Teens ages 14–18 are invited to join the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Cadet Program — a unique opportunity to learn about law enforcement, build leadership skills, and serve the community. Weekly Tuesday afternoon sessions provide hands-on training and real-world insight into public safety. This is a drop-in program—students can start at any time.
Professional artist & art educator Nicolette Bonnstetter uses humor, creativity, and a fresh perspective to bring art to life through the stories, history, and ideas behind it. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply curious, these lectures offer an engaging look at the art world.
This is an opportunity to purchase a 2026-27 season pass for all 7 lectures at a reduced rate of $50.
Professional artist & art educator Nicolette Bonnstetter enlightens our community about the art world with her blend of creativity, humor, and thought-provoking discussions in the Art, Coffee, & Conversation series. Seasoned art enthusiasts and newcomers alike will enjoy her relatable approach to deeper contemplation about art. About this session: Art of the Body... We will look how body art has evolved and consider the reasons.
Explore how the Desert Foothills Leadership Academy can strengthen leadership skills, expand your professional network, and deepen your understanding of the issues shaping the Desert Foothills region. Meet Academy alumni, community leaders, and business professionals while learning how the program develops leadership potential through diverse perspectives and community-focused experiences. Free light bites and drinks provided.
Growing older brings experience, perspective—and plenty to think about. Aging Out Loud is a three-session discussion group that brings together a small group of adults for open, thoughtful conversation about aging and what matters most along the way. As Bette Davis famously said, “Growing old isn’t for sissies.” We think it’s worth talking about.
Build creativity, connection, and cognitive flexibility through four accessible improv classes with Sandi Carll of our Signature Program, Desert Foothills Theater. Easy, low-stress games encourage self-expression, laughter, social engagement, and brain health without the pressure of performing. No improv experience is needed, and activities can be adapted for low mobility or seated participation, making this welcoming for a wide range of abilities.
Join our Signature Program, Desert Foothills Theater, every Tuesday in October for a classic radio thriller brought to life by local actors in a staged reading. Experience Lucille Fletcher’s "Sorry, Wrong Number", as a bed-bound woman overhears a murder plot and races to get help before time runs out—all while enjoying a delicious lunch during your break.
Teens ages 14–18 are invited to join the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Cadet Program — a unique opportunity to learn about law enforcement, build leadership skills, and serve the community. Weekly Tuesday afternoon sessions provide hands-on training and real-world insight into public safety. This is a drop-in program—students can start at any time.
Explore two Scottsdale cases from the 1970s and 1990s with local historian Bruce Wall, a former Scottsdale Police Department Crime Prevention Police Aide. Hear the story of a teenager whose disappearance was initially believed to be a runaway case, and a shocking story of two men who were murdered after a road rage incident.
Meet award-winning local authors, talk all things books, and purchase signed copies of your favorites while supporting local writers and our community. Reading is fun—and even better when you meet the people behind the stories! This free community event is open to all.
Join our Signature Program, Desert Foothills Theater, every Tuesday in October for a classic radio thriller brought to life by local actors in a staged reading. Experience Lucille Fletcher’s "The Hitch-Hiker," originally introduced by Orson Welles in 1941, as Ronald Adams encounters a mysterious hitchhiker dressed in black during his journey from Brooklyn to California—all while enjoying a delicious lunch during your break.
As the future of the Colorado River hangs in the balance, learn how history, policy, drought, and changing conditions are shaping Arizona’s water supply. Explore the agreement governing Colorado River allocations, why reservoirs are critically low, and how evolving water management decisions could affect communities, economies, and the future of Arizona.
Transform your yard into a fall fueling station for Arizona butterflies, including monarchs. Master Gardener and Monarch Tagger Adiane Hopkins shares the host and nectar plants butterflies need, thoughtful planting strategies that support pollinators, and how monarch tagging helps protect these remarkable insects.
Travel the globe with National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner through all four episodes of the original Blue Zones docuseries, discovering how the world’s longest-living communities create longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Enjoy stretch breaks, mindfulness activities, trivia prizes, and conversation between episodes—or drop in for a single stop on the journey.
Join our Signature Program, Desert Foothills Theater, every Tuesday in October for a classic radio thriller brought to life by local actors in a staged reading. Experience W.W. Jacobs’ “The Monkey’s Paw,” a chilling tale of a mummified paw that grants three wishes with deadly consequences—all while enjoying a delicious lunch during your break.
Come to our haunted desert for the 7th Annual Prickly Pear Festival! This free, family-friendly event features prickly pear treats and products, demonstrations of juicing, jojoba oil pressing and mesquite flour preparation, plus face painting, caricatures, a haunted-desert photo opportunity, and an interactive storytelling performance. Come in costume and kick off Halloween with fun, food, and desert-inspired festivities for all ages!