January 16-19: Disney on Ice
Magical things can happen when we wish upon a star. Your family will be enchanted when your favorite characters take to the ice in this show about what happens when dreams really do come true. It’s filled with stunning choreography, eye-popping acrobatics, incredible stunts, beautiful costumes and brilliant special effects. Check website for ticket prices and show times. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, footprintcenter.com
February 3-9: Waste Management Phoenix Open
The People’s Open returns to the Valley for another exciting year! Get ready to cheer on your favorite PGA golfer from the famous 16th hole for the “greenest show on grass.” Visit website for tee times and ticket prices. Tournament Players Club, 17020 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, wmphoenixopen.com
February 20: Cactus League Baseball
The Arizona tradition continues. Fifteen Major League Baseball teams will start their season here in the Valley as they prepare for the 2025 season, giving fans a unique opportunity to see their favorite players up close and personal. Ticket prices and locations vary. cactusleague.com
February 9: 46th Annual Runner’s Den Pancake Run presented by IHOP
Hot pancakes and savory sausage await you at the finish line of this popular road race. Try a 5K or 10K, or go the distance and run both! Note: This year’s race is moving steps away from its previous location at Paradise Valley Mall to Sweetwater Park. Check website for entry fees. First race begins at 7:15 a.m. Sweetwater Park, 13230 N. 44th Pl., Phoenix, runnersdenpancakerun.com
February 15-16: VNSA 68th Annual Used Book Sale
Book lovers wait in line for hours to be the first to select from an inventory of more than half a million used books, movies and albums. Sa, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Su, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell, Phoenix, vnsabooksale.com
January 18-26: Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction
Casual fans and major car collectors from around the world will converge in Scottsdale for the most fantastic automobile auction in the nation. Attendees will have the chance to bid on rare and historical vehicles. Doors open at 8 a.m. Check website for ticket prices. VIP packages are available. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, 844-528-3598, barrett-jackson.com
February 15: Arizona Strong Beer Festival
It’s time to tap into some of the best craft brews the Grand Canyon State has to offer, along with some delicious bar food, music and games that will keep the party going all day long. The festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. $50; $20 for designated driver. VIP access, 11:30 a.m., $70. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale,
chooseazbrews.com
January 24-26: Arizona Balloon Classic
Dozens of hot air balloons fill the sky during Hare & Hound races, then light up the night during Desert Glows. Live music, tethered balloon rides, fireworks and children’s activities add to the festivities. A portion of proceeds benefits Valley of the Sun United Way. F, 4-9 p.m.; Sa, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Su, 7 a.m.-12 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear, 480-560-9095, abcfest.com
February 28-March 2: Dear Evan Hansen
A high school student grappling with social anxiety finds himself entangled in a tragic event involving the parents of a schoolmate in this award-winning musical. Check website for times and ticket prices. Ikeda Theater at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com
February 21-22, February 28-March 1: Innings Festival
The best indie and mainstream artists and an array of MLB legends will gather on the south shore of Tempe Town Lake to celebrate all things baseball. Headliners include Fall Out Boy, The Black Keys, The Killers, Beck and local favorite Wheelwright. Check website for times and ticket prices. Tempe Beach and Arts Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, inningsfestival.com
