Springtime is when the Valley comes alive, both literally and figuratively, from cactus blooms to the Cactus League. There’s no shortage of things to see, do and eat – and plenty of ways to burn off those extra calories. Make the most of Arizona’s high season with this handy blueprint.
Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival
March 3-4
Collaboration is a beautiful thing. This new two-day music and food festival – a joint production of SanTan Brewing Company and Pedal Haus Brewery – will kick off grilling season, handling the ’cue so you don’t have to. Honey Bear’s BBQ, Joe’s Real BBQ, Pork on a Fork and West Alley BBQ & Smokehouse pitmasters, along with Pedal Haus and SanTan, will be working the grills. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, santanbrewing.com/event/beer-bourbon-bbq-festival
PHOENIX magazine Dish Fest
March 5
Sample the best culinary creations in the Valley, from fine dining to food trucks, at PHOENIX magazine’s Dish Fest. With unlimited bites and beer, wine and spirit tastings, you’ll have a full plate – and proceeds from the event benefit The Joy Bus, delivering fresh, healthy meals to people battling cancer.
The Clayton House
$90-$150
3719 N. 75th St., Scottsdale
phoenixmag.com/dishfest
5 Must-Tries at Dish Fest
Just to whet your appetite, here are five bites (and sips) we can’t wait to taste – or go back for seconds of – at our moveable feast.
State Foods
Find salivatory selections from our recent Eatin’ in the U.S.A. cover story, including oysters from Buck & Rider (Washington) in the VIP area and eggs Benedict from Aimee’s Swine House (New York).
BOV Classics
You’ll also take a gustatory journey with the mainstays of our annual Best of the Valley issue, including Latin cuisine standout Casa Carazon, multiple winner of Best Mole and Best Upscale Mexican restaurant.
Food Trucks
Graze with the finest food trucks in all the Valley, including Bro’s Seafood, Salsa Bites and the scarf-worthy birria masterpieces of Random AF Kitchen.
Best New Restaurants
Members of our BNR class of 2022 will also be represented, including Tía Carmen, the intoxicating new restaurant at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, serving its roasted purple yam with queso sauce and aged tepary bean mole negro.
Beer, Wine and Spirits
The stars of Arizona beveragedom will be pouring under the sun in South Scottsdale, including Superstition Springs Meadery, Four Peaks Brewing Co. and Pillsbury Wine Company.
Arizona Cocktail Weekend
March 10-13
Take three shots to toast the best in mixology. Kick off with the Cocktail Carnival, experience renowned national and international bars with pop-ups at Top Bars or marvel at the creativity and speed of your favorite publicans at the head-to-head bar battle, Last Slinger Standing. Various locations in Downtown Phoenix, arizonacocktailweekend.com
Arizona Tiki Oasis
April 27-30
This gathering celebrates all things tiki. Sip tropical cocktails shaken poolside in your favorite floral aloha wear and later chat about your love of Frank Lloyd Wright at one of the Valley’s most iconic midcentury hotels. Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale, aztikioasis.com
Arizona Restaurant Week
May 19-28
Taste the state, one restaurant at a time. Kitchens will cook special three-course menus over 10 days, so whether you want to visit your favorite joint or experience a new place, there are options for everyone, with more than 130 restaurants participating last spring. Various restaurants, arizonarestaurantweek.com
