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By Connor Dziawura
Arizona Cardinals Training Camp
THROUGH AUGUST 15 The Cardinals training camp kicked off in July, but there’s still time to see your favorite players as they prepare for the season ahead. In the weeks leading up to a midmonth preseason debut (check for those details further on in our Top 25), stop by State Farm Stadium for free admission and parking whenever the training camp is underway.Admission is free, but tickets are required. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 602.379.0101, azcardinals.com, various dates and times, free
“Annette”
OPENS AUGUST 6 French writer-director Leos Carax returns with his first film since 2012’s “Holy Motors.” Also Carax’s English-language debut, the musical drama “Annette” stars Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard as a stand-up comedian and opera singer, respectively, who find their lives changed after the birth of their daughter, a “mysterious little girl with an exceptional destiny,” according to the synopsis. To make matters more interesting, the script was co-written by Ron and Russel Mael of the eccentric art pop duo Sparks, who also came up with the story and penned original music for it (they even make appearances in the film). Rated R for sexual content including some nudity, and for language. In theaters (August 6) and on Amazon Prime Video (August 20)
“The Suicide Squad”
OPENS AUGUST 6 Director James Gunn takes the helm for the Suicide Squad’s latest outing. Sort of a reboot, but also a standalone sequel that canonizes the previous effort, this latest film sees the return of several actors and characters from the 2016 film — Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis and Jai Courtney — along
with the addition of some new faces, like Idris Elba, John Cena and Pete Davidson (Sylvester Stallone can be heard as King Shark, too). It looks as if Gunn will bring a new approach to the series, but the foundation of the plot remains the same — the government tasks some bad guys to carry out missions, with bombs implanted in their heads as a form of collateral. Rated R for strong violence and gore, language throughout, some sexual references, drug use and brief graphic nudity. In theaters and on HBO Max
UBU Expo and Europa Games
AUGUST 6 AND AUGUST 7 Don’t miss out on this massive direct-to-consumer trade expo. Open to the general public, there will be more than 300 exhibitors this year, from energy drink, vitamin and supplement sellers to apparel companies, not to mention loads of live events, seminars, contests, a fitness and bodybuilding show, games and, well, there’s too much to cover here. First responders, including military, veterans, hospital staff and those who served on 9/11, get in free the first day, while cosplayers can attend free either day. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.312.6815, westworldaz.com, ubuexpo.com/cities/phoenix, 1 to 10 p.m. August 6, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. August 7, $10-$40, or free for children 5 and younger
Park After Dark
SATURDAYS Get back to mixing and mingling with the community Saturday nights as the Downtown Tempe Authority is continuing its weekly Park After Dark celebration through September 11 — and it’s exactly as it sounds. Head to the Sixth Street Park as the sun begins to set and listen to local music while consuming local food and drink from the likes of Pedal Haus Brewery and nearby restaurants. Live entertainment varies, so check out the event’s web
"Free Guy"
page for all the weekly details. Sixth Street Park, 24 E. Sixth Street, Tempe, 480.355.6060, downtowntempe.com/events/ park-after-dark, 7 to 10 p.m., free
Marc Maron
AUGUST 12 At this stage of his career, Marc Maron should need no introduction. From a major role in Netflix’s “GLOW” to his own show “Maron” on IFC, not to mention his massively popular interview podcast “WTF with Marc Maron” or his long history with writing and stand-up comedy, Maron’s career has been manifold. The latter is where this listing comes into play, as Maron will perform a gig at Downtown’s Stand Up Live. This show is for ages 18 and older. Stand Up Live, 50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 480.719.6100, phoenix. standuplive.com, 7 p.m., $35
Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys
AUGUST 13 Celebrate the start of the football preseason with this matchup, which pits the home team Cardinals against the Dallas Cowboys. In addition to tickets available for in-person viewing at State Farm Stadium, this preseason opener can be viewed on KPNX (Channel 12). See the Cardinals’ website for their full schedule. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 602.379.0101, azcardinals.com, 7 p.m., $25-$117
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Diego Padres
AUGUST 13 TO AUGUST 15 The D-backs face off against Fernando Tatis, Manny Machado and rest of the San Diego Padres numerous times in August. This three-day weekend is noteworthy, though, as Friday night will feature a “Star Wars”-themed postgame
fireworks show, presented by Gila River Hotels & Casinos. On Saturday and Sunday, partner Cox Communications will give away “Star Wars”-themed Christian Sky-walker bobbleheads to the first 10,000 fans. See the D-backs’ website for their full schedule. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.462.6500, mlb.com/dbacks, 6:40 p.m. August 13, 5:10 p.m. August 14, 1:10 p.m. August 15, $19-$290
“Free Guy”
OPENS AUGUST 13 Ryan Reynolds is back in this meta sci-fi action/adventure comedy, which sees Reynolds’ bank teller protagonist realize he is simply a background character in an openworld video game. Co-starring Jodie Comer, Joe Keery, Lil Rel Howery, Utkarsh Ambudkar and Taika Waititi, this one should fill the comedic film void for August, as audiences continue to flock back to theaters after a long absence. Rated PG-13 for strong fantasy violence throughout, language and crude/suggestive references. In theaters
“Respect”
OPENS AUGUST 13 Jennifer Hudson stars as Aretha Franklin in this biopic, which chronicles the legendary singer’s life and career. “Chain of Fools,” the title song “Respect” and so many more — you know the tunes; now learn Franklin’s story. Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Mary J. Blige, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgor and Tate Donovan also add to the stacked cast. Rated PG-13 for mature thematic content, strong language including racial epithets, violence, suggestive material and smoking. In theaters
