Newcomers’ Guide to Events & Festivals in April 2023

Garden Tour
April (TBD)
Phoenix Home & Garden hosts this annual self-guided tour featuring several 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. Valleywide, phgmag.com

Celebrity Fight Night
April 1
Winning the fight for local charities since 1994, this star-studded evening attracts celebrities from across the country. Proceeds support Gateway for Cancer Research. 5 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, 5350 E. Marriott Dr., Phoenix, 602-956-1121, celebrityfightnight.org

Art in the Garden
April 1-2
Local artists share new works in florals, botanicals, ceramics, wood and wearable art, complemented by live music, art and garden demonstrations, a silent auction and food and beverage vendors. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A ticketed tea, 1-3 p.m., includes finger sandwiches, petite pastries and desserts, plus a brief program and an award for the most artistic garden hat. Shemer Art Center, 5005 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 602-262-4727, shemerartcenter.org

Maricopa County Fair
April 11-16
Livestock shows, agriculture and youth exhibits, midway rides and live entertainment are among the attractions. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, 602-252-0717, maricopacountyfair.org

Country Thunder
April 13-16
More than 30,000 devoted fans turn out for Arizona’s long-running country & western jam each year – many decked in Stetsons and spurs just like their idols. Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line and Morgan Wallen headlined the all-star lineup last year. 20585 E Water Way, Florence, countrythunder.com/az

Pat’s Run
April 22
Thousands of runners and walkers participate in this annual 4.2-mile run/walk honoring late football star Pat Tillman. The race, which also includes a .42-mile kids’ run, winds through downtown Tempe and finishes on the 42-yard line of the ASU stadium, paying tribute to Tillman’s jersey number from his college days. ASU Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, patsrun.com

Arizona Tiki Oasis
April 27-30
Each year, Arizona Tiki Oasis takes over the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale with food and drink tastings, art and music for tiki enthusiasts across the state. The event is the companion event to the highly regarded Tiki Oasis Festival in San Diego. Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale, aztikioasis.com

This article first appeared in the 2023 City Guide, published by PHOENIX magazine in November 2022.