Arts & Culture Bars & Nightlife Business Development Community Commentary Deal Family Featured Food, Restaurants & Dining Music & Events Sports Travel, Shopping & Leisure Fara Illich June 28, 2011

Happy Fourth of July Week, Downtowners!
Whether you’re looking for ways to unwind this holiday weekend or simply some diversions  to make it through the rest of the work week, here are just a few of the options available here in Downtown Phoenix.
WWE Smackdown
World Wrestling Entertainment returns to US Airways Center tonight with Smackdown. See all your favorite WWE Superstars, including Edge, Kofi Kingston, Kane, The Big Show, Rey Mysterio, Alberto Del Rio, Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Kelly Kelly and more! Drop-kickoff is at 6:45 p.m.
Stand Up Live Showcase
Head over to Stand Up Live’s Comedy Showcase on Wednesday to see six of the area’s hottest comedians, plus a featured headlining act. The 21-over showcase is hosted by Jill Bryan and a two-drink minimum is required. Free parking for this 8 p.m. show. Call 480-719-6100.
NKOTBSBNKOTBSB
That’s New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys, for the layperson. These boy band legends are still hanging tough and have nearly sold out US Airways Center for Thursday’s 7:30 p.m. concert. For tickets visit ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000.
Musical Mayhem Cabaret
Under rehearsed and overdramatic, this live singing troupe is taking the Valley by storm (think tornado or heavy hail) and will play Herberger Theater Center Thursday – Sunday for the insanely low price of $10. Showtimes vary. For more information visit herbergertheater.org or call 602-254-0800.
 SMDayPHXSocial Media Day PHX
The community that tweets together stays together. Visit District American Kitchen and Wine Bar at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown this Thursday from 6-9 p.m. for Social Media Day PHX where Phoenix’s smart phone-toting class will converge to celebrate technology and *physically* interact with one another while learning about local business.  The first 500 attendees will receive a SWAG bag full of goodies from event sponsors. Where do you find out more and RSVP? Facebook, duh.
First Friday
First Friday brings a wide variety of family friendly activities to Downtown, including Target Free First Friday at Phoenix Children’s Museum, First Friday at Civic Space ParkArtLink First FridayFirst Friday Latino Style at ALAC, First Friday Artwalk at Heritage Square and Adult’s Night Out at Arizona Science Center.
Blue Star Museum Initiative
Now through Sept. 5, all military personnel and their families receive FREE admission to Downtown cultural attractions like Rosson House Museum, Arizona Science Center and the Heard Museum. Click the link for details.  
I can’t think of a better way to end this post. God bless America and all of those who protect our freedom and secure our borders. Have a happy and safe Fourth of July.

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