Get your fill of festivals and fun times with this month-by-month look at the Valley’s high season.
(PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK RESPECTIVE WEBSITES FOR POTENTIAL CANCELLATIONS, POSTPONEMENTS AND UPDATED INFORMATION BEFORE ATTENDING)
Arizona Fine Art Expo
Through March 27
Guests can meet and watch nationally acclaimed, award-winning and emerging artists at work in 124 patron-friendly studios as Thunderbird Artists hosts this art adventure. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 26540 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-837-7163, arizonafineartexpo.com
Holiday Lights
Through January 2
Hop on board the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and experience a winter wonderland of holiday lights and displays. 6:30-9 p.m. daily with a few exceptions. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale, 480-312-2312, therailroadpark.com
Glendale Glitters
Through January 9
Millions of lights illuminate the historic downtown area in this hometown holiday celebration. 5-10 p.m. nightly. 58th and Glendale avenues, Glendale, 623-930-2299, glendaleaz.com/event
Arizona Musicfest
January 7-April 29
This multi-month festival features the nation’s top artists of classical, cahmaber, jazz, rock ’n’ roll, country, bluegrass and pop. Highlights include: Chris Mann, Jan. 7; Bernadette Peters, Jan. 28; and Sergio Mendes, Jan. 31. North Scottsdale/Phoenix venues, 480-422-8449, azmusicfest.org
Tango Argentina at The Madison Center for the Arts
January 13-14
Performing for the first time in Arizona at The Madison Center for the Arts, Tango Argentina is a stunning new production which explores the evolution of Tango and the history of its birthplace: Buenos Aires. Audiences will discover the sensuality and charisma of this dance and music genre alongside eight dancers and a quartet of live musicians, all of whom are experts in the art of Tango. The Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N 16th St., Phoenix, (602) 664-7777 themadison.org/tango-argentina
Phoenix Fan Fusion
January 14-16
Fans of superheroes, fantasy, anime and other geek culture come together for this comic book and pop culture convention, which features cosplay, comic artists, authors and contests. Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third St., Phoenix, phoenixfanfusion.com
Celebration of Fine Art
January 15-March 27
This juried invitational gathering features 100 renowned and emerging artists who show and sell their gallery-quality work in an intimate studio setting. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. 18400 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, 480-443-7695, celebrateart.com
Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon
January 16
Participants run to the beat of local bands while friends cheer them on at this marathon and half marathon, which winds through Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe, and concludes with a festival at Tempe Beach Park. Kids’ races and a 5K, Jan. 15; and a 10K, Jan. 16, are included. It’s the Valley’s signature running event. runrocknroll.com/events/arizona
Native Arts Festival
January 22-23
This multicultural celebration of tribal arts, crafts and entertainment showcases handcrafted creations by Native American and Southwestern artisans, along with unique health and wellness products. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fountain Hills Town Center, Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, 480-837-1654, carefreeazfestivals.com
Russo and Steele Collector Car Auction
January 27-30
Auction action is in high gear as hundreds of European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and custom collector cars cross the auction block. 18601 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 602-252-2697, russoandsteele.com
Arizona Balloon Classic
January 28-30
Dozens of hot air balloons fill the sky during Hare & Hound races; then light up the night during Desert Glows. A kite festival, stunt bike shows, tethered balloon rides, a beer garden, fireworks and children’s activities add to the festivities. Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear, abcfest.com
PHOENIX Magazine Food Festival
January (TBD)
Check out phoenixmag.com this fall for all the delicious details about our imminent winter food festival, featuring many of the dishes appearing in our January 101 Best Dishes in the Valley feature.
