This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for February 23-March 1.
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
Arizona Cocktail Weekend
Feb. 27-March 2
The Southwest’s premier booze celebration runs from February 27 to March 2 this year. Its three signature events are returning: Cocktail Carnival, Top Bars Invitational and Last Slinger Standing competition (all ticketed; 21 and older). Additional events, special deals and educational programming will be offered at more than 80 participating Arizona bars. See the full schedule of events and purchase tickets at arizonacocktailweekend.com
Innings Festival
February 27-28
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 Mumford & Sons, Twenty One Pilots, Blink-182, Luke Bryan and local boy made good Dierks Bentley. Check website for set times and ticket prices. Tempe Beach and Arts Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, inningsfestival.com
Stuck in Italy Exhibition
Through February 28
Immerse yourself in the allure of Europe as renowned figurative painter Michael Carson opens his Stuck in Italy exhibit at Bonner David Galleries in Old Town Scottsdale. 7040 E. Main St., Scottsdale. bonnerdavid.com
Arizona Fine Art Expo
Through March 29
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
Guys and Dolls
Through March 28
This story of two gamblers who navigate life’s wins and losses features the classic songs “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” Check website for times and ticket prices. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, 480-497-0277, haletheatrearizona.com
Hare and Tortoise
Through March 8
It’s a new spin on this classic fable of a speedy rabbit and a patient hare. This stage musical shows how two very different friends take on the world at their own speed. Tickets start at $22.50. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, 480-921-5700, childsplayaz.org
Blithe Spirit
Through February 28
It’s a love triangle with a supernatural twist. This hilarious play by Noël Coward revolves around an author who accidentally summons the ghost of his deceased wife, who then begins to humorously torture him and his current spouse. Check website for days and times. $32-$42. Don Bluth Front Row Theatre, 8989 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, 480-314-0841, donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com
42nd Street
Through February 27
Based on the classic movie musical about a young actress who becomes a sensation overnight, this celebration of the Great White Way features spectacular choreography and a classic soundtrack, including “We’re in the Money” and “Lullaby of Broadway.” Check website for times and ticket prices. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria, azbroadway.org
CONCERTS & COMEDY
February 25
Chris Thile
The mandolin player from Nickel Creek and the public radio show Live from Here will visit Scottsdale to perform his original songs, as well as covers of Radiohead and Joni Mitchell. 7:30 p.m. $51-$84. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale, 480-499-8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org
- Monday, 2/23 – Cordovas with Desert Music Project @ Valley Bar
- Tuesday, 2/24 – Dream, Ivory @ Valley Bar
- Thursday, 2/26 – Monolink with Parallelle @ The Van Buren
- Friday, 2/27 – Black Pistol Fire @ Crescent Ballroom
- 2/27 – Hayden Coffman with Lane Smith @ Valley Bar
- 2/27 – The Summer Set with Senses & Good Boy Daisy @ The Van Buren
- Saturday, 2/28 – Eidola with Nerv & Astronoid @ Crescent Ballroom
- 2/28 – Magic City Hippies with SUPERTASTE @ The Van Buren
- Sunday, 3/1 – Michelle Buteau @ Arizona Financial Theatre
- 3/1 – Cardi B @ Mortgage Matchup Center
- 3/1 – Jordan Ward with Asha Imuno @ Crescent Ballroom
SPORTS
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
Phoenix Suns
The Suns will start making a push for the playoffs when they take on the Boston Celtics, Feb. 24; and Los Angeles Lakers, Feb. 26. Call for times and ticket prices. Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, suns.com
ASU Men’s Basketball
Cheer on the Arizona State University Sun Devils as the team battles Utah, Feb. 28. Call for times and ticket prices. Desert Financial Arena, 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480-727-0000, thesundevils.com
THINGS TO DO LOOK AHEAD
Scottsdale Art Week
March 19-22
Co-owned by PHOENIX magazine parent company Cities West Media and presented by Scottsdale Ferrari, this second annual celebration of creativity brings together nearly 100 galleries, catering to fine art collectors and appreciators. Check website for times and prices. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, scottsdaleartweek.com
M3F Fest
March 6-7
Neal Francis, La Roux and The Knocks headline 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
About this guide
Calendar listings include public events and attractions from around the Valley and state. Confirm information before making plans by calling the listed phone number. Submissions must arrive at least 8-10 weeks prior to the month of publication/event. E-mail to: calendar.events@citieswestmedia.com; or mail to: PHOENIX magazine, 16100 N. 71st St., Ste. 170, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
