Downtown Digest: Sample local beer and listen to positive poetry

Hey readers, I’m back! It’s T.J. Triolo, your guide to what’s happening this week in downtown Phoenix. Well, another month is almost done; July is almost over, and August is going to begin soon. I like to look at it this way: This means that with another summer month out of the way, we have less months of extreme heat left. In the meantime, I’ve got plenty of indoor events for you to avoid said evil, extreme heat.

Full Moon Festival: Thunder Moon
Friday, July 27
Starts at 8 p.m.
The Pressroom
441 W. Madison St.
It’s almost time for July’s full moon, which should be nice and bright. I like seeing the full moon when it’s bright; there’s something I really like about seeing it shine. This festival will celebrate the full moon and the season of the monsoon (See what I did there?) with a music festival. The music will stretch across multiple genres and some art pieces. So come celebrate the full moon in a musical way! Tickets cost $20 per person.

The Culture Fitness and Fashion Expo
Saturday, July 28
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Phoenix Convention Center
100 N. 3rd St.
Don’t let the “fashion” part of the name fool you; this isn’t a fashion show for the latest trends in ultra-expensive designer clothing. This convention shows off the latest technology and trends in fitness, no matter what kind of exercise you do. If you’re a hardcore fitness freak, (I’m looking at you, Crossfit people.) I’d take a guess that you’d probably really like this event. I’m looking at you, Dad. Entry costs $20.

Real Wild and Woody Beer Festival
Saturday, July 28
2-6 p.m.
Phoenix Convention Center
100 N. 3rd St.
Once you get sick of looking at fitness, come look at the other convention going on the same day, about as far from fitness as you can get: beer. At this festival you get tickets to sample your choice of 20 beers from more than 65 breweries, as well as some food samples from local restaurants. So just after you feel like inspired to live a healthier lifestyle after looking at fitness trends, the question is this: Has the promise of beer swayed you from your path? Tickets cost $57.

Movie Night with All Puppet Players: Teen Witch
Saturday, July 28
Starts at 8 p.m.
Playhouse on the Park
1850 N. Central Ave.
This is far from a normal movie night. You get to watch the movie Teen Witch, but the audience is going to have some unique members: Puppet theater actors heckling and complaining during the movie. There’s a warning for the event: Do not bring your children. The puppets will use crude adult humor. The event description says it’s for “mature audiences with exceedingly immature tastes.” Hmm, that sounds like me. Tickets cost $12.

HomeBase Open Mic
Sunday, July 29
7-10 p.m.
The Parsons Center for Health and Wellness
1101 N. Central Ave.
Time for the power of positive poetry. And, obviously, my alliteration skills. This is an open mic poetry night featuring positivity. HomeBase has a policy against negativity, so come for some poetry spreading good vibes. Have fun, smile and laugh; it’s good for you! Tickets cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

Contact the reporter at Thomas.Triolo@asu.edu.