerts. We will feature traditional and contemporary holiday songs along with our audience sing-a-long featuring everyone’s favorite Christmas carols. $15-$25 more info   map Tempe Holiday Sixth Street Market Sun. 12/09, 10am-3pm 6th Street Park, Tempe This event will feature local artisans and makers, live music, and fun at the 6th Street Park surrounding City Hall. more info   map Cowboy Christmas Sun. 12/09, 2pm-4pm Cave Creek Museum Join Gary the Singing Cowboy and Dusty his trusty horse in holiday caroling, see Santa for a free photo, and enjoy Santa's favorite snack, cookies and milk. $5-$7 more info   map The Arboretum Rocks! 2nd Annual Gem and Mineral Sun. 12/09, 9am-3:30pm Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, Superior There will be a fluorescent mineral display, lapidary and stone crafting demos, meteorite talk, geology walk, plants and minerals connection walk, books and rocks, and jewelry for sale, and more. $5-$15 more info   map                   Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade - Tempe

Movies In Theaters      Rated Robin Hood      PG-13 Boy Erased            R Ralph Breaks the Internet        PG New DVD Release  Rated   Critics Say Searching   PG-13    We the Animals      R    The Little Stranger      R    Pro Sports ARIZONA PRO  FOOTBALL    vs Detroit 12/09 @ 2:25pm FOX Schedule PHOENIX PRO BASKETBALL       vs Miami 12/07 @ 7:00pm Schedule ARIZONA HOCKEY vs San Jose 12/08 @ 6:00pm Schedule GOLF TOUR      QBE Shootout 12/07-12/09 @ times vary Naples, FL Golf Network Schedule SENIOR GOLF             Schedule        Click here for the most up to date                                                                                     Dec. 07-09                    Through Jan. 05 - Tempe & North Phoenix                               Chandler Blvd. Through Early January                               Vertuccio Farms - Through Jan. 11                                                  Through Feb 3rd                                      Mesa - Through Jan. 04                                                 Photos with Santa!

Happy Thanksgiving

11-2-18 Things to do this weekend

Events Sound in the Ground: Nash Nights at MAC Fri. 11/02, 8:30pm Mesa Arts Center See Phoenix native blues, jazz, R&B, gospel singer Francine Reed who’s currently touring with Lyle Lovett. $10-$20 more info   map AZ Night Market Fri. 11/02 & Sat. 11/03, times vary Johnny E. Osuna Park, Peoria An International Affair will be an event that offers the community an opportunity to connect and experience different cultures through unique food, drinks, merchandise, cultural education, music entertainment, and interactive fun without having to travel all around the world. $5 more info   map Holidaze Craft Faire Fri. 11/02 & Sat. 11/03, 9am-2pm Willowbrook United Methodist Church, Sun City Experience over 100 tables of award-winning artisans and vendors. more info   map Holiday Boutique Fri. 11/02 & Sat. 11/03, 8am-3pm Red Mountain United Methodist Church, Mesa From placemats and blankets and wall hangings, to kids toys and cloth books, from holiday décor to travel necessities, you’ll find something for everyone on your Christmas list. more info   map Slightly Uncensored Improv Comedy Fri. 11/02 & Sat. 11/03, 9:45pm National Comedy Theatre, Mesa This interactive improv comedy show is always totally fresh and completely spontaneous. No two shows are ever the same because they are all based on your suggestions. $12-$14 more info   map The Red Velvet Cake War Fri. 11/02 - Sun. 11/04, times vary Peoria Center for the Performing Arts In this riotously funny Southern-fried comedy, the three Verdeen cousins could not have picked a worse time to throw their family reunion. $16-$38 more info   map Tolleson Pet and Community Expo Sat. 11/03, 10am-1pm Veterans Park, Tolleson An expo for animals, health & wellness/nutrition, children, and trade show. Promoting positive health in the community for the entire family. more info   map Run the Raceway 2018 Sat. 11/03, 7am ISM Raceway, Avondale The 2nd annual Run the Raceway will be hosted by ISM Raceway and will allow runners the unforgettable experience of running directly on the same ISM Raceway course that Nascar legends have before. $15-$100 more info   map B.A.R.K. in the Park Sat. 11/03, 10am-12pm Skyline Regional Park, Buckeye Buckeye’s Recreation Division is teaming up with the Buckeye Animal Rescue and Kennel (BARK) so residents can “borrow” a shelter dog and go hiking. This unique event provides quality doggie time for dog lovers and gives these shelter dogs some much needed exercise, love and socialization. more info   FB   map Free Concert - Outside the Line Sat. 11/03, 7pm Goodyear Community Park Groove to the tunes of live bands at the city’s free concerts this fall. more info   map GrOoVy - Walk to Save Animals Sat. 11/03, 8am Tempe Town Lake More than 3,000 people and dogs in tie-dyed shirts and bandanas will twist-and-shout their way through the ‘60s-themed “Peace Love Adopt March!” at Tempe Town Lake. $15-$25 more info   map 6th Annual Touch-A-Truck Sat. 11/03, 9am Aviano Communiaty Park, Phoenix Touch-A-Truck is a family-friendly event that offers children a hands-on opportunity to explore a variety of machinery and to meet the people who build, protect and serve the Valley communities. $5-$6 more info   map Clydesdale Carnival Sat. 11/03, 10am-2pm USA Clydesdale Preservation Foundation, Gilbert Bring the whole family out to enjoy the festivities, including a Clydesdale kissing booth, in the tail on the Clydesdale, stick horse barrel racing, lucky duck game, horseshoe toss, cornhole, and more. more info   map AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews Sat. 11/03, 2pm Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale The Arizona Barrels, Bottles & Brews event will be the only festival in the state that features samples and products produced exclusively in Arizona. $19-$50 more info   map Phoenix Walk to End Alzheimer’s Sat. 11/03, 7am Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, Phoenix The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. more info   map Arizona Fall Fest Sat. 11/03, 10am-4pm Hence Park, Phoenix More than 200 vendors representing Arizona’s favorite local businesses; Food samples from some of the best Arizona restaurants, local chefs, live entertainment and food trucks. more info   map ModelZona Sat. 11/03, 10am-4pm Arizona Air Force Museum, Mesa Come see a collection of award winning models including aircraft, armor, automotive, ships, real spacecraft, sci-fi and figures. $5-$15 more info   map

Movies In Theaters      Rated The Nutcracker and the Four Realms        PG Bohemian Rhapsody      PG-13 First Man      PG-13 New DVD Release  Rated   Critics Say Mandy     NR    The Darkest Minds  PG-13    The Spy Who Dumped Me  PG-13    Pro Sports ARIZONA PRO  FOOTBALL    Next Week FOX Schedule PHOENIX SOCCER    USL Western Conference Finals 11/03 @ 7:00pm Schedule 2018 STOCK CAR RACES   AAA Texas 500 11/04 @ 12:00pm Texas Motor Speedway NBCSN Schedule PHOENIX PRO BASKETBALL       vs Toronto 11/02 @ 7:00pm vs Memphis 11/04 @ 6:00pm Schedule ARIZONA HOCKEY vs Carolina 11/02 @ 7:00pm Schedule GOLF TOUR      Shriners Hospitals for Children Open  11/01-11/04 @ times vary Las Vegas, NV Golf Network Schedule SENIOR GOLF             Schedule                                         The Areas Best Walking Trails         Click here for the most up to date                                                                                      Nov. 2nd & 3rd                                                                Nov. 02-11                                                            Downtown Tempe - Nov. 04, 10am-3pm

Tricky painting issues

Tricky Paint Jobs and How to Handle Them

Painting your walls is a quick, easy and fun home improvement project that can change up the energy and look of a room. But not all walls are created equal. Some are simple to paint while others are a bit more complicated. Here are some pointers on how to handle some of the trickiest paint jobs in your home:

How to Paint Brick Painting over your brick wall can brighten up a room and add a modern touch to your home. Before you paint a brick wall, ask yourself three questions: Were the bricks laid in the past year? Is there any damage to the bricks or mortar? Has it already been painted? Brick walls go through a leaching process in which alkali and efflorescence leave the surface. It's best to paint after this processes has finished, Realtor.com explained. If there's damage, add fresh mortar or acrylic caulk to fix it up. Finally, any old paint should be removed before the fresh coat is applied. Scrub the bricks clean before you get started. Then, add a couple layers of masonry sealer, which prevents moisture from building up beneath the paint. Next, paint on several layers of primer. Once it's dry, it's time to add your paint color. How to Paint Over Chalkboard Chalkboard walls can be functional or entertaining, but while the rough surface is great for drawing, it's challenging to cover up. First, you'll need to first remove those bumps: Use 180-grit sandpaper to even out the surface, Better Homes & Gardens recommended. Next, wash away any dust with a mild cleanser. When the wall is smooth and dry, add one or two layers of primer, then finish up with your choice of paint. How to Paint Over Wallpaper When your wallpaper goes out of style, the task of removing it might seem daunting. Luckily, if it's still in good shape, you can paint right over it without leaving a trace of that outdated pattern. Before you begin, look for damaged areas and patch them up. Paste down any straying corners with the right adhesive. Using clear caulk around the perimeter of the paper can also reduce the risk of it peeling post-paint, Benjamin Moore explained. If your wallpaper is textured, paint on a layer of spackle to smooth it out. Sand down seams so they don't stand out against the rest of the wall. Now you're ready for the primer and paint. How to Paint Over Paneling Wood paneling has a distinct '70s vibe to it. If you're aiming to bring a more updated look to your home, it may be time to cover up your faux wood walls. First, tame the texture of the wall with 220-grit sandpaper, then wash it with a mild cleanser, HGTV suggested. At this point, you have a choice to fill or leave the vertical grooves. Fill them with spackle, then sand it smooth. Or, leave the grooves to keep some character and make your walls appear taller. Use a stain blocking primer to prepare the wall. When dry, it's time to paint.

More things to do 10-18

Events Billy Moore Days Thu. 10/18 - Sun. 10/21, times vary Historic Downtown Avondale The celebration features a carnival, festival, and parade, and marks the 72nd anniversary of Avondale's incorporation. more info   map Arizona Dance Festival 2018 Thu. 10/18 - Sat. 10/20, 7pm Tempe Center for the Arts The festival is expanding with an additional performance date and the addition of Site Specific Performances that gives dancers and audience an alternative performance experience in an outdoor performance space. $13-$40 more info   map Scarizona Scaregrounds Thu. 10/18 - Sun. 10/21, 7pm-end varies 1901 N. Alma School Road, Mesa This October, Scarizona Scaregrounds unleashes 4 absolutely spectacular haunted attractions. Named one of the Top Haunted Houses in the Country. $22+ more info   map Enchanted Pumpkin Garden Thu. 10/18 - Sun. 10/21, 10am-9pm Carefree Desert Gardens Halloween spirit invades Carefree, for a fourth year, in the form of whimsical pumpkin carvings from world renowned master carver Ray Villafane.  more info   map Maricopa County Home and Garden Show October 2018 Fri. 10/19 - Sun. 10/21, times vary Westworld of Scottsdale The Maricopa County Home & Garden Show, the largest home show in the Southwest, returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale. $8 more info   map Ride A Clyde! Fri. 10/20, 9am-1pm USA Clydesdale Preservation Foundation, Gilbert Ride A Clyde is an amazing opportunity to be able to get up close and to ride a Clydesdale. Photos of your ride will be emailed to you. $45 more info   map City of Goodyear's Fall Festival Sat. 10/20, 5pm-9pm Goodyear Ballpark Celebrate Fall with a fun, family event at Goodyear Ballpark. There are activities the whole family can enjoy, including: pumpkin patch, inflatable activities, costume contest, trick-or-treating, corn hole and demonstrations from local dance groups. more info   map Ask a Master Gardener Clinic Sat. 10/20, 10am-1pm Sunrise Mountain Library, Peoria Master Gardeners will be present to answer your questions regarding plant selection, fertilization, irrigation guidelines, & best pruning practices. Bring pictures or plant samples to aid in plant diagnosis. more info   map Phoenix Lantern Fest Sat. 10/20, 9am-6pm Pinal Fairgrounds, Casa Grande Lantern Fest Phoenix is a platform where friends and families enjoy food, live music, a stage show, princesses, face painting, s'mores, balloon artists, and more. more info   map Westgate Desert Dash Sat. 10/20, 7am St. Joseph's Westgate Medical Center, Glendale The 2018 event marks the turning point into our spectaular Southwestern autumn weather. Enjoy 10K and 5K runs, 1-mile run/walk, runner's brunch, doggie swag, bouncy house, and various entertainment and exhibitors. $35-$45 more info   map Celebrate Mesa Fall Festival Sat. 10/20, 5pm-9pm Red Mountain Soccer Complex, Mesa Celebrate Mesa is a free family event that brings the community together to enjoy games, carnival rides, entertainment and more. more info   map Chandler Mayor's Day of Play Sat. 10/20, 8am-12pm Tumbleweed Park, Chandler Children of all ages can revel in free family-fun as they play life-size board games, sporty inflatables, and interactive activities. more info   map Strut Your Mutt Phoenix Sat. 10/20, 9am Cesar Chavez Park, Phoenix This October we are stepping up for homeless pets with Strut Your Mutt Phoenix, an annual charity dog walk and family-friendly festival. $10-$15 more info   map Lucia Micarelli Sat. 10/20, 7:30pm Chandler Center for the Arts Lucia Micarelli is recognized across the globe for being a featured soloist with Josh Groban, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Barbara Streisand, Chris Botti, and also for her starring role on the critically-acclaimed HBO series “Treme.” $32-$56 more info   map Cave Creek Fall Fine Art, Craft and Home Show Sat. 10/20 & Sun. 10/21, 10am-varies Frontier Town There will be an array of selected vendors offering original, one-of-a-kind works of fine art, pottery, paintings, photography, sculpture, glass, wood items, jewelry, clothing, handmade and hand decorated crafts, and more. more info   map Halloween Spooktacular Serving Up Undersea Fun This Fall Sat. 10/20 & Sun. 10/21, 10am-6pm SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, Tempe Stop by SEA LIFE Arizona’s Halloween Spooktacular, a festive, family-friendly celebration complete with costumes, some unconventional pumpkin carving and plenty of goodies and prizes up for grabs. $14.95 more info   map Anthem Autumnfest  Sat. 10/20 & Sun. 10/21, 10am-varies Community Park This family-friendly event celebrates the season with fall-flavored festivities including arts & crafts vendors, carnival rides, pumpkin picking and live entertainment. more info   map Ghost & Goodies Sun. 10/21, 3pm-6pm Westgate Entertainment District, Glendale Westgate Entertainment District will be hosting a day of spooky activities featuring games, entertainment, costume contests and the ultimate candy crawl with goodies from participating Westgate restaurants and retailers. more info   map              MacDonald's Ranch Fall Festival Tickets

Movies In Theaters      Rated Colette         R The Old Man & the Gun           PG-13 Halloween 2018         R New DVD Release  Rated   Critics Say Whitney      R    Ant-Man and the Wasp  PG-13    Boundaries      R     Pro Sports ARIZONA PRO  FOOTBALL    vs Denver 10/18 @ 5:20pm FOX Schedule PHOENIX SOCCER    vs USL Playoffs-1st Round 10/19 @ 7:30pm Schedule 2018 STOCK CAR RACES   Hollywood Casino 400 10/21 @ 12:30pm Kansas Speedway NBCSN Schedule PHOENIX PRO BASKETBALL       @ Denver 10/20 @ 6:00pm Schedule ARIZONA HOCKEY @ Winnipeg 10/20 @ 1:00pm Schedule GOLF TOUR      THE CJ CUP @ NINE BRIDGES 10/18-10/21 @ times vary Jeju Island, KOR Golf Network Schedule SENIOR GOLF             Schedule                                         The Areas Best Walking Trails         Click here for the most up to date                                                                                                         October 05-28                                      Pumpkin Days & Corn Maze                                                      Area Pumpkin Patches                                                                     Hayrides and Haunted Houses