Events' Realm

Desert Botanical Garden is embarking on a new partnership with London-based pioneering artist studio ScanLAB Projects, bringing its groundbreaking visual and technical artwork here in 2025. The exhibit will be a first-of-its-kind in the Valley to connect science and nature at this scale in both indoor and outdoor environments.


In October 2023, ScanLAB Projects, led by cofounders Matt Shaw and William Trossell, started a unique experience for the Garden titled DESERT PULSE — a spatialized installation that displays footage of the desert landscape and desert flora in a remarkably new way using LiDAR 3D scanning.


ScanLAB Projects has selected 15 distinct sites across the Valley and at the Garden. These daily 3D scans will be recorded over a 12-month period. The recorded data will reveal unseen environmental changes — the result of human, natural and industrial processes — all impossible to see with the naked eye or through the lens of traditional cameras. The team will document cactus flowering and fruiting, shifting sediment patterns along the Salt River, recent fire-damaged desert and desert blooms. Locations include a desert development in Rio Verde, a saguaro growth monitoring site near Needle Rock, a recovering fire area in McDowell Mountain Preserve and a working landfill.


Through their specialized rendering techniques, ScanLAB Projects will turn the recorded data into breathtaking visuals that will be exhibited as an impressive multi-screen digital installation to be exhibited amongst the Garden’s plants and trails, as well as its new Exhibits Gallery.


DESERT PULSE is not just artwork, the data collected will contain empirical, measurable facts that can and will be used for research by the Garden’s team of scientists.

Phoenix

United States

Arizona

1201 N. Galvin Parkway

Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Pulse

Santa's Secret Tracks to the North Pole are right here in Arizona!


The spirit of Christmas will be visible long before guests reach the depot grounds, brilliantly illuminated with colorful lights, luminaria and decorated with fun photo-ops. Festive holiday food items and yummy beverages are available for purchase at the station. Prior to boarding, families will tour a miniature village featuring 10 tiny houses on a town square offering an eagle’s eye-view of what the majestic birds, that live in our canyon, see in flight. A beautiful Christmas princess and "wild" animals including a bear, a burro and a bald eagle will greet the children as families arrive.


Children are asked to drop their “letters to Santa” in a mailbag which will be delivered to the North Pole during each train ride.


After savoring the festivity at the depot, it's time to board the train! This 1-hour, round-trip journey through a magic tunnel onto Santa's Secret Tracks to the North Pole and back is the perfect holiday excursion for even the tiniest tot. 


At the magical North Pole passengers will see 12 creatively-decorated buildings featuring of course Santa’s Workshop, Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop, Naughty Kids Coal Mine, the Antler Inn, Reindeer Flight School, Ice Fishing Hut, Elf School and Ugly Sweater Factory to name a few!  Mrs. Claus and acrobatic elves will wave good-bye to Santa Claus as he boards the train for the return trip to Clarkdale. The man in the big red suit will interact with all the children and gift them with a little memento as a reminder of their Christmas Adventure aboard Verde Canyon Railroad. 


4:00, 5:30, 6:30  and 7:00 p.m. departures on various nights Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Eve.

300 N. Broadway

Verde Canyon Railroad

The Magical Christmas Journey to the North Pole with Verde Canyon Railroad

Join us for the Downtown Mesa Sunset Market, the perfect way to experience the vibrant spirit of our community under the glow of the Arizona sky! Held every third Thursday of the month from 5 PM to 8 PM at Macdonald and Main Street, the market features live music, a diverse array of local vendors, and delicious food options! Whether you’re shopping for handmade goods, enjoying tasty eats, or simply soaking up the vibes, there’s something for everyone.


Bring your friends, family, and even your pets for an evening in the heart of Downtown Mesa.

Downtown Mesa

Downtown Mesa Sunset Market

Pigeon Forge

Tennessee

Micro Wrestling Federation at the Microtorium

All-Ages Micro Wrestling at the Microtorium of Pigeon Forge

College of Cards is Back at Talking Stick Resort!


Ready to level up your poker skills? Join us at the College of Cards, happening weekly every Tuesday at 2pm and Friday at 8pm. These (3) two-hour sessions will teach you the basics of poker in a real casino environment, earning you a B.S. in Card♠logy!


No prior sign-up required — simply check in at the poker podium in the Arena Poker Room, and sit down with a dealer to get started. All are welcome (ages 21 or older), whether you're a complete beginner or just looking to brush up on your skills.


As a bonus, guests will receive one complimentary beverage during each session they attend. Don’t miss out—start your poker journey today!

9800 E. Talking Stick Way

Talking Stick Resort

College of Cards at Talking Stick Resort

You shared + we listened! After hearing directly from our visitors about a desire for more late-night hours during the weekdays, Phoenix Art Museum will stay open late on Thursdays and Fridays beginning in October, including for monthly First Fridays.


Effective October 2, 2024 (exactly two weeks from today!) the Museum will be open: ⁠


 * Wednesday – Friday // 10 am – 8 pm ⁠
 * Pay-What-You-Wish Wednesdays // 3 – 8 pm ⁠
 * First Fridays // 5 – 8 pm
 * Saturday – Sunday // 10 am – 5 pm ⁠


Monthly First Friday programming will include voluntary-donation general admission, discounted rates to view special-engagement exhibitions, two resident DJs, in-gallery sketching with Aileen Martinez, cash bar + food vendors, and more.


Admission tickets can always be reserved online before your visit for a quicker check-in process.

1625 N. Central Ave.

Phoenix Art Museum

PhxArt Late-Night Hours

Events

Happening now

Desert Pulse

Desert Pulse

The Magical Christmas Journey to the North Pole with Verde Canyon Railroad

The Magical Christmas Journey to the North Pole with Verde Canyon Railroad

The Magical Christmas Journey to the North Pole with Verde Canyon Railroad

Downtown Mesa Sunset Market

All-Ages Micro Wrestling at the Microtorium of Pigeon Forge

Happening today

College of Cards at Talking Stick Resort

College of Cards at Talking Stick Resort

PhxArt Late-Night Hours

College of Cards at Talking Stick Resort

PhxArt Late-Night Hours

College of Cards at Talking Stick Resort

PhxArt Late-Night Hours