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- 24 can't miss things to do in Gilbert this week (2/28)
24 can't miss things to do in Gilbert this week (2/28)
A whole lotta Arizona weirdness, a 5k that'll get your rear in gear, bingo for dogs, an adult book fair, and dozens of other things going on around town.
Good morning, Gilbert. Settle in, sip whatever gets you going, and let The Gilbert Brief serve up everything you need to know for the week ahead ☕️
In today’s edition:
How to pet an ostrich 🪶
Surfing in the desert 🏄️
Running for a good cause 🏃
20+ things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
This week’s highlights
🦩 Why did the ostrich cross the road?
To see The Fray, Natasha Bedingfield, Tyler Hubbard, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, and more, of course. The Ostrich Festival is back with two weekends (March 14 - 16 & 21 - 23) of music, food, rides, and — yes — ostriches. It’s a little country, a little rock ‘n’ roll, and a whole lot of Arizona weirdness →
🌊 Surf’s up in Mesa
Think surfing in the desert is impossible? Revel Surf in Mesa is making it real. With plenty of waves, a stationary deep-water wave for practice, and cliff diving for the brave, it’s basically a beach minus the ocean →
Not quite your jam? Mesa just added new art installations downtown →
🏃♂️ A 5K with the best name in the game
Get Your Rear in Gear at Freestone Park tomorrow morning. This annual 5K raises awareness (and funds) for colorectal cancer, with options to run, walk, or cheer. Patients and survivors race for free, and you can register on site starting at 7:45 am →
Other highlights this week:
Volunteer Orientation at The Ranch | Monday @ 6 pm
Chandler Senior Expo | Wednesday @ 9 am
Veterans in Business Breakfast | Thursday @ 7:45 am
Gilbert job fair | Thursday 11 am - 2 pm
Here’s your weekly Gilbert brief, featuring (at least) 20 things worth checking out over the next seven days 👇
Today - February 28th
🛍️ Big shop energy
10 am - 8 pm: Painted Tree Boutiques is opening in Gilbert, bringing hundreds of small shops under one roof. Think gifts, home decor, fashion, and more—with refreshments and exclusive sales to celebrate →
9 am - 5:30 pm: Peppermint Lane Spring Market is serving up boutique shopping, Easter treats, and a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny. With free entry, free parking, and free cotton candy on Saturday, experiencing it first-hand won’t cost you a dime →
Can’t make it today? You can also stop by tomorrow.
📖 A book swap for the littles
3 - 6 pm: Bring the littles (and their gently-used books) to Literally, A Bookshop for a fun book swap afternoon. It’s a casual, free event where your young literary fans can trade in old favorites for new stories to take home →
🌱 A plant-based block party
6 pm: Zen Nights Vegan Block Party is serving up incredible plant-based food, live jazz Afrobeats, and a Mobile Museum highlighting Black STEM innovators. It’s free, family-friendly, and always a good time →
Tomorrow - March 1st
🚗 Love cars?
9 am - noon: If caffeine and classic cars sound like a perfect morning, head to Gilbert Cars & Coffee at Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers. Expect a parking lot full of drool-worthy rides and plenty of casual car talk →
Can’t make it? It goes down the first Saturday of every month until May.
🧘♂️ Zen out in an orchard
10 am: Trade studio walls for shady trees at Yoga in the Orchard, a refreshing outdoor flow that’s as peaceful as it sounds. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just testing your flexibility, this all-levels session is your chance to reset, relax, and reconnect with nature and yourself →
Prefer animals? Check out Fairytale Baby Goat & Alpaca Yoga — this week is sold out, but there are still tickets for March 7th & 8th at 10 am →
🐶 Bingo night (for the dogs)
6 pm: Beer, bingo, and adoptable pups—what more do you need? Hair of the Dog Tap Bar is hosting a fundraiser for Big Hearts for Big Breeds. Card sales start at 6, the first number is called at 7. Come for the games, stay for the tail wags →
Sunday - March 2nd
🚘 More cars, more coffee, more fun
8 am Verde at Cooley Station and ASU’s School of Engineering are hosting another morning of horsepower and caffeine. Whether you’re showing off your ride or just admiring the lineup, it’s a free event with awards for standout cars →
🛍️ Another can’t-miss market
9 am: Superstition Springs Community Market isn’t just a shopping trip—it’s a small business showcase. With over 70 vendors, you’ll find handcrafted goods, local eats, and passionate entrepreneurs eager to share their stories. Show up, shop small, and support your neighbors →
Busy on Sunday? It runs every Sunday until the end of April.
🎭 The most colorful festival in town
2 pm: The 8th Annual Mask Alive! Festival is bringing larger-than-life performances to Pioneer Park next door in Mesa. Expect dazzling storytelling through dance and music from cultures around the world, plus food trucks, artisan vendors, and free kids’ activities →
🍺 A book fair, but with beer
4 pm: Desert Monks Brewing Co is hosting the most nostalgic event of the year—a grown-up book fair for Read Across America Day. From books and stickers to scented pens, and all the elementary school vibes, it’s everything your younger self loved with craft beer instead of juice boxes →
Monday - March 3rd
👯 Aladdin Jr. the musical
5:30 & 7 pm: Support young local talent at this family-friendly musical performance. Stage Door Studio Kids have been rehearsing to bring the magic of Aladdin to life on stage →
Can’t make it? You can catch it Tuesday or Thursday instead.
🖌️ Sip and paint — nature style
7 pm: Paint your Monday blues into a beautiful landscape at this instructor-led class at Pinot’s Palette. This painting, “The Scenic Route,” features a calming nature scene — it’s a great way to de-stress and mingle with fellow creatives. Enjoy a glass of wine as you follow along, no experience needed →
Tuesday - March 4th
🍀 St. Paddy’s fun for the littles
9 – 11 am: Shamrocks, rainbows, and a whole lot of luck! Verde at Cooley Station is hosting a St. Patrick’s-themed morning packed with games, festive fun, and surprises for the whole family. No need for a pot of gold—just bring your crew and enjoy a magical morning of play →
⛳ Learn how to play golf
5:30 – 7:30 pm: This Golf 101 class by Kokopelli Golf Club is your fast pass to understanding the game beyond swinging a club. Learn etiquette, scorekeeping, and the unspoken rules that make or break a round—all while socializing with other newbies →
🎭 Would you run for $50?
6 pm: Lace up, hit the pavement, and walk away with a free $50 Asics gift card just for showing up at Cadence Running Co. This Mardi Gras-themed fun run includes a shoe demo, a post-run adult beverage, and bonus points if you show up in costume →
Wednesday - March 5th
🏝️ Tiny dancers set sail for an island adventure
5:30 pm: If your little one loves twirling like Moana, this Disney-inspired pop-up class is the perfect fit. This ballet/jazz fusion camp for ages 3 to 6 includes dancing, a craft, and a mini performance fit for island royalty →
✨ Lights, bubbles, and laser mazes
6 - 10 pm: Imaginarium is dropping by with millions of dazzling lights, storybook characters, interactive art, and infinity mirror rooms that will leave you questioning reality. Add in live entertainment and “snow” play areas, and you’ve got an over-the-top experience that’s anything but ordinary →
This event is running through the end of March.
🎭 Gatsby takes the stage
7 pm: Step into the Roaring Twenties as World Ballet Company brings The Great Gatsby to life in a dazzling new production. Expect lavish sets, handcrafted costumes, and a Jazz Age score that would make Gatsby himself proud →
🍻 Run and and sip with your pup
7 pm: A casual 2 – 5 mile run with a finish line that includes craft beer and canine cuddles? That’s the kind of workout we can get behind. All paces (and pups) welcome—just show up at OHSO Brewery and enjoy the vibes →
Don’t wanna run? OHSO Brewery is also hosting Star Wars At The Park at 7 pm and entry is free (get there early if you want a seat).
Thursday - March 6th
🍿 Free movie for the fam in Mesa
6 pm: Lilo & Stitch is hitting the big screen under the open sky, and your whole ‘ohana is invited. Bring a blanket, grab some snacks from the concession stand, and enjoy a free movie night with the community →
🎶 Shop, sway, and soak up the vibes
5 pm: Live music, local vendors, and a lively atmosphere — what more could you need on a Thursday evening? Market & Music is bringing all the best parts of a night out together in one place. With unique finds, great food, and a play area for the kids, this is a guaranteed good time for the whole family →
🤠 Country tunes under the water tower
6:30 – 8:30 pm: Concerts in the Park are back, and The Grant Brothers are kicking March off with modern country hits straight from the desert. Bring a blanket, grab some takeout from a Heritage District favorite, and enjoy live music under the stars →
Live music & entertainment
Today:
Tomorrow:
Sunday:
Throughout the week:
Price Is Right - Gilbert edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one other room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
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Listed by: Brian J Cunningham (eXp Realty)
This recently renovated 2015 home has 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and 3,628 square feet situated on a 9,100 sq ft lot in Morrison Ranch. It has real hardwood floors, custom trim work, a built-in refrigerator, a butler’s pantry, an oversized deck, a custom closet, and a swimming pool with a covered patio and artificial turf.
Not only is it modern and very tastefully updated, it has an ok bike-ability score. Transit and walkability are both basically zero, but you can somewhat bike around!
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
Gilbert fun & games
As always, this week’s wordle features a 5-letter word hidden inside this edition. Let us know how many guesses it takes you!
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Trivia question of the week
❓Question: National Anthem Day is March 3rd. How long after The Star Spangled Banner was written did it become our national anthem?
🤔 Hint: Only six people (on record) have ever lived this long.
Reply and shoot us your best guess (no cheating!) - Same time, same place next week → we’ll share the answer and a fresh question to ponder.
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See ya next week!
P.S. Know of an event or business we should share, interested in certain types of events & stories, or want to ask a question? Feel free to reply (or email us) any time.
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