Mesa is home to one of the largest arts centers in the Southwest — what’s it called?

Events for The Week

Of course! Here are some upcoming events for Mesa, AZ, in the format you requested.

Sunday Evening Recital — Sunday, October 12, 6:30 pm

Enjoy an evening of uplifting and sacred music at the Mesa Temple Visitors' Center. This free recital is part of a regular Sunday series featuring talented local performers in a serene setting. All are welcome to attend this family-friendly musical event.

Design Review Board Meeting — Tuesday, October 14, All Day

The City of Mesa's Design Review Board will be holding a public meeting at the City Hall Council Chambers. This is an opportunity for residents to observe the proceedings and learn more about upcoming development and design projects within the city.

Pet Adoption Event at PetSmart — Wednesday, October 15, 4:00 pm–7:00 pm

Find your new best friend at the Mesa PetSmart on S. Stapley Dr. Maricopa County Animal Care & Control will be on-site with adorable, adoptable dogs and cats looking for their forever homes. Come meet the animals and support a great cause.

Sunset Music Series — Thursday, October 16, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Mesa as talented local musicians perform live. This free outdoor concert series is a perfect way to unwind after a long day, enjoy the pleasant evening weather, and support local artists.

What We Said Live! at Mesa Arts Center — Friday, October 17 & Saturday, October 18, Various Times

Join hosts Jaci Butler and Chelsey Jade for a live recording of their popular podcast, "What We Said." This engaging and humorous show covers a variety of topics and offers a fun and interactive experience for audience members.

Planting for Butterflies — Saturday, October 18, 10:00 am–11:00 am

Head to the Red Mountain Library to learn from landscape expert Noelle Johnson how to transform your garden into a beautiful butterfly haven. This informative session will cover the best plants and techniques to attract these colorful pollinators to your yard.

Ongoing Events

Downtown Mesa Farmers Market — Every Saturday, 8:00 am–12:00 pm Explore a lively market at the Mesa Arts Center featuring fresh, locally grown produce, artisan foods, handmade crafts, and more. It's a great way to support local farmers and vendors while enjoying the community atmosphere.

Exhibitions at the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum — Open Tuesday–Sunday, Various Hours Visit the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum to view a diverse range of contemporary art from both emerging and established artists. With rotating exhibitions, there is always something new and thought-provoking to see. Admission is free.

Quick Glance Summary

Mesa, Arizona is experiencing a fresh wave of self-expression as Gen Z residents embrace a 'Main Character Energy' mindset.

Young people are turning ordinary routines—like journaling at Jarrod's Coffee, Tea & Gallery or walking at Riverview Park—into intentional, meaningful acts.

This shift encourages a move away from constant productivity, prioritizing harmony and mindful living instead.

On social media, cinematic clips capture daily experiences, reflecting self-awareness and confidence rather than just seeking likes.

Local businesses have welcomed this trend, offering workshops in digital storytelling and personal growth.

The upcoming 'Hacktivate Mesa 2025' event invites high schoolers to creatively solve community issues, nurturing thoughtful engagement.

Educators see benefits in students’ reduced stress and improved focus.

Mesa's sunny landscape provides the perfect backdrop, highlighting the beauty of everyday moments and inspiring a community-focused, intentional lifestyle.

🍁 Roasted Delicata Squash & Blackberry Fall Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 delicata squash, sliced into rings (seeds removed)
  
  

• 2 cups baby arugula
  
  

• 1 cup shredded radicchio
  
  

• ½ cup fresh blackberries
  
  

• ¼ cup toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
  
  

• ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled
  
  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• 1 tsp maple syrup
  
  

• Sea salt & cracked black pepper
  
  

Dressing:

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  
  

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  
  

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  
  

• 1 tsp maple syrup
  
  

• Pinch of cinnamon
  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss delicata squash rings with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes or until caramelized, flipping halfway.
   
   

2. In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients.
   
   

3. In a large bowl, combine arugula, radicchio, blackberries, and roasted squash. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
   
   

4. Top with goat cheese and hazelnuts.
   
   

5. Serve immediately while the squash is still warm for a cozy contrast.

Why it Works:
This salad blends savory, sweet, tart, and creamy — with roasted squash bringing warmth, blackberries adding brightness, and radicchio giving a bitter edge. It’s light but deeply satisfying, perfect for fall lunches or dinners.

Mesa is experiencing a vibrant shift as the community embraces intentional living and the slow living movement, placing mindfulness and meaningful connection over daily rush.

Local markets like the Power Road Farmers Market and Farm to Mesa Market have become hubs for fresh produce and artisanal goods, creating opportunities for residents to support local farmers and enjoy slower, more thoughtful food choices.

Festivals such as the First Friday Night Market are drawing crowds with live music and handcrafted art, providing communal spaces that champion sustainability and creativity.

Wellness initiatives, including yoga at Pioneer Park and unplugged nights at Jarrod's Coffee, Tea & Gallery, invite moments of self-care and calm reflection.

Downtown redevelopment promotes walkability, greenery, and a renewed sense of place.

This intentional pace is helping Mesa rediscover its roots and strengthen community bonds.

Interesting Facts

• Mesa is Arizona’s third-largest city.
• The city hosts one of the largest museums dedicated to Native American art and culture—the Heard Museum satellite.
• The Mesa Arts Center spans an entire city block.

A wave of steady determination is energizing Mesa, Arizona as locals embrace The Great Lock-In—a growing national push to stay committed to goals through the year’s end.

Rather than racing to resolutions, Mesa’s twist highlights consistency and community.

Downtown coworking spaces thrum with East Valley entrepreneurs planning for 2025 milestones, while students at ASU Polytechnic tackle study sprints and share progress under the #LockIn2025 hashtag.

Gyms introduce Finish Strong programs and coffee shops fill with goal-setters deep in their journals.

From nonprofit volunteer drives to showcases at the Mesa Arts Center, local efforts are uniting neighbors, families, and businesses around shared ambitions.

Collaboration distinguishes Mesa’s approach—residents treat focus as a community rhythm, not a solo quest.

As the year winds down, Mesa is proving that finishing strong isn’t just personal—it’s part of the city’s culture.

Quote Of The Day

"“The desert tells a different story every time one ventures into it.” – Robert Edison Fulton Jr.

Mesa is experiencing a dynamic maker revival, infusing local culture with creativity and hands-on artistry.

From handmade candles and jewelry to sustainable furniture, artisans across the city are embracing the DIY ethos and building strong community ties.

Central to this movement is the Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios, a modern downtown facility providing entrepreneurs access to tech labs, podcast studios, and digital workspaces.

These resources empower residents to craft original, desert-inspired pieces using eco-friendly practices.

Events like the Southwest Maker Fest and Maker workshops at the Mesa Arts Center celebrate local talent, offering interactive experiences from textile arts to robotics and 3D printing.

Neighborhood coffee shops and galleries host open studio sessions, inviting residents of all ages to learn, create, and share skills — uniting generations through shared passion and creativity.

Mesa’s maker movement signals a thriving, innovative community spirit.

Mindful living is shaping 2025 as more people embrace sustainability and personal wellness in daily life.

Eco-friendly habits are now mainstream, with individuals choosing reusable products and supporting locally made, artisan goods.

This movement signals a strong commitment to minimizing environmental impact.

Mental health is taking center stage, as meditation, wellness programs, and tele-therapy become essential routines for emotional resilience.

Remote work remains widespread, valued for its flexibility and its link to job satisfaction.

To counter digital fatigue, scheduled screen-free days and tech-free hobbies are gaining traction.

The influence of minimalism continues, with many focusing on decluttering and intentional living.

Urban dwellers are gravitating toward energy-efficient homes and vibrant community green spaces.

Health trends now center on wearable devices and AI-driven wellness plans, pushing care from treatment to prevention.

Experiences and skills are prized over possessions, while authentic influence rules social media.

This collective shift underscores a purpose-driven, balanced, and eco-conscious approach to modern life.

The Mesa Arts Center.