Planning to visit Phoenix in December? One thing’s for sure—there’s certainly no shortage of activities! Here is just a small sampling of what’s coming up on the Phoenix events calendar for December.

Mesa Arts Festival
This 2-day art festival will feature not only original works from national artists, but live music as well, with three groups of dancers and musicians performing on separate stages. On December 10th and 11th, browse various works for sale and enjoy a taste of local food at the vendor carts. Have children? Never fear; children’s activities are planned to keep the little ones as entertained as their parents.

Fourth Friday Party on the Plaza
Many cities have begun monthly shows or cultural celebrations of local art, music, and food. Phoenix’s Fourth Friday encourages city residents and visitors alike to mingle and come together as a community to eat, dance, and honor artists. December’s Fourth Friday falls on the 23rd, before Christmas Eve.

Radical Rides: The Art of Motorcycles
Looking for something a bit more ‘rough and ready’? Every day except Monday, the Mesa Arts Center has on display motorcycles designed by such legends as Paul Yaffe, Ron Finch, and Laura Klock. You’ll also see several motorcycles that have been turned into literal works of art by contemporary artists. This exhibit is free to view, but only runs until January 8th—don’t miss it! Visit the Mesa Arts Center page for hours of operation.

“Adam Carolla Hates the Holidays”
Comedian Adam Carolla lights up the stage at the Orpheum Theater on December 17th with a multimedia comedy show. How can a comedy show use multimedia, you might ask? Carolla often interviews various celebrities using Skype for his show. Tickets start at $34.50.

Comedy Night @ The Shout! House
Love comedy but can’t make it for Carolla’s show? Don’t despair! Head to Glendale (a mere 20-minute drive from Phoenix), to a dueling piano bar known as the Shout! House. Every Monday and Tuesday, the place transforms into a comedy club with the help of great drink specials and local comedic talent.

Beer Deals
For all you beer drinkers, there’s a deal almost every day of the week on the Phoenix events calendar. At Bar 1 on N. 16th St in Phoenix, come in shirtless any Sunday between 4 and 7pm for $1.25 draft beers. At Coach and Willie’s on S. Third St, enjoy half-price draft beer pints every Thursday from 4pm till 2am (closing). The Satisfied Frog on Bell St has great Happy Hour prices (think $2 beers, $3 well drinks, $4 margaritas) from 2-7pm, Monday-Friday. Willing to head a little farther afield? Chandler, about 17 miles from Phoenix, is home to SanTan Brewing Company, which takes pride in its eclectic offerings (raspberry-stuffed mushrooms, anyone?). Drop in for Stupid Movie Monday, complete with fresh popcorn and discount drinks, or if you happen to be in town December 13th, SanTan hosts a Tuesday Night Tasting on the 2nd Tuesday of every month, where you can sample local brews and be educated on seasonal beers.

Farmers’ Markets
Every Wednesday from 10am—2pm, you can find local farmers and vendors selling produce, pastries, breads, jewelry, and even healing remedies at the Town and Country Shopping Center on E. Camelback Rd. On the first Saturday of each month (next up is January 7th), you can find locally-grown fruits and vegetables at the Grand Avenue Produce Farmers Market on W. Lewis Ave. If you missed the Town and Country market, you can hit the Downtown Phoenix Public Market on N. Central Ave on Wednesdays from 4pm—8pm and Saturdays 8am—1pm. This public market offers more variety, with live entertainment and products like goat-milk soap.

Music
Club Central, a two-level club on N. Central in Phoenix, is a second home for many popular blues and jazz musicians. Drop by for Friday night karaoke or some amateur open-mic comedy on Wednesday nights. If jazz isn’t your thing, the Silver Pony on W. Dobbins hosts 3 different country bands that play classic and current hits over 4-7pm Happy Hour (25-cent specials!) and karaoke twice a week, on Sunday and Thursday.