Good morning, Chandler.

This week in Chandler, an outdoor music series will return at Veterans Oasis Park on Oct 16 while downtown launches its new Third Thursdays Art Walk the same day, and a ChandlerTalks event on Oct 15 will discuss small-scale housing solutions.

Local highlights include a BASIS Chandler student named a 2025 Presidential Scholar, first responders honored on Oct 7, planned airport tours on Oct 17, and Spooktacular Halloween festivities on Oct 31 — all part of a busy schedule of community events.

A Chandler family woke before 4 a.m. Friday when a mystery man banged on their door — alerting them that their house was on fire before he left.

Spiced Up Smoothie Bar opened at 1909 E.

Ray Rd, Suite 5 on the southwest corner of Cooper and Ray roads in a CubeSmart Storage center. The local shop blends herbs and spices to create unique, filling smoothies like Espresso Cherry Bomb and Cayenne Papaya Craze—targeting gym enthusiasts and foodies.

Chandler trainer John Allen marked 47 years in business after moving his personal training center in late September to the southwest corner of Ocotillo and Alma School roads—aiming to reach more local clients with his customized one-on-one sessions, group training, in-home workouts, and martial arts classes. He said he remains passionate about transforming lives and plans to continue offering a range of tailored fitness and nutrition programs.

At a recent meeting, Chandler Unified School District’s board discussed career and technical education funding and the EVIT issue even though they were not on the official agenda—board member Kurt Rohrs said CFO Lana Berry’s October 8 presentation showed that public concerns were misplaced as the district held over $10 million in excess funds despite a proposed $350,000 cut.

Kyrene School District released a revised campus realignment plan that spares Mirada by shifting the closure from Mirada to Manitas in Tempe (boundary changes will send 300 Manitas students to attend Mirada).

Six hearings are scheduled from Oct. 16 to Nov. 19 and the board will vote on the plan on Dec. 16.

APS and TEP have shown that energy-saving programs save money and power—while Arizona regulators plan to end these mandates.

Chandler Arizona Business Networking Event

11:30 a.m. — La Ristra New Mexican Kitchen — $25 drop-in fee — Network with entrepreneurs and influencers to build valuable business relationships.

The Machine - A Pink Floyd Laser Experience

7-9:30 p.m. — The Showroom At Gila River Hotels & Casinos — Tickets from $19 — Experience a mesmerizing Pink Floyd laser show performed by The Machine.

Live Show with Phan Duy Anh - Tung Yeu

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Showroom At Gila River Hotels & Casinos — $70, $40 — Experience a vibrant live performance by Phan Duy Anh in an exciting casino venue.

Chandler Business Networking Event

11:30 a.m. — La Ristra New Mexican Kitchen — $25 drop-in donation for non-members — Build meaningful connections and collaborate for business growth in a heart-centered community.

Once Upon A Mic Comedy Night

7-10 p.m. — Mic Drop Comedy — Free entry — Enjoy mid-week laughs while discovering Arizona's next stand-up star.

Busta Rhymes Concert

8:00 - 9:30 p.m. — The Showroom At Gila River Hotels & Casinos — Tickets from $49 — Experience an electrifying live performance by the hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes.

Fall Comedy Camp

9 a.m. — Mic Drop Comedy — Cost varies — Hone your comedic talents with workshops and networking opportunities over two days.

Once Upon A Mic

7 p.m. — Mic Drop Comedy — Free entry — Enjoy mid-week laughs featuring emerging talent from the Phoenix comedy scene.

Amulet Estate Tasting

5:00 to 6:30 PM — Vinum 55 Chandler — Reservations recommended — Explore the unique offerings of Amulet Estate with a focus on dedication, terroir, and craft.

Once Upon A Mic

7-10 p.m. — Mic Drop Comedy — Free entry — Experience a night of comedy showcasing Phoenix's rising talent with no drink minimums.