🌟 Your full Gilbert spring weekend, sorted

April in Gilbert has its own particular feel. The mornings are still worth stepping outside for, the evenings stretch just enough to make patio plans feel earned, and somehow the calendar fills itself without any effort from you.

This week has that energy in full. A globe-spanning festival on the Civic Center lawn, a Broadway-style circus at Gilbert Regional Park, a farmers market built for moms, and a restaurant that a chef literally moved back to his hometown to open.

The Scoop practically wrote itself. Here's everything worth knowing this week:

🚗 Loop 202 Alma School Ramp Now Open!

The Gist: The Arizona Department of Transportation has officially reopened the eastbound Loop 202 off-ramp at Alma School Road after weeks of reconstruction. While this helps the flow between Loop 101 and Val Vista Drive, new 60-day closures are hitting the westbound on-ramp at Cooper Road (started April 3) and the westbound off-ramp at McQueen Road (starting April 17). Use Gilbert Road or Arizona Avenue as your work-around for these latest shifts.

Why It Matters: It’s a bit of a "one step forward, two steps back" feeling, but these upgrades are essential for easing our East Valley traffic long-term. Just remember to keep it at 55 mph through the work zones to keep our road crews safe while they finish the job.

What’s Next: Keep an eye out for more relief soon: the Arizona Avenue westbound off-ramp should open mid-April, followed by McQueen Road (eastbound on-ramp) in early May, and Cooper Road (eastbound off-ramp) in mid-May.

🌮 The moody Latin kitchen Gilbert has been craving

The Mission has officially brought its moody, candlelit charm to Epicenter at Agritopia, grounding the East Valley with a sophisticated take on modern Latin flavors.

With Cinco de Mayo on the horizon, anticipation is already building for the holiday energy that has made their other locations legendary.

Going for the tableside guacamole ritual or a crisp blanco tequila? The layered, salt-brick interior offers a polished sanctuary that feels like a natural, long-awaited addition to the neighborhood.

✨ Clean beauty finally found its home in Agritopia

The corner at Epicenter now has Freed Beauty, a new addition where ingredient labels are actually easy to read. Alicia Freed opened this studio with the belief that personal care should be as clean as the food we eat.

The space houses a thoughtful collection of skincare and grooming brands, including high quality options for men like Jack Henry. It is a quiet, intentional spot to refine a daily routine alongside neighbors like Salt & Straw.

🐕‍🦺 Eyen is a three year old Airedale mix weighing 42 pounds

He currently serves as a center wallflower, a sensitive soul who views loud noises like unwanted telemarketing calls. He is looking for a house with a yard rather than a busy apartment.

Eyen needs a confident dog sibling to show him the ropes and would be happiest with children ages 12 and up. His $350 adoption fee helps him find his forever hero.

To learn more about this quirky guy,

🎡 Spring Carnival | Finley Farms Elementary | Gilbert | 04/10 | More 
Free community fair with a petting zoo, inflatables, and sensory-friendly play time.

🌍 Gilbert Global Village Festival | Civic Center Lawn | Gilbert | 04/11 | More 
Free multicultural celebration featuring two stages of live cultural performances!

🛍️ Made for Mama Market & Expo | Regional Park | Gilbert | 04/11-04/12 | More
Two-day shopping event with 150 local vendors, food trucks, live music, and more.

🏎️ STEM Saturday: Arduino Dragster | HD SOUTH | Gilbert | 04/11 | More 
Build and program a custom microcontroller car to take home after class.

🍔 Celebration Weekend | Mission Church | Gilbert | 04/11 | More 
A gathering featuring a dunk tank, free hamburgers, and high-energy festivities.

🌼 Play Date on the Green | Verde at Cooley Station | Gilbert | 04/14 | More 
Enjoy a sunny morning with bounce houses, themed crafts, and lawn picnics.

🎬 Taproom Movie Night | Arizona Wilderness Brewpub | Gilbert | 04/08 | More
Relaxed evening with themed films paired with craft brews and locally sourced food.

😂 Andy Gold Live | JP's Comedy Club | Gilbert | 04/10-04/11 | More 
Sharp, high-energy stand-up to Gilbert's favorite intimate club.

🎸 Arizona Bike Week: Ted Nugent | 7 E Elliot Rd | Gilbert | 04/11 | More 
Gritty, high-octane rock performance in the center of the desert's largest bike rally.

🌸 Mount Fuji Blossoms Paint & Sip | Pinot's Palette | Gilbert | 04/11 | More
An evening cherry blossom painting class to end the Global Village Festival weekend!

🧘 Pilates on the Green | Verde at Cooley Station | Gilbert | 04/11 | More 
Refreshing free outdoor session open to all levels. Bring your own mat and water!

🍪 Gluten Free Market | Genuine Fresche | Gilbert | 04/12 | More 
A wellness-focused marketplace featuring gluten-free treats and holistic vendors.

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

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