8/16: Phoenix Mercury vs. Los Angeles Sparks
The Phoenix Mercury have had a hell of a season. It celebrated the second-longest winning streak (16 games) in WNBA history and will go head-to-head with the team that still holds the record (18 games in 2001) in their last home game before the WNBA playoffs begin on Aug. 21.
US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, Saturday, August 16, 7 p.m., $12
8/16: Southern Arizona Salsa & Tequila Challenge
Live mariachi music, salsa dancing and 40 different red, green, hot, mild or fruity salsas at your fingertips. There will also be a tequila-based mixed drinks and menu pairing competition featuring 50 established and emerging chefs beneath at least 20 pinatas designed by Viva Piñata! Visit the festival website for a full list of participants, including salsa and tequila challengers as well as participating tequila makers.
La Encantada Shopping Center, 2905 E. Skyline Dr., Tucson, Ariz., Saturday, Aug. 16, 6 p.m., $45-$55
8/16: Mile High Brew Festival
More than 65 craft beers (and a handful of local wineries) brewed in the Southwest at your mercy. You get to take home a Brewfest Tasting Glass. All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arizona. Visit the event website for a full list of participants.
Montezuma Street, Prescott, Ariz., milehighbrewfest.com, Saturday, Aug. 16, 1 to 7 p.m., $20 (additional tasting tickets are 10 for $10)
8/17: John Legend
The All of Me Tour is hitting Phoenix with a warm snuggly feeling as velvety and buttery as John Legend’s voice. The nine-time Grammy Award winning songwriter has been all over the airwaves with his No. 1 single “All of Me,” which we can only imagine sounds just that much better live — and with thousands of other people singing along. And, as if Legend’s music was swoon-worthy enough for the guys and gals out there, he’s also an outspoken feminist married to supermodel Chrissy Teigen. He was once quoted on CNN.com as saying “All men should be feminists. If men care about women’s rights, the world would be a better place.”
Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, livenation.com, Sunday, Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m., prices vary
8/19: WWE Smackdown
Just because it’s all fake, heavily choreographed and greased up fighting by men who are wearing less clothes than their female counterparts doesn’t mean it won’t be a good time! The story is melodramatic, the actors are buff beyond belief and the fans are equally entertaining. Welcome to the world of the WWE Smackdown.
US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, Tuesday, August 19, 4:45 p.m., usairwayscenter.com/events/detail/wwe-smackdown, $25 to $100
