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)
Celebration of Fine Art
Through March 27
This juried invitational art gathering, featuring renowned and emerging artists, continues. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. 18400 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, 480-443-7695, celebrateart.com
Arizona Musicfest
February 4-April 29
This multi-month festival features the nation’s top artists of classical, chamber, jazz, rock ’n’ roll, country, bluegrass and pop. Highlights include: Steve Tyrell, Feb. 4; A Star Is Born: The Concert, Feb. 7; Music City Hit-Makers, Feb. 14; Kenny G, Feb. 19; Festival Sinfonia, Feb. 20; Inon Barnatan and the Festival Orchestra, Feb. 24; Festival Orchestra Pops: A Salute to Arizona and the Wild West Feb. 25; and Beethoven’s Ninth: Ode to Joy, Feb. 27. North Scottsdale/Phoenix venues, 480-422-8449, azmusicfest.org
Parada del Sol
February 5
Everyone’s a cowboy or cowgirl at the Parada del Sol Parade, which saunters through downtown Scottsdale, followed by the festive Trail’s End block party in Old Town. Downtown Scottsdale, scottsdaleparade.com
Arizona Renaissance Festival
February 5-April 3
It’s back. Huzzah! See the caption on page 112 for full details. Saturdays-Sundays, plus President’s Day, Feb. 21, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 12601 E. Hwy. 60, Gold Canyon, 520-463-2600, renfestinfo.com
Concours in the Hills
February 12
More than 1,000 collector and high-performance cars representing most makes and models take over the gently rolling slopes and green grass around the lake and world-famous fountain. Proceeds benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Fountain Park, 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills, 480-837-1654, concoursinthehills.org
Hoop Dance Contest
February 12-13
Enjoy the fast-paced precision, grace and creativity of hoop dancing as top hoop dancers from the U.S. and Canada compete for cash prizes and the title of world champion. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-252-8848, heard.org
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
February 17-27
Since 1955, this show has been a pacesetter in the Arabian horse world, growing from 50 horses to nearly 2,400 of the world’s finest steeds, each competing for the title of “Scottsdale Champion.” WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, 480-515-1500, scottsdaleshow.com
Fountain Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts
February 25-27
This juried show in the northeast Valley features nearly 500 artists from across the nation, plus live music, food booths and beer gardens. Feb. 25-26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Avenue of the Fountains and Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills, 480-837-1654, fountainhillsartfairs.com
Devour Week
February (TBD)
As this issue went to press, organizer Local First Arizona hoped to repeat the home-delivery format of the 2021 event, instead of the traditional on-location food festival at Desert Botanical Gardens, citing labor shortages in the local restaurant industry. devourphoenix.com
Hashknife Pony Express
February (TBD)
Welcome the Hashknife riders as they complete a 200-mile journey on horseback from Holbrook to Scottsdale, delivering thousands of letters. This re-enactment of Western history is the longest-running Pony Express ride in the nation. Riders arrive at high noon at a soon-to-be-announced Scottsdale location, 480-686-9539, hashknifepony-express.com
Schnepf Farms
Seasonal
This family farm features a country store and bakery, hayrides, “u-pick” organic gardens and orchards, farm tours, a petting barn and a variety of special events. A peach blossom celebration (February/March), July Fourth festival, holiday lights and pumpkin patch (October) are highlights. 24610 S. Rittenhouse Rd., Queen Creek, 480-987-3100, schnepffarms.com
