Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 7th of November.
Good morning, Mesa.
🏘️ Community
Barbecue fans in Mesa can enjoy the Downtown Mesa Barbecue Classic today—featuring cooking competitions, live music and a beer garden.
Other Valley events include First Fridays in Phoenix, Hondo Rodeo Fest at Chase Field, Party in the Park in Gilbert and festivals in Scottsdale.
Mesa has installed the winning Bike to Books art designs along canal shared-use paths just north of Cinemark Theater at Mesa Riverview — the colorful pieces by youth artists celebrate reading, community and exercise.
The designs, created by Ellie Richardson, Valentina Mercado Villalobos and KysaRaye Hamann, were brought to life by Mesa Transportation using propane torches to apply thermal plastic.
Downtown Mesa will host the annual East Valley Veterans Parade on Nov 11 at 11 a.m.—the event, with nearly 100 entries and the theme Ready Then, Ready Now, will honor veterans as Retired Marine Cpl.
Bob Brutinel leads as grand marshal. A Veterans Day recognition with Mayor Mark Freeman will begin at 10:30 a.m. before the parade travels from Center and University to Robson.
🎓 Education
Mesa Public Schools board voted on Oct.
23rd to add two new high schools on existing campuses—Franklin High School at Brimhall Junior High and Shepherd College Preparatory at Shepherd Junior High, which will open for the 2026–27 school year starting with ninth grade.
🏛️ Government
A federal shutdown has frozen LIHEAP funds in Arizona, leaving state agencies unable to release the $30 million aid meant to help 27,000 low-income households with heating bills as temperatures fall.
Local programs remain open to offer emergency support until federal operations resume—families face delays that could bring extra late fees or loss of service.
🏥 Health
During open enrollment, families in Arizona must carefully compare health plans to ensure children get needed care as rising premiums and fewer insurers limit options.
Health experts urge parents to check if key providers such as Phoenix Children’s are in network—this step can help avoid costly gaps in care.
🎉 Mesa Events
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Mesa Night Market
4-9 p.m. — AZ International Marketplace — Free entry — Explore a vibrant showcase of local food and anime vendors at this diverse Asian food festival.
The Jins Live Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — The Underground — Tickets from $95 — Experience an unforgettable live music event with The Jins at The Underground in Mesa.
Dixon Dallas Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Rosetta Room — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating sounds of emerging country artist Dixon Dallas in an intimate setting.
Mesa Networking
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in donation — Connect with entrepreneurs and influencers to foster meaningful collaborations and business growth.
Arizona WordPress Meetup - Monthly Meetup
6:30-8:30 p.m. — CO+HOOTS Coworking | Mesa — Free entry — Engage in a hands-on session about utilizing Gravity Forms with a touch of Jetpack Forms.
Corbin Live Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Nile Theater — Check website for prices — Experience the captivating and raw music of Corbin, who prioritizes vulnerability in his artistry.
Fitz and the Tantrums Live Concert
4-10 p.m. — Vertuccio Farms — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-energy hits from the multi-platinum band Fitz and The Tantrums.
Maximizing the Power of Influencer Marketing
4-6 p.m. — Loloft — Free entry — Learn how to leverage influencer marketing for your brand and connect with local eCommerce professionals.
Lovin’ Life Expo
9 AM – 1 PM — Mesa Convention Center — Free entry — A vibrant celebration of wellness, lifestyle, and community with interactive exhibits and inspiring speakers.
Mesa Networking
11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — Free entry — Connect with local entrepreneurs and influencers in a community setting.
🏠 Mesa Real Estate
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💼 Mesa Job Board
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📣 Mesa Announcements
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