Good morning, Mesa.

A business owner at his East Valley store in Mesa was attacked and responded by shooting a suspect—who sustained non-life-threatening injuries—as police investigated the incident.

Samirah Miller became the first Miss Black Rodeo USA when she won the competition last month in Arizona—she used her lifetime experience with horses and community farming to merge rodeo skills with heritage.

Miller now plans to inspire young Black girls and build on her cultural legacy at Alchemy Farms in Gilbert.

ASU Prep Polytechnic STEM Academy is hosting campus tours for families to see its new learning environment for the upcoming 2025-26 school year—even though classes have started.

Mesa City Council approved an agreement with Culdesac to turn Site 17—a 27-acre empty lot at University Drive and Mesa Drive—into a community with up to 1,000 homes and retail space to boost downtown Mesa; phase I construction will start in 2027 with full buildout by 2034, city officials said.

On Sept 8, Mesa City Council voted unanimously to hold a public hearing on Sept 22 for rezoning Price Manor II—a 6.5 acre, 41 lot development near the northeast corner of East McKellips Road and North Center Street.

The rezoning will change the area from a single residence 9 zone to a small lot single residence 4.5 zone with a new PAD overlay.

The City of Mesa and Downtown Mesa Association have partnered for a second round of facade improvements as part of an ongoing $4.4 million program to help downtown businesses update their storefronts.

Grants of up to $250,000 will cover design, demolition and construction work while businesses remain open and receive marketing support — a move that aids Mesa’s plan to revitalize its commercial core.

ANCIIENTS Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Underground — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of mesmerizing tunes by Dearest as they perform their hit songs.

Stamp & Scrapbook Expo Mesa

Various hours — Mesa Convention Center — Admission fee may apply — Explore an extensive range of crafts, workshops, and shopping opportunities at this vibrant arts and crafts fair.

Filipino Night Market: Food and Culture Festival

4-9 p.m. — AZ International Marketplace — Free entry — Celebrate Filipino culture with delicious food from local vendors in a vibrant night market atmosphere.

Sunday Evening Recital: Amy & Alina Dampt

6:30-7:00 p.m. — Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center — Free entry — Enjoy an inspired performance of beautiful sacred music by flutist and harpist duo Amy and Alina Dampt.

All-Star Sports for Toddlers

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM — Eagles Community Center — $14 Mesa resident / $16 Non-resident — A fun, non-competitive introduction to sports for toddlers aged 2-6.

Mesa Arizona Business Networking

11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee — Connect with entrepreneurs and influencers to enhance your business network and growth.

Country & Latin Dance Party

4-7 p.m. — Creative Dance Collective — $20 CLASS + PARTY | $10 PARTY ONLY — Dance the afternoon away with social favorites like Salsa, Two-step, and more.

Book Signing with Emily Chavez

6:30-8 p.m. — Half Price Books — Ticket includes book purchase — Meet Crochet or Cry creator Emily Chavez and get your copy of Spooky Tapestry Crochet signed.

Mesa Networking Event

11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in donation after two visits — A vibrant community gathering for entrepreneurs and influencers to forge impactful connections.

Prayers Concert

5-8 p.m. — The Rosetta Room — Tickets available via Ticketmaster — Experience an evening of energetic music with Prayers.