Changing Lives Center

Get ready for a unique and imaginative way to experience classic storybook characters. The Great Arizona Puppet Theater is the place to be. From Rumpelstiltskin to The Tale of Peter Rabbit, you'll be amazed by the artistry of puppetry and the incredible skill of our professional puppeteers and theater artists. They offer entertaining and educational shows for students, and their repertoire of over 60 shows ranges from original stories about the environment to fun versions of fairy tales. They even provide study guides free of charge to enhance the experience for students and parents. Visit the historic building year-round, or catch one of the traveling shows at schools, libraries, child cares, and community centers all over Arizona and beyond. And see the adults-only Puppet Slam night for a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by taking a self-guided quarter-mile nature trail that features over 1,500 recorded petroglyphs on nearly 600 boulders, native desert plants, and animals in their natural habitat at the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve. The preserve also has historical research data and displays of ongoing Southwest archaeology research by ASU faculty and students. The museum, gallery, trail, and free audio tour are available for the petroglyph trail. The university has been operating, protecting, and preserving the site since 1994, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore and learn more about the area and indigenous cultures through guided tours, publications, and ongoing lecture series.

Explore the unique experience combining music, food, and community by visiting the M3F Music Festival. By attending the Festival, you're not only enjoying great music and food, but you're also making a difference in your community. Enjoy and experience the energy and enthusiasm of people coming together in the name of music, culture, and charity. One of the Festival's standout features is the Ponderosa Vendor Village, which offers a cool and refreshing break from the desert heat. Here, you can find local vendors selling everything from swag to snacks, all inspired by the Ponderosa forests of Northern Arizona. Of course, every festival is complete with delicious food and drinks. M3F has you covered there, too, with a selection of local food trucks offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. And remember the amazing mixologists who will be whipping up some delicious drinks.