This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for February 12-18.
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 Strong Beer Festival
February 17
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 (including an edible pretzel necklace), music and games that will keep the party going all day long. 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. $50; $20 for designated driver. VIP access, 11:30 a.m., $70. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, strongbeerfest.com
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
February 15-25
At “The Greatest Horse Show on Earth,” more than 2,000 of the world’s finest Arabian horses and their owners, trainers and breeders from around the world will compete for a variety of championship titles across several categories. Call for times and ticket prices. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, 480-515-1500, scottsdaleshow.com
Bluey’s Big Play
February 17-18
Your children’s favorite cartoon dog and his family come to life in a whole new (and three-dimensional) way that is certain to spark their imagination. Check website for times and ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
10th Annual Off The Vine Arizona Wine Festival
February 17
One of the state’s highly attended festivals is moving to a larger location. More than 20 Arizona wineries, along with local artists and live music, will be in attendance. Bring your appetite because food trucks will serve delicious food that will pair well with whatever you’re sipping. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Early bird tickets, $35; General admission, $45; VIP tickets, $60. Kallista Park, 4450 S. Houghton Road, Tucson, offthevineaz.com
12th Annual Arizona Cocktail Weekend
February 16-19
The longest running cocktail event in the Southwest returns with a four-day schedule of events, tastings, expert-led seminars all spread out across the Valley inside hotels and bars, with most of the action in Downtown Phoenix. Learn more at arizonacocktailweekend.com
Pretty in Pink Valentine’s Day Party
February 14
The Phoenix Art Museum celebrates all things blush at this fabulous party to open the new exhibit Barbie: A Cultural Icon and The Power of Pink. Get tickets at phxart.org/prettyinpink
World Championship Hoop Dance Contest
February 17-18
Witness the fast-paced precision and expressiveness of hoop dancing as the top performers from around North America compete for cash prizes totaling $25,000 and the title of world champion. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., $10-$25, Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-252-8840, heard.org
Chocolate Affaire
February 17-18
Chocolatiers from around the Valley will descend upon Glendale for a celebration of all things sweet. Participate in wine tasting and pairings, food demonstrations, live music and other interactive experiences. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Glendale Civic Center, 5750 W. Glenn Dr., Glendale, thechocolateaffaire.com
Scottsdale Navajo Rug and Jewelry Show
February 16-18
More than 200 traditional handwoven Navajo rugs will be available for purchase at this event where all proceeds will go directly to the weavers. They will be on hand to give demonstrations and discuss their art. VIP Friday Admission, $50. Free, Sa-Su, F, 5-8 p.m.; Sa-Su, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale, 480-488-1090, ext. 1003, hollandcenter.org
Lunch & Learn Cooking Class
February 17
They say there’s a story behind every dish, and Chef Marcellino Verzino will tell the tales of his Costolette Di Maiale on February 17 while sharing the secrets behind each recipe with you. 1-3 p.m. Reservations required; $85 per person (plus tax and gratuity); Marcellino Ristorante, 7114 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale; 480-990-9500, marcellinoristorante.com
Arizona Fine Art Expo
Through March 24
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
Celebration of Fine Art
Through March 24
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
Mini Music Makers & Music Adventures
Through February 29
It’s never too early to introduce children to music. Mini Music Makers is for those ages 0-5 years. Kids will develop their motor and language skills while learning about musical cultures from around the world. Those ages 6-10 can collect passport stamps when they build musical instruments and discover the musical heritage of different continents in the Musical Adventures class. Check website for days and times. Musical Instrument Museum. 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, 480-478-6000, mim.org
Mesa Contemporary Arts Center
Through February 29
Local and international artists, along with emerging creatives, are displayed in the five curated galleries of this beautiful space. Swoon: Gift in the Rupture, through Jan. 14; and Shepard Fairey – Facing the Giant: 3 Decades of Dissent, through Jan. 21. Mesa Arts Center,1 E. Main St., Mesa, 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com
CONCERTS
February 14
Colter Wall
Suppose the Canadian country star’s latest album, Little Songs, doesn’t break any records. In that case, it can have the distinction of having an overwhelmingly positive review on typically fickle music publication Pitchfork.
8 p.m., $39.50-$99.50, Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
February 16
Mandy Patinkin in Concert
The multi-hyphenate (and Twitter’s favorite dad) will perform a setlist straight from the great American songbook, including songs from Sondheim, Porter and folk singer Harry Chapin. 8 p.m., $45-$90, Ikeda Theater at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com
February 18
Valentine’s Super Love Jam
There is no school like the old school, and this R&B lineup, which includes The Isley Brothers, Next, All-4-One, Atlantic Starr, GQ, Peaches and Herb, and The Delfonics, is ready to show the kids how a slow jam is done. 7:30 p.m. $45-$150, Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, footprintcenter.com
SPORTS
Phoenix Suns
February
The Suns could make the playoffs for another year. But before they do, they’ll have to battle the Sacramento Kings, Feb. 13; Detroit Pistons, Feb. 14. Call for times and ticket prices. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, suns.com
Arizona Coyotes
February
The puck drops in Tempe when the ’Yotes battle against the Minnesota Wild, Feb. 14; Carolina Hurricanes, Feb. 16. Check website for times and ticket prices. Mullett Arena, 411 S. Packard Dr., Tempe, 480-563-PUCK, coyotes.nhl.com
ASU Men’s Basketball
February 14
Cheer on the Arizona State University Sun Devils as the team battles Oregon State, Feb. 14. Call for times and ticket prices. Desert Financial Arena, 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480-727-0000, thesundevils.com
THEATRE & DRAMA
My Fair Lady
February 15-March 30
Based on the play Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, this musical by famed composers Lerner and Loewe is about a professor who attempts to introduce a Cockney flower-seller to high society. Check website for days and times. $30-$65. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, 480-497-0277, haletheatrearizona.com
Intimate Apparel
February 16-March 3
The story of an African American seamstress and how her revolutionary clothing changed lives is told with flair by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage. Check website for showtimes and ticket prices. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, 833-282-7328, atc.org
Hotel Saguaro
Through February 23
Written in collaboration with the Desert Botanical Garden, this educational puppet performance illustrates why cacti are vital for desert life. Call for times. $12, adults; $8, children 12 and younger. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org
The Truth About Winnie Ruth Judd
Through March 17
One of the most notorious true-crime cases in Arizona history gets the theatrical treatment in this bizarre drama about murder, the press and suitcases. Call for times and ticket prices. Judith Hardes Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com
John Loves Mary
Now through March 2
This comedic play is about a World War II soldier whose good deed, marrying his buddy’s British sweetheart to sidestep immigration laws and bring the two together, doesn’t go unpunished. Check website for days and times. $25-$30. 8989 E. Via Linda, Ste. 118, Scottsdale, 480-314-0841, donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com
Sh-Boom! Life Could Be a Dream
Through March 5
Accompanied by a soundtrack that includes classic songs like “Fools Fall in Love” and “Earth Angel,” a doo-wop group enters a radio contest to make the big time. Check website for days and times. $30-$65. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, 480-497-0277, haletheatrearizona.com
On the Town
Through February 22
Three sailors try to make the most of their day of shore leave in this musical comedy featuring a score by Leonard Bernstein. Check website for times and ticket prices. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria, azbroadway.org
THINGS TO DO LOOK AHEAD
Cactus League Baseball Spring Training
Begins February 22
The tradition continues in Arizona. Fifteen Major League Baseball teams will start their training here in the Valley as they prepare for the 2024 season, giving fans a unique opportunity to see their favorite players up close and personal, including the 2023 National League Champion Arizona Diamondbacks. Ticket prices and locations vary. cactusleague.com
M3F Fest
March 3-4
Lane 8, Dominic Fike, SG Lewis, Gorgon City and many more will take over Downtown for another edition of the popular nonprofit music festival. Check website for set times. Weekend ticket packages start at $135. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, m3ffest.com
Bruce Springsteen
March 19
The Boss has left his residency on the Great White Way and is hitting the road with his band for a tour that includes songs from his soul covers album Only the Strong Survive. 7:30 p.m., $75-$350, Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, footprintcenter.com
Arizona Bike Week 2023
April 3-7
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, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, azbikeweek.com
