The weather has been warmer in Arizona this winter and February seem more like March or April with temperatures hanging in the middle 70′s so, it’s the perfect time for all you local Phoenicians and fellow Travelers that have come to visit Arizona to brush off hibernation and leap into Spring with the many weekend festivals, sports events and outdoor activities to become more active outside the house.
Events are in order by date
Desert Botanical Garden’s Design for a Living World – Wednesday, February 1st through to April 1, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona
This exhibit portrays the connection we have with the natural world of human, animals, plants and places across the globe. This event is developed by The Nature Conservancy that tells the relevant story of the life-cycle of materials end the importance of conservation in buildings and landscape design and the movement to use sustainable materials from around the world. For more information call 480-941-1225 or visit dbg.org/events-exhibitions/design-for-a-living-world.
The Glendale Chocolate Affair Festival - Friday, February 3rd – Sunday, February 5th, 2012/ Glendale
Each year in February, downtown historic Glendale displays chocolates, chocolates, chocolates as a fair. Enough to please anyones pallet whether you like dark, milk chocolate or white and you’ll even get to taste the unusual like, chocolate covered potato chips. Yike! There’s regular food to eat as well.
The Chocolate Affaire takes place at Murphy Park at 5812 W. Glendale Avenue, located in downtown Glendale (Cross streets: Glendale Ave. and 59th Ave.) with Cerreta Candy Company participating in the festival fun. There’s fun for all. Children can make crafts to take home, have their face panted, rock climbing for the daring! You can purchase your favorite wine to go with your chocolates at home and even do some wine tasting by local wineries before you purchase that bottle. You will also enjoy music throughout your sugar craving journey not to mention the aroma of foods to choose from as well as the sweets. This festival runs from Friday, February 3, 2011 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday February 4, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday February 5, 2011 from noon to 5 p.m. This festival is free admission. Food and beverages vary in cost.
Glendale’s Cerreta Candy Company gets into the scene as well and offers tours the same weekend as the Chocolate Affaire. You get to see just how each piece of candy is made. It’s like a mini Charlie and the Chocolate Factory right here in Arizona! Yummy! Cerreta is located at 5345 W Glendale Ave. (about 6 short blocks from the Chocolate Festival. Just follow the crowd. I’ve walked it and it’s very quick. Sometimes there is a shuttle service that will take you there, but it’s such a nice time of the year and the walk through the historic downtown Glendale district is never boring to the eye. Besides, you’ll want to burn off that chocolate, caffeine and sugar high anyways. It’s free to get in Cerreta’s. Have fun! For more information on Cerreta Candy Company call (623) 930-9000
Waste Management Phoenix Open Golf Tournament - Thursday, February 2nd – Sunday, February 5th, 2012/ Scottsdale
This years 77th Phoenix Open plays through the same weekend as Super Bowl! The tournament swings out at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course located on 17020 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale, Arizona. This course is home of the famous “Birds Nest” for all your cocktail needs! For more information on the Golf tournament call TPC Scottsdale 888-400-4001 or visit http://www.tpc.com/. For “T” times and schedules visit http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1047050-waste-management-open-2012-preview-tee-time-and-tv-schedule
Superbowl 2012 XLVI- Sunday, February 5th, 2012
Lets not forget to look at the annual tradition of football where even the girliest of girls get involved. This years 2012 Superbowl Sunday features the New York Giants V. the New England Patriots to compete for the Superbowl trophy and for the one team to be the best of the best in this football season. Beginning the Kick off at 6:30 pm ET playing in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana.. Besides the normal barbeques and house parties that play out on Superbowl Sunday, if you don’t want to clean up after the game, you can check out your neighborhood sports bar/restaurant where football enthusiasts can go to watch the game and let loose. for more Superbowl information visit www.azcentral.com/superbowl20112.
The 54th Annual Hashknife Pony Express- Tuesday, February 7th – Friday, February 10th,2012/Holbrook, Payson, Scottsdale
This traditional event will begin on its 200 mile trail route from Holbrook to Scottsdale, Holbrook, Payson, Scottsdale once again. This reminds us of the days when mail in Arizona was delivered on horseback. Horseback riders start hoofing the trail in Holbrook, stop in Payson, and end in Scottsdale, delivering first class mail along the way and is all organized by Hashknife Pony Express. When you see these saddle riders give them a wave during this ride through Ariznoa’s history. For more information go to www.hashknifeponyexpress.com
Renaissance Festival - Photo by Lisa Racz
The Arizona Renaissance Festival – Saturday, February 11 – Sunday, April 1, 2012 /Apache Junction
Step back into medieval times at this year’s 24th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival; a medieval amusement park that is actually a town replica of the midieval times with Castles, dungeons and a large jousting arena. You can also choose from the many Renaissance costumes of your liking to get into spirit. This festival is for the weekends, Saturdays and Sundays, with free parking. You will enjoy 12-stage theaters with live acting and music performances; you cn brouse through 200 shops of leather goods, glass items musical instruments, sweets and frily things to buy from (many items are hand crafted). There will also be a few jousting tournaments to go to through out you day to pick your favorite jouster. You will walk among and interact with more than 2,000 brightly codtumed actors, dncers and musicians who roam this medieval village. If your hungry, grab a turkey leg or a try some traditional food at one of the many rustic food stops. Thirsty? There are plenty of beverages to choose from as well, including the famous honey mead for you adults. So, bring the whole family and make this a day of fun. Haza! For more information visit http://http://emol.org/azrenfest/ For tickets http://emol.org/azrenfest/contact.html For map and directions http://emol.org/azrenfest/map.html
Arizona’s Best of the Best Featival – Saturday, February 11th – Sunday, February 12, 2012/Phoenix
At this festival, you will truly discover Ariona’s history and heritage with the variety of displays, dance acts and booths. Some of what you will experience will include the History Pavilion, Military Pavilion, the Resolution Copper Natural Resources Pavilion, the APS display of Renewable Energy, the University of Arizona Science & Future Pavilion, the Hispanic Village with traditional dancing, and Shamrock Farms Family Fun Zone which is fun for all ages. You will also enjoy the Giant’s Native American Village displaying ancient traditions of Arizona’s 22 tribal nations and the Discount Tire Western Town with gufights to satisfy the old west in you. Arizona Best Fest will also feature a concert-sized Mainstage featuring George Benson, and other big-name entertainers and there will be plenty of food food and beverages to choose from. This festival is located on Centennial Way from 8th Avenue to 17th Avenue at 1700 W Washington Street. For a map and location of Centennial Way visit http://centennialwayaz.com/design_theme.htm or call 602-532-6100.
Happy Valentine’s Day! Quaint Ideas for Valentine’s Day – Tuesday,February 14, 2012
Dinner theaters – Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Mystery Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theater/ Phoenix
This is the longest running mystery dinner theater located at, 202 North Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix. Solve a murder and enjoy a delicious three-course dinner while watching a theater show. Dinner showtimes are on Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and occasional Sundays. Call for Sundays. for ticket pricing and details call. (480) 994-1520.
Arizona Broadway Dinner Theater /Peoria
If you live in or near the town of Peoria, the Arizona Broadway Dinner Theater is featuring, “Singing in the Rain” for this years 2012 Valentines Day performance. The theater is located at 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. There is much to choose from the menu. For showtimes and tickets call 623.776.8400.
Horse and Buggy Rides with KC’s Classic Carriage Company/Old Town Scottsdale
Soak in the eye-catching views of statues, fountains, and the most elegant galleries as well as nightly ambiance while trotting down dimmed-lighted, cobblestone streets of Old Town Scottsdale in the arms of a loved one or with a few good friends.
KC’s Classic Carriage Company has been carriage tour rides since 1993. Carriages are available and located at Brown and Main Street. Although carriages are generally available on a walk-up basis, advance reservations ensure immediate availability. I have taken a few carriage rides and truly, this is magical and memorable, since this is not an everyday thing to do. The horses are magnificent! Bring some carrots along for the horse.
Pricing varies, so call for your specific ride choice. (480) 855-3810 or for more information on carriage rides visit http://www.horsencarriage.com/ScottsdaleCarriages.html
Romantic Restaurants with Patios or Fireplaces – Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Want to spend time with that special someone over a romantic dinner? A few romantic dinner spots in the valley that I have been to might help you choose a place. They truly are romantic places to eat as the fireplace crackles and the flames bring romantic sillouettes to the eyes of your loved one while you eat and sip your favorite wine with talks of romance fluting through the air. Here are a few examples of some restaurants with a more romantic twist to them around the Valley.
- Olive and Ivy located on 7135 E. Camelback Rd. in Scottsdale. 480-751-2200. – This restaurant has a nice casual open patio with crackling fireplaces not to mention that Italian food already has a romantic feel.
- Different Point of View located on 11111 N. 7th Street (cross streets are Cactus/7th Street) in north Phoenix 602-866-6350 - This restaurant is at the top of the mountain and is lightly lite with views of the surrounding desert preserves and lower city lights. This place is very intimate and the food is wonderful!
- The Salt Cellar Restaurant located (underground)located on 550 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale 480-947-1963 – (reservations suggested) This seafood and steak restaurant is underground. That’s right! Look for the white building with blue awnings and the lite up “Salt Cellar” sign. Very cool place. I like the rustic, yet elegant style of the surrounding of wood as you venture downwards.
- Coup des Tartes Bistro located 4626 N. 16th Street in Phoenix 602-212-1082 – This is a BYOB French Bistro, so bring your own wine. If you prefer not to drink this place is for you as well. Inside there’s wood flooring an candles lit all around. The french know romance and this restaurant portraits that image with a gently lite atmosphere. Bon Appetite!
For more romantic restaurant ideas in your area visit http://www.phoenixasap.com/romantic-dining.html.
28th Matsuri Japanese Festival – Saturday, February 25, 2012 and Sunday, February 26, 2012
Enjoy the tradition of Japanese dance with drums and fantastic movement. The sounds and food smells fills your sences as you enjoy this festival located at 115 N 16th Street The Heritage and Science Park in downtown Phoenix. For more information call (602) 262-5071.
*FEBRUARY – BALLET/PLAYS/OPERA/THEATER PERFORMANCES*
Madama Butterfly/Opera – Saturday, February 4th – Sunday, February 5th, 2012/ Tucson
This Opera production displays the heartbreak of a lovely Geisha whose heart flutters for a Pinkerton and weds only to find he has married another after she and their daughter, Sorrow wait three years for his return. For all who witness this performance of joy, tenderness and sorrow, you will see how this Geisha gains back her honor. This opera is Sung in Italian with English surtitles. Performing at the Tucson Music Hall located at For tickets visit https://secure.azopera.com/tickets.php or call 602-266-7464 (9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. weekdays)
My Fair Lady/Play - Wednesday, February 1, 2012 / Mesa
“The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plane.” Most of us remember this famous saying from the play My Fair Lady. If you want to relax Theater style for a classical performance than this humorous play is for you and it will be in performance at the Mesa Art Center located at One East Main Street in Downtown Mesa which is located at the southeast corner of Main and Center Streets. Call 480-644-6500 for ticket times and costs. For directions visit http://www.mesaartscenter.com/index.php/visitmac/directions.
Charlottes Web/ Play – Friday, February 3 – Sunday, February 19, 2012/ Phoenix
You will be captivated as you watch the magic of a story that has been around for timeless ages. See how Charlotte charms the public and get Wilber out of a predicament of becoming Christmas dinner and see how friendship is built among farm animals during this play of Charlottes Web performed by Valley Youth Theater located at 525 N. 1st Street in downtown Phoenix. Groups or 20 or more receive an admission discount. For more information and tickets call 602-253-8188 or visit www.vyt.com.
Sleeping Beauty/Ballet – Thursday, February 9 – Sunday, February 12,2012/Phoenix
This is a must-see timeless classic for the romantic at heart. The arizona Ballet is presenting A treasured fairytale full of curses, fairies, and fantasy; Sleeping Beauty that displays all the charms and grandeur classical ballet has to offer with Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This ballet is being performed at At Phoenix Symphony Hall with The Phoenix Symphony located at 225 E. Adams Street. To contact Phoenix Symphony Hall call 602-262-7272. For tickets visit http://www.balletaz.org/
WEEKEND EVENTS UPDATED ON WEDNESDAYS!
Sincerely,
Lisa Racz – Your local event writer
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