This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for March 3-9.
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. E-mail calendar.events@citieswestmedia.com to submit events for consideration.
SPECIAL EVENTS
PHOENIX magazine’s Dish Fest
March 9
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 proceeds benefitting The Joy Bus. VIP, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; GA, 12-3 p.m. $80-$125. The Clayton House, 3719 N. 75th St., Scottsdale, phoenixmag.com/dishfest
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
March 4-30
Wicked
Sure, you’ve watched the first part of this hit musical movie series, but don’t you want to know how it ends? Discover the fate of the witches Elphaba and Glinda, as well as the rest of Oz, in this production of the breathtaking Broadway musical. Check website for times and ticket prices. Gammage Auditorium, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, 480-965-3434, asugammage.com
March 7-8
M3F Fest
LCD Soundsystem, Sylvan Esso and Justice are headlining this year’s edition of the popular nonprofit music festival. Check website for set times. Weekend ticket packages start at $175. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, m3ffest.com
Through March 4
Arizona Cocktail Weekend
Witness the Valley’s mixologists sling it out in head-to-head competition during this event. There will also be tastings, seminars and showcases led by some of the most knowledgeable cocktail experts from around the world. Check website for event schedule and locations. Tickets start at $40. arizonacocktailweekend.com
March 6-9
Rodeo Scottsdale
Bull riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing are some of the events taking place at the 72nd edition of this classic event. 7 p.m., Th-Sa; 2 p.m., Su. Check website for ticket prices. WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Rd., rodeoscottsdale.com
March 7
Big Night Out Gala Benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona
This charity celebration benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona celebrates 70 years of the renowned mentorship organization. 5:30 p.m. $350. The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, 6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale, bbbsaz.org/bignightoutgala
March 8
Ron White
The blue-collar comedian had planned on retiring in 2022, but the jokes just keep coming. 7 and 10 p.m. $35-$145. Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 877-724-4687, talkingstickresort.com
Arizona Renaissance Festival
Now through March 30 (Saturdays & Sundays only)
Engage in tomfoolery, feasting, tricks, and thrills that’ll be sure to leave ALL of your senses fully engaged and satisfied. Explore 200 artisan shops filled with precious handmade gifts like blown glass, leather goods and jewelry. Watch as artisans create masterpieces right before your eyes! It’s the ultimate non-stop, day-long family adventure. Just East of Apache Junction on U.S. Highway 60 in Gold Canyon, AZ., lies a world filled with Renaissance-themed amusement that happens only once per year. So, if you’ve ever wondered what it was like to travel back to a time when jousting knights on horseback were commonplace, visit the 37th annual Arizona Renaissance Festival! arizona.renfestinfo.com
Celebration of Fine Art
Through March 30
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
Arizona Fine Art Expo
Now through March 23
Attendees 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. $12, season pass; $10, seniors and military. 26540 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-837-7163, arizonafineartexpo.com
THEATRE & DRAMA
March 7-April 10
Phantom
Not to be confused with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s take on Gaston Leroux’s famous novel, this musical offers more insight into the characters that inhabit the Paris Opera House. Check website for times and ticket prices. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria, azbroadway.org
Jersey Boys
Through April 27
Learn how Francesco Castelluccio became Frankie Valli in this upbeat jukebox musical about The Four Seasons. Call for times and ticket prices. Hormel Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com
Anything Goes
Now through March 29
Dive into this side-splitting tale of the passengers aboard a London-bound ocean liner, where the music of Cole Porter weaves a delightful tapestry of humor. Check the website for days and times. $39-$62. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, 480-497-0277, haletheatrearizona.com
The Monkey and the Pirate
Now through March 9
The titular duo both want the bananas. Hilarity ensues in this rowdy battle of wits for the yellow fruity treasure that is written for a family audience. Call for times. $15, adults; $10, children 12 and younger. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: The Musical
Now through March 9
A feathered friend is determined to get his wings on the steering wheel of a bus, but there’s only one thing standing in his way: you. The popular children’s book by Mo Willems gets the musical treatment in this fun-filled production with required audience participation. Check website for times. $15. Herberger Theater Center Stage West, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, 480-921-5700, childsplayaz.org
Churchill
Now through April 13
David Payne portrays the resolute prime minister who guided England through World War II in this one-man show. Call for times and ticket prices. Judith Hardes Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com
The Marvelous Wonderettes
Through April 8
Step back in time with this musical tribute to the legendary Songleader squads. Immerse yourself in a nostalgic pop soundtrack that features iconic hits like “It’s My Party” and “Lollipop.” Check website for days and times. $39-$55. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, 480-497-0277, haletheatrearizona.com
SPORTS
Through March 24
Cactus League Baseball
The Arizona tradition continues. Fifteen Major League Baseball teams start 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
Phoenix Suns
The Suns go into the home stretch of the season as they take on the Los Angeles Clippers, March 4; Sacramento Kings, March 14; Toronto Raptors, March 17; Chicago Bulls, March 19; Cleveland Cavaliers, March 21; Milwaukee Bucks, March 24; Boston Celtics, March 26; Houston Rockets, March 30; Golden State Warriors, April 8; Oklahoma City Thunder, April 9; and San Antonio Spurs, April 11. Call for times and ticket prices. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, suns.com
March 7-9
March NASCAR Weekend
It’s that time of year, when local race fans gather around the track for the real March Madness. Check out the General Tire 150, NASCAR Xfinity Series 200 or the Shriners Children’s 500. Call for times and ticket prices. Phoenix Raceway, 7602 S. Avondale Blvd., Avondale, 866-408-RACE, phoenixraceway.com
Phoenix Rising F.C.
The action on the field heats up when the USL Champions play the F.C. Tulsa, March 8; Rhode Island F.C., March 22; Detroit City F.C., April 12; Sacramento Republic F.C., April 19; and San Antonio F.C., April 26. Call for times and ticket prices. Phoenix Rising Stadium, 3801 E. Washington St., Phoenix, phxrisingfc.com
CONCERTS
MARCH 4
Chicago
While the classic rockers have their roots in the Windy City, founding member Lee Loughnane currently makes his home in Sedona, where the group recorded its latest studio album, Born for This Moment. 7:30 p.m. $67-$387. Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, 602-267-1600, celebritytheatre.com
MARCH 5
An Evening with Branford Marsalis
The acclaimed leader of the jazz quartet that bears his name will be performing his sophisticated interpretations of classics. 7:30 p.m. $54-$80. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale, 480-499-8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org
March 6
Heart
Rescheduled after Ann Wilson underwent a cancer treatment, the groundbreaking band will be performing “Barracuda,” “Magic Man” and other hits from its extensive catalog. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, footprintcenter.com
March 7
Bonnie Raitt
The “Something to Talk About” singer has experienced a resurgence as of late due in part to her 1989 classic “Nick of Time” being sampled and interpolated by Justin Vernon and Charli XCX on the latter’s Brat remix album. But the quality of the singer-songwriter’s music has remained as consistent as ever. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
March 7
The Robert Cray Band
The legendary blues guitarist and the ensemble that bears his name are celebrating 50 years on the road by showing audiences why he’s best experienced live. 8 p.m., $47-$142, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale, 480-499-8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org
March 8
The Music of Pink Floyd: A Rock Symphony
Vocalist Randy Jackson and a full rock band will collaborate with the Phoenix Symphony to perform an orchestral rendition of Pink Floyd’s music. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
March 9
Deftones
After playing festivals for much of 2024, the alt-rock band is ready to take its show on the road. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, footprintcenter.com
THINGS TO DO LOOK AHEAD
March 20-23
Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week
The Valley is finally hosting an event that will showcase its art scene to enthusiasts worldwide. Co-owned by PHOENIX magazine parent company Cities West Media and presented by Scottsdale Ferrari, this inaugural celebration of creativity will bring together nearly 100 galleries, catering to collectors and those who appreciate great art. Check website for ticket prices and schedule. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, scottsdaleartweek.com
April 2-6
Arizona Bike Week 2023
Rev your engines! Stone Temple Pilots and Mudvayne 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, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, azbikeweek.com
April 12
Phoenix Home & Garden 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
