Experience Old-World Circus Acts
Zoppé Italian Family Circus proves that the show must go on with the debut of its live, multimedia drive-in circus. Featuring a human cannonball, Tulga the Strong Man, the Wheel of Death, aerial displays, equestrian showmanship and swinging trapeze artists, the extravaganza takes place in the Big Surf parking lot on an elevated circus ring viewed from the safety of your own vehicle. Fans can bring chairs and tailgate while the action unfolds in front of them, with sound transmitted via their FM radio. Daily matinees and nightly performances continue through January 10. Tickets start at $49 per carload. Big Surf, 1500 N. Hayden Rd., Tempe, zoppe.net
Say Cheers to the New Year with a Bloody Mary
If you celebrated the passing of 2020 more than you should have, National Bloody Mary Day arrives just in time, serving up one of the world’s most popular hangover cures on January 1. Sip on the hair-of-the-dog drink on the socially distanced patio of Daily Dose, which offers three versions of the morning-after elixir. We recommend the DD Bacon Bloody Mary, which is made with house-infused bacon vodka and your choice of DD original or Clamato Creole bloody mary mix, topped with bacon, celery, cucumber and a green olive garnish, $7.75. 4020 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-994-3673; 1928 E. Highland Ave., Phoenix, 602-274-0334; and 96 S. Rockford Dr., Tempe, 602-274-0334, dailydosegrill.com
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Enjoy a guided tour of Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center while hearing stories about such native wildlife as mountain lions, Mexican gray wolves, bobcats, coyotes, coatimundi, mule deer, black bears, foxes, great horned owls, and red-tailed and Harris’ hawks. Reserve online for each Walk with Wildlife Tour as space is limited to ensure social distancing. 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., January 1-2. $25, adults; $15, children 3-13. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, 27026 N. 156th St., Scottsdale, 480-471-3621, southwestwildlife.org
Pack Up the Kids for a Drive-In Puppet Show
There’s a whole lot of huffing and puffing going on in The Three Little Pigs, the classic story about the dangers of shoddy home construction. Reservations and pre-payment are required for the drive-in production. Insider tip: Download a Study & Activity Guide from the website to make some puppets to play along with during the show, and order breakfast delivered directly to your vehicle from Fair Trade Café (details will be sent after reservation is made). 10 a.m., January 2. $30-$40 per carload. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org
Bask in the Glow from the Warmth of Your Car
Visitors are immersed in millions of colorful lights synchronized to holiday classics played over their radios during World of Illumination’s 1-mile drive-through light shows. Hundreds of animated displays are included, plus such highlights as a 36-foot-tall animated snowman at the Tempe location and a 500-foot-long tunnel in Glendale. 6-10 p.m. nightly through January 3. $29-$39; advance ticket purchase only. Tempe Diablo Stadium 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe; and Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale, 855-785-0855, worldofillumination.com
