There's a lot of good stuff going on, in addition to some sweet bars, while you're in town.
Thursday - July 16th: The Andrew Jackson Jihad (
http://andrewjacksonjihad.com) CD release & tour kickoff show @ The Trunk Space (
http://thetrunkspace.com). You can catch one of downtown's most beloved bands in one of the best venues for indie shows. It will be sweaty, but fun!
Friday - If you like folksy / singer-songwriter stuff at all, Michelle Blades and Male Pattern Radness (who skew toward comedy more than folks) have a free show @ Conspire on 5th St & Garfield (close to the light rail). The Firehouse (1st St & Roosevelt, super-close to light rail) have FireStage, which is like an open mic but better - it's more like a variety show.
Saturday - Is the Hi My Name is Ryan / Pillowfort Tour kickoff @ Trunk Space. Ryan is the subject of the doc Hi My Name is Ryan (
http://himynameisryan.com) and Pillowfort is a personal monologue / sound / neat thing project. It will definitely be something different, but I think unique to Phoenix.
Sunday - Mig's doing his NOVA dj night @ Yucca Tap Room (which you should experience anyway).
I honestly don't know where people really catch baseball games on TV in sportsbar-like atmospheres in downtown. Majerle's (3rd St & Washington)? Alice Cooper'stown? If all else fails, there's always Hooters at Arizona Center.
Oh yeah, if you're at the Clarendon, I've heard good things about their newish restaurant, Gallo Blanco. Also, they have a pretty sweet pool and I believe they have DJs out there playing often.
If you're in the mood for any improv comedy, we (
http://thetorchtheatre.com) have shows on Thursday (probably too early), Friday, and Saturday. If you're interested, message me here & I'll comp you + 1 for whatever show you can make (and any Shizz folks you bring can get in 2-for-1).
There are so many fun bars / eateries in downtown: Bikini Lounge, Lost Leaf, Ruby Room (which often has live music), George and Dragon, Rose and Crown, Lolo's Chicken and Waffles, Fez, Switch (excellent brunch), La Tolteca, etc.
Also: YOU HAVE A FUCKING MATHMAN AVATAR!