🥽 Gilbert’s first "holodeck" opens next week

One thing our town does really well is giving people reasons to get out of the house without driving across the Valley. This week alone you can catch a free movie outside, paint a desert landscape, browse local vendors downtown, or spend an hour battling zombies inside a VR holodeck.

We also wanted to spotlight the redevelopment open house happening tonight ‘cause these community meetings really do help shape what comes next. And if none of that convinces you to leave the couch, we have a whole list you could go through!

🗺️ Have a say in the future of northwest Gilbert tonight

The Gist: Our Town is hosting a community open house tonight, May 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the McQueen Activity Center (510 N. Horne St.) as part of the Gilbert Northwest Redevelopment Plan. The drop-in event gives residents a chance to explore project ideas, talk with the Gilbert Redevelopment Team, and share feedback on what they want to see in the area moving forward.

Why It Matters: Northwest Gilbert is one of the town’s most established areas, and officials say renewed planning efforts are aimed at addressing signs of decline while supporting residents and local businesses. Attendees can enjoy light refreshments and participate in hands-on activities during the event. For more information:

🥽 Gilbert's first VR holodeck park opens at SanTan Village

The Gist: Sandbox VR, the immersive full-body virtual reality experience, opens its first Arizona location at SanTan Village on May 22 at noon. The Gilbert space spans 4,000 square feet with four private holodecks, each fitting 2 to 6 players, and a 1,000-square-foot patio for events. Guests choose from eleven experiences, including licensed adventures from Stranger Things, Squid Game, and Rebel Moon.

Why It Matters: It's a brand-new family and group entertainment option in town, and the franchise team behind it, Andrew Perkinson and Tylor Hardy, picked Gilbert as their Arizona launchpad. With summer heat right around the corner, expect this to become the indoor escape SanTan needed.

What's Next: Guests booking online before opening day get 30% off.

🍦 Roadside charm meets the perfect caffeine kick

The Johnston family’s love letter to the American road trip, Topo Arizona, sits anchored by a giant gopher in the Heritage District.

This summer, the move is a Topo Loco Burrito paired with the new Café Topo Cone. It’s vanilla soft serve with a rich coffee dip and espresso beans, offering a sophisticated jolt that rivals your morning latte. Shaded picnic tables and prickly pear twists make it the neighborhood’s favorite way to beat the heat.

🎾 Indoor rallies and water massage chairs

The desert heat is settling in, but the air is perfectly still inside Center Court Pickleball Club. It is a relief to find ten pristine indoor courts where the wind cannot touch your lob and the atmosphere feels like an easygoing social circle.

Professional players like Jalina Ingram are often around, though the vibe remains approachable for anyone picking up a paddle for the first time. The self-serve bar and hot chocolate make it easy to linger long after the final point is scored.

Spring clinics are currently open for those looking to refine their technique!

Meet Kissmas, a lovely two year old Tabby weighing just 7 pounds.

This social girl is a devoted companion who enjoys draping herself over a friendly shoulder or settling into a warm lap. While she manages IBD with a simple prescription diet, her spirit remains playful and curious.

Currently thriving in a local foster home, she prefers being the only pet in a calm environment. Her adoption fee is $100. She is best suited for a household without other dogs, cats, or young children.

To learn more about this beautiful girl,

🌪️ The Wizard of Oz | Hale Centre Theatre | Gilbert | opens 05/15 | More 
Dorothy, Toto, and the Yellow Brick Road land for opening weekend.

🦊 Gilbert Cinemas: Zootopia 2 | Civic Center Lawn | Gilbert | 05/15 | More 
Blankets, lawn chairs, and a free movie at sunset. Starts at 6:30pm.

🎈 Bursting Bubble 5K Walk & Run | Gilbert Regional Park | Gilbert | 05/16 | More Heartfelt morning of healing and remembrance in a beautiful park setting.

🐶 Follow Your Heart Fundraiser | Texas Roadhouse | Gilbert | 05/19 | More 
Dine out to support animal rescue efforts with your steakhouse favorites.

🐾 Dog Prom: Hollywood | Dogtopia of North Gilbert | Gilbert | 05/19 | More
Whimsical red carpet event: glamorous pup photos and adorable "promposals."

🎤 Kev The Allstar | JP’S Comedy Club | Gilbert | 05/14 | More 
Rhythmic urban storytelling with sharp wit and smooth lyrical flows.

⛵ Yacht Rock Tribute | Hale Centre Theatre | Gilbert | 05/15 onwards | More
Smooth soul and polished soft-rock grooves in an intimate theater-in-the-round.

🍝 Spring Arizona Restaurant Week | Various Locations | around and beyond Gilbert | 05/15 onwards | More 
Special three-course prix-fixe menus at premier dining destinations.

🥂 National Mimosa Day | Sip & Shop at Verde | Gilbert | 05/16 | More 
Lavender honey and prickly pear mimosas with DIY craft bars.

🏃 OHSO Many Miles | OHSO Brewery | Gilbert | 05/20 | More 
Casual weekly 5k group run followed by social drinks and dog-friendly patio vibes.

Thanks for reading Our Newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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