10 Things to do in Phoenix This Weekend
From once-in-a-lifetime Broadway plays to sensational cuisine to a rendezvous with professional athletes, this weekend has something in store for everyone in need of a little escape from reality. So pick your faves and head to the best events the Valley has to offer this weekend, April 20-22.
Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits
Beginning Thursday, April 19, and lasting through Sunday, April 22, this off-Broadway hit musical takes the stage at the Mesa Arts Center. This extremely comical show features the most memorable songs from Broadway favorites while adding a twist to the lyrics. Songs include “WICKED- Defying Subtlety,” “LES MIS- On My Phone,” and “RENT- Rant/Seasons of Hype.” Tickets start at $28. To purchase tickets, click here.
Nirvana Culinary Festival at Sanctuary on Camelback
Nirvana, Sanctuary on Camelback’s culinary festival, returns this year, from April 19 to 22, and will include a lineup of culinary master talents from all over the globe. This food and beverage extravaganza features star chefs along with the resort’s own Executive Chef Beau MacMillan. Throughout the weekend, you will have the opportunity to enjoy many industry celebrity sightings, accompanied by numerous opportunities for food that will overly satisfy your taste buds. Luckily for people who came last year, some of the 2017 favorite festivities will be back this year, like Flutes & Coops (formerly known as Birds & Bubbles) and Best of the West, though event-goers can expect new additions, as well.
The Phoenix Improv Festival at the Herberger Theater
This Friday, April 20, marks the start of The Phoenix Improv Festival. This festival is known to serve a platter of whits and laughs while showing off the creative nature from some of the nation’s funniest folks. So if you are a fan of Saturday Night Live and are in need to laugh uncontrollably, then head over to the Herberger Theater for a night of unscripted and perfectly imperfect improvisation.
The Color Purple at ASU Gammage
Come out and watch the 2016 Tony Award winner for Best Musical Revival, “The Color Purple.” This soul-raising montage of jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues is the perfect weekend event. So head to ASU Gammage and enjoy the music that gives a new spirit to the Pulitzer Prize-winning story about a young woman's journey to love and triumph in the American South. To purchase tickets, click here.
Plaza Suite at Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre
Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre presents Neil Simon’s “Plaza Suite” to the Valley on Friday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m. “Plaza Suite” performances will run from April 20 through June 3 with shows every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Desert Stages Theatre intimate Actor’s Café. To purchase tickets, click here.
Marvel Night at the Arizona Science Center
This weekend, Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War and Deadpool 2 come out in theaters and the Arizona Science Center is celebrating with a DC versus Marvel night. This event will feature numerous fun activities, yummy food and delicious cocktails (like the Uncle Ben cocktail)! To purchase tickets, click here.
Saturday:
Southwest Cajun Fest
Showcasing the heart and soul of New Orleans paired with Arizona fusion and flavor for a full day packed with cultural festivities, food and entertainment. Southwest Cajun Fest celebrates Cajun culture, cuisine and handcrafted beer, and will feature live music with jazz, blues and contemporary swing revival bands. Festival attendees will feel transported to the southeastern region of Louisiana during the fest. The Fest takes place from 12 to 9 p.m. Tickets start at $10. To purchase tickets click here.
The Larry Fitzgerald Double Play Celebrity Softball Game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick will be taken over by the annual Larry Fitzgerald Double Play Celebrity Softball Game, on Saturday, April 21, featuring some of the best current NFL players, retired athletes, and celebrities for a fun and festive evening. This family friendly event will feature a Home Run Derby and Softball Game from 6 to8:30 p.m. on the diamond at Salt River Fields. The event supports the Larry Fitzgerald First Down Fund, which supports nonprofits benefiting children and families around the country including the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the American Cancer Society, Make a Wish, and more. Tickets start at $20, plus attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item that will be donated to United Food Bank. To purchase tickets, click here.
BBQ, Bourbon and Beer Fest at the Phoenician
Attention all Phoenicians and Phoenician guests: come out and enjoy an all-you-can-eat BBQ from chef Tandy Peterson, plus samples from fan-fave distilleries and local breweries at The Phoenician’s first-ever BBQ, Bourbon & Beer Fest, happening this weekend. Tickets start at $65 per person, which includes all-you-can-eat BBQ and six beverage tasting tickets. To purchase tickets, click here.
Anniversary Celebration at Huss Brewing Co.
The husband and wife dynamic duo behind the award-winning Huss Brewing Co. are celebrating the one-year anniversary of Huss Brewing Co. Taproom at Uptown Plaza. From 12 to5 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, Huss invites its fans to its stylish and rustic indoor-outdoor Uptown Plaza Taproom for games, family-friendly activities, exclusive beers, special pricing, live music from Hayley Green and a collaboration with Sweet Wool's organic locally hand spun cotton candy, complete with Huss Brewing's signature welcoming and family-friendly vibe.
