Good morning, Gilbert. Extreme heat arrives Tuesday through Thursday, with afternoon temperatures from 105 to 109, so outdoor plans are better early.

  • 🥃 1933 Lounge is coming to The Gilmore. The St. Elmo concept is planned for Val Vista and Germann; the opening date has not been announced.
  • 🌮 Tacos Tijuana is coming to Agritopia. The family-run food truck is planning a Barnone opening; the exact October date has not been announced.
  • 📚 Libraries have family programs Tuesday and Wednesday. Storytimes, crafts, LEGO Hour, and Lotería are on the calendar.
  • 🏫 Higley students are outperforming state averages. A new report looks at proficiency across the southeast Gilbert district.
  • 🎵 A few Valley shows are worth the drive. Eihwar, Thievery Corporation, and Shaboozey play Tempe and Phoenix this week.

The Gilmore adds a speakeasy concept

1933 Lounge by St. Elmo is planned for The Gilmore at Val Vista and Germann, giving Gilbert another major restaurant and nightlife tenant to watch.

  • Concept: 1933 Lounge by St. Elmo, from the group behind St. Elmo Steak House.
  • Location: The Gilmore, at Val Vista and Germann.
  • Timing: The exact opening date has not been announced.
  • Operator: Huse Culinary, a family-owned restaurant group based in Indianapolis.

The St. Elmo name dates to 1902, while 1933 Lounge is built around a speakeasy theme. For Gilbert, the bigger story is The Gilmore continuing to take shape as a new commercial destination along the Val Vista corridor.

What to watch: More details on the restaurant’s buildout and opening date at Go Gilbert.

The week

  • 🥂 Labor Day Brunch is Monday, September 7. Brunch entrées cost $17 and include a Monster Mimosa or 12-ounce Arizona beer, with drink specials from 9 AM to 6 PM. Details.
  • 🌾 Agritopia Farm Tour runs Tuesday, September 8. The seasonal tour covers the land’s history, farming decisions, and current field rhythms. Details.
  • 📖 Perry Library has storytimes Tuesday, September 8. Toddler Storytime starts at 10:15 AM, followed by Family Storytime at 11:15 AM. Details.
  • 🎨 Southeast Regional Library has kids’ crafts Tuesday, September 8. Watercolor Resist Painting starts at 4 PM for youth and tweens. Details.
  • 🎹 High Key Wednesdays returns Wednesday, September 9. Cactus Keys brings a dueling-pianos show to Backyard Gilbert. Details.
  • 🍿 Arizona Wilderness hosts movie night Wednesday, September 9. The Gilbert Brewhub pairs the film with tasting-room drinks at 7 PM. Details.
  • 🎤 Rio Grande plays O.H.S.O. Gilbert Friday, September 11. Live music lands in the Heritage District for the start of the weekend. Details.

Around Gilbert

🌮 Tacos Tijuana is headed to Barnone at Agritopia. The Torres family plans an opening in October, but the exact date has not been announced, after years of running the food truck around the Valley. The menu is expected to include carne asada, al pastor carved from the trompo, pressed-to-order corn tortillas, and Salsa Adolfa. Details.

🥩 Fogo de Chão is now open in Gilbert. A recent local visit highlighted the Brazilian steakhouse’s large bar, open kitchen, patio, dining room, and Market Table. Details.

🏠 Gilbert’s median sale price is $579,000. That is down 1% from a year ago, according to the latest Redfin figure. Details.

From the schools

🏫 Higley Unified students are above Arizona proficiency averages. A new Gilbert Sun News report examines academic performance in the district covering southeast Gilbert. Details.

Around the Valley

A few picks worth leaving Gilbert for this week:

🎵 Eihwar at Marquee Theatre. The one-night show lands in Tempe on Monday, September 7. A close-in Valley option for a same-night concert. Tickets.

🎸 Thievery Corporation at The Van Buren. The electronic act plays downtown Phoenix on Tuesday, September 8. A solid midweek trip for live music. Tickets.

🤠 Shaboozey at Arizona Financial Theatre. The country performer plays downtown Phoenix on Tuesday, September 8. A larger-room show for the week. Tickets.