This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for March 20 through March 26.
Calendar listings include public events and attractions from around the Valley and state. Confirm information before making plans by calling the listed phone number, or check each website for last minute confirmation or cancellations.
AZ Jazz Fest
March 24-26
Grammy-winning musician Anthony Hamilton, Morris Day & the Time and singer-songwriter Stephanie Mills will headline this fest. More than two dozen artists, whose work spans from modern jazz to R&B, will fill the promenade of North Phoenix’s High Street. And, proceeds from food and beverages will benefit Music Foundation of Arizona. High Street, 5415 E. High St., Phoenix, azjazzfest.com
Arizona Wine Month Grand Festival
March 25
A celebration of Arizona Wine Month, this festival features 20+ wineries gathered at Steele Indian School Park for an afternoon of sips and sun, live music, food trucks and local artisans and breweries. azwinegrowersassociation.com
Annie
March 24-26
Perhaps one of the first hit musicals based on a comic, this story about an orphan who rises above her “hard-knock life” to the lap of luxury has been beloved by generations of theater fans. Call for times and ticket prices. Gammage Auditorium, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, 480-965-3434, asugammage.com
National Geographic Live: T. Rex Rises
March 22
Paleontologist Dr. Lindsay Zanno is trying to understand how the T. rex became the most fearsome predator of the Cretaceous period, and she’ll share her findings in this engaging presentation. 7:30 p.m., $31-$45, Ikeda Theater at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com
Masters of Illusion
March 24
There are no camera tricks here. The magicians from the CW Network television show take the stage to amaze you with stunning sleight of hand that must be seen to be believed. 7:30 p.m., $18-$48, Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org
KNIX BBQ and Beer Festival
March 25
Get on your boots and put on your loosest fitting pants as country stars Chris Janson, Craig Morgan, Hailey Whitters and Connor Smith perform while more than 30 barbecue pit masters and drink vendors serve some belt-busting deliciousness. noon-10 p.m. Tickets start at $65. Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler, forty8live.com
Shea Homes Good Life Festival
March 25-26
Kenny Loggins takes the stage along with Kansas in this celebration of the good life. There will also be plenty of local food and wine, beer and bourbon tastings. 2-9:30 p.m., $75-$120, Schnepf Farms, 24810 E. Rittenhouse Rd., Queen Creek, thegoodlifefest.com
Phoenix Chorale: Dominion
March 24-25
The Grammy-winning chorale will be accompanied by a chamber orchestra and stunning projections created by Brooklyn-based video creator Jacob McCoy. 7:30 p.m., $23-$45, Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-257-1880, phoenixchorale.org
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
March 23-April 9
Unlike the movie version of the classic Beatrix Potter tale about a furry friend who gets into Mr. McGregor’s garden, this production features no dialogue. Call for times. $12, adults; $8, children 12 and younger. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org
SandFest
March 24-25
These aren’t your typical castles in the sand. A sculpture constructed by the Travel Channel’s Sand Masters will be the centerpiece of this two-day celebration of all things granular. There will also be outdoor activities and sand-sculpting competitions. Proceeds support the Every Child Program. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Call for ticket prices. Children’s Museum of Phoenix. 215 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, 602-253-0501, childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
Spring Floral Arrangement Class
March 24
If you want to brighten things up around the home or office, join the staff at Sophie’s Florals for a lesson on how to make a stunning arrangement and, more importantly, keep it beautiful throughout the season. Class is $79 (plus taxes and fees) and includes materials and tutorial. FOUND:RE Hotel, 1100 N. Central Ave., Phoenix; 602-875-8080; eventbrite.com/e/spring-floral-arrangements-tickets-519999300907
Steel Magnolias
March 23-April 29
Bring plenty of tissues to this show about a group of small-town Southern women who share an unbreakable bond. Check website for days and times. $25-30. 8989 E. Via Linda, Ste. 118, Scottsdale, 480-314-0841, donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com
Respect: The Musical
March 24-April 9
This jukebox musical isn’t the same as the Aretha Franklin biopic, but it shares a similar theme: women shattering the glass ceiling. Call for times. $48. Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-258-8128, blacktheatretroupe.org
Walk with Wildlife Tour
Through April 30
Have lunch with the lions as you enjoy a guided tour of the animal sanctuary filled with native wildlife, including Mexican gray wolves, bobcats, coyotes, mule deer and black bears. Tu-Sa, call for times. $25, adults; $15, children 3-13. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, 27026 N. 156th St., Scottsdale, 480-471-3621, southwestwildlife.org
Art Detour 34
Through March 31
If you love local art but don’t like traveling down a crowded Roosevelt Row on First Friday, then this month-long celebration of our state’s creative culture is for you. The signature event of the festivities is the Art D’Core Gala, which takes place on March 11 at Park Central Mall. Check website for more details. 3121 N. Third Ave., Phoenix, artdetour.com
Cactus League Baseball
Through March 28
From the moment the Kansas City Royals toss the first pitch to the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium in February to the last out of the Cleveland Guardians/Arizona Diamondbacks Cactus League capper in late March, the hallowed ritual of consequence-free spring baseball will take center stage in the Valley of the Sun. Even if you don’t like baseball, it’s guaranteed good people-watching and sun-tanning during the last good weather of the year. cactusleague.com
Playing with Stars by Rotraut at Desert Botanical Garden
Through May 14
The bold and lyrical large-scale sculptures of Rotraut will enliven the Garden trails while a selection of her paintings and small sculpture fill the Ottosen Gallery. Known around the world, and based in Arizona, Rotraut’s artwork explores the energy of the seasons and the relationship of nature with the sky, sun and universe. Included with membership or Garden admission. dbg.org
Arizona Fine Art Expo
Through March 26
Guests can meet and watch nationally acclaimed and award-winning artists at work in 124 patron-friendly studios as Thunderbird Artists hosts this art adventure. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $10, season pass; $8, seniors and military. 26540 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-837-7163, arizonafineartexpo.com
Celebration of Fine Art
Through March 26
This annual juried invitational gathering features 100 artists from across the country who show and sell their gallery-quality work in an intimate studio setting. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Season pass: $10, adults; $8, seniors and military; free, children 11 and younger. 18400 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, 480-443-7695, celebrateart.com
THINGS TO DO LOOK AHEAD
Arizona Epilepsy Walk
April 1
Lace up those walking shoes and help raise money for families affected by an epilepsy diagnosis. Funds benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona which helps sends kinds to camp and provides training and education to public schools to help students with epilepsy succeed in the classroom. More info online donate.epilepsy.com/Participant/Tyler-Thompson
D-Backs Home Opener
April 6 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
The first of the team’s 81 home games in 2023 pits them against a familiar, reviled rival – the defending NL West champion Dodgers, puffed up on a 111-win season. But for the first time in recent memory, the D-Backs will sport a bit of well-earned swagger themselves, on the strength of their electric young outfield and excellent top-of-the-rotation starting pitching. Hope springs eternal for spring baseball fans, but in 2023 – the team’s 25th year in existence, as it happens – the hope could actually stretch into October for Arizona. mlb.com/dbacks
Maricopa County Fair
April 12-16
There’s something about the nostalgia and variety of a county fair – Farm animals! Monster trucks! Flaming-hot turkey legs and funnel cake! – that means you’ll find plenty to see and do, including the state’s largest youth livestock show. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, maricopacountyfair.org
Country Thunder
April 13-16
You might have a little dirt on your boots when you get to Canyon Moon Ranch, but, as Jon Pardi sings, you’ll dance the dust right off them. Pardi joins Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson and Dierks Bentley at the top of the bill. Also catch Ashley McBryde and Parker McCollum at this three-day festival, where camping (or glamping) is part of the experience. Canyon Moon Ranch, 20585 E. Water Way, Florence, countrythunder.com/az
Pat’s Run
April 15
Thousands of runners and walkers will pay tribute to Arizona football legend Pat Tillman as they move either virtually or on the Tempe streets a total of 4.2 miles. Check website for more details, race fees and course information. patsrun.org
Hawk Salvage Artist Showcase
April 22
For one night, the Downtown destination for vintage items and antiques is showing something new. Artists of all mediums and styles will be on hand to discuss and demonstrate their work, which will be available for purchase. 6-10 p.m., $50, Hawk Salvage, 1109 Grand Ave., Phoenix, hawksalvage.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
Cinco de Mayo Festival
May 7
Now in its 30th year, the festival is the state’s largest and longest running Cinco de Mayo celebration, with live music from Los Lonely Boys, lucha libre wrestling, baile folklórico dancers and plenty of tacos and tequila. While the day marks Mexico’s victory over France in an 1862 battle, the festival looks forward by awarding college scholarships to Hispanic students in partnership with Grand Canyon University. Third Avenue and Washington Street, Phoenix, cincophx.com
Saguaro Man
May 10-14
Bringing the culture of Burning Man to Arizona, the AZ Burners group hosts the localized Saguaro Man to celebrate radical self-reliance and self-expression, building a temporary town with a gift-based economy on their land in Cochise County, replete with large-scale art, music and performances. Cochise County, outside of Willcox, azburners.org/saguaro-man
Red Hot Chili Peppers
May 14
The California rap-rockers are coming to the Valley and bringing New York legends The Strokes with them. Get your lighters ready for that performance of “Under the Bridge.” 6:30 p.m., $77-$390, State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, 602-379-0102, redhotchilipeppers.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
Lizzo & Latto
May 24
Hot on the heels of her fourth Grammy, her disco-pop album Special and an HBO Max documentary, Lizzo will stop at the Footprint Center. This is the first time her arena tour has stopped in Phoenix, and we can all agree, it’s about damn time. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, footprintcenter.com/events/lizzo
Hairspray
June 20-25
Get ready to feel the beat in this hit musical about first love, dancing and mothers in drag. Based on the hit John Waters film. Call for times and ticket prices. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, 480-965-3434, asugammage.com
