The latest concept from Common Ground Culinary will bring barbecue and premium seafood together in a “hospitality-forward dining experience” at Park Central next year. The team behind The Collins Small Batch Kitchen, Grassroots Kitchen & Tap, The Macintosh and The Neighborly, Common Ground Culinary announced in November that its newest concept, Cowboy Seafood, is coming to the Midtown Phoenix spot in 2026.

The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) reminds residents that the days on and around New Year’s Eve are some of the busiest of the year for shelters across the country, and many pets, those frightened by the fireworks and festivities, end up wandering away from home. To help keep pets in homes as we head into 2026 and keep much-needed kennel space open for sick, injured and abused animals, AHS offers these tips.

Owner Eric Herschede says that his eponymous menswear shop is something of a second act for him. “I always told my children, if they can find what they love to do, they’d be better off than most. And so, I thought for a second act I wanted to chase something that had kind of been ruminating in my brain for a while.

For Kelly Cornelius, owner of Home Instead, Home Care Service of Scottsdale & Phoenix, there is something extraordinary about watching seven-year-old Everly bound through the front door of her 98-year-old great-grandma Norma’s home. The moment she bursts in, two generations light up – one full of curiosity and wonder, the other radiating joy, pride and wisdom earned over nearly a century.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announced that no freeway closures are scheduled for improvement projects in the Phoenix area this weekend, Dec. 19-22. The department asks drivers to use caution in all existing work zones, and to stay alert, buckle up, don’t speed and never drive while impaired. Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at AZ511.gov, the az511 app or by calling 511. Click on the Weekend Travel Advisory map graphic or visit the ADOT website for additional information.

Ice cream brand Salt & Straw opened a new scoop shop in North Central’s Uptown Plaza, 100 E. Camelback Road, Suite 104, on Nov. 7. The shop is the brand’s third Arizona location. The founders, cousins Kim and Tyler Malek, say that the shop puts a spin on the traditional ice cream experience by using the treat as a medium for storytelling and connection: “At the core of each artfully created flavor is a story about a local purveyor, farmer or artisan who helped bring it to life,” the owners said.

The Arizona Theatre Company Board of Trustees announced that Ana Rose O’Halloran, a nonprofit arts executive with more than 17 years of leadership experience in theatre and the arts, will be joining ATC as its new executive director. O’Halloran currently serves as producing executive director of Antaeus Theatre Company in Los Angeles, where she has produced over 25 acclaimed productions and guided the organization through a period of remarkable growth, ATC said.

The Bower announced the grand opening of its newest single-family community in Midtown Phoenix. The Bower Willo features 28 single-family homes for sale near the Roosevelt Row Art District in Downtown Phoenix. With prices starting in the mid $900,000 range, The Bower Willo offers multiple two- and three-story floor plans ranging from 1,800 to 2,400 square feet, three bedrooms, and 2.5 to 3.5 bathrooms.

Fox Restaurant Concepts is serving up holiday cheer across its family of restaurants with limited-time menus, handcrafted festive cocktails and celebrations made for every occasion. Doughbird makes holiday dining effortless with festive to-go offerings. For Christmas Eve, the eatery offers Prime Rib To-Go, complete with horseradish dauphinoise potato, broccolini and caramelized onion, Caesar salad, peppercorn thyme au jus and butterscotch cream cake.

Through its Creative Aging classes, JFCS (Jewish Family & children’s Service) offers a little something for every curious mind by encouraging adults aged 60 and over to engage, move forward and have fun. Registration is now open for classes beginning in January. The winter session of Creative Color Art will help participants build on drawing skills by exploring charcoal, graphite, colored pencil, and pastel.

For those who are contemplating getting out of the city with their canine companions, Arizona State Parks & Trails offers a guide to the best dog-friendly spots in Arizona’s state parks. Several state parks allow dogs to join in on the fun when it comes to tent camping, RVs, or even cabins. Enjoy the sunset with your dog by your side in your tent or RV at Lake Havasu State Park, just north of the dog beach at Cattail Cove.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announced that no mainline freeway closures are scheduled in the Phoenix area this weekend, Dec. 12-15. Information about scheduled lane closures or other restrictions is available at www.azdot.gov/additional-restrictions. In addition, drivers will notice more room for northbound I-17 traffic using the busy exit to Loop 303 and Sonoran Desert Drive in north Phoenix.

Autonomous car company Waymo announced in November that the company will begin offering rider trips on freeways in Phoenix. This is in addition to freeway service in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The company plans to add to the service over time, including expanding freeway capabilities to Austin, Atlanta and beyond. Riders will continue to hail trips through the Waymo app as usual and can express interest in being among the first to experience a freeway ride directly in the app. When a freeway route is meaningfully faster, riders can be matched with a freeway trip, providing quicker, smoother, and more efficient rides, the company said.

Spring registration at North Central Performing Arts opened on Nov. 1, and the Valley’s young residents are invited to step onto the stage and experience the performing arts in a collaborative, creative environment that is geared towards children from pre-K to sixth grade. Programs are open to children ages 4-14, and the spring session will feature “Adventures in Candyland” for Musical Minis (pre-K to kindergarten); “Willy Wonka KIDS” for Rising Stars (first through fourth grade); and “The Little Mermaid Jr.” for Center Stage (fifth and sixth grade).

In late October, the city of Phoenix announced the appointment of Ryan Touhill as the new Community and Economic Development (CED) director. Touhill, who began his new role on Dec. 1, succeeds Christine Mackay, who retired after 11 years to lead the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) as president and CEO. Touhill brings nearly two decades of experience in local government and economic development, the city said, most recently serving as director of Arlington Economic Development (AED) in Virginia.

With winter break on the horizon, North Central families who are looking to keep children engaged and active on a budget are invited to explore the programs offered at city of Phoenix youth and activity centers. In Sunnyslope, stop by the Sunnyslope Youth Center at 1702 W. Peoria Ave. The center is the result of the Sunnyslope Village Alliance working with the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department to create a fun center for youth 17 and under.

Desert Christian Fellowship Church will host its seniors’ potluck and annual white elephant gift exchange, Thursday, Dec. 11, at noon. Neighbors are invited to bring a friend, a favorite dish to share and a church appropriate gift to share with other seniors. The church will host Celebrate Recovery beginning Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. New attendees are welcome. A monthly food distribution drive-through event will be held on Friday, Dec.

An a cappella concert by Southwest Vocal Alliance will bring the warmth of classic carols sung in the Barbershop style, the energy of modern holiday hits and fresh twists on the songs you know by heart, to its “Holiday Magic” scheduled for 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14 at First United Methodist Church, 5510 N. Central Ave. Kids 12 and under are free at this family-friendly concert; adult tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door.

Diners looking for shrimp tacos can catch a fresh batch every Tuesday at Chula Seafood Uptown Phoenix, 100 E. Camelback Road, Suite 172. The Shrimp Tacos Dorados dish features two crunchy tacos stuffed with chopped shrimp, diced tomato, onion, red bell pepper, poblano and garlic, all topped with crispy iceberg lettuce and fresh tomato. The tacos are accompanied by a cup of tortilla soup made with tomato, guajillo, ancho chiles and onion, topped with crema, queso fresco, tortilla strips and cilantro.

Flerish Marketplace, a nonprofit thrift and boutique store benefiting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, at 3850 E. Thunderbird Road, will host its Sixth Annual Holiday Market, Dec. 11-13, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. During the store’s holiday market, shoppers can find deals on constantly rotating merchandise, including clothing, jewelry and accessories, shoes and handbags, sturdy furniture, housewares and small kitchen appliances, and unique home décor and art.

The House of Broadcasting, Inc. (HOBI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public and preserving and celebrating the history, personalities and paraphernalia of radio and television in Arizona, will host its 12th Annual Holiday Concert Friday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. Featuring Mike Chamberlin and the “Living Legends of Broadcasting,” the concert will be held at the North Phoenix Baptist Church, Chapel Sanctuary, 5757 N.

Family traditions enrich the holiday season, and for Hispanic families in the community, Día de los Muertos is an especially meaningful observance, says Lin Sue Flood, director of community engagement at Hospice of the Valley “Though the name translates to ‘Day of the Dead,’ this cherished Mexican holiday is not a morbid occasion. Instead, it is a vibrant celebration that honors those we hold dear through ofrendas (altars) adorned with photos, favorite foods and bright marigolds, alongside music and dancing,” she added.

The famously quirky holiday market Phoestivus, presented by Community Food Connections, is back for its 16th year, and this time with a brand-new location and a one-night-only celebration. Holiday shoppers can join the fun on Friday, Dec. 12, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Arizona Center, 455 N. 3rd St., for an evening of local shopping, live music, food and festive cheer.

Families and neighbors in the Sunnyslope area and beyond are invited to enjoy good cheer and community spirit at the annual Slope Holiday Market & Parade, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13, beginning at 2 p.m. with the parade kicking off at 6 p.m. The event offers the opportunity to meet your neighbors and celebrate the holiday season together. Enjoy the community parade, interactive art and crafts for kids, holiday music, local vendors, food trucks and more.

More than 100 kids squealed with delight and surprise when Fabian Fontenelle danced onto the stage at Madison Center for the Arts in late October. Fontenelle wore his tribal ceremonial garments and called to the students from offstage after his wife, Shelley Morningsong, introduced him. The students, kindergarten through early college, were on a field trip, thanks to Act One Arizona.