Pizzeria Bianco
James Beard Award-winning pizza. The reservation game is real — book ahead or arrive when they open.
Things to Do
Phoenix beyond the convention center
You've got four days. The desert has more than you think — if you know what's open in August.
First, the heat
August in Phoenix is hot. Plan accordingly.
Indoor activities crush outdoor ones for most of the day
Sunrise (around 5:45 AM) and sunset (around 7:30 PM) windows are spectacular outdoor moments. Midday outdoor anything will cook you. Plan around it: hike at sunrise, museum at noon, dinner outside after sunset.
Eat & drink
Walking distance from the venue
Matt's Big Breakfast
Phoenix institution. Get there early on weekend mornings. Worth the wait.
La Santisima
Gourmet street tacos. Casual, fast, the kind of place locals send their out-of-town friends.
Crescent Ballroom
Live music venue and bar with great food. The bar opens early; live shows kick off most evenings.
The Churchill
Open-air food hall in shipping containers. Multiple food and drink options under one shared misted patio.
Bitter & Twisted
Cocktail bar with a serious menu. Reservations recommended for groups.
See the desert
Worth the drive (most are 30 min or less)
Desert Botanical Garden
30 min from venue. Sunset visits are essential — the desert plants light up. Open until 8 PM in summer; check sunset hours timed for that.
Camelback Mountain
Iconic Phoenix hike with city views. Sunrise only in August (5:30 AM trailhead) — do not attempt midday in summer. For experienced hikers; bring more water than you think you need.
Heard Museum
Native American art and culture. Air-conditioned, world-class collection. Easy half-day visit.
Papago Park & Hole-in-the-Rock
Short hike to a famous rock formation with city views. Best at golden hour. Easier than Camelback — family-friendly.
Coffee + after hours
Where locals go
Cartel Roasting Co.
Phoenix's premier specialty coffee roaster. Multiple downtown locations. Laptop-friendly, strong Wi-Fi.
Press Coffee
Local mini-chain with a downtown location near the convention center. Good for early morning sessions or pre-conference work.
Roosevelt Row arts district
Saturday gallery walks the first week of every month. Walkable from downtown. Murals, indie galleries, food trucks.
Crescent Ballroom (after dark)
By night this is a live music venue. Indie and touring acts most weekends. Cover varies; check the calendar.
Extending your stay?
Day trips worth the drive
Sedona
2 hr drive north.
Red rock country. Cooler than Phoenix in August. Great for a day trip or overnight.
Grand Canyon
4 hr drive north.
Plan an overnight if you go. The South Rim is the standard visitor experience; sunrise + sunset both worth witnessing.
Tucson + Saguaro NP
2 hr drive south.
Saguaro National Park has the iconic giant cacti. Tucson's food scene is excellent. Cooler at higher elevation.
What to pack