Resolve to explore metro Phoenix this weekend

Jan. 1 is widely recognized as a global reboot, an opening day of sorts for those looking for a fresh start.

New Year's Day connotes a beginning rather than just another day. And considering it kicks off what for many will be a four-day weekend, you may take it in that spirit and explore some events and venues with a fresh eye.

If you're willing to pull yourself away from the less-exciting college bowls, here are things to do and see on the first weekend of 2015.

Zoppé Italian Family Circus

Before circuses required rotating platforms and computerized lights and specially designed multimillion-dollar theaters (we're looking at you, Las Vegas), all they needed were tents, some acrobats and perhaps a pack of trained dogs. This circus goes back to 1842, when one ring was plenty.

Details: Through Sunday, Jan. 4. 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. $15-$36. 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org.

Downtown Gilbert

You may be among the many who still believe "downtown Gilbert" is an oxymoron, but you would be unwise to write off an area just because its skyline is dominated by a water tower. Such trendy spots as Postino East and Zinburger have joined Joe's Real BBQ and the, um, let's just say very interesting Champions Sports Saloon. With lots to do and plenty of free parking, you would be silly to write off Do-Gil. (Even though no one calls it that — yet.)

Details: visitgilbert.net.

Shopping al fresco

With crisp weather due to recede in just a few months, hug those sweaters tight and enjoy a climate-control-free environment. Choose among any number of outdoor malls and farmers markets, but it's hard to beat the scenery at the Farm at South Mountain, which this weekend hosts the Botanica Open Air Market. Browse freshly made everything, including bread and cheese and pasta and barbecue sauce and … well, you get the idea.

Details: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through spring. (The Farm closes during summer.) 6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix. Free. 602-368-1385, thefarmatsouthmountain.com.

Mesa MAC Fest

Although you enjoyed the coffeemaker your significant other gave you for Christmas, perhaps you didn't get the unique gift you were hoping for. Cut out the middleman at this arts-and-crafts fair in downtown Mesa, where you'll find jewelry, paintings, photos, pottery, candles, pet-related items and more.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3 (and the first and third Saturday through April). Along Macdonald between Main Street and Pepper Place, Mesa. Free. macfestmesa.com.

Musical Instrument Museum

Do your kids like to drum on pots and pans? Are you surprised when you find yourself dancing along? Offer them a new appreciation of rhythm and tone during Family Weekend at the MIM. Make a one-note squawker horn, listen to a Dixieland jazz band, take a mini-tour or dance in a New Year's parade.

Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4. 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. $10-$20. 480-478-6000, mim.org.

Dog park at Sahuaro Ranch Park

Assuming you've resolved to treat your pooch to one new adventure a month — or at least getting it more exercise — this park is perfect for such an outing. There's much to do and see for canines and humans alike. Bring along a responsible buddy to supervise the dog while you roam the historical area with its 13 buildings, rose garden and barnyard.

Details: Park is open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Historical area is open 6 a.m.-sunset daily. 9802 N. 59th Ave., Glendale. Free. 623-930-4200, www.glendaleaz.com/ParksandRecreation/.

Phoenix Art Museum

How long as it been since your last visit? If you've seen the dentist more than twice in that time, the museum is worth a fresh look. And on Sunday, Jan. 4, you can see the Broadway play "Of Mice and Men" without the inconvenience of going to New York. The museum hosts National Theatre Live's high-definition broadcast of the play starring James Franco and Chris O'Dowd. It starts at 2 p.m.; tickets are $18.

Details: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays (10 a.m.-10 p.m. First Friday), noon-5 p.m. Sundays. 625 N. Central Ave. $6-$15. 602-257-1880, phxart.org.

Outdoor ice skating

Several rinks offer year-round indoor skating, but only one lets you carve figure 8s with a view of high-rises and blue sky. The catch? It's a temporary rink that ends with the chill weather. Start the new year on the right (or left) skate at CityRink, the outdoor rink at CityScape in downtown Phoenix. There are two sessions daily through Feb. 2, but this could be the best weekend to go based on A) nearly round-the-clock college-football bowl games, and B) the number of people nursing headaches and regret from an overly indulgent New Year's Eve.

Details: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. daily; 4-11 p.m. Sundays-Fridays; 4 p.m.-midnight Saturdays. 1 E. Washington St., Phoenix. $12; discounts for military personnel, seniors, students and age 4 or younger. 602-772-3900, cityskatephx.com.

Reach the reporter at scott.craven@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8773.