Things to do: Fourth of July in Phoenix
Grab your coolers, lawn chairs, and all things red, white, and blue; it’s time to celebrate American Independence here in the great state of Arizona. If you’re looking for things to do in Phoenix for the Fourth of July we have a big list of celebrations and fireworks shows throughout the Valley.
Celebrate America at Phoenix First
This performance features music throughout the decades, dance numbers, laser light shows, skits, and more to celebrate America. Show times are 5:00 p.m. Saturday, June 29 and 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Sunday, June 30. Admission is free. If you enjoy the show, return on July 4th for Family Night and Fireworks. Phoenix First kicks off the night with a family movie and continues with food, games, music, and fun for the whole family. The night will wrap up with one of Arizona’s largest fireworks displays right on campus. Event begins at 6:00 p.m. on July 4th and admission is free.
Southwest Ambulance Arizona Celebration of Freedom in Mesa
The Southwest Ambulance Arizona Celebration of Freedom, held June 29, the Saturday before the Fourth of July each year, is not just a fireworks show but a celebration of America's freedom and independence culminating with a spectacular pyrotechnic show and a salute to America. It is the precursor to every fireworks show in the State of Arizona, filled with classic cars, beer gardens, arts and culture, music, street performers, games, family fun, and more. Free.
For the entire Fourth of July Holiday week, Pueblo Grande Museum is offering a discounted museum admission rate of $4 to all adults and seniors. As a Local First Arizona member, this promotion also coincides with celebrating National Independents Week, in its 11th year of encouraging people to "go local" by supporting as many locally owned businesses as possible. Bring the whole family out for a fun and affordable uniquely Arizona experience.
Scottsdale Independence Day Music Festival with Brantley Gilbert
Salt River Fields is hosting their annual celebration of independence with the Academy of Country Music's New Artist of The Year, Brantley Gilbert. Other special guests include Tyler Farr and LoCash Cowboys. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and a fireworks show will follow these performances. This is a must-attend for all you country-loving folk. Ticket prices range $20-$45.
Ahwatukee Red, White, and Boom Fireworks Festival
Save the date for Ahwatukee's 38th Annual Red, White, and Boom Fireworks Festival featuring Radio Disney's Rockin' Roadshow, food, drinks, eating competitions, and patriotic games. Best of all, this summer fun event is open to the public and includes a booming fireworks display. Free.
The Anthem Independence Day Celebration will honor our country's "birthday" with fun, food and fireworks. Enjoy hamburgers, hotdogs, kettle corn, fry bread, sno-cones, and funnel cake while listening to music or watching the stilt walkers. Wet and dry bounce houses and slides will be available for entertainment. Firework display will be at 9:30 p.m.
Admission is free; water slides and inflatables are $12 all you can ride; other attraction prices vary.
Litchfield Park 4th of July Splash Bash
The Litchfield Park Recreation Center swimming pool will be the site of the 4th of July "Splash Bash" from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Entry into this family event requires a $2 entry fee or a Recreation Center pass. There will be games, music, food for purchase, and a lot of family fun!
You may have experienced 4th of July before, but never like this. Grab your friends and family, sit lakeside and enjoy some BBQ, fireworks, and of course, lots of animals at the Phoenix Zoo! From 7 to 8:30 p.m., Andrew's BBQ will be serving delicious food. Before or after your dinner, you can head over to Stingray Bay where you can pet and feed the stingrays, or hop aboard the Endangered Species Carousel. After you're done with those magical experiences, head over to the face painters, bounce houses, and other fun-tivities. There will also be special animal guests throughout the night, so don't miss out on a rare animal sighting! At 9 p.m., guests will gather in a VIP area at the back of the Zoo to experience the firework show near Tempe Town Lake. Adults $40, Children (3-12) $35, Children under 3 free.
Fabulous Phoenix 4th is one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the region. It features three stages of live local entertainment, inflatable rides, and activities. Visitors also can purchase food from more than 50 food and beverage vendors, and enjoy free community information booths and displays. The fireworks display begins at 9:30 p.m.
Queen Creek Family 4th on the Farm
Family 4th on the Farm includes family entertainment, water slides and bouncers, dunk tank, mechanical bull, bungee trampoline, speed pitch challenge, pony and train rides, and food and craft vendors. The Kiwanis Club is providing a live band. Fireworks will start at about 9 p.m. $15 per car, $5 unlimited use of waterslides, $1 per ticket for rides.
Cave Creek July 4th Fireworks Party
Celebrate Independence Day at Cave Creek Smokehouse and Pour House Patio. Arrive early and have dinner in the main dining room or enjoy pulled-pork barbecue outdoors while listening to DJ Dex spin tunes. Fireworks begin at dusk.
$5 for outdoor barbecue, dining room menu prices vary.
July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival
Kiwanis Club of Tempe’s 60th Annual Fireworks Spectacular will present the best fireworks show in the Valley, shot from Mill Avenue bridge. The spectacular family night Fireworks Show will be choreographed to patriotic and classical music. Before the show, the Main Stage will be featuring great live local entertainment. Fantastic Family Fest will offer a free inflatable village for all ages with a variety of rides, rock climbing walls and more, as well as several different food options. The event will also feature the Budweiser Beer Gardens. Tickets will be on sale through July 4th at Fry’s and Fry’s Marketplace for $6.00 each. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets will be $8.00 at the gate or $15.00 for two. On site ticket sales will stop when the park reaches capacity.
Surprise 4th of July Celebration
Celebrate this Independence Day with a free game and firework display with a canned food donation. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. while the Minor League Angels vs. Rangers game begins at 5:30 p.m. The fireworks display will take place after the game at approximately 8:30 p.m. Tickets will be available beginning June 4th at the Community and Recreation Services Office. Free admission with a canned food donation.
Chandler Star Spangled Shoot Out
Celebrate your independence this July 4th western style with Rawhide from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. If it's a party you’re looking for, they've got you covered with cowboys, gunfights, food, fun, family and fireworks. Attractions and entertainment include, live music throughout the town, a strolling balloon artist, action packed performances, and an aerial fireworks display. $10 per person, Children 5 and under free. $5 for parking.
Buckeye Independence Day Celebration
All-American eats and treats, family games, and an after dark spectacular firework show at Youngker High School on July 4th from 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Spend the day with family and friends at this old-fashioned independence celebration event. Don't forget your lawn chair or blanket for the fireworks. Free.
Starting at 5:00 p.m., enjoy multiple stages of music, a Kids Zone, a Water Zone, hot dog eating contest, plenty of family friendly activities, and a spectacular fireworks display! Scheduled to end around 10 pm. Adults $5, Children under 12 free.
Fourth of July Firework Fest at Westgate (Glendale)
The sky will light up over Westgate this Fourth of July during Firework Fest, the West Valley's largest fireworks show and festival. The event includes a spectacular 25-minute fireworks show at 9:00 p.m., a Splash Pad for kids, face painting, live music featuring classic American Rock and Roll, a historic military vehicle display featuring a vintage helicopter, dining deals from nearly all Westgate restaurants, a 21+ All-American Pub Crawl with drink specials, and discounts for all military members. Event begins at 5 pm and admission is free.
Memorial Day Weekend in Phoenix
Whether you want to spend your holiday weekend under the sun or the stars, in the A/C or the heat, wet in the pool or dry in your seat, there is something fun to do this Memorial Day weekend in Greater Phoenix.
Nobuo at Teeter House will be participating in Arizona Spring Restaurant Week
Through Monday May 27
Arizona Spring Restaurant Week
The holiday weekend is your last chance to indulge your inner foodie without breaking the bank at one of over 100 Greater Phoenix restaurants participating in the Spring Arizona Restaurant Week. Whether you’re looking to try a longtime Valley favorite or a buzzed-about upstart, this is the time to do it when participating restaurants offer a $30 or $40 three-course prix-fixe menu. The most popular joints fill up fast, so make your reservations now.
Thursday May 23 – Sunday May 26
Phoenix Comicon
Let your geek flag fly at downtown’s Phoenix Convention Center at Phoenix Comicon, the premiere pop culture experience of the Southwest. Fans of comics, anime, gaming, TV and film and more will get the chance to meet their favorite authors, writers, artists and actors, including cast members of AMC’s The Walking Dead and Star Trek.
Book a room downtown so you don’t miss a minute of the weekend’s festivities. Some hotels are already sold out, so act fast.
Phoenix Convention Center: 100 N 3rd St, Phoenix, 85004
Friday May 24 – Sunday May 26
Phoenix Caribbean Festival
A taste of the island life comes to the desert at the Phoenix Caribbean Festival. Downtown’s Wesley Bolin Plaza will be the scene for daytime festivities including live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, a kids zone and a kiddies carnival parade on Saturday. Themed parties take place each night of the festival at different spots around the Valley.
Wesley Bolin Plaza: 17th Ave and Adams St, Phoenix, 85007
Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field
Friday May 24 – Monday May 27
Diamondbacks weekend series vs. Padres and Memorial Day doubleheader vs. Rangers
In the words of Hall of Famer Ernie Banks, "It's a great day for a ball game; let's play two!" After a weekend series against division foe San Diego—with a fireworks show after Friday night’s game—D-Backs fans can double their delight with a Memorial Day doubleheader against the Texas Rangers.
Enjoy the day in air-conditioned Chase Field by buying tickets for both games and receive up to $40 in D-Backs Bucks to be used on concessions and merchandise at the park. A D-Backs street festival featuring food trucks, music, tailgate games and more will take place just outside the ballpark between games.
Chase Field: 401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, 85004
Saturday May 25 – Sunday May 26
Memorial Day Weekend BBQ & Fireworks Show at Wet ‘n’ Wild water park
There’s more to do this weekend at Glendale’s Wet ‘n’ Wild water park than just relaxing on an inner tube in their Cactus Cooler or holding on for dear life on their Maximum Velocity slides. The park will host a fireworks show Friday and Saturday night—free with admission—and will also host an all-you-can-eat BBQ from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. each night. BBQ meal tickets are just $9.99 plus tax for all Gold Season Pass and Season Pass holders; $9.99 plus tax for ages 3-11; and $11.99 ages 12 and up.
You can also save money and help a good cause this weekend as Wet 'n' Wild will be offering $17 off same-day general admission to any guests who donate a three-pack of men's boxer shorts to their Shorts for Soldiers Donation Drive.
Wet ‘n’ Wild water park: 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale, 85310
General admission: Adults $39, Children $30
Saturday May 25
Night Golf at Palo Verde golf course
Trade your Titleist for a glow ball and hit the links under the stars this Saturday with Night Flight golf at Phoenix’s Palo Verde golf course. The four-person scramble event costs $100 per foursome with each player receiving a goodie bag and the chance to win fun prizes. Put your walking shoes on, though—no golf carts allowed in the dark.
Palo Verde Golf Course: 6215 N 15th Ave, Phoenix, 85015
Peaches at Schnepf Farms
Saturday May 25 – Monday May 27
Peach Festival at Schnepf Farms
Kick off summer with a free festival celebrating one of the season’s quintessential fruits. The second weekend of the Peach Festival at Schnepf Farms features all things peachy with fruit and candy made from the juicy fruit, peach pit spit and pie eating contests, a peachy pancake breakfast served each day from 7:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., hay rides, peach picking and more.
Schnepf Farms: 24810 E Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek, 85142
Monday May 27
Memorial Day Observance
The Pioneers’ Cemetery Association and the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department invite the public to join them in honoring the veterans buried in the Pioneer & Military Memorial Park at the 30th annual Memorial Day Observance.
This year's keynote speaker is Marshall Shore, Phoenix's HIPstorian, and other participants include the Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory, the Knights Templar, and members of Civil War re-enactment organizations.
The program begins promptly at 9 a.m. with seating in the gazebo area adjacent to Smurthwaite House at 1317 W. Jefferson in Phoenix.
Spring Arizona Restaurant Week – May 18 – 27
The most edible week in Arizona is almost here. Explore Arizona’s best restaurants at amazing prices May 18 - 27 during Spring Arizona Restaurant Week. The Greater Phoenix area is fast becoming a foodie destination, so this is a great opportunity to see what the buzz is all about at an affordable price. Reservations will fill up fast for the most popular restaurants so make your reservations today!
Which restaurants are you most excited to try during Arizona Restaurant Week?
Easter Events in Phoenix 2013
There are so many ways to celebrate Easter in Phoenix this year. From Easter egg hunts to delicious brunches, we've got you covered!
Photos with the Easter Bunny
Easter Bunny Photos at Desert Ridge
Bring the kids to the Barnes & Noble Fountain at Desert Ridge Marketplace on March 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 29th & 30th to visit with the Easter Bunny and get a free downloadable photo and a free gift.
Details: Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. Admission: free. Friday, March 22nd – Sunday, March 24th, Friday, March 29th and Saturday, March 30th 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Easter Egg Hunts
Easter Egg-Citement at Schnepf Farms
Easter Egg Hunt for children at Schnepf Farms starts at 11:00 a.m. and will be divided per age groups. Admission includes a wristband for unlimited rides including train and carousel, entrance to the petting zoo and honeybee ride also an Easter cookie and hot dog lunch per child admission.
Details: Schnepf Farms, 24810 South Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. Admission: $25.00 per child, adults free. Friday, March 29th, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Reservations recommended (480) 987-3100.
Easter Egg Hunt at Shamrock Farms
Easter Egg Hunts will take place during the three scheduled Saturday tours. The egg hunts take place at the tour stop at Roxie's Outdoor Adventure and are included with regular tour admission price. Registration is required and spaces are limited. Special discounts are available for military, seniors and groups of 10 or more.
Details: Shamrock Farms, 2228 N. Black Canyon Hwy, Phoenix. Admission: adults $9, children (2-12) $6, children under 2 are free. Saturday, March 30th 9:30 a.m.
Easter Egg Hunt in Apache Junction
Easter Egg Hunt begins at 9 a.m. The egg hunt will be divided into age groups: 2 & under, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-15, 16 & over. There will also be games, a petting zoo, bounce houses and train rides. An early bird pancake breakfast will start at 7:30 a.m. and continue until the food runs out. Breakfast is a donation of $3 per adult and $1.50 per child.
Details: Prospector Park Softball Complex, 3015 N. Idaho Rd., Apache Junction. Admission: free. Saturday, March 30th 7:30 a.m.
Children ages 2-6 will search for eggs from 10 to 10:30 a.m. while children ages 7-10 will search from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Admission is $3. Please arrive 15 minutes before your age group’s start time. Arts and crafts will take place after the egg hunt and Mr. Bunny will visit.
Details: Escalante Community Center, 2150 E. Orange St, Tempe. Admission: $3. Saturday, March 30th 10:00 a.m.
Easter Brunch
Join family and friends on Lon's patio or in the restaurant as Lon's Executive Chef Jeremy Pacheco and his culinary team create a special three-course Easter Brunch that will be available the entire day.
Details: Lon's, 5532 North Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley. $75. Sunday, March 31st 10:00 a.m. (602) 955-7878
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale’s Easter Brunch Buffet offers a variety of favorites topped off with an elaborate Viennese Dessert Table. There is even a special children’s buffet!
Details: The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa, 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale. Adults $70, children ( 6-12) $35, children under 5 are free. Sunday, March 31st 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (480) 483-5502
District American Kitchen and Wine Bar
Celebrate Easter brunch at District American Kitchen and Wine Bar from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 31. Spring into the season with a delicious culinary experience that includes creative crafts for the kids!
Easter brunch includes: endless champagne,sweet toast with berries and quark with flavored syrup, fresh fruit scented with wild spearmint and natural fruit mist, Greek yogurt shots, bacon and sausages, citrus-scented peppercorn filet mignon and mushroom crema accented with charred heirloom tomato chutney, baked pesto-crusted salmon and baby scallops with spinach fondue, hand-carved horseradish crusted turkey breast with chipotle orange marmalade and buttermilk horseradish cream, herb marinated chicken breast with goat cheese grits and date jam, chilled shrimp and crab claws on, an omelet station, artisan breads and pastries, a mac and cheese station, and decadent desserts.
Details: Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, 320 N. 3rd St., Phoenix. $32 for adults and $16 for kids ages 3 to 12. Kids under 3 years old eat free. Sunday, March 31st 10:00am – 3:00pm 602.817.5400
Enjoy a spectacular Easter Brunch in The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix Grand Ballroom! Easter Brunch features breakfast favorites such as Eggs Benedict and French Toast along with lunch specialties of Organic Salads, Fresh Seafood Selections and a Carving Station featuring Easter Ham and much more.
Complete your menu with an elaborate array of desserts and a complimentary glass of champagne for adults. Adding to the excitement, a live jazz band will be playing during the brunch and children can enjoy a petting zoo with a variety of farm animal favorites.
Details: The Ritz-Carlton Phoenix, 2401 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix. Adults $80, Children (3-12) $35. Sunday, March 31st 10:00am – 3:00am (602) 468-0700
With a visit from Peter Cottontail and bonnets in abundance, Cottontail Tea is definitely an event with the children in mind. The traditional tea service will include tea and hot chocolate, finger sandwiches, scones and Easter pastries. The little ones can look forward to a visit from Peter Cottontail, story time, and a bountiful basket of Easter treats.
Details: The Ritz-Carlton Phoenix, 2401 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix. $38. Friday March 29th and Saturday, March 30th 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 602-468-0700
Orange Sky, Talking Stick Resort's signature fine-dining restaurant will serve a special four course Easter dinner from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Enjoy your choice of a smoked salmon plate, cocktail shrimp or a Campari tomato and burrata salad to begin. Second course choices include white asparagus, a gem lettuce salad or chopped salad.
Select brunch items, including jalapeno bacon quiche, farm fresh poached eggs and banana French toast will be offered until 2 p.m. All day offerings include ham steak, halibut filet, Ellensburg lamb chops, roast prime rib and jidori chicken. A choice of dessert and champagne toast also included.
Details: Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale. $69. Sunday, March 31st 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (480) 850-8606
If you're in the mood for seafood, Ocean Trail will offer a special three-course dinner for two from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Guests will have a fresh spring salad to begin, followed by a seafood jubilee of shrimp, crawfish, mussels, clams and crab served with dirty rice and hush puppies. Angel food cake with fresh berries will be served for dessert.
Details: Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale. $38 for two. Sunday, March 31st 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (480) 850-7777
Easter dinner at Blue Coyote Cafe will be served from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Guests will have their choice of soup or house salad to start, followed by maple cider brined pork loin in an apple butter demi-glace served with whipped red potatoes and grilled asparagus. Lemon poppy seed cake with raspberry sorbet will be served for dessert.
Details: Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale. $21.95. Sunday, March 31st 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. (480) 850-7777
Wandering Horse Buffet will offer an Easter buffet from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Featured food includes slow roasted garlic prime rib, citrus almond veal, spicy Thai chicken, black pepper duck, lobster truffle risotto and much more! Dinner will also include a complimentary champagne toast.
Details: Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale. Adults $42.95, children $17. Sunday, March 31st 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (480) 850-7777
Find more Easter events on our events calendar.
Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market
Our media relations intern Andrea attended this year's Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market . She offered to provide her insider’s perspective of this popular Phoenix event.
I had the chance to experience the annual Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market this past weekend in Phoenix. Having been there before, I knew that it was going to be awesome.
This event is Arizona's largest Indian market, and if you want to experience everything relating to the culture, it's the best place to do it. The market has over 700 of the nation's best American Indian artists, artist demonstrations, music and dance performances and amazing Indian fry bread.
On Saturday morning, I ventured to the museum via the Metro Light Rail, which stops right in front of the fair entrance. When I went last year, the line to the fry bread stand was so long in the afternoon that it took almost 45 minutes before I got my hands on some (which isn't surprising, it's absolutely delicious). This year, I knew better. As soon as I went through the ticket line, I headed straight towards the good stuff. Indian fry bread is so good that it can be eaten plain. I prefer it sweet though so I ordered mine with powdered sugar and honey. It was amazing!
After satisfying my carb cravings, I headed to the tents. The parking lot of the museum housed multiple tents with artists inside. Items included everything from jewelry and pottery to weavings and paintings. The artists are all so incredibly talented and take pride in their work. And it's also cool to see what tribe the Indians come from. A few that I remembered were Navajo, Hopi and Santo Domingo.
During the day, the fair has music and dancing performances. I had the pleasure of watching Navajo dancers show the audience some traditional dances while live music was playing in the background. Some spectators even joined in to learn the dance.
One of the great things about the annual fair is the fact that your ticket gets you into the Heard Museum for free. Visitors are able to experience all 10 exhibits inside and learn more about Indian culture and history, and can even have a tour guide show them around.
This was the museum's 55th Indian fair, and it continues to get better every year. Be sure to check it out next year - you won't regret it! With American Indian food, shopping, music, dancing and entrance to the museum, you're bound to be entertained!
Spring Food and Beverage Festivals in Phoenix
Pick your own peaches at the Schnepf Farms Peach Festival in May.
Spring in Phoenix not only brings Cactus League Spring Training, but it brings out the most delicious events of the year. Here are some of the food and beverage festivals happening around Phoenix this spring. Bon Appétit!
March Events
March 2
The Great Arizona Beer Festival
This craft beer tasting extravaganza will showcase more than 200 brews from more than 60 breweries from across the state, country and around the globe each providing samples of their proudest brewing achievement.
March 9 – 10
The Devoured Culinary Classic is Arizona's premier food festival. Held in the sculpture garden of Phoenix Art Museum, this annual must-do event features chefs and culinary creations from more than 70 of metropolitan Phoenix's best restaurants. Guests enjoy a panorama of inspired edibles and cooking demonstrations, coupled with delicious fare from local artisans, brewers and vintners.
March 9 – 10
Festivities include a marketplace, an island-food court and themed-activity centers. Performances include storytellers, Tahitian drummers, ukulele players and hula dancers. Make sure to bring cash for the food and trinkets at Island Marketplace, where vendors sell woven baskets, carved-bone necklaces and Hawaiian coffee.
March 16
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire
The parade will kick off at Sheridan and Third streets in midtown Phoenix, featuring Irish step dancers, bagpipers, marching bands and more.The faire begins immediately after the parade, with two stages of entertainment including Celtic rock bands and Irish dancers. The kids area will feature a petting zoo, pony rides and face painters. A vendor specializing in genealogy will be on site, working with Irish names and family coats of arms. Fair attendees also will get a sneak peek at the construction progress of the Irish Cultural Center's 15,000-square-foot library, which will focus on genealogy.
March 21 – 24
A celebration of all things Western, Festival of the West is one of the largest events of its kind in the nation, attracting visitors from around the world anxious to immerse themselves in the culture, lore and romance of the American West.
March 22
Rock the Zoo features live music from local bands, beverage sampling, food tasting in the VIP Lounge, and food for sale from Valley food trucks, the Rockin' Raffle and other exciting activities all in the picturesque setting of the Phoenix Zoo.
March 23
The Great American Barbecue & Beer Festival
This event is for the whole family to enjoy. Throw out the lawn chairs and picnic blankets and prepare to witness Chandler’s largest and best BBQ event. There will be live entertainment, an all ages Kid’s Zone, and Bike Show with the traditional backyard BBQ atmosphere. It's sure to be a finger licking good time.
March 24
Guests will again enjoy incredible food and wine selections from the Valley's hottest restaurants, resorts and caterers plus more than 700 great wines, beers, liquors and non-alcoholic drinks from presenting sponsor Bashas’. Bon Vivant will also feature live music, dancing, and a silent auction with golf, dining, and resort packages.
April Events
April 4
This 21-or-older party features food samplings from top Valley restaurants and resorts, along with tastes from boutique wineries and craft breweries. Last year, participating businesses included Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Westin Kierland and Different Pointe of View. Live music and a silent auction will be included.
April 9 – 14
As the longest running festival of its kind in the United States, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival draws more than 40,000 visitors looking to enjoy fabulous food, fun and festivities. This year's festival will feature a host of events from cooking demonstrations by some of the nation's top chefs to a one of a kind James Beard out of the house dinner.
April 13 – 14
Get a taste of Polish dishes, such as golabki (cabbage rolls), kielbasa sausage with sauerkraut and pierogi, a dumpling with cheese and potatoes. The free festival, among the largest Polish celebrations in the Valley, includes folk dance and musical performances, an art marketplace, kid's area, informational booths and food court with traditional cuisine and imported beer.
April 20
Between 40 and 60 BBQ teams will be cooking and competing at The Arizona Barbecue Festival. It's a day sure to be filled with food, fun and hot competition. The highlight of the Arizona Barbecue Festival is Pit Row, where the cooking teams will be grilling, smoking and braising in their best effort to be named the champion in their BBQ category.
April 27
My Nana’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge
The My Nana's Best Tasting Salsa Challenge is a culinary event featuring restaurants, businesses and individuals competing to make the best salsa in their category. Over 80 competitors prepare fresh salsa on-site in either the mild or hot category. The grand champion will win $1,000 cash prize and attendees can vote for their favorite with dollars through the People's Choice Award.
April 28
Eight's Check, Please! Arizona Festival
Highlighting Arizona's independent culinary scene, the event will showcase eats from over 35 restaurants previously featured on Check, Please! Arizona in addition to craft beer and wine, cooking demonstrations, a James Beard Award winners' panel hosted by Robert McGrath, and a chance for fans to audition for a spot on the show.
May Events
May 18 - 27
For two weekends a year Schnepf Farms opens it's peach orchards for public picking in Queen Creek for its annual Peach Festival. In addition to picking your own peaches, there are plenty of other activities to entertain the whole family include train rides, hay and carnival rides, a peach food-sampling tent, chef demonstrations and of course peach pies, peach cinnamon rolls and their famous peach pancakes complete this peachy festival.
