#2: “The Lost Arcade” at The Grid: Games & Growlers, April 15
In anticipation of ZapCon IV, a pinball and classic arcade convention taking place April 16-17 at Mesa Convention Center, The Grid will host a screening of “The Lost Arcade,” a documentary about legendary New York City arcade Chinatown Fair. Arizona Cult Classics presents the screening, which will be followed by game play. $7 (includes free play arcade games). A commemorative poster from Arizona Cult Classics will be availble for $17. 9 p.m. April 15 at The Grid: Games & Growlers in Mesa. facebook.com/gridbararcade
#3: Goodyear Lakeside Music Festival, April 16
Local music artists in a gamut of genres are represented at this sonic soiree in Goodyear, from country (Laura Walsh) and rockabilly (Big Nick & the Gila Monsters) to reggae (Mother Land Soul) and pop punk (Innocent Elaine). There’s even some global music flavor from The Cuban Tribe, featuring two-time Grammy-nominated artist Marcos Crego (pictured). Hard rock band CO-OP, featuring Alice Cooper’s son Dash, will also take the stage. Free. Noon-9 p.m. April 16 at Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater in Goodyear. westvalleyarts.org/goodyear-lakeside-music-festival
#4: Phoenix Improv Festival at Herberger Theater Center, April 14-16
Improvisational troupes from all over the U.S. converge on Downtown Phoenix for three days of spontaneity. More than 25 unscripted theater pieces are typically presented, and a few of this year’s participants include JaxN Reed, Judd and NewHart, and Adrift. Performances are generally suitable for all ages; some content may be PG-13. $10-$20, with dinner packages available for an additional cost. Visit website for showtimes. April 14-16 at Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix. phoeniximprovfestival.com
#5: “Kung Fu Panda 3” at Moonlit Drive-In Movies at the Promenade, April 16
The Moonlight Drive-In Movies series at the Promenade features recent family-friendly films projected onto a 32-foot inflatable screen outdoors. Local food and drink vendors are on hand, along with balloon twisters and face-painters, to add to the fun. The series has partnered with the nonprofit Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, and guests are encouraged to bring donations of paper products, bathroom and bedroom furnishings, and more (complete list available at scottsdalepromenade.com). Families are also encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, or can watch the films from their cars. The April 16 movie is the Jack Black action-comedy, “Kung Fu Panda 3.” (The last two films in the series are “Inside Out” on April 23, and “Alvin & The Chipmunks” on April 30.) Free. 7:30 p.m. April 16 at The Promenade in Scottsdale.
