Good morning, Mesa.

Mesa was honored by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association with the Outstanding Special Event Award for its six-week Merry Main Street festival that draws over 190,000 visitors and features free photos with Santa, a 40-foot Christmas tree, a large outdoor ice rink—Mesa will host the event again on November 28 with a tree lighting and Santa’s grand arrival.

Mesa Arts Center will host its 19th annual Dia de los Muertos Festival on Oct.

25 and Oct. 26—where families can enjoy live music, dance, art workshops and a community altar to honor loved ones. The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 25 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 26 at 1 E. Main St.

Federal tax credits for new electric vehicles of $7,500 and used vehicles of $4,000 will expire at the end of September, affecting drivers as Arizona’s EV registrations have surged to nearly 129,000—starting in October, EVs will require extra passengers to use high-occupancy lanes while local providers offer alternative benefits like $250 off smart chargers. This change is expected to impact future vehicle purchases and driving costs in Mesa.

Mesa City Council will vote on a three-year contract with Sierra Signs & Service Inc for installing and repairing identification signs at city parks and facilities—this $541,500-per-year contract is funded by the Capital General Fund—and it offers a renewal option for up to two years.

The Arizona Supreme Court canceled a proposal that would have allowed people with a Masters in Legal Studies and one year of law school to handle criminal cases—critics warned that the plan risked fair trial standards—and halted plans for a pilot program.

The court said it will consider other, safer approaches in the future.

An Arizona appellate court declined Attorney General Kris Mayes’ appeal to change a lower court’s decision to send the fake elector case back to the grand jury.

The ruling follows a May decision by a Maricopa County judge who found prosecutors did not give enough details to the grand jury — leaving the state to either get a new indictment, file new charges, or drop the case.

Mesa seniors can save money by joining free fitness classes at local Optum Community Centers—helping them stay healthy and connected while avoiding costly gym fees.

Additional options like Ballet Arizona’s Creative Aging through Dance and SilverSneakers group fit programs offer more ways to keep active.

On Saturday, nearly two dozen teams gathered at Westwood High School in Mesa to celebrate cancer survivors and raise funds for the American Cancer Society — Nick Ciletti led the Survivors' Lap as donors, including Tony Williams from Big O Tires with a $200,000 gift, supported the event.

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.

Between The Buried And Me Concert

6-9 p.m. — The Nile Coffee Shop — Ticket prices vary — Experience the intricate sounds of a progressive metal band in a historic venue.

Mesa Networking Community Event

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

The Story So Far U.S. Tour

6-8 p.m. — Mesa Amphitheatre — Tickets required — Experience electrifying live performances from The Story So Far and special guests Neck Deep, Origami Angel, and Pain Of Truth.