“Pontoon boat? Whaddya going to do with a pontoon boat? Retake Omaha Beach?” – Roman Craig
The other night I was watching The Great Outdoors, the woefully underrated 1988 comedy starring the late John Candy the once-great Dan Aykroyd, when I got to thinking about how soon we’ll all want to escape to a quiet lake cabin somewhere in the wooded bowels of the Midwest. 
I hate to break it to you, folks, but we’ve got precious few weekends left before triple-digit temps make it dang-near impossible to enjoy anything outside. These open-air events will help you take full advantage of our great weather. While you still can.
Wednesday 
Phoenix Public Market
Chef Wade is back to serve up grilled burgers and roasted potato salad from 4-8 p.m., plus Tonatierra’s yulu beans, Cafe Justo’s fair-trade coffee and The Tamale Store will be on hand selling their goods.
Thursday
Earth Day Phoenix 2010 at Cesar Chavez Plaza
Phoenix will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first Earth Day from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Plaza. Sponsored by Keep Phoenix Beautiful, 80 compannies will be on hand to share their green initiatives with the crowd.
Lunch Unplugged at Civic Space Park
Bring a sack lunch to the park between 12-2 p.m. and enjoy the sounds of Porangui.
Friday-Sunday
Diamondbacks vs Phillies at Chase Field
Mark Reynolds, Justin Upton, Danny Haren and the DBacks host Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Roy Halladay and the defending National League champion Phillies.
Saturday
Community Yoga Project
I’ve never actually done yoga but I’m told it’s quite good for you. Proponents say it helps with flexibility and finding your center or something. See for yourself for free at 10 a.m. every Saturday at Civic Space Park.
Open Market at Phoenix Public Market
Bring your pooch! Ride your cruiser! Sip tasty Royal coffee! Seriously, there’s no hipper place to be Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Urban Wine Walk 2010
The Downtown Phoenix Partnership and CityCircles.com invite you to ride light Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to Downtown Phoenix, Tempe and the Camelback Corridor to enjoy priced-right wine samples at 11 different destinations, including Kincaid’s, 1130 The Restaurant, Majerle’s Phoenix Public Market, Icon Lounge, Steve’s Greenhouse, Maizie’s and Hula’s Modern Tiki. The event is free but you will need to buy an all-day rail pass for $3.50.
YMCA Healthy Kids Day at Civic Space Park
Healthy Kids Day is a family event focused on improving the health and wellness of children in the local community. The event is free to the public and runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Race for Haiti
This non-profit foundation was established to raise relief funds for Haiti. The 5K run/walk (8 a.m.) or 1-mile run (9 a.m.) start at Wesley Bolin Plaza.
Sunday
Valley Metro Great Bike Chase
Hundreds of cyclists–from young to old riding Huffys to Cannondales–will congregate at Margaret Hance Park (Central/Culver) between 9-10:30 a.m. for safety classes, entertainment, food and giveaways before departing for Chase Field at 11 a.m. to watch the Dbacks take on the Phillies. Cost is $10-$20 if you pre-register here or by calling Suzanne Day at (602) 534-1809.
Have a suggestion on how to enjoy our Great Outdoors? Leave your comments below!
 

Text “events” to 25866 for the latest scoop on all Downtown events