Our top picks for local events happening this spring.
March 17
PHOENIX magazine’s Dish Fest
The one thing you need to bring to our food festival is an appetite. There will be unlimited bites from the best chefs in the Valley, with food demonstrations from Jennifer Caraway of The Joy Bus. VIP, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; GA, noon-4 p.m., $70-$105, The Clayton House, 3719 N. 75th St., Scottsdale, phoenixmag.com/dishfest
April 11-14
Country Thunder Arizona
Stars Lainey Wilson, Eric Church and Jelly Roll take the stage with legends The Bellamy Brothers and Diamond Rio in this four-day celebration of all things country and Western. Check website for show schedule. $300-$675, 20585 E. Water Way, Florence, countrythunder.com
April 29
14th Annual Fitz’s Supper Club Fundraiser
Even though he’s no longer on the field with the Cardinals, Larry Fitzgerald continues to support Arizona through the Larry Fitzgerald Foundation, which works to fight breast cancer and provide K-12 educational resources in underserved communities. To raise funds for these causes, you can enjoy dinner and entertainment with the former wide receiver while supporting a good cause. Check website for time and ticket prices. Dominick’s Steakhouse, 15169 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, thelarryfitzgeraldfoundation.org
March 7-24
Dog Man: The Musical
If you have a child under the age of 10, you probably know about author Dav Pilkey’s hilarious series of graphic novels about a hero with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman. Now, his creation gets the musical theater treatment. Check website for days and times. $25-$61.50, The Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, herbergertheater.org
April 3-7
Arizona Bike Week
Rev up your engines! Brantley Gilbert and Godsmack are scheduled to perform at one of the nation’s largest bike rallies. In addition to the great music, attendees can enjoy parties, bike and stunt shows, and demo rides. Check website for schedule. Rally passes start at $99. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, azbikeweek.com
April 20
FRIED French Fry and Music Festival
If you’re tired of the french fries from your favorite fast food joint, expand your mind and palate with french fry tacos, pizza fries, kimchi fries, lobster fries, cheesesteak fries and carne asada fries, all with your favorite dipping sauces. A local music lineup will accompany your potato chow-down. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., $16, Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix, friedfestival.com
April 5-8
NCAA Men’s Final Four
The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament starts with 68 teams, but only four will remain when it arrives in the Valley. Check out the action live and in person or visit the Tip-Off Tailgate in the stadium parking lot before the game. Check website for ticket prices and schedule information. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, 602-379-0102, statefarmstadium.com
March 8-10, 15-17
Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival
Shaggy and Wynonna Judd headline this year’s edition of Chandler’s celebration of its flightless bird ranching history. There will be plenty of food, music and carnival fun. Check website for scheduling information. $20-$150, Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler, 480-588-8497, ostrichfestival.com
April 13-14
Nate Bargatze
The last time the “nicest guy in comedy” visited Phoenix was to film his hilarious stand-up special Hello World. Now, the comedian is returning to the Valley with a new arena show called Be Funny. Here’s hoping it lives up to the title. 7 p.m., $34.75-$94.75, Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, footprintcenter.com
April 20
Phoenix Home & Garden’s Garden Tour
The pages of PHOENIX’s sister publication come to life as patrons enjoy exclusive access to a curated selection of the Valley’s most enchanting home gardens during this annual self-guided tour. Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to mingle with Phoenix Home & Garden‘s editorial staff as well as architects and designers featured in the magazine. VIP, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; GA, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $85-$125, Various Valley locations, phgmag.com
