Good morning, Mesa.

Scarizona will host its 2025 Halloween season at 1901 N.

Alma School Road in Mesa from Sept. 26 to Nov. 1, featuring three immersive haunted attractions (including Mayhem in the Madness). Tickets start at $29.95 (with free parking) as thrill-seekers plan for 21 spooky nights.

The Mesa College Promise program awarded a record $322,990 in fully funded tuition and fees to 502 new and continuing Mesa students for Fall academic year, including high school graduates and adults 24 or older.

Enrollment has grown each year since 2021—this year’s group is the largest and comes with added support such as tutoring, iPad loans, and a $250 stipend each semester.

On September 15, Mesa celebrated winning the Wyland Foundation National Mayors’ Water Conservation Challenge at Kerr Center for Agriscience—Mayor Freeman and Wyland Foundation President Steve Creech honored fourth-grade students with eco-friendly glasses while explaining the importance of saving water. Mesa residents pledged to conserve over 22 million gallons next year, and one resident, Faith P, accepted a $3,000 prize for taking the pledge.

Governor Hobbs signed an executive order on Monday that instructs the State Land Department to streamline lease and sale opportunities on state lands—aiming to support advanced nuclear and geothermal projects while cutting red tape.

The order also directs all agencies to cut bureaucracy and reduce energy use by 5% to meet Arizona's growing demand.

The Mesa City Council will recommend a new series 12 license for Alessia’s Italian Food, a restaurant that serves lunch and dinner, to the Arizona Department of Liquor License and Control at its meeting at 5:45 p.m. Monday, Sept.

22 at 20 E. Main St. The existing series 7 license remains active and stacks with the new one — agent Jeffrey Miller is managing the application.

The Mesa City Council will discuss citywide branding efforts in a strategic planning session at 7:30 a.m. on Sept.

18 at 1333 N. Power Road—aiming for a cohesive and modern identity for Mesa.

Maricopa County voters will decide in November on a $900 million bond measure to upgrade Valleywise Health, the county's only public teaching hospital and safety-net system.

If approved, the bond will raise property taxes by 11 cents per $100 of assessed value, costing about $522 extra yearly for a median-priced home and funding expanded pediatric care and a new 200-bed behavioral health hospital.

A contest is offering four sideline (tickets) to a Phoenix Rising game as Mesa fans can enter online (to participate) for a chance to win the prize.

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.

Fall Fest Presented By PS I Love AZ

10 AM – 4 PM — Arizona Athletic Grounds — Entrance fee with parking options — Kick off the fall season with over 150 local vendors and live entertainment.

Sunday Evening Recital with Jessica Taylor and Daughters

6:30-7:00 p.m. — Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center — Free entry — Enjoy uplifting gospel music performed by the talented Taylor family.

Mesa Networking Event

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee after two visits — A community gathering for entrepreneurs, business owners, and influencers seeking to expand their networks and grow their businesses.

Twilight in Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Ikeda Theater — Cost info not provided — Experience the beloved film Twilight with live musical accompaniment for a night of unforgettable nostalgia.

Sunday Evening Recital with the Applegate Family

6:30-7 p.m. — Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center — Free entry — Experience gospel-centered music featuring vocal and instrumental performances by the Applegate family.