🎃 12 fall things and more to do this weekend (pumpkins included)

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Big shoutout to the Gilbert parents, grandparents, and caretakers holding it down this spooky season!

We see you juggling school runs, costume ideas, and sugar highs. If you need a break (or something fun to do with the kids that isn’t screen time) we’ve got a few gems in here. Slime lab? Spooky swim? It’s all in the mix.

🍳 Spice, Sunshine & Shakshuka Dreams

There’s something joyful about a late morning at Rayoog Café: families chatting over Turkish coffee, fresh bread coming out warm and fragrant, and tables crowded with colorful plates.

The za’atar-and-cheese bread boat is an instant favorite, and the shakshuka? Comfort in a skillet. It’s the kind of place that reminds you good food doesn’t need fuss; just fresh ingredients, friendly faces, and a little Middle Eastern magic. Learn more here.

🧪 Gooey Good Times Ahead

Part science lab, part creative playground, Slimeatory is every kid’s dream come true.

You get to pick your slime base, choose colors, scents, and toppings, then don a lab coat to mix up your masterpiece at the DIY bar. Staff make the experience extra special with their patience and smiles. Clean, colorful, and joyfully messy: it’s hands-on fun for all ages.
Learn more here.

🚰 Halfway There: Water Plant Upgrade Reaches Milestone

The Gist: The $692 million North Water Treatment Plant rebuild has reached its halfway point. When finished, the 21-acre facility will treat up to 60 million gallons of water a day, enough for 250,000 residents and roughly 70% of the area’s water supply. Town leaders say the project will provide dependable, clean water for generations.

Why It Matters: The upgraded plant secures Gilbert’s water future amid growth and changing river conditions. Construction continues through 2028, with partial water processing expected to begin next summer. Read more here.

🪣 Gilbert Unveils Arizona’s First Monitored Donation Bins

The Gist: Gilbert has teamed up with Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona to introduce the state’s first solar-powered, monitored donation containers at Discovery Park and Cactus Yards. The 20-foot bins are equipped with safety lighting, 24/7 video monitoring, and smart sensors that alert staff when full, making giving both easier and safer.

Why It Matters:
Residents can now donate clothes, housewares, and more around the clock, helping neighbors in need while keeping reusable items out of landfills. Read more here.

Tilly is a 3-year-old Shepherd/Husky mix with big energy and a playful spirit.

Rescued from the reservation, she’s grown into a friendly girl who loves toys, car rides, and curling up beside her people. Tilly walks beautifully on a leash, is house trained, and enjoys the company of other dogs.

She’s fully vetted, microchipped, and waiting to meet her forever family right here in Arizona. Adoption fee: $200.

To learn more about this sweet young lady, click HERE.

🎭 Gilbert Art Walk | Heritage District | Gilbert | 10/18 | More
Shop local art, enjoy live music, and stroll through a vibrant community showcase.

🎃 The Great Gilbert Gourd Hunt | Water Tower Plaza | Gilbert | 10/18 | More
Scavenger hunt day and live pumpkin carving by world-renowned artist Ray Villafane.

🐾 HOWLoween Dog Costume Party | Hair of the Dog | Gilbert | 10/18 | More
A tail-wagging Halloween bash with food trucks, music, vendors, and more.

💦 Pumpkin Splash BOO Bash | Goldfish Swim School | Gilbert | 10/19 | More
A free Halloween pool party with crafts, raffles, a costume contest, and a “spooky swim”!

🧪 Halloween Junior Mixology Class | HD SOUTH | Gilbert | 10/19 | More
A fun, hands-on drink-making workshop for little ghouls and goblins.

🍨 FROSTAiLS Girls Night Out | Verde at Cooley Station | Gilbert | 10/22 | More
A night of K-Pop choreography, snowflake drinks, and creamy Bingsu!

🍵 Tea Blending Night | 1341 N Alexis Dr | Gilbert | 10/17 | More
Sip, stir, and conjure your own custom tea potion in this fun Hocus Pocus workshop.

🧡 Finally Fall Vintage Market | C&J’s Antiques & Garden | Gilbert | 10/18 | More
Charming fall finds, antiques, and handmade goods from guest artists and collectors.

🥨 Oktoberfest at the Park | O.H.S.O. Brewery | Gilbert | 10/18 | More
Bavarian feels for a day: craft pours, German fare, and festival vibes from 1–6 PM.

🦆 Desert Rivers Audubon Bird Walk | Higley Ponds Wetlands | Gilbert | 10/20 | More
A free guided walk among ponds teeming with avocets, towhees, and thrashers.

🎹 High Keys Wednesday | Backyard Gilbert | Gilbert | 10/22 | More
High-energy night of dueling pianos, singalongs, and pure midweek fun with Cactus Keys.

If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.