Good morning, Mesa.

Mesa's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program and Mesa Public Library launched the third-year Bike to Books contest for pre-kindergarten to 12th grade students and homeschoolers to design bike-related art.

Winning designs in three grade brackets—pre-kindergarten to 2nd, 3rd to 6th, and 7th to 12th—will be installed on a shared use path next winter, and entries are due by July 31.

The Willmeng Arizona Celebration of Freedom will take place Friday, July 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Mesa and will feature fireworks at 9:30 p.m.—along with live music, stunt shows, pro wrestling at the Mesa Amphitheatre, patriotic military displays, and laser light shows at the Mesa Convention Center.

Mesa City Council delayed the vote on the Park North project, a 120-unit apartment complex in southeast Mesa, after Vice Mayor Scott Somers called the proposal ill-fitted for the Superstition Springs neighborhood — the developer now must adjust plans to meet local zoning requirements.

Lawmakers in the Arizona Senate will try to override Gov. Katie Hobbs’s veto on a bill that would have blocked Chinese government land purchases — a move not seen in the state in over 40 years.

The measure was vetoed last week as part of a historic effort to curb foreign control of state land.

Mesa City Council approved a $2.79 billion FY 2025-26 budget that includes investments in public safety and core services—new fire stations in Lehi and Hawes Crossing, an expanded Real Time Crime Center, and Gateway Library.

City Manager Scott Butler said the plan will hire more safety personnel and improve emergency response times for Mesa neighborhoods.

Mesa Arizona Business Networking

10:30-11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee for guests — Connect with entrepreneurs and influencers in a vibrant business community.

Alice in Wonderland

— Various times — Mesa Arts Center — Season tickets available — Experience the magic of live theater as young performers bring Alice's adventures to life.

Friday Night Country Swing

7:30 p.m. — Scootin' Boots Dance Hall — Cost varies — Enjoy lessons and open dancing in a lively country swing atmosphere.

Engineering for Kids: Earth Science Detectives Camp

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — UPTOWN JUNGLE FUN PARK — Variable pricing — Explore robotics and podcasting in a fun, interactive camp for kids aged 8-14.

Mesa Arizona Business Networking

10:30-11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — Free entry — A gathering for entrepreneurs, business owners, and influencers to connect and collaborate.

Queen & Bowie Tribute Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Hale Centre Theatre - Arizona — $62 — Celebrate the legendary music of Queen and David Bowie with engaging live renditions in an intimate setting.

Dezzy Hollow Concert

5-11 p.m. — Nile Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience Dezzy Hollow live with Nuggz, Laznyte & Cristalz 888 in an engaging music event.

Imaginarium Mesa: Winter Wonderland

6-10 p.m. — Imaginarium Mesa — Cost info not specified — immerse yourself in a magical light festival featuring a winter wonderland theme for all ages.

Virtual Tour of Senior Living Community

9 AM – 7 PM — Jones Family Care Home — Free entry — Explore nutritious meals and award-winning care at a top-rated senior living facility.

Engineering for Kids: RoboSports Challenge and Game Coding Camp

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Slick City Action Park — Pricing varies — Engage in a hands-on LEGO robotics challenge and creative game coding experience.