Tip Your Hat to Horse Power
Welcome the Hashknife riders as they complete a 200-mile journey on horseback from Holbrook to Scottsdale, delivering thousands of letters, April 16. This annual re-enactment of Western history is the longest-running Pony Express ride in the nation. Festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. with the riders arriving at high noon, Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Rd., Scottsdale, hashknifeponyexpress.com.
Immerse Yourself in Beautiful Gardens
Phoenix Home & Garden hosts its annual self-guided Garden Tour, April 17, featuring six residential properties designed by landscape professionals and homeowners. Magazine editors, as well as several of the designers and homeowners, are on hand to answer questions. A portion of the proceeds benefits a local charity. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $75; VIP, $150, includes brunch and an additional private garden landscape. Advance purchase only. Phoenix, Arcadia, Paradise Valley and Scottsdale, phgmag.com/gardentour.
Experience a Blast from the Past at Melrose Market
More than 50 vendors and pop-up shops offer handmade goods, vintage collections, art, food and odd delights at the Melrose Vintage Market, April 18. Vendors are local dealers and artists, so all purchases support the community. A complimentary KidZone features such vintage driveway games as jump rope, hopscotch and hula hoops. Masks are required, and leashed and friendly dogs are welcome. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 700 W. Campbell Ave., Phoenix, melrosevintagemarket.com.
Jazz Up Your Weekend at The Nash
NOLAZ channels the energy of New Orleans and brings a little bit of the Big Easy party music to Arizona as part of the Nash Under the Stars outdoor concert series, April 18. The eight-piece Valley band plays jazz-infused groove and soul music, from The Neville Brothers to Allen Toussaint, The Meters to Galactic, and Dirty Dozen Brass Band to Trombone Shorty. Seating is socially distanced, with beer, wine and soft drinks available for purchase. 3 p.m. $39-$62.50. Venue 122 (Arizona Jewish Historical Society garden), 122 E. Culver St., Phoenix, thenash.org. Livestreamed simulcast tickets also are available for those who prefer to enjoy the concert at home, $20.
Enjoy a Feel-Good Musical
Messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life as the story of Jesus dances across the stage in Godspell, through April 18. The musical features various theatrical traditions, such as clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics and vaudeville, and a parade of beloved songs, including “Day by Day,” “All for the Best” and “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord.” Call for times. $13-$19. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Dr., Anthem, 623-336-6001, musicaltheatreofanthem.org.
