A Day At The Desert Botanical Garden
Our media relations intern Andrea recently visited the Desert Botanical Garden and it's new restaurant Gertrude's . She offered to provide her insider’s perspective of this popular attraction. Enjoy!
I recently had the opportunity to visit the Desert Botanical Garden, a popular attraction to both locals and visitors. It’s considered a “Phoenix Point of Pride,” and has over 50,000 desert plants to see and learn about.
The Desert Botanical Garden first opened in 1939 after a group of Phoenix locals saw the need to conserve the desert environment. Today, the Garden continues to grow and currently has 145 acres of desert plants not just found in the Sonoran Desert, but from other deserts around the world.
There are five thematic trails at the Garden that you can go on. My personal favorite is the Plants and People of the of the Sonoran Desert Trail which shows visitors the relationships between people and plants in our region and how the plants are useful when it comes to needing food, medicine and fiber. As you walk through this trail, you get an understanding of how past Indians used the desert to their advantage.
Walking along the other beautiful trails, you’ll find the scenic views are incredible. There are many hills surrounding the whole area that covered with hundreds of different types of cacti, as well as Papago Park in the distance. And, if you’re lucky, a roadrunner or quail might cross your path.
Earlier this year, the Garden opened a new restaurant called Gertrude’s, which was named after Gertrude Webster who founded the Desert Botanical Garden. The restaurant focuses on utilizing fresh ingredients from farmers and artisan food producers from around the state of Arizona and the Southwest. They kitchen even uses some of the fresh herbs and vegetables from their own garden located on the property.
Since the restaurant just opened at the end of January, I was very excited to go. Our group was seated outside on the patio, which was gorgeous. There were beautiful desert plants surrounding it and thankfully, a lot of shade to keep the Arizona sun at bay.
Everyone at my table ordered from the lunch menu and everyone seemed to be happy with their choices. Some unique items included:
- Chicken Sandwich (Achiote + Citrus Marinated Chicken Breast, Apple Wood Bacon, Avocado, Arizona Cheese Co. Pepper Jack, Jicama, Napa Cabbage, Brioche Bun)
- Beets Salad (Garden Beets, Seasonal Lettuces, Crow’s Dairy Cherve, Maple-Sherry Vinaigrette, Hazelnuts)
- Sonoran Dog (Bacon Wrapped Shriener’s Beef Hot Dog, Avocado, Tepary Beans, Queso Fresco, Tomatillo Relish, Poppy Bun)
The food was absolutely delicious and the atmosphere is great. If you want to get away from the city and enjoy a few hours getting drinks and food, Gertrude’s would be a great place to go.
Overall, my experience to the Desert Botanical Garden and Gertrude’s was fantastic - I highly recommend going. And if you want to be surrounded by hundreds of butterflies, be sure to go between now and May 12 for the Spring Butterfly Exhibit.
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.
St. Patrick’s Day in Phoenix
Every year, there are so many ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Phoenix and this year is no different! The holiday falls on a Sunday but don’t fret, there are plenty of events all weekend long. Grab your favorite green outfit and get ready to celebrate all of your favorite Irish traditions.
St. Patrick's Day Parade and Faire
The 28th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will celebrate Irish traditions; included in the parade are Irish step dancers, bagpipers, marching bands, police and fire vehicles, government dignitaries, floats, and more. The parade starts at Third and Sheridan Streets (south of Thomas Road) and moves south to McDowell Road.
The Irish Faire is a family event with Irish music, dancing, food, and crafts held at Margaret T. Hance Park.
Details: Margaret T. Hance Park, 1134 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. Admission( Faire): $10. Saturday, March 16th 10:00 a.m.
Scottsdale's St Patrick's Day Block Party
Craftsman Court's three party spots -- Dos Gringos, Rock Bar Inc. and Upper Deck Sports Grill -- join forces for this bash. The main event is outside, where the street is blocked off and revelers can enjoy a concert by punk-rockers Authority Zero. DJs will play inside the three bars, and ticket holders have access to all of them. This is a 21+ event.
Details: Craftsman Court, 4209 N Craftsman Ct, Scottsdale. Admission $20. Saturday, March 6th 3:00 p.m.
Flogging Molly St. Patrick's Day Bash
Flogging Molly's St. Patrick's Day Bash is in its 9th Annual Green 17 Tour 2012 with special guests Pepper, Anti-Flag, Donots, The Wiley One, Jared and the Mill and more. Serving up a fun filled day of Irish flavors and green beer, take the light rail to Tempe Beach Park for this annual celebration!
Details: Tempe Beach Park, 54 West Rio Salado Parkway Tempe. Admission: $35. Sunday, March 17th 1:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
St Patrick’s Day Tempe Block Party
Robbie Fox's Public House is throwing a traditional Irish party from sun up to sun down. Robbie Fox's 4th Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration begins at 6 a.m. and takes over 6th Street with live music, Irish dancers, bag pipes, leprechauns, lamb stew, and fish n' chips served all day. Robbie's will also be serving green beer, and will have six beer trucks on site to serve beer continuously throughout the day.
Details: Robbie Fox’s Public House, 640 S. Mill Avenue, Suite 120, Tempe. Admission: free. Sunday, March 17th 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
West Addison's St. Patrick's Day Block Party
West Addison is hosting their second annual St. Patrick's Day Block Party. The day starts with family-friendly activities including balloon artists, face painters, games and clowns. Sports fans can also grab a spot inside and watch the March Madness games. In the evening, listen to live music while enjoying traditional Irish fare and green beer.
Details: West Addison Tavern, 20751 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. Admission: $10, Children 5 and under free until 6:00 p.m. Saturday, March 16th 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Make plans now to Experience Ireland at the Musical Instrument Museum! In addition to traditional music, crafts, Irish dancing, and exhibit talks, enjoy a Celtic-inspired menu and signature cocktail at the MIM Café.
Details: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix. Admission: free with museum admission. Saturday, March 16th and Sunday, March 17th 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Local Lily St. Patrick's Street Fair
For those who think this signature holiday is only for bar hoppers, think again. There are plenty of family-friendly activities going on March 17 like the Local Lily St. Patrick's street fair at Whole Foods, featuring nearly a half dozen of the Valley's most popular food trucks including Short Leash and Sweet Republic. Kids can enjoy a coloring-pages play area as well as a planting event where they can bring their own containers and plant seedlings. A traditional St. Patty's Day menu including corned beef sliders at Whole Planet BBQ will be served as well as beer specials inside the store at the Whole Foods bar. The Local Lily St. Patrick’s Street Fair at Whole Foods Chandler is a free event for all adults and kids to help them celebrate the season and green living.
Details: Whole Foods Chandler, 2955 West Ray Road, Chandler. Admission: free. Sunday, March 17th 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
St Patrick's Day Menu at The Tilted Kilt
The Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery is gearing up for its annual Irish Hooley menu. The authentic Irish menu is offered now through St. Patrick's Day at all six Valley locations. Dishes featured on the menu include; Danny Boy's Shepherd's Pie, Corned Beef Hash, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Scotch Eggs, and a variety of Irish-themed cocktails and desserts. Each location will host an Irish-themed party on St. Patty's Day!
Details: The Tilted Kilt Pub and Eatery, 2 E Jefferson, Phoenix. Admission: free. Sunday, March 17th 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
St Patrick's Day at The Thirsty Lion
Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill, gastro-pub at Tempe Marketplace, is embracing its Irish roots and offering a specialty menu and green beer for St. Patrick's Day. There will also be live music from CooBee Coo, Irish bagpipers, and a performance from the Easton Ashe. Saturday is the annual St Baldrick's head shaving event. Come out and shave your head to raise money for Children's Cancer Research.
Details: The Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill, 2000 E Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Admission: free. Friday, March 15th and Saturday, March 16th 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. and Sunday, March 17th 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
St Patrick's Day at Kelly’s at Southbridge
Kelly’s At Southbridge is your one-stop-pub for St. Patrick’s Day fun. Located on Sixth Avenue in Old Town Scottsdale, the 8,000 square-foot, swanky pub will feature live music and food and drink specials this St. Patrick’s Day. Kelly’s can pull the perfect pint of Guinness and fool you into thinking you’re in the Emerald Isle.
Details: Kelly's at Southbridge, 7117 E 6th Ave, Scottsdale. Admission: free. Saturday, March 16th and Sunday, March 17th 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
St Patrick's Day Run and Beer Garden
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the sixth annual four-mile run/walk and beer garden! The new course for this year will run through Tempe’s Kiwanis Park. Quench your post- or pre-race thirst at the beer garden, and don’t forget to wear your best green running gear!
Details: Kiwanis Park, 5500 S Mill Ave, Tempe. Admission: $30. Saturday ,March 16th 3:00 p.m.
Top 10 Things to See and Do In Phoenix
Phoenix’s perpetual sunshine might tempt you to spend all your free time sipping frozen beverages next to a swimming pool. Don’t give in. Exploring the Sonoran Desert’s horizons will broaden yours.
Camelback Mountain
Nearly every outdoors-loving Phoenix local has, at some time or another, started his or her day with a hike to the top of Camelback Mountain. The city’s most famous landmark resembles a dromedary camel in repost, and the mountain challenges hikers with a rugged but rewarding trek to its 2,700-foot “hump”. Visitors who prefer not to scale Camelback can still gawk at it from a nearby restaurant patio.
- Musical Instrument Museum
Phoenix’s newest must-see attraction is the first museum in the world dedicated to the celebration of global instruments. This $250 million museum features a collection of more than 15,000 instruments – including the last guitar Elvis played in concert.
Photo credit: Desert Botanical Garden, Adam Rodriguez
As its name suggests, this outdoor museum showcases desert plants – and not just those native to the Southwest. Among the succulents that adorn the garden’s 50-acre grounds are endangered desert species from around the world, including Dali-esque trees from North Africa and sprawling cactuses from Mesopotamia.
4. Golf
Greater Phoenix is home to more than 200 golf courses, many designed by legends of the game such as Robert Trent Jones, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Check out stay-and-play packages at area resorts before you come, and consider playing one of Phoenix’s true desert layouts.
5. Heard Museum
Heard Museum
The Heard is Arizona’s most famous museum. The traditional and contemporary art on display provides insight into the culture of Arizona’s 22 Native American tribes. Not to be missed is the haunting exhibit on Indian boarding schools. The Heard Museum Shop is one of the best places in Phoenix to buy authentic American Indian jewelry, pottery, paintings, sculpture and weavings.
Biltmore Fashion Park
Located near the famed Arizona Biltmore resort, this fashionable shopping desintation has a garden-park courtyard, upscale retailers and plenty of dining options. Be sure to check out the Fashion Park’s newest addition: UNION, a wing of locally owned boutiques.
Phoenix Art Museum
A major player in the Southwest’s art landscape, Phoenix Art Museum showcases an impressive collection of European, Asian, Latin American, Western American and contemporary pieces. Be sure to check out the sculpture garden, Museum Store and the museum restaurant, Palette.
- Pizzeria Bianco
Occupying a city block in downtown Phoenix, Heritage Square is home to the Arizona Science Center. But go for the food. Pizzeria Bianco serves pizza that a New York Times food critic deemed the best in the country, and Nobuo at Teeter House is an Asian-style teahouse by day and a funky izakaya by night.
Old Town Scottsdale
The Old West and New West converge in Old Town Scottsdale, where galleries dedicated to American Indian and cowboy arts share a pedestrian-friendly streetscape with shops that sell Southwestern jewelry and crafts. Nearby, you’ll find some of Greater Phoenix’s finest restaurants and trendiest nightlife.
10. Taliesin West
- Taliesin West
The sprawling wonder at the foot of the McDowell Mountains was the winter home of Frank Lloyd Wright, America’s most famous architect. Wright constructed Taliesin West from sand, gravel and stone he found on the mountain’s talus slope. It’s open to the public for tours.
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.
